Joshua Leshinskie

Hello! My research interests lie in designing and building things that move and aid in transportation. Some fields of interest and experience are: agricultural engineering, automotive and aircraft engines, CAD and manufacturing, and precision engineering. My long-term goal is to create new energy efficient transportation designs to better humanity. I did research in Dr. Igor Bargatin's lab on atmospheric levitation of micro-flyers through PURM (2023). I modeled and tested several micron-thick materials (Nano Cardboard, Dandelion Pappi & Mylar Film Spheres) for temperature gradients when exposed to sunlight which could cause levitation. I also conducted research in Dr. Kevin Turner's lab through the Rachleff Scholar program on creating a dispersal method for shooting biodegradable sensor embedded droplets onto leaves of plants. I examined the effects complex polymer concentrations had on the crowning behavior of water droplets during impact and analyzed the polymer adhesive properties through peel tests of plant leaves and sensors. I’d love to help other students involved or interested in research at Penn. I enjoy listening to any research topics involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, product design, or building things! I can also answer questions about finding research opportunities, choosing courses, and doing research in general. Please feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat!

• Undergraduate Researcher: Bargatin Group 
• Undergraduate Researcher: Turner Group 
• MEAM Researcher Machinist 
• PURM 
• Rachleff Scholarship 
• College House Research Fellowship