ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ

Mechatronic Systems Engineering | Doctoral degree | Faculty of Applied Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I moved to Canada in 2013 to pursue my engineering career. I completed my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering at UofS and later worked in industry as a mechanical and structural Engineer-in-Training. Following this period, I obtained my Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation. I recently moved to BC and joined the NeuroSpine Lab at ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ to pursue my Ph.D. degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering. My areas of expertise and interest include applied mechanics, biomechanics, product design, manufacturing, mechanical testing, and computer simulations. As a researcher, artist, and human, I am fascinated by the unknown and beautiful nature of our world, which I see expressed every day through math, science, and art.

Why did you choose to come to ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ?

I have a strong passion for vehicle design and biomedical research, and I wanted to combine these fields towards designing safer vehicles (my childhood dream). This has been made possible thanks to my ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ supervisor, Dr. Carolyn Sparrey, whom I feel very lucky to have found. I am also excited about ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ's startup opportunities (e.g., the i2I program), Team Phantom (e-motorsports team, which I am a part of), and the diverse student, faculty, and staff communities (greetings to all my new and future friends)!

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I integrate computer simulations with artificial intelligence to prevent injuries and improve vehicle design (e-scooters, bikes, wheelchairs).

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

AI-aided design, e-mobility, vehicle crash simulations

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

So far, I really enjoy my research methods class, and I wish I could have taken it years ago when I was an undergraduate researcher. This course has facilitated my transition from industry to my Ph.D., and is equipping me with useful writing, research, and statistical tools to handle more complex scientific, industrial, and design problems. I have also found ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ Research Common’s workshops (research data management, R programming tutorials) to be an excellent complement – I highly recommend seizing opportunities beyond your degree.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research.

I was able to start my Ph.D. by receiving ÌìÃÀmvÌìÃÀ's Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship and PhD Research Scholarship, which were very helpful during my complex relocation and allowed me to focus on my studies.

Contact Alvaro: alvaro_espinosa_maldonado@sfu.ca

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