Olivia Blair
Olivia graduated from Queen’s University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. During her undergraduate degree Olivia was involved with the iCons, which provide engineering students with lab access outside of normal building hours, and the Queen’s Engineering Outreach Team. Olivia spent her summers working as an intern with PSA International and Irving Personal Care. In her final year Olivia completed a design project for Novelis Inc. designing an inline spring-loaded shock absorber to prevent chain breakage during roll changes.
Olivia is currently pursuing her Master of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim. Outside of her studies, she enjoys hockey, volleyball, and playing guitar.
Nicholas Burns
Nicholas graduated from Queen’s University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. As an undergraduate student, he first developed an interest in computer-aided design through his involvement with the Queen’s Space Engineering Team. Here, he utilized topology optimization techniques to create a lightweight actuator arm for the Mars Rover project. Nicholas later dedicated a summer to work as a research assistant at the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group (SMSD), where he gained hands-on experience with tools such as Hyperworks and composite design techniques.
During his fourth-year capstone project, Nicholas leveraged his acquired knowledge and skills to successfully design and construct a carbon fiber chassis for the Queen’s Supermileage Team.
Currently, Nicholas is pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science with SMSD under the supervision of Dr. Il-Yong Kim. Outside of his academic pursuits, Nicholas enjoys music, kite-surfing, and skiing.
Kevin Chai
Kevin graduated from the University of Guelph in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During his undergraduate studies, Kevin completed his internships at Recochem where he worked to improve and document manufacturing practices and Hematite Manufacturing where he worked in collaboration with Fiat Chrysler Automotive to assist product launches. Additionally, Kevin has also completed two research assistant positions at the University of Guelph in the department of Mechanical Engineering. During his final year of studies, Kevin helped design and develop a working prototype EDF VTOL to be used as part of an aerial transport system.
Kevin is currently researching under the supervision of Dr. Kim with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group (SMSD). Outside of his studies, Kevin enjoys outdoor activities, 3D printing, radio-controlled sports, and playing the piano.
Luke Crispo
Luke graduated from Queen’s University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and is currently pursuing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Kim in the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group. His undergraduate studies focused on topics ranging from computer aided design to vibrations and turbomachinery. In his final year at Queen’s, Luke completed a design project for a local company modelling and optimizing the temperature response of a passive backflow valve. Luke also completed a 16-month professional internship at Celestica, where he supported a resourcing project aiming to qualify and transfer custom aerospace parts to new suppliers with the end goal of cost reductions. He also worked on a team at Celestica analyzing the feasibility of using metal additive manufacturing for aerospace parts.
Luke’s work with Dr. Kim is focused on implementing topology optimization for part consolidation in additive manufacturing. Outside of academics, Luke enjoys ultimate frisbee, hockey, soccer, and playing the trumpet.
Giovanni D'Ambrosio
Giovanni graduated from the University of Guelph in 2021 with a BASc. in Biomedical Engineering. During his undergraduate studies, he spent his time as a research assistant for the environmental and mechanical engineering departments at Guelph.
In the summer of 2020, Giovanni worked on an image segmentation algorithm and impact simulation where a human head model was created from an MRI scan and subjected to various loading scenarios. During this time, he developed an interest in advanced modelling as well as skills in computer aided engineering tools such as HyperWorks, Ansys, and LS-Dyna. In his final year of study, Giovanni developed a simulation to solve the partial wetting problem and improve heat recovery within household drain water heat recovery systems.
Giovanni is currently pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim, focused on bone remodeling simulations. Outside of his work at the lab, Giovanni enjoys hiking, fishing, longboarding, and baking.
Wesley Dossett
Wesley graduated from Queen’s University in 2020 with a BASc in Mechanical Engineering. During his undergraduate studies, he spent time as a research assistant in the Biology, Geological Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering departments at Queen’s. This included a 16-month professional internship with the Queen’s University Geomechanics Group, where he worked to improve the characterization of rock through destructive and non-destructive methods. Wesley spent four months working in the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group designing an eATV, gaining experience with NX and Hyperworks. Wesley also spent time with the Queen’s FIRST Robotics club (QFRC) to help mentor local highschool robotics clubs.
Wesley is currently pursuing a MASc with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim. Outside of school and work, Wesley is a Watercolour artist, Ukrainian Folk Dancer, and amateur baker.
Dylan Eisen
Dylan graduated from Queen’s University in the spring of 2021 with a BASc. in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During his undergraduate degree, Dylan focused on topics including computer aided design, machine design, turbomachinery, airplane aerodynamics, and compressible fluid dynamics. Dylan was also involved with the Queen’s University Hyperloop Design Team, where he modelled and optimized the chassis suspension system for competition. From both course projects and design teams, Dylan has developed skills in computer aided engineering design tools including ANSYS, SolidWorks, and HyperWorks. During his fourth year of studies, Dylan worked with the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston to design and optimize the structural integrity of a roof design based on multiple load cases and conditions.
Dylan is interested in pursuing a career in aerospace and is currently working on projects within the aerospace industry. His work and research with SMSD will focus on finite element analysis and topology optimization. Beyond academics, Dylan enjoys volleyball, swimming, skiing, playing guitar, scuba diving, and amusement rides.
Nicholas Galley
Nicholas graduated from Queen’s University in the spring of 2021 with a BASc. in Mechanical Engineering. He is now pursuing a Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
As an undergraduate student, Nicholas focused his studies on Finite Element Analysis, design optimization, and additive manufacturing. In his final year, he was part of the pre-school mechatronics device capstone project, which designed a classroom toy allowing children to play educational games and introducing them to robotics and mechatronics. While completing his degree, he also gained experience using engineering tools including MATLAB, Python, various CAD programs, 3D printing, Arduino, and ANSYS.
Nicholas is currently working on industry projects with NRC and Bombardier. Beyond his studies, he enjoys kayaking, playing the piano, dog training, and archery.
Graeme George
Graeme graduated from Queen’s University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science under the supervision of Dr Il-Yong Kim and Dr. Alan Ableson with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group (SMSD).
During his undergraduate studies Graeme was heavily involved with the Queen’s Space Engineering Team’s (QSET) Mars Rover project. As the Mechanical Operations Manager, Graeme led the multidisciplinary group in a complete redesign of the Rover’s rocker suspension system. In his fourth-year capstone project, Graeme helped design a waste heat recovery system for a local Kingston food business.
Graeme’s work with SMSD is focused on packaging optimization. Outside of his studies, Graeme enjoys baseball, and playing the guitar.
Jordan Howes
Jordan graduated from Queen’s University in 2022 with a BASc. in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Biomechanics. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During her undergraduate studies, Jordan completed a 12-month internship at Sanofi Pasteur in the Component Pertussis vaccine bulk manufacturing department. There she supported projects involving equipment upgrades and replacements for the manufacturing facility. In her final year, Jordan’s capstone team designed a soft passive exoskeleton that reduced the load on the Achilles to help those suffering from Achilles Tendonitis. Jordan was also apart of the Queen’s Biomedical Innovation Team, where she worked on the design and prototyping of a breast cancer detecting top using heat sensors. Outside of her studies, Jordan enjoys snowboarding, figure skating and spending time at her cottage.
Yuhao Huang
Yuhao graduated from Queen’s University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his undergraduate studies, he focused on Finite Element Analysis and Numerical Methods. Based on the course project experiences, Yuhao has developed skills in engineering tools such as MATLAB and ANSYS APDL. In his final year capstone project, he worked with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group to design an eATV chassis for 3-D printing. He also has work experience in image auto-recognition laser cutting.
Yuhao is pursuing his PhD in design optimization under the supervision of Dr. Kim and is currently working on an SNC-Lavalin project. Outside his research, he enjoys pyrotechnic shows.
Shayan Jalayer
Shayan graduated from Queen’s in 2020 with a BASc. in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Biomechanics and earned a Certificate in Business from Smith School of Business. He is currently pursuing his PhD with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Lab under Dr. Il Yong Kim's supervision.
During his final year of undergraduate studies, Shayan completed a project to design and develop an electric ATV chassis using CAD and finite element analysis (FEA). Shayan’s work experience includes 12 months of internship at TD Bank, working in IT Project and Program Management teams. He also earned certification from Project Management Institute (PMI) to become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Shayan is working with Dr. Kim on projects in both aerospace and automotive industries. His work and research with SMSD will focus on topology optimization and additive manufacturing. Outside of his studies, Shayan enjoys sailing and plays hockey, soccer, and ultimate frisbee.
Hansu Kim
Hansu received his BS and PhD in Automotive Engineering from Hanyang University (HYU), Seoul, South Korea in Feb 2015 and Aug 2021, respectively. During his undergraduate course, Hansu was interested in design optimization, which strongly motivated him to get a PhD in Automotive Engineering from HYU under the advisor of Professor Tae Hee Lee.
Hansu's PhD work was focused on design-target-based optimization of high-dimensional design problems by using input variable selection and penalty-Lagrange multiplier method. This methodology was applied to the design of the body-in-white of a vehicle and the practical design which satisfied the design target could be achieved efficiently. Hansu also had been involved in several industry and research projects including Hyundai Motor Group, Hanwha Land Systems (formerly Hanwha Techwin), National Research Foundation of Korea, Agency for Defense Development of Korea, and Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering.
Hansu's research interests are multi-material and multi-joint topology optimization for additive manufacturing considering manufacturing cost and parts consolidation. Outside of his research, Hansu enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife.
Daniel Krsikapa
Daniel graduated in 2019 from Queen’s with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Engineering (Applied Mechanics specialization). During his undergraduate degree he completed a 16-month professional internship at Celestica, working in a manufacturing engineering role for their aerospace and defense division. There he ensured customer manufacturing requirements were met for new product designs. Additionally, he took on multiple projects to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce total defects. During the final year of his undergraduate degree Daniel completed a project which involved designing a controller for a one-legged robot capable of jumping and flipping. After presenting his year-long work, including a full robot simulation, his group won the Keyser Project Presentation Prize.
Daniel is currently pursuing his PhD under the guidance of Dr. Il Yong Kim with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD). He is also working with Dr. Kim on an industry project with Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Adam McKenzie
Adam graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering in the spring of 2021.
After his second year, Adam spent his summer working for Ready Systems Industries Inc. where he worked with a small team to build large scale assembly lines, shipping systems, and robot cells for clients in the automotive industry. Additionally, Adam spent his summer after third year as a research assistant in the Human Mobility Research Lab where he worked on finding constraints of a new sensor less motion capture system. In the final year of his Bachelor’s degree, Adam’s capstone team designed and prototyped a novel wheel and drive system for a lunar rover with the Canadian Space Agency.
Adam is currently pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD) supervised by Dr. Il Yong Kim. He is currently working on projects with Bombardier Aerospace and the Canadian Space Agency. Outside of his research, Adam enjoys hockey, fishing, and playing guitar.
Zane Morris
Zane graduated from Queen’s University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his undergraduate degree, Zane completed a 12-month and 8-month internship with MacLean Engineering and Huronia Machine Services, respectively.
At MacLean, Zane worked as a Mechanical Designer to conceptualize, design, fabricate, and implement various electro-mechanical systems for heavy-duty mining equipment. Through designing the various parts, assemblies, and weldments for these systems, Zane frequently spoke with highly experienced Engineers, Machinists, and Welders in the industry to optimize designs and incorporate vital fabrication constraints while satisfying customer specifications. These design projects also necessitated the construction of Electrical and Hydraulic schematics for control and vehicle monitoring systems, which Zane was a large contributing member of.
At Huronia Machine Services, Zane worked as an Engineering Project Manager for jobs partnered with Honda Canada and The Daifuku Corporation focussed on tooling redesign and infrastructure improvements at the Honda Civic assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario. In this role, Zane was relied upon as the lead system designer, seeing through the complete product design cycle on multiple occasions. Specific tasks include system conception with project stakeholders, design, validation, DFM and DFA, machining and assembly. Through this position, Zane developed invaluable technical aptitude in industrial design, and accumulated skills for effective communication in the manufacturing industry.
Zane is currently pursuing his MASc under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim at the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Lab (SMSD), focussing on the synthesis of DfAM and Multi-Material Topology Optimization in automotive and robotic applications. In his spare time, Zane enjoys hockey, mountain biking, and playing guitar.
Noah Ray
Noah graduated in 2019 from Queen’s with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical-Materials Engineering. He is currently pursuing his PhD; being supervised by Dr. Il Yong Kim with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD).
During the 3rd year of his undergraduate degree, Noah was involved with the Queen’s University Formula SAE Design and Race Team as part of the Long-Term Projects team. He designed and implemented a guide which instructed team members how to perform topology optimization, based in ANSYS Workbench, on components. Noah gained valuable experience working as a mechanical designer at Innovative Automation for two summer co-op terms. During his time working as a designer, he designed a fully automated workbench which was implemented as a learning tool for incoming programmers.
Noah is now working in Dr. Il Yong Kim’s SMSD group on projects primarily in association with Magna Metal Forming Solutions and General Dynamics. He continues to gain experience with software such as LS-Dyna, FEMFAT, ANSYS, and HyperWorks. Outside of the academic world, he enjoys bodybuilding and scuba diving.
Yifan Shi
Yifan graduated from Beijing Institute of Technology and obtained his bachelor’s degree on Aerospace Engineering in 2019. In 2019, he also went to Simon Fraser University as a research visiting student. During that time, his research was on hyper-parameter optimization for neural networks, which was supervised by Dr. Wang. In 2021, he obtained his master’s degree on Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. During his master’s studies, his research focus was on milli-robots actuated by piezoelectric plates, which was under the supervision of Dr. Ansari.
Yifan joined in SMSD at the fall of 2021, pursing his Ph.D. degree under Dr. Kim’s supervision. His research will focus on topology optimization. Outside his research, he enjoys cooking and watch historical documentaries.
Benjamin Sinek
Benjamin graduated from Queen’s University in 2020 with a BASc in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing his Master's of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Lab under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
Throughout his final year, Benjamin completed his capstone project on the design and development of an electric ATV chassis using CAD and finite element analysis (FEA). Benjamin spent his summers working as an intern at companies such as MTU Aero Engines in Vancouver and VALEO Automotive in the Czech Republic. While at MTU, Benjamin worked in the Industrial Engineering department, developing a database focusing on the evaluation of engine repair capability implementation. During his internship at VALEO, he worked as a R&D System Test Engineer, focusing on system testing and automation of the validation procedure.
Benjamin is interested in pursuing a career in automotive and is currently working with Dr. Kim on projects within the automotive industry. His work and research with SMSD will focus on topology optimization. Outside of his studies, Benjamin enjoys travelling, working on cars and plays hockey, soccer, and violin.
John Soliman
John graduated from Queen’s University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Applied Science in the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group.
During his undergraduate studies, John was actively involved with the Queen’s Baja SAE Design & Race Team. When he joined the team, he was responsible for the design and manufacturing of the vehicle’s seat and roll cage. In his final year on the team, he was promoted to Chassis & Ergonomics subsystem lead, where he refined his management skills and lead multiple design projects. In addition, he was a member of the capstone design team responsible for the design and manufacturing of a 1st iteration custom differential for the Baja vehicle. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the George Christie Design Award for the most outstanding senior design project in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Although the Baja team was unable to compete in-person due to COVID-19, they attended the virtual competition where John’s work contributed to a 22nd place finish across 150+ universities. Through his role on the team, John gained an in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, ergonomic analyses, and engineering software packages such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, and Mastercam.
John is currently working with Dr. Il Yong Kim on industry projects with KCarbon and Bombardier Aerospace. Outside from his studies, John enjoys golfing, soccer, 3D printing, and supporting the Baja team.
Daniel Tameer
William Taylor
Will graduated from Queen’s University in 2014 with a BASc. in Mechanical Engineering and continued on to complete a MASc. in 2016, developing machinery to mass produce Solid Biomass Fuel.
Will has 6+ years working in the energy sector, for a Canadian manufacturer of Hydraulic Turbines, where he successfully completed the Engineer in Training Program through the PEO and was granted his Professional Engineer Licence. During his industry work, he has completed the mechanical design of hydraulic turbines and overseen their manufacture, installation and commissioning. This work focused heavily on CAD design, FEA simulation, and design justification by first principles calculation.
In 2020, Will also took on the role of R&D Engineer, developing innovative design tools and automation needed to perform turbine blade optimization through coupled multi-physics simulation (CFD & FEA). This work has continued under the supervision of Dr. Kim in the Multidisciplinary Systems Design (SMSD) lab, where Will is currently pursuing his PhD.
When not working in industry or academics, Will enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with his wife.
Mira Teoli
Erik Wotten
Erik graduated from Queen's University in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing his Master of Applied Science (MASc) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD).
During his undergraduate years, Erik did a 16-month professional internship at WDI Wise Device, an Opto-Mechanical Engineering company. In this role, he streamlined manufacturing operations by implementing production fixtures and jigs. In his final year, Erik continued to make an impact by working part-time at WDI while concurrently undertaking his capstone project "Height Adjustable Rowing Seat". This innovative project saw him collaborating closely with the Queen's Varsity Rowing Team to enhance rowers' power generation during competition while ensuring optimum comfort on the water. Erik's partnership with industry specialist HUDSON Boatworks was instrumental in transforming this concept into a commercially viable product. The project involved the adept use of CAD, FEA, and DFM techniques for modeling, optimization, manufacturing, and rigorous testing.
In addition to his capstone project, Erik authored an Undergraduate Thesis in his final year, in collaboration with Dr. Kim and the SMSD Group. Titled “Packaging Optimization for Automotive System-Level Design,” this research paper delved into the implementation of packaging optimization techniques within the realm of electric and hybrid vehicles, evaluating their potential impact on the automotive industry. Beyond his academic and engineering endeavors, Erik enjoys playing volleyball and road biking.
Yongcheng Zhou
Yongcheng graduated from BISTU in China, with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design Manufacture and Automation in 2016. He obtained his master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University in 2017. During his master’s, he focused on the effect of particle hardness on tribological properties of nanofluids. In 2018, he joined Gree as a test engineer working on the vibration analysis of air-conditioning piping system under operation conditions based on finite element method, numerical simulation of air-conditioning piping system under random vibration and the development of automated simulation platform.
Yongcheng is currently pursuing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim in the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD). His research will focus on FEA and topology optimization in the field of automotive industry. Outside of his research, he enjoys travelling and outdoor activities.