About Me

Who I Am

I'm Alex Fuge—a mechanical engineer, roboticist, and maker driven by curiosity and the challenge of turning complex ideas into functional reality.

I completed my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech under Dr. Alexander Leonessa, where I spent six years at the Terrestrial Robotics and Engineering Controls (TREC) Lab developing humanoid and quadruped platforms. But my engineering journey started long before graduate school—taking things apart as a kid, building custom 3D printers in undergrad, and constantly asking "What if we tried it this way?"

What Drives My Work

I'm fascinated by the intersection of design, manufacturing, and practical functionality. The best engineering solutions aren't just theoretically sound—they're buildable, affordable, and solve real problems. That philosophy guided my work on PANDORA, where I proved that humanoid robots don't need six-figure budgets to perform well. It drives my approach to every project: how do we make this better, faster, or more accessible?

I thrive in environments where mechanical design meets hands-on problem-solving. Whether it's topology optimization, troubleshooting a failed print at 2 AM, or collaborating with controls engineers to integrate a new actuator—I'm most engaged when theory meets reality.

Beyond the Lab

When I'm not designing robots or mentoring students about additive manufacturing, you'll find me behind a camera. Astrophotography and landscape photography offer a different kind of problem-solving—chasing the perfect composition, timing the Milky Way's rise, or capturing the way light hits a mountain ridge. It's a creative outlet that keeps my perspective fresh and often inspires bio-inspired design ideas.

I'm also constantly building things in my personal workshop—custom 3D printers, furniture, tools, whatever needs making. Some projects are practical, some are experiments, and all of them teach me something.

Looking Forward

I'm seeking opportunities in robotics, R&D, advanced manufacturing, or mechanical design where I can apply my expertise in design for additive manufacturing, structural optimization, and system integration. I'm particularly interested in roles that value rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative approaches to complex engineering challenges.

Whether it's developing next-generation robotic platforms, advancing manufacturing processes, or solving novel mechanical problems—I'm ready to contribute.