Curiosity is learning
I'm Damien Staebler—a computer engineering student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. My curiosity has led me to explore topics like embedded systems, robotics, and software development. I enjoy building things that spark my curiosity, and breaking things to see how they work.
Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
Tools & Technologies
C++
Python
TypeScript
Java
HTML
LinuxmongoDB
NeovimRobotics
High-Performance Computing
Next.js & ReactWireshark
ArduinoEmbedded Systems
Git & Version Control
C++PythonTypeScriptJavaHTMLLinuxmongoDB
NeovimRobotics
High-Performance Computing
Next.js & ReactWireshark
ArduinoEmbedded Systems
Git & Version Control
Projects
Featured Work
I like to build random things that spark my curiosity, tinker with robotics, and break stuff to see how it works.
Student Space Technology Association (SSTA) Lunabot
Member of the control systems team for the Lunabotics Challenge at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, I focused on designing and implementing the robot's autonomous navigation and control systems using ROS2 and C++.
Skills
ROS2
C++
Python
NVIDIA Jetson
ESP32
Control Systems
Robotics
NASA Space Grant Midwest Rocketry Club
Led avionics development for a NASA-sponsored Space Grant Midwest Rocketry Club project, building an Arduino-based system to collect real-time flight data.
Skills
Arduino
C++
Embedded Systems
Data Acquisition
Telemetry
SmilesBot
An open-source Discord bot designed for students and educators to visualize chemical structures. It renders SMILES (Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System) strings into high-quality molecular images in real-time.
Skills
Python
RDKit
Discord.py
Molecular Visualization
SoundcoreDesktop
A desktop application that emulates the official Soundcore mobile app. This involved reverse-engineering Bluetooth communication protocols using Wireshark to enable desktop control of hardware features.
Skills
Python
Tkinter
Wireshark
Bluetooth Protocols
Reverse Engineering
TouchPortal-API
A Python library created to streamline the development of TouchPortal plugins. It abstracts complex socket communication, allowing developers to build hardware-software integrations with minimal boilerplate code.
Skills
Python
Socket Programming
API Design
Library Development
TouchPortal Windows MediaMixer
A plugin built on top of my own TouchPortal-API that interfaces with undocumented Windows audio APIs. It allows users to control individual application volume levels remotely via mobile devices.
Skills
Python
Windows API
TouchPortal-API
Audio Engineering
Work & Experience
Engineering Experience
May 2025 – Aug 2025
AI/ML Intern
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Developed an end-to-end cancer classification pipeline using Frontier, the world’s fastest high-performance computing (HPC) system.
- Designed a Vision Transformer-based embedding model that improved classification accuracy by 15% compared to CNN-based ResNet50 architectures.
Aug 2024 – Present
Software Mentor
RoboGenesis
- Mentoring a San Diego-based FTC team on electronics selection, sensor integration, and Java programming for autonomous control.
- Guiding the team on software best practices and troubleshooting to enhance competition performance.
Jun 2024 – Aug 2024
Freelance Web Developer
Rockin Community Cats
- Developed a custom website using TypeScript and Bootstrap, replacing a Wix subscription to save the non-profit over $500 annually.
- Managed site deployment and hosting via Cloudflare to ensure high availability and performance.
May 2024 – Aug 2024
Tech Internship
Pellissippi State Community College
- Guided and supported high school students throughout their tech internships to help them succeed.
- Coordinated with program staff to keep internship running smoothly and address any challenges.
Academic Background
Education & Honors
Recognition
Dean's List
Academic recognition
Think Award
1st place
Inspire Award
2nd place
Innovate Award
2nd place
Control Award
2nd place
Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering • 2025 - 2027
Pellissippi State Community College
Associate of Science • 2023 - 2025
- Grade: 3.92
- In my two years at Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC), I have:
- * Interned at PSCC to mentor a group of high school students to be successful at their internships.
- * Redesigned and developed a brand-new website for a local non-profit cat rescue organization.
- * Co-founded Engineers of PSCC, and as a group, we've learned and developed our very own rocket and avionics.
- * Obtained an internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for researching state-of-the-art AI/ML algorithms/methodologies for detecting cancer under a tissue sample.