About

I attended the University of Waterloo, where I majored in Mechatronics Engineering. This was the first dedicated program of its kind in North America. Although the field is still relatively unknown among the public, it is gaining recognition in industrial and academic settings. Given the pervasiveness of mechatronic systems today, this recognition is well-deserved.

Now that that's cleared up, content. I grew up in Barrie, Ontario, a small city north of Toronto. Despite the lack of programs such as FIRST Robotics, I still developed a strong interest in robotics and automation. Rather than try to figure out how that interest evolved, I'm content in knowing that I enjoy my work, I'm good at it, and it means that I get to play with very expensive toys.

Outside of my engineering interests, I particularly enjoy downhill skiing. I've skied Ontario, a few times in Quebec, and once in B.C.. I intend on getting out West a few more times in the near future, as well as hopefully skiing the Alps at some point. I got my instructor's certification about three years ago, and I'm trying to maintain it despite my busy schedule and lack of convenient slopes.

Currently, I spend most of my free time dancing, a hobby I picked up in early 2007. Most of the time, it's swing and blues, but I've occasionally been known to go to a tango milonga or two. There's a sizable community of the former in the KW area. Aside from the great people, it's a much more enjoyable form of exercise than jogging.

I enjoy landscape art, particularly sunsets and sunrises. Unfortunately, my drawing skills aren't anywhere near being able to make these images on canvas, so digital it is. Selected images can be found here. I do have a few real pictures I've taken when I was in the right place at the right time, and I'll have them up when I can find them (realistcally, never). Cityscapes are another thing I appreciate, though for different reasons than the landscapes. I suspect it may have something to do with too much SimCity being played when I was younger.