I'm Art Salinas, a driven Computer Engineering student at the University of Connecticut (Class of 2027) with a rich background that spans from operating nuclear reactors aboard fast attack submarines to mastering the cutting-edge domains of data center technology, network security, system architecture, and FPGA design. My transition from a Navy Nuclear Reactor Supervisor to a budding engineer has been guided by my passion for understanding and solving complex, technical challenges with precision, efficiency, and innovation.

• From Depths to Data:
  • Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator: I supervised and maintained nuclear systems aboard fast attack submarines, with a focus on executing highly complex interdisciplinary maintenance and leading teams to ensure mission success. This experience fostered my ability to thrive under pressure, manage intricate technical systems, and excel in a team environment—skills I now bring to the tech industry.
  • Transition to Tech: Building on my experience in the Navy, I’m pursuing a career in Computer Engineering, mastering systems that power the digital world. With a focus on network security, virtualization, parallel computing, and digital circuit design for FPGA deployment, I aim to lead the next wave of secure and efficient digital environments.

• Rigorous Learning Pipeline: My experience in the Navy nuclear propulsion program taught me to learn and master new concepts quickly and deeply. Whether it’s system-level programming in C, exploring RISC-V architecture, or designing circuits for FPGA deployment, I approach each challenge with the same discipline and attention to detail that ensured the safe operation of nuclear reactors.

  • Advanced Systems Programming: I am delving into C programming, POSIX standards, RISC-V architecture, and concurrency, honing my understanding of how systems work from the ground up.
  • Digital Circuit Design & FPGA: Exploring and designing digital circuits with a focus on deploying them in FPGAs, using hardware description languages (HDLs) and synthesis tools to implement efficient and reliable circuits.
  • Algorithm Mastery: With a passion for data structures, dynamic programming, and computational efficiency, I am constantly improving my skills in solving complex algorithmic problems.

• Research & Projects:

  • HuskyStressMonitor: I’m actively working on a project aimed at real-time stress monitoring for military personnel using data from physiological sensors like ECG, EDA, and BVP. This involves reverse engineering Bluetooth bitstreams, processing data in real-time using ESP32 RTOS systems, and developing 3D visualizations using raytracing.
  • Advanced Music Rehearsal Tool: I’m developing a tool that uses multi-microphone and multi-camera setups to enhance music rehearsals. The tool allows conductors to highlight areas for improvement and provides section-specific feedback for musicians.
  • LogicWorks and Karnaugh Maps: As part of my coursework, I am building circuits, using Karnaugh maps for logic optimization, and simulating designs in LogicWorks to test input-output circuits and validate logic gate configurations.
  • FPGA Design: Currently learning to design and deploy digital circuits on FPGAs to gain deeper hands-on experience in hardware acceleration and parallel computing.

• Programming Languages:
  • C, Python, MATLAB, CUDA C
  • Hardware Description Languages (HDLs): Learning VHDL/Verilog for FPGA design and synthesis.
  • Systems Programming: Mastering C, understanding low-level systems, POSIX, and working with RISC-V architecture.
• Toolsets:
  • Git, Neovim, Termux, LogicWorks, ESP32 RTOS
  • FPGA Development: Gaining proficiency with FPGA synthesis tools and hardware description languages.
• Signal Processing:
  • Expertise in ECG, BVP, and EDA analysis for physiological monitoring.
  • Implementing real-time data visualization using 3D space and raytracing on high-performance GPUs (RTX 4090).
• Cybersecurity & Virtualization: Hands-on experience with network security, parallel computing, and securing complex infrastructures.
• Hardware Proficiency: Strong understanding of tensor processing hardware and FPGA-based hardware acceleration.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Years of leading interdisciplinary teams in high-stakes environments, particularly in nuclear fast attack submarine refit schedules. Proven adaptability to manage complex systems under pressure.

• Short-Term Goals:

  • Excel in my academic journey at UConn, applying my knowledge to real-world research projects in cybersecurity, system efficiency, and FPGA-based digital circuit design.
  • Collaborate on industry-leading projects, particularly those at the intersection of signal processing, real-time systems, hardware acceleration, and high-performance computing.

• Long-Term Ambitions:

  • Lead innovations that redefine the standards for secure, efficient data center and network infrastructures. I aim to apply my deep technical knowledge and experience from the Navy to ensure the systems of tomorrow are resilient, adaptive, and scalable.

• Ongoing Courses & Projects:
  • System-Level Programming: Mastery of C programming, process management, and concurrency.
  • Digital Circuit Design & FPGA Development: Learning to design, simulate, and deploy circuits on FPGAs.
  • Latin American History: Deep interest in understanding historical contexts, focusing on independence movements and their impact on modern developments.
  • LogicWorks Projects: Developing and testing logic circuits for various configurations, using Karnaugh maps and optimizations.

• Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving: My ability to find value in even the most mundane information and my work ethic—honed by years of working hundred-hour weeks on nuclear submarines—allow me to approach any challenge with enthusiasm and precision.
• Home Improvement & DIY Enthusiast: I enjoy working on machinery and home improvement projects, bringing a practical and hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Fitness & Wellbeing: Maintaining physical fitness is key to staying sharp and resilient. Regular exercise strengthens my ability to focus and tackle high-pressure situations.
• Musical Foundations: As a trombonist and arranger for several local bands, I balance creativity with technical problem-solving. My experience in music helps me stay adaptable and sharp under pressure.

After a stint studying trombone under the incredible Moises Paiewonsky at the University of Arizona, I’m an active trombonist in high demand throughout Southeastern Connecticut in both commercial and classical idioms.

• Let’s Collaborate on Tech, Music, or Something Else!
  • Transcript and Coursework: Transcript
  • LinkedIn: Arturo Salinas Aguayo
  • Discord: artjsalina5

Thank you for visiting my profile! Whether you're here to explore collaborations, connect over shared interests, or learn more about my journey, I’m always eager to connect, exchange ideas, and innovate together.