Jorge Ortega Moody

Assistant Professor

ortegamj@erau.edu

School of Engineering

Worldwide College of Aviation

Areas of Expertise

Mechatronics
Industrial Automation
Industrial Robotics
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
Industrial Controls
Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Education
XR Engineering Laboratories
Digital Twins
Manufacturing Systems
CAD/CAM
Engineering Workforce Training
STEM Education Technology

Jorge Ortega Moody

Overview

Dr. Jorge Ortega Moody is an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering within Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide College of Aviation. He holds a Ph.D. in Advanced Technology from Instituto Politécnico Nacional, an M.S. in Manufacturing Systems from Tecnológico de Monterrey and a bachelor's degree in Electronic Systems Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

His expertise spans mechatronics, industrial automation, robotics, intelligent control systems, sensors and instrumentation. His research explores how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, digital twins and simulation-based learning, can enhance engineering education, workforce development and industrial training.

Dr. Ortega Moody's recent work focuses on the application of AI and large language models in engineering education, scalable mixed-reality laboratories, immersive STEM training environments and digital twins for industrial process simulation. His broader research vision centers on "Virtual Mechatronics," an approach that combines physics-based simulation, virtual commissioning and immersive technologies to improve training, support operational decision-making and prepare the next generation of engineers and technical professionals.

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Technology, Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN)

M.S. - Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM)

B. - Bachelor in Electronic Systems Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM)

SITRAIN-Digital Industries Learning: Certified Instructor for Level I - SIEMENS

Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program - SIEMENS

Technology Educator Competency Exam - SOLIDWORKS

Mechanical Design: Level of Associate - SOLIDWORKS

Mazatrol Matrix Programming Class for Machining Centers - Mazak Corporation

Mazatrol Conversational Fusion 640T Programming Class for Lathes - Mazak Corporation

America's 2D IRVision Certification - FANUC

LabView Core I - National Instruments

America's Material Handling Program Software - FANUC

Dr. Jorge Ortega Moody has 15 years of professional experience in the United States, combining academic, research, and industry experience in engineering, mechatronics, industrial automation, robotics, manufacturing systems, instrumentation, and workforce-oriented technical training. His professional background includes teaching and curriculum development in robotics, mechatronics, sensors and actuators, instrumentation and data acquisition, industrial automation, electrical systems, CAD/CAM, engineering design, and applied manufacturing technologies.

His academic experience includes developing laboratory-based and simulation-based learning environments involving industrial robots, PLCs, control systems, virtual laboratories, mixed-reality training, digital twins, and engineering technology applications. His research and scholarly work focus on virtual mechatronics, AI in engineering education, mixed-reality laboratories, digital twins, machine learning for condition-based maintenance, and scalable engineering education.

In industry, Dr. Ortega Moody worked as an Electric Maintenance Coordinator at Holcim, where he coordinated electrical maintenance activities for industrial production systems, including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, instrumentation, motors, drives, control panels, and automation-related equipment. He also worked as an Automation Engineer at Tenaris Oil & Gas, supporting automation engineering activities for industrial and oil and gas applications, including PLCs, instrumentation, process automation, electrical troubleshooting, and industrial equipment support.

Across his academic and industrial career, Dr. Ortega Moody has connected theory, laboratory practice, and real-world engineering applications to support student learning, industrial reliability, workforce development, and innovation in engineering education.

IEEE Member

  • Kentucky Faculty Employability Fellow, The QA Commons
  • Grant-funded research collaborator advancing augmented and virtual reality applications for advanced manufacturing training, condition-based maintenance, sustainable manufacturing, robotics and industrial control systems
  • Research contributor to mixed-reality laboratories, AI-enhanced engineering education and workforce development initiatives

Teaching

  • MECH 370: Introduction to Robotics I
MECH370 – Introduction to Robotics I
MECH370 – Robotics Lab
ENGR 404 - Mechatronics
ENGR 405 - Mechatronics Lab
MECH 314 Instrumentation & Data Acq Lab
ELEC 220 Circuits

Research