Curriculum Vitae
A summary of my education, technical skills, projects, and leadership experience.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) Mechanical Engineering
University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB
September 2025 – Expected 2030
- Honors and Athletics: First Class Standing, Academic All-Canadian | Varsity Track and Field for Pole Vault
High School Diploma – Graduated with Honors
Handsworth Secondary School | North Vancouver, BC
September 2020 – June 2025
- Awards: All-Around Top Graduate Award, Superintendent’s Award for Leadership
Technical Skills
CAD and Simulations
SolidWorks, Technical Drawings, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis
Software and Programming
Python (NumPy, SciPy), JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Arduino IDE
Fabrication and Manufacturing
Chemical PCB Etching, Precision Soldering, Woodworking Power Tools, Component Prototyping, 3D Printing
Engineering Design Projects
Coronagraph Optical Signal Simulation
University of Alberta
- Engineered a Python simulation using numpy.fft to model light propagation and stellar suppression in space optics.
- Reconstructed high-fidelity images from raw wavefront phase and amplitude data via complex number manipulation.
- Programmed data-scaling and normalization logic within bounds [0, 1] to map simulation results to physical detector bounds.
Electric Off-Road Go-Kart Design
Handsworth Secondary School
- Designed and fabricated an electric kart chassis featuring a rigid live-axle rear drivetrain for off-road performance.
- Integrated Ackermann Steering Geometry into the front steering linkage, optimizing tie-rod and steering knuckle angles to drastically reduce tire scrubbing during sharp cornering.
Kinematic Payload Lifter
University of Alberta
- Developed a high-efficiency, variable-leverage mechanical lifting assembly to hoist a 250g payload under severe motor power limitations.
- Optimized shifting-fulcrum geometry in SolidWorks, validating clearances and torques prior to fabrication.
- Integrated 3D-printed components to prototype custom linkage joints.
- Bypassed inefficient gear-reduction systems and secured a perfect performance score using pure geometric optimization.
CO2-Powered Drag Racer
Handsworth Secondary School
- Modeled an aerodynamic dragster chassis using SolidWorks, refining structural profiles based on iterative CFD airflow analysis. Fabricated from wood using power tools, including hand-carved sections.
- Contoured the vehicle undercarriage to exploit ground-effect aerodynamics, creating localized pressure drops to stabilize the chassis while noticeably reducing wheel-to-track friction.
- Won 1st place in a competitive design challenge tournament while breaking the standing track record by 0.5x the time.
Leadership & Experience
President
Robotics Team
October 2021 – June 2025
- Directed a 20-member student team through comprehensive 1-year design, coding, and build cycles for competitive robotics.
- Mentored local youth on robotics and programming logic to build a pipeline for youth STEM participation.
President
Student Council
September 2020 – June 2025
- Elected President for the 2024/25 academic year, managed a 30-student executive team and organized large-scale community outreach events and charity campaigns.
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
NVRC
July 2023 – Present
- Enforced safety regulations and performed continuous risk assessment to ensure a safe aquatic environment for 150+ patrons.
- Delivered instructional swimming programs to diverse age groups, adapting communication styles to ensure clear skill acquisition and safety compliance.
Athletic Achievements
High Performance Pole Vault
Athletics Canada
2013 – Present
- Balanced a rigorous 25-hour weekly high-performance training regimen with a full-time engineering courseload while preserving Academic All-Canadian honors.
- Key Finishes: Bronze Medalist at the 2025 U24 Canada Summer Games; Two-time Bronze Medalist at the Youth National Track & Field Championships (2022, 2024).
Awards
- Civic Youth Leadership Award (District of North Vancouver)
- Athlete of the Year Finalist (North Shore Sports Council, 2025)
- 1st Place – UBC Physics Olympics (Quizics Event)
Want a printable copy of everything above?
CONTACT INFORMATION
Open for engineering opportunities, technical design projects, and athletic collaboration. Feel free to send a message or connect directly via social media.
linkedin.com/in/williamjmillard
@_williammillard_
