Olivia Verge - Mechatronics Engineering

Experience

How I've connected my studies to real world problems

Education

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Sep 2024 - Apr 2029

B.Eng. Mechatronics Engineering (Co-op)St. John's, NL

GPA 3.5 · President, Engineering Society 'B' · Mechatronics Class Representative (Class of 2029) · Student Mentor

Work Experience

Hardware Product Engineer (Co-op)

Jan 2026 - May 2026

MysaSt. John's, NL

Engineered a Python-based automation script leveraging Cursor AI to programmatically generate STL and STEP files, resulting in a 30% reduction in manual CAD modeling time for fasteners.
Managed product life cycles via Arena PLM, executing 15+ ECOs and maintaining complex BOMs to ensure 100% certification readiness for hardware releases.
Accelerated new product introduction (NPI) by leading hands-on prototyping with SLA/FDM printers and conducting cross-functional product reviews.
Assisted in PCB assembly, creation of spacing jigs for ease of soldering, and PCB rework.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to maintain documentation and contribute to accurate product releases.

President

May 2026 - Present

Memorial University Engineering Society 'B'

Coordinatting collaboration between internal members of Society 'B', and externally across engineering cohorts.
Planning and executing activites for the engineering student body.
Organising academic events, study resources, and student support initiatives.

Process Automation Intern

May 2025 - Aug 2025

Wooden Walls DistillingSt. John's, NL

Designed and proposed automation for motorized valves and sensors, to increase distillation efficiency by 15%.
Developed real-time monitoring workflows for temperature and pressure signals to optimize system performance and technical documentation accuracy.
Collaborated on component sourcing and multi-disciplinary engineering workflows to streamline production output.

VP Junior Academic

Jan 2025 - May 2026

Memorial University Engineering Society 'B'

Advocating for first and second-year engineering students at the faculty level.
Organising academic events, study resources, and student support initiatives.

Projects

clearhead.py

Robotics / Biomedical

ClearHead: Concussion Risk Monitor

ROS2 pub/sub suite that processes 6-DOF IMU telemetry to detect high-risk biomechanical impacts, with a live JavaScript dashboard and automated alerts.

ROS2PythonWebSocketsIMU

# the problem gap = "Youth and amateur athletes lack real-time head impact monitoring" goal = "Democratize access to brain health data with affordable sensors" # how it works def pipeline(): poll_sensors("accelerometer", "gyroscope") # 6-DOF IMU, 3-axis filter_noise("running, jumping, normal movement") pla = calc_peak_linear_acceleration() if pla > threshold: trigger_alert("GREEN / YELLOW / RED") log_to_dashboard(pla, timestamp) # impact result = "Coaches and parents get instant, color-coded severity alerts" next_steps = ["ML-based hit classification", "cloud scaling", "mobile push alerts"]

View on GitHub →Case Study ↓

kaizen.py

AI / Fintech

Kaizen: AI-Driven Financial Education App

Multi-agent financial education platform built on IBM watsonx Orchestrate, featuring three specialized AI agents and a RAG-powered chat advisor.

IBM watsonxPythonSpring BootRAGMulti-Agent

# the problem gap = "Young people lack personalized, accessible financial guidance" goal = "Make financial literacy feel like a conversation, not a textbook" # how it works agents = { "Profiler": "learns user's financial situation and goals", "Strategist": "builds personalized savings and budgeting plans", "Advisor": "answers questions via RAG-powered knowledge base" } def kaizen(user_input): profile = Profiler.assess(user_input) strategy = Strategist.plan(profile) return Advisor.chat(strategy, rag_context) # result outcome = "Personalized financial coaching, at scale" built_for = "IBM SkillsBuild AI Experiential Learning Lab"

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postureguard.py

Computer Vision

PostureGuard: Biometric Posture App

Cross-platform app for real-time biomechanical monitoring using MediaPipe pose estimation with personalized baseline calibration and slouch detection.

PythonOpenCVMediaPipeCross-Platform

# the problem context = "Remote work + screen time = chronic back pain epidemic" goal = "Turn any webcam into a real-time posture coach" # how it works def monitor(): baseline = calibrate("user sits in ideal position") landmarks = mediapipe.detect(33, "keypoints") # nose, shoulders, hips spine_angle = calc_angle(ear, shoulder, hip) if deviation(spine_angle, baseline) > threshold: alert("Sit up straight!") # only after sustained slouch # design choices privacy = "All processing local, no video uploaded" next_steps = ["session analytics", "stretch prompts", "dual-camera 3D tracking"]

View on GitHub →Case Study ↓

controller.ino

Accessibility

Adaptive Accessibility Controller

Engineered a custom one-handed Nintendo Switch controller by rewiring electronics in a custom-modeled enclosure using human-centered design.

CAD3D PrintingElectronicsAccessibility

# the problem challenge = "Standard controllers exclude gamers with limited hand mobility" approach = "Human-centered design: interview users, prototype, iterate" # what I built enclosure = cad_model("ergonomic one-handed grip") electronics = rewire("Switch Joy-Con internals into custom PCB layout") prototype = sla_print(enclosure) # rapid iteration with 3D printing # result outcome = "Fully functional one-handed controller, tested with real users"

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fastener_gen.py

Internal Tooling

Fastener STL/STEP File Generator

Internal tool at Mysa that automatically generates STL and STEP files for fasteners by parsing text descriptions using Cursor AI.

PythonCursor AISTL/STEPSolidWorks

# the problem pain_point = "Engineers manually model every fastener in SolidWorks" time_lost = "Hours per week on repetitive CAD work" # what I built def generate(text_description): specs = parse_with_cursor_ai(text_description) model = build_parametric_model(specs) export(model, ".stl", ".step") # impact result = "30% reduction in manual CAD time at Mysa" adopted = "Now used internally by the hardware engineering team"

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sunroof.ino

IoT / Control

Automated Weather-Detecting Sunroof

Arduino-based system integrating weather sensors and actuators to detect rain, humidity, and light, automatically controlling a sunroof mechanism.

ArduinoSensorsControl LogicC++

# the problem scenario = "Sunroof left open + sudden rain = ruined interior" goal = "Automate sunroof response to real-time weather conditions" # how it works sensors = ["rain detector", "DHT humidity", "LDR light level"] if rain or humidity > 85: close_sunroof() # motor actuator via relay elif sunlight > threshold: open_sunroof() # key learning takeaway = "Sensor fusion, control logic, and real-world actuator integration"

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ambico_design.py

1st Place - uOttawa Design Day

AMBICO Adjustable Door Cutting Jig

Led a student team to design and prototype a custom jig for AMBICO Inc., validated for manufacturability. Won competitive industry pitch.

CADPrototypingTeam LeadIndustry Client

# the brief client = "AMBICO Inc." ask = "Design an adjustable jig for precision door cutting on-site" # what we delivered my_role = "Team lead: coordinated design, prototyping, and client pitch" process = ["parametric CAD", "rapid prototyping", "manufacturability review"] validation = test_with_client("confirmed production-ready") # result outcome = "1st Place, uOttawa Design Day 2024" competed_against = "Full cohort of engineering design teams"

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