Alex Urquhart is a 2021 graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering program at Carleton University, with a concentration in aerospace engineering. His degree also contained additional specialization in aerodynamics, propulsion, and vehicle performance studies.<\/p>\n
During Alex\u2019s undergraduate studies, he was a student member of the Sustainable Energy Systems Portfolio (SESP) Capstone Project, where he conducted research into the future role of conventional generation in Iqaluit. This work, conducted under the joint supervision of Dr. John Gaydos, Dr. Tarik Kaya and Dr. Edgar Matida, explored the feasibility of overhauling the existing electricity grid in Iqaluit to make it compatible with either a green-oriented diesel system or a new natural gas system. Topics studied included technical scenario development using MATLAB to model updated load forecasts, as well as financial impact studies to assess each option\u2019s long-term economic feasibility.<\/p>\n
As a member of the Carleton co-operative education program, Alex also completed a 16-month internship at Collins Aerospace in Oakville, Ontario, where he worked as a stress in-service analyst. This work involved the use of both classical and finite element (FE) stress analysis techniques to assess potentially compromised landing gear systems for possible airworthiness concerns. In this role, Alex also provided mentorship to new student analysts and assistance to the stress in-production team by conducting classical stress analysis on various in-development military aircraft.<\/p>\n
Alex is currently pursuing his Master of Applied Science degree at Carleton University under the joint supervision of Professors Jeremy Lalibert\u00e9 and Shawn Kenny. His research focus is on the design and testing of a new fixed-wing drone for cold-weather conditions, with particular emphasis on defining and constructing a proper envelope defining the drone\u2019s structural and performance limitations. He is excited for the opportunity to expand his knowledge of UAVs, gain further industrial-related experience, and diversify his skillset as a student engineer-in-training.<\/p>\n