Faculty Profile for Dr. Henry Cabra

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Henry Cabra received his Ph.D. (2014) and MS degree (2009) in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida. In addition, he also holds a Masters in Communication and Technological Innovation from the Instituto Latinoamericano de La Comunicación Educativa (ILCE), México, 2007. His BS is in Electronic Engineering from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia in 1994.
Currently, he is a Lecturer faculty in the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State University and a Full-Time Faculty in the Engineering Technology program at Polk State College. Most recently, in the summer of 2017, he conducted research with the Advanced Materials and Biocompatible Interfaces Research (AMBIR) Group, where he worked with Dr. Sylvia Thomas, of the Department of Electrical Engineering. His research examined some basic parameters linked to electrospinning and the PCPU polymeric solution impregnated with Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles to produce fiber membranes.

Teaching Interests

I am qualified to teach undergraduate and graduate courses (lecture and lab) in analog circuits, digital electronics, microprocessors, PLCs, and the design of low and medium-power systems. Also, as a faculty member, I could design new courses with a high level of simulation and a focus on real-world applications of digital electronics, microprocessors, and analog circuits that can be supported by new learning methodologies such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and tools such as virtual electronics lab software in traditional classrooms, in-lab classes, and/or virtual classes. A student-centered learning approach also guides my development of curriculum and instructional materials. In addition to technicalities, my goal is to offer students a multifunctional, multicultural training process that allows them to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. My teaching philosophy is based on the belief that learning needs to be student-centered and that students are co-creators in their learning process. As part of the learning process, I want to assist students in discovering their talents and awakening their creative abilities, developing their ideas while also solving pressing problems, whatever those may be. I envision a collaborative learning environment where students and faculty alike contribute to the learning process valuing everyone’s input as well as understanding our differences. I contend these differences bring new knowledge to the table, providing us with a rich set of tools to better serve our communities.

Research Interests

I am primarily interested in the emerging trend of autonomous energy supply using clean energy technology, as well as microelectronic and semiconductor technologies to recover lost energy from small to industrial systems. Providing electricity to sensor networks, embedded systems, micro and nano portable devices, autonomous vehicle systems, as well as smart reconfigurable manufacturing machines and Internet of Things devices are the focus of my research ideas. Besides energy, I seek to study new materials and semiconductors to improve solar panels and permanent magnets and to create greener devices that are less invasive and environmentally friendly. The best result of my research was a miniaturized system capable of producing electrical energy using a novel notched blade turbine. The system transforms rotational motion into electricity using innovative subsystems that interact to transform kinetic energy into electricity. The results have been patented (patent number: 9618002, ‘Mini Notched Turbine Generator,’ Henry Cabra and Sylvia W. Thomas, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. Department of Commerce, April 11, 2017). My future research will require durable and resistant materials, a micro-AC to DC efficient converter, and a novel design and implementation of a levitation system to minimize rotor fictions, lower pressure through the turbines, and increase spin and efficiency. As we work towards our goals, our focus will be on materials development, which will lead to innovations in sensors, autonomous vehicles, biomedical devices, and energy generation systems, such as turbines and batteries.