Giol Vinyals-i-Roca
Aerospace Engineering Student
I am an aerospace engineering student specializing in astronautics, with a strong background in honors courses, research, and practical development of flight systems. I have experience in propulsion, avionics, and autonomous UAS projects, and I am driven by the long-term goal of contributing to human space exploration as an astronaut. I aspire to drive innovative space and flight technologies that expand exploration capabilities and generate significant benefits on Earth.
About me
I love getting hands‑on and bringing ideas to life, especially the ones that seem impossible at first. I’m passionate about what I do, and I always find a way to make things happen. Whether it’s engineering projects, competitions, or any challenge that motivates me, I dive in with energy and determination.
I’m a viola and electric bass performer, and I’ve collaborated with orchestras and musical groups. I’m also active in social, political, and economic debates. I enjoy sports such as judo, mountain activities, triathlon, and scuba diving. As a Catalan, I’m committed to human rights, freedom, and peace. I aspire to use my skills to make the world better, leveraging technology and science for the benefit of the community.
This website is a way to share everything that inspires me and the things I build along the way
Experiència
Trajectòria Professional
Enginyer de fabricació - Fase 2
Cap de sistema de propulsió i Aviònica - Fase 1
Lead propulsion system design, component selection, and performance optimization for VTOL aircraft targeting emergency rescue missions. Select and integrate avionics and propulsion components through simulation analysis and testing. Direct manufacturing engineering efforts, troubleshooting assembly issues and implementing solutions collaboratively. Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings in CATIA for propulsion and structural assemblies. Phase 1 competition winner (team); currently leading Phase 2 manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Physics Propulsion Lab - Projecte AIRBUD
Responsable d'operacions i proves
Developed ROS2 software for PX4 flight control integration. Led drone operations and testing ensuring safety compliance. Performed routine maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Design, Build, Fly (DBF) Competition
MAV Control and Flight Path Team Member
Developed autonomous landing software for glider aircraft with focus on precision control. Collaborated on flight testing and performance optimization under competition constraints.
MIT Research Science Institute - AeroAstro Department
Autonomous UAS Research Engineer
Performed preflight and postflight inspections ensuring safety and reliability. Developed autonomous flight software with precision and attention to detail. Maintained accurate assembly and test records per documentation protocols. Troubleshot complex autonomous systems issues.
Education
Academic Journey
Daytona Beach, FL
Expected May 2028
B.S. Aerospace Engineering | Concentration in Astronautics | Minor: UAS Applications GPA 4.0/4.0 | Honors: Dean’s List & Honors Program
Barcelona, Catalonia
2024
International Baccalaureate Diploma & LOMLOE (national) | science and technology
Excellence Scholarship
Professional Music Studies
Barcelona, Catalonia
2012 - 2024
IEA Oriol Martorell
Barcelona Music Conservatory
Professional classical music studies - specialty Viola
Research publications
Recorregut acadèmic
2025
2023
Proposal for a CubeSat probe constellation to map Titan’s atmosphere.
DOI: 10.2514/6.2025-98502
Tello drones autonomously following AprilTags.
Reconeixements
Fites destacades
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Honors Program
2025
Embry‑Riddle Honors Program Scholar – selected for academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement through enriched coursework and faculty mentorship
GoAERO Competiton Phase 1 Prize
2025
US University Innovation Award
Phase 1 competition winner (team)
Purple Comet Math Meet
2024
2023
Math team competition Spanish winner (1st place)
Spanish 2nd place
Math sprint problems competition
2023 & 2024
Team competition. 2 consecutive years winner
European Space Agency (ESA) CanSat Competition
2021 & 2022
Catalan edition winning team
Designed and built a can-sized satellite.
Team leader, SW & HW manager, Mission designer
ESA MoonCamp Challenge - 2nd Place
2019
Participation in the Moon Camp challenge (ESA), 2nd place in the European category, 2019.
