Dr. Villanueva is an experienced engineer specializing in the practical application of computational optimization in physical and engineered systems. With his expertise in gradient-based shape and topology optimization frameworks, finite element and immersed boundary methods, reduced order models, and geometric modeling, he innovatively applies his knowledge to address complex engineering problems and pursues solutions with academic rigor and practical applicability.

He began his academic journey at the University of Kansas, where he completed a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Subsequently, he attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, earning both a Master's and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. His Ph.D. research at the Center for Aerospace Structures led to significant advancements in level set methods and the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM). This work laid the groundwork for the design of multi-material engineering systems, making lasting contributions to the field of shape and topology optimization with immersed boundary techniques. Dr. Villanueva's scholarly contributions, published extensively in esteemed academic journals, have notably advanced the field of computational mechanics and topology optimization.

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Dr. Villanueva continues his work on shape and topology optimization frameworks. He is instrumental in bridging the gap between design and manufacturing, developing tools that outperform existing commercial solutions in converting designs into 3D printing instructions. His innovative work on shape optimization with reduced order models for lattice structures has been featured in conferences, offering a novel approach to modeling complex metal mounts composed of intricate unit cell structures.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Villanueva is deeply committed to climate initiatives. He serves as the Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board for the City of Boulder, Colorado, providing insightful guidance and feedback on state-wide climate resilience policies. His commitment to the environment extends to his biweekly opinion pieces for the Daily Camera in Boulder, where he thoughtfully discusses a range of issues from the Colorado housing crisis to urban heat island effects in metropolitan areas.

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS