About

I'm currently attending Engineering at the University of Waterloo. I'm enrolled in the brand-new program of Mechatronics Engineering and it's going well. Although the field is still relatively unknown, it appears to be getting more and more recognition in industrial and academic settings.

Just to get it out of the way:

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. I'm particularly interested in autonomous robotics and may be pursuing grad studies in the same.

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 coursework and lack of convenient slopes. I enjoy playing soccer, both indoor and outdoor, though I haven't played recently in the interest of learning squash. I'm also currently attempting to improve my French to a passable conversational level, and I hope to eventually have time to either pick my trumpet back up or learn another instrument. (something somewhat quieter, this time)

I also love relaxing and listening to music. I'd have to put "Great Big Sea" as my favourite band, but I enjoy a wide variety of music. Even when I was driving for an hour to get to work during my first work term, just being able to sit in a comfortable seat and hear some music took my mind off the fact that it was still dark and -20 outside. I've recently been introduced by some friends to social dancing, where I've started to learn swing and Argentine tango. I don't know if I'll get into it as much as some of the people I know, but it's a lot of fun.

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 scan them. 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.