Alumni

Since 1988 WFR has been producing some of the top engineering talent graduating from Western University. Our members go on to work for some of the worlds most prestigious companies, solving the toughest engineering challenges. They carry with them the knowledge, work ethic, and professionalism developed whilst a member of WFR. Featured here are some of the team's most influential alumni; both to the team and in industry

Julius Callender

The Boring Company

Roles at The Boring Company

- Solving the problem of "soul destroying traffic"

- Working with his team to develop new tunneling technologies that will increase tunneling speed by a factor of 10.

- Electrification of diesel equipment

- Transportation system that will populate the tunnel system after it is complete.

2018 Technical Director

Member 2014 - 2018

- High levels of project ownership at WFR helped to prepare me for projects at TBC.

Jeff Mock

Apple

Roles at Apple
- Product Design Engineer, working on R&D project in new industry for Apple.
- Responsibilities include all phases of design from concept, through to modeling, analysis, prototyping, and testing.

2014 Technical Director
- This level of responsibility is similar to what WFR members experience, offering unparalleled preparation for R&D roles.

Matt Crossan

Mahindra Formula E

Roles at Mahindra Racing (Formula E)

- Simulation and performance engineer

- Devising energy management strategies for each race

- Race preparation and support using simulation and a driver simulator

- Competitor performance analysis

2015 Operations Director

Member 2012-2017

- Involvement in a wide range of projects at WFR including powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics helped develop a well-rounded approach to vehicle design

Julien Bertone

Deloitte

Roles at Deloitte

- Develop and apply negotiations strategy for international gold and copper mining contracts

- Create operational and financial models to find savings in open pit and underground mining activities.

- Conduct analysis for construction of explosives plant and chemical sourcing strategies in emerging countries.

2019 Internal & External Director

Member 2014-2019

- Mix of technical and business knowledge learned on the team allows me to interact confidently with client stakeholders of all levels and backgrounds.

Ian Stothart

Jordan Engineering

Roles at Jordan Engineering

- Technical service provider.

- Designing, configuring, integrating, and implementing process control solutions using PLC, SCADA, and HMI Programming.

- Troubleshooting, installing, commissioning, and validating projects at client sites.

2019 Electrical Technical Director

- Technical knowledge gained on the team had a direct impact by providing a deeper understanding of different technical aspects that are part of my job.

- Business knowledge gained on the team helped me develop the skills needed to interface and build relationships with clients.

Alex Parrone

JMP Solutions

Roles at JMP

- Contribute to a variety of robotic projects including case packers, palletizers, and assembly cells.
- Program PLC’s, robots, motion systems, and vision systems for JMP’s custom automation equipment.
- Testing at JMP and equipment installation support at customer sites across North America.
- Exercise Project Management skills through risk planning, scheduling, and supporting customers.

2019 Electrical Technical Director

Member 2014-2019

-The mix of technical and business experience this teams offers was invaluable in allowing me to interact in all levels of systems integration with competency and confidence.

Sameh Khan

Rivian Automotive

Roles at Rivian Automotive

Aerodynamically optimizing concept vehicles for external drag reduction, thermal human comfort, and aeroacoustics.

- Developing testing equipment for full-scale rolling wind tunnel tests.

- Collaborating with design studio to bring together aesthetic design and engineering principles.

2016 External Director

Member 2012-2019

Leadership roles at WFR helped develop data-driven, customer-focused approach, which lends itself beautifully to new product development.

Nate Huffman

Zoetis Inc.

Roles at Zoetis Inc

- Design automation and robotics cells for chicken hatchery.

- Develop and test new products and product improvements for the hatchery market.

- Support manufacture and commissioning of automation cells.

2016 Technical Director

Member 2013-2016

- The opportunity to apply my engineering and teamwork skills to a tangible and rewarding project, gave me confidence in my abilities, and awareness of my limitations, that has been invaluable to my professional development.

Nathan Leifer