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.
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.
Savannah Gray
Savannah graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree (BASc) in mechanical engineering. In her undergrad Savannah took courses and participated on a design team, which sparked her interest in computer aided design and 3D modelling. Savannah is now pursuing her master’s degree (MASc) in the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During Savannah’s undergrad she completed 3, 4 month, internships. Her first internship was spent working in the commercial real estate sector, for a company called Kingsett Capital, looking at technology and strategies to help decarbonize large office and residential buildings. Her second internship took place at Eaton, an electric company. She worked as a manufacturing engineering intern, where she got to lead and develop a flow line project to more efficiently build a high demand product. Her last internship she worked at Enerlife, a sustainability consulting firm, working with municipalities to help them reduce their carbon footprint without having to complete a full retrofit.
Outside of her studies, Savannah enjoys playing the guitar and is an advocate sports fan, playing and watching sports such as hockey and football.
Ben Hronowsky
Ben graduated from Queen’s University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and is currently pursuing his Master’s of Applied Science with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design (SMSD) group under the supervision of Dr. Kim.
During his undergraduate studies, Ben completed a 16-month internship at The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), working as part of the Advanced Reactor Licensing Division, the Internal Quality Management Division, the Gentilly-2 & Point Lepreau Regulatory Program Division and the Reactor Behaviour Division. There he contributed to a variety of projects ensuring safety and compliance in the fields of Nuclear Cycle and Facilities, Power Reactor Licensing, and Accelerators and Class II Facilities. Ben was also part of MEDLIFE Queen’s, as the Engineering Outreach Executive, where he helped involve students in sustainable engineering development efforts in low-income communities in Latin America and Africa. In his final year, Ben helped design, build and implement a lightweight, carbon fiber body panel system for the Queen’s Supermileage Team, as part of his capstone project. Outside of his studies, Ben enjoys hockey, fitness, hiking and playing guitar.
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.
Jake Lee
Jake graduated from Seoul National University in 2012 with a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science in the Structural and Multidisciplinary System Design lab.
Jake has over 10 years of experience in the engineering field. At Samsung Heavy Industries, he worked on designing parts of drill ships, analyzing structures, and evaluating technical proposals for offshore platforms. From 2016 to 2023, he worked at SK Hynix, where he helped develop etching processes for 3D NAND memory, researched new plasma technologies, and built data analysis tools using JMP. Before joining the SMSD lab, he worked for a year at Direct Coil as a mechanical designer, making 2D models and shop drawings for coils.
Throughout his career, Jake has cultivated strong problem-solving abilities, a multidisciplinary approach to engineering challenges, and a collaborative mindset essential for R&D environments.
In his free time, Jake enjoys volunteering in the arts, swimming, hiking, and playing the piano.
Richard LeFrancois
Richard graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree (BASc.) in Mechanical & Materials Engineering and earned a Certificate in Business (CIB) from the
Smith School of Business.
During his undergraduate studies Richard completed a 16-month internship working in the Engineering Department at Queen’s University. In his role he gained experience in building modeling and design, large scale infrastructure development through capital project involvement and building maintenance of existing mechanical equipment. During this time Richard also completed courses toward his CIB.
Having a key interest in computer aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling, Richard is currently furthering his studies by pursuing his Master of Applied Science (MASc.) with the Structural and Multidisciplinary System Design Group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
Outside of his studies Richard enjoys staying active by going to the gym and playing sports including hockey, soccer and baseball.
Andrew Lumb
Andrew graduated from Queen’s University in 2025 with a BASc in Mechanical Engineering and is currently pursuing a MASc under Dr. Kim’s supervision. During his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong interest in mechanical design and optimization, from both academic and industry experiences.
He completed a 15-month internship at Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s manufacturing plant in Napanee, where he worked in New Product Industrialization. There, he contributed to the design and improvement of manufacturing processes for consumer and light truck tires, gaining hands-on experience in quality engineering and industrial implementation.
In his final year at Queen’s, Andrew participated in a capstone project focused on optimizing the Queen’s Formula SAE steering column for lightweight design. He also worked on an undergraduate research project with Dr. Kim involving the development of a composite rollercoaster seat, utilizing topology and composite optimization techniques for mass minimization.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Andrew is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys playing hockey and golf, as well as watching football and Formula 1.
Mathew Orr
Mathew graduated from Queen's University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in mechanical engineering specializing in advanced modeling with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group (SMSD) under Dr. Kim.
During his time as an undergraduate at Queen's Mathew was interested in numerical simulations taking courses such as Computer Aided Design, and Computational Fluid Dynamics. In his final year as a part of his Capstone project Mathew developed a bi-directional gearbox for the Queen's Baja race team. While at Queen's Mathew completed two internships during the summer months of his 2nd, and 3rd years. Working with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario to ensure highway construction was completed to code, and gaining experience in project management and planning, and with Tenaris, a global pipe manufacturing company where he gained practical knowledge of manufacturing and maintenance processes and project planning.
Currently Mathew is working on industry projects with De Havilland Canada and researching topology optimization.
Outside of his studies, Mathew enjoys Formula 1, chess, golfing, and football.
Taeil Park
Taeil graduated from Korea Aerospace University with a BASc in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2021, followed by an MASc in 2023. He is currently pursuing a PhD within the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During his undergraduate study, Taeil's research interests have focused on composite materials, which inspired him to further his studies in structural engineering. His master's research centered on structural health monitoring, utilizing data analytic techniques such as data clustering and prediction. He also participated in an industry project with Korea Aerospace Industries, LTD., where he worked on Durability and Damage Tolerance Analysis (DaDT).
Taeil is now keen on advancing his career in Topology Optimization (TO), with a specific focus on the properties of multi-materials and various loading conditions. Outside of his academic pursuits, Taeil enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his wife.
Anuj Patel
Anuj completed his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad. His interest in numerical methods and finite element analysis led him to pursue a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
During his master's degree, Anuj concentrated on the virtual element method for solving two-dimensional thermal and elasticity problems. He gained proficiency in engineering tools such as MATLAB and ABAQUS scripting. Following his graduation, Anuj worked as an FEA engineer at TechnipFMC in Chennai, specializing in thermo-mechanical analysis of subsea exploration devices using ANSYS.
Currently, Anuj is collaborating with Dr. Kim on aerospace industry projects. His research with the SMSD group is centered on topology optimization and additive manufacturing. Apart from his research, Anuj enjoys hiking and cycling.
Claire Pooler
Claire graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Applied Science (MASc) with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design (SMSD) group under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During the final year of her studies, Claire worked as an Undergraduate Student Researcher at Ingenuity Labs at Queen’s University. Claire worked on the development of a novel air-jet haptic feedback device for use by fluoroscopic surgeons to measure and correct unfavourable spinal posture. She developed and conducted a study to benchmark the effectiveness of the system against industry standards and assessed the cognitive loading associated with interpreting the system feedback. During this project, Claire gained practical experience in Arduino code development, 3D printing, and circuit board design.
Outside of her academic endeavours, Claire enjoys bouldering, reading, and hiking.
Connor Russo
Connor graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering with Professional Internship. In the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Lab, Connor is currently pursuing his Master's of Applied Science under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
On his internship, Connor worked at Drillco Mining and Exploration in North Bay, where he was responsible for designing exploration drilling systems and equipment. Design was undertaken using CAD to model components, create engineering drawings and publish assembly manuals. During his undergrad Connor was the Director of Mechanical Design on the Queen’s Knights Robotics Team. On this team he managed a group of 5 students who were responsible for CADing competition robots to compete in Boulder Colorado.
In his free time, Connor enjoys playing hockey, soccer, 3D printing and working out.
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.
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.
Devon Vince-Budan
Devon graduated from Queen's University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science at SMSD under the supervision of Dr. Kim.
During his undergraduate studies, Devon actively contributed to the Queen's Baja Design Team. Notable among his contributions was the redesign of the vehicle’s pedal box to enhance ergonomics and adjustability. This experience provided him with valuable insights into practical engineering, particularly in designing for manufacturing. In his final year, Devon spearheaded the design and fabrication of a digital dashboard for the Baja vehicle, equipped with data acquisition and signal processing capabilities.
In his leisure time, Devon enjoys running, cycling, and playing volleyball.
Isobel Whetstone
Isobel graduated from Queen’s University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently pursuing her Master of Applied Science degree with the Structural and Multidisciplinary Systems Design Group (SMSD) under the supervision of Dr. Il Yong Kim.
During her undergraduate studies, Isobel completed a 12-month internship at Toronto Hydro with the Grid Strategy team. In this role, she supported the design and development of Grid Modernization KPIs, quantifying uptake of energy storage, transportation electrification, and intelligent grid technologies across Toronto’s electrical distribution network. Isobel also studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and presented a seminar on novel PEMFC flow field designs for optimizing water-gas transport capacity through cells. In her final year, she developed a hydronic calorimetry test system for commercial solar panel standardization by NRCan with her capstone group.
Outside of her studies, Isobel enjoys swimming, playing tennis, and taking ballet classes.
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.