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Hello! My first name is Alicia, but I go by my middle name, Lael (pronounced Lay-el). I am an Atlanta native, a recent Harvard graduate in mechanical engineering, and a current master’s student in robotics at Georgia Tech.
My work focuses on robotics, autonomous systems, and mechanical design, with a particular interest in marine and defense applications. I have contributed to Navy sonar technology, researched bio-inspired underwater robots, developed an autonomous softball-retrieval robot, and helped found a defense-tech startup creating autonomous vehicles for maritime search and rescue.
Alongside engineering, I serve as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps. My experiences as an Army officer and former Harvard varsity softball player have shaped how I approach technical challenges—with discipline, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose. Ultimately, I hope to build autonomous systems that take on dangerous missions, protect service members, and help more people return home safely.
Outside of engineering, I enjoy hiking, traveling, staying active, and reading.
What sets me apart from other candidates?
What sets me apart from other candidates?
What sets me apart is my ability to perform at a high level across demanding and very different environments. At Harvard, I balanced a rigorous mechanical engineering curriculum with Army ROTC and four years of varsity softball. Through disciplined planning and time management, I did not merely participate in these commitments—I excelled in them.
I earned scholar-athlete recognition, helped my team win an Ivy League Championship and compete in the NCAA regional tournament, and developed into a leader within Army ROTC. Academically, I pursued robotics research, completed multiple defense-industry internships, designed an autonomous softball-retrieval robot for my senior thesis, and helped found a defense-technology startup that raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding.
Beyond these core commitments, I volunteered at a youth homeless shelter, worked for the athletics department, studied Spanish, participated in my church, and served on the ROTC color guard. Today, I bring that same discipline to my robotics master’s program at Georgia Tech while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Engineer Corps.
Resume
Resume
Fall 2026 Lael Ayala Resume .pdf Let's Connect!
Let's Connect!
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