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VerónicaChinchilla

Electrical EngineerAerospace & TechnologyInnovation & Leadership

Engineering possibilities. Exploring beyond limits.

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Portrait of Verónica Chinchilla
Focus
Electrical design, product development, testing, validation, and manufacturing of power distribution systems
Based in
Virginia, USA
Education
B.S. in Electronic Engineering, Universidad Central de Costa Rica

About me

Verónica Chinchilla next to the Ariane rocket replica at the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris
IAC 2022 · Paris

I am an Electrical Engineer who designs, tests and builds mission-critical power distribution systems.

My work spans electrical design, product development, testing, validation and manufacturing support. It also reaches into aerospace research, embedded systems, automation and multidisciplinary technology development.

Along the way I have contributed to engineering projects, presented research at international aerospace events, and supported initiatives that promote STEM education, collaboration and opportunities for women in technology.

What drives me is the space between engineering and space exploration: building practical solutions to real-world challenges, and helping the aerospace and technology ecosystem grow.

Areas of work

  • Mission-critical power distribution
  • Embedded systems and motion control
  • Space agriculture and life support
  • Bioreactors and greenhouse automation
  • Analog missions and the Costa Rican space ecosystem
  • STEM outreach and women in aerospace
Education
B.S. in Electronic Engineering, Universidad Central de Costa Rica
Languages
English, Spanish
Tools
MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, AutoCAD, KiCad, SAP, JIRA, Arduino IDE

Projects

Each one told the same way: what was failing, what I did, and what changed.

  1. 01

    • Data center power distribution cabinet with a touchscreen panel and six circuit breakers behind a clear door

    Data Center Power Distribution Systems

    Problem
    Data centers need reliable power distribution to support mission-critical operations.
    What I did
    Designed the electrical side of power distribution equipment: electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams and bills of materials (BOMs). Supported production and equipment construction, helping resolve technical issues and align design documentation with manufacturing requirements.
    Tools
    CAD tools, SAP, JIRA, electrical drawings, engineering documentation
    • Electrical Design
    • Manufacturing Support

  2. 02

    • Random Positioning Machine inside an acrylic enclosure: a two-axis frame with a sample holder, full-spectrum LED lights, a fan and a display reading temperature

    Random Positioning Machine (RPM)

    Problem
    Access to real microgravity research environments is limited. Researchers need accessible experimental platforms to study how living things respond to altered gravity.
    What I did
    Designed and integrated a two-axis automated Random Positioning Machine for Veggie Station. Built the control system with an ESP32, stepper motors, motor drivers, environmental sensors, ventilation and full-spectrum LED lighting.
    Result
    An experimental platform to support biological research on space agriculture. Planned validation includes seed germination experiments with Lepidium sativum under different rotational conditions.
    Tools
    Embedded systems, microcontroller programming, motion control, electronic hardware integration, sensor systems, PCB design
    • Embedded Systems
    • Motion Control
    • Space Biology

  3. 03

    • Automated greenhouse under purple grow light, with three potted plants on a white PVC pipe manifold
    • Greenhouse control box with a microcontroller, an eight-channel relay module and wiring

    Automated Greenhouse System

    Problem
    Keeping conditions right for plant growth means monitoring and controlling temperature, humidity and ventilation.
    What I did
    Developed an automated greenhouse that integrates electronic components and environmental monitoring. Worked on system integration and automation to hold suitable growing conditions.
    Result
    A greenhouse automation project focused on environmental monitoring and more controlled plant-growing conditions.
    Tools
    Environmental sensors, electronic control systems, automation, hardware integration
    • Automation
    • Environmental Monitoring
    • Embedded Systems

Conferences

Papers, talks and workshops where I presented my own work.

  1. Project Presenter

    International Astronautical Congress (IAC)

    Paris, France

    Presented two projects on advancing Costa Rica's aerospace sector: promoting local technological capabilities and exploring opportunities for the country to take part in the global space industry.

  2. Research Presenter

    Central American Space Congress

    Presented research on advancing Costa Rica's aerospace ecosystem, including a project on building an analog mission environment to support space-related research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Selected publications

  • Chinchilla, V., et al. (2022). Costa Rica Space Force (CRSF). Proceedings of the 73rd International Astronautical Congress.
  • Chinchilla, V., et al. (2022). Biomechanics Expedition Technologies. Proceedings of the 73rd International Astronautical Congress.
  • Chinchilla, V., et al. (2022). Biovolt: Use of Human Waste Through Pyrolysis in Future Extraterrestrial Settlements, Providing Sustainability and Energy Autonomy in Space. Proceedings of the 73rd International Astronautical Congress.

Programs & Participation

Competitions, programs, workshops and industry events.

  • 2021

    NASA Space Apps Challenge

    Participant, Astraland · 3rd Place, Local Challenge

    Part of the Astraland team, developing a concept for sustainable agriculture on long-duration Mars missions. The proposal explored adapting ISS life-support systems through phytoplankton-based oxygen production, microorganism-assisted waste treatment, and an automated system to support crop cultivation in space.

    • Space Agriculture
    • Life-Support Systems
    • Bioengineering
  • 2021

    MenTe en Acción — Ideas en Acción

    Participant · Second-Place Award

    A science and technology program that promotes innovation and mobile application development. Looking for renewable energy alternatives that use biological resources, I developed a biomass energy proposal and a mobile application, and earned second place.

    • Renewable Energy
    • Sustainable Technology
    • Mobile Apps
  • 2022

    Hardwarethon

    Project Participant

    Collaborated on a bioreactor and mobile applications, combining hardware prototyping, software development and technology integration.

  • 2023

    Space Generation Workshop

    Workshop Participant

    Took part in collaborative projects at the intersection of space exploration, ecology and environmental sustainability, looking at how ecological principles can inform future space initiatives.

  • 2023

    FAMEX — Feria Aeroespacial México

    Industry Participant · Mexico

    Attended as a member of Starlogics, a Costa Rican aerospace startup, and as part of Costa Rica's aerospace industry cluster. Engaged with the international aerospace ecosystem and with opportunities for industry collaboration.

  • 2024

    Space Gala

    Scholarship Recipient

    Received a scholarship to attend an event dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the aerospace industry, with room for professional development, networking and career growth.

  • 2025

    Space Gala

    Attendee · Starlogics

    Attended as a member of Starlogics, continuing my engagement with the aerospace community and its professional network.

Leadership & Impact

What happens when engineering leaves the lab: the communities I helped build and the students and women I helped bring into space and STEM.

  • VPVice President · 2023–2025

    Aerospace Club, Universidad Central de Costa Rica

    Supported the growth of the university's aerospace community through educational events, robotics activities, guest-speaker sessions, and chances for students to explore space, technology and STEM.

  • VPVice President · 2024–2025

    SWISE Costa Rica

    Contributed to initiatives that support women in space exploration and STEM: educational activities, networking, professional talks, collaborative events, and technical workshops, including rocketry and electronics.

Let's talk.

For a project, a talk or a collaboration, write to me directly. I'm the one who answers.