Operating from North America's largest student team facility, UWAFT is made up of over 35 dedicated members from the University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier University, all united by a common goal: to drive the future of sustainable vehicle development.
Dr. William Melek
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Skyler Nam-Wong is a Management Engineering graduate who has completed four internships in Product Management, where he developed a strong passion for creating intuitive, customer-centric solutions. Skyler’s experience in delivering high-impact, innovative products led to their current role as Project Manager for UWAFT. In this position, they oversee the efficient and precise development of the Cadillac Lyriq project, driving the team’s efforts towards pioneering advancements in sustainable automotive technology.
Notable work experience:
Henri is in his final-year studying his Masters of Applied Science in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Over the past year, he has led PCM (Powertrain Control Module) initiatives at UWAFT, where he transitioned from a pure mechanical engineering background into the world of embedded controls and software development. This experience has been transformative, expanding his knowledge across multiple engineering domains. Henri views his time with UWAFT as an exceptional opportunity to engage with industry professionals and subject matter experts, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and challenges beyond the scope of his undergraduate studies. His involvement has enriched his approach to problem-solving and collaboration in the engineering field and has ignited a passion for interdisciplinary innovation. Outside of academia, Henri is an avid cyclist and has a deep appreciation for orangutans.
Notable work Experience:
Connect with Henri on Linkedln!
Muhammad is a MASc student in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where he also completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. With work terms focused on simulation and CAE, he specialized in FEA software verification, automotive component analysis, and analyzing mechanism systems. A the longest-standing member of UWAFT since 2019, Muhammad served as the undergrad lead for the mechanical subteam, overseeing design, analysis, integration, and sub-team management until he transitioned as the SDI Lead within the EcoCAR EV Challenge program with UWAFT.
Past work Experience:
Connect with Muhammad on Linkedln!
As the Graduate Lead for the Connected & Automated Vehicle Subteam of the UWAFT Eco Car EV Challenge, Abhi specializes in developing and simulating ADAS features using MathWorks tools like Simulink and RoadRunner. His work focuses on high-fidelity vehicle and sensor simulations to create a robust, computationally efficient perception, planning, and controls framework. With experience in Model in the Loop (MIL) and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing, Abhi has a strong grasp of vehicle CAN architecture and real-time vehicle modeling. Additionally, he has contributed to the Midnight Sun Solar Car Design Team’s firmware development and interned at Volante Systems, where he honed his software engineering and testing skills working on back-end automation for the company's point of sale software product In his fourth year undergraduate capstone project, Abhi led the electrical design of a mobility vehicle attachment, developing high-torque motor systems and ensuring robust electrical safety.
Notable work experience:
Connect with Abhi on Linkedln!
Zahra joined UWAFT in May 2024 as the CAV Lead and is currently pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering in the Electrical & Computer Engineering department at the University of Waterloo. Prior to this, she completed her undergraduate studies in Computer Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, followed by a course-based Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at Sharif University of Technology. Zahra has a passion for learning more about sensors and embedded software.
Notable work experience:
Connect with Zahra on Linkedln!
Kha Vi An is pursuing a Master of Arts in Business Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, specializing in Mathematics and French, as well as an Honors degree in Environmental Economics and Public Policy with French Immersion. With a passion for teaching and fostering inclusive learning environments, Kha Vi An has taught students aged 5 to 18 across subjects such as French, Health, History, Science, and Mathematics, using innovative strategies like "Standing Thinking Classrooms." She is dedicated to creating supportive, dynamic learning spaces for both students and colleagues.
Abhi Gupta
Zahra Yousefi
Gavin is a 3B Chemical Engineering Student and one of the Undergraduate PCM Leads. His co-op experience has been predominantly in the oil & gas industry on topics surrounding Asset Integrity and Process Engineering. In these positions, he has been able to apply some of his learnings from UWAFT to new engineering environments. Within UWAFT, Gavin works to research and develop control algorithms, vehicle features, and integrate external components into the vehicle model. This work is done primarily using MATLAB and Simulink. Outside of the team, Gavin is active in several sports (such as hockey) and loves to fish/camp.
Notable Work Experience:
Connect with Gavin on Linkedln!
Hilus is a third year computer engineering student studying at the University of Waterloo. He is one of UWAFT's Undergraduate PCM Leads. During his time with UWAFT, Hilus has taken the lead on the development of several vehicle features, and is a strong voice during requirements and implementation discussions. Hilus' favourite aspect of being on UWAFT is the team dynamic. "It's a really great feeling to be on UWAFT. Working on such interesting projects, and overcoming challenges with a group of likeminded and passionate people is very empowering, and I'd encourage anyone interested to get involved!"
Fun fact about Hilus: Before joining UWAFT, he earned his second degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Notable work experience:
Connect with Hilus on Linkedln!
Hilus is a third year computer engineering student studying at the University of Waterloo. He is one of UWAFT's Undergraduate PCM Leads. During his time with UWAFT, Hilus has taken the lead on the development of several vehicle features, and is a strong voice during requirements and implementation discussions. Hilus' favourite aspect of being on UWAFT is the team dynamic. "It's a really great feeling to be on UWAFT. Working on such interesting projects, and overcoming challenges with a group of likeminded and passionate people is very empowering, and I'd encourage anyone interested to get involved!"
Fun fact about Hilus: Before joining UWAFT, he earned his second degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Notable work experience:
Connect with Hilus on Linkedln!