Richard Ding

Mechatronics Engineer (Almost)

World Traveller

Robotics Aficionado

Research Enthusiast

Richard Ding

Mechatronics Engineer (Almost)

World Traveller

Robotics Aficionado

Research Enthusiast

About Me

Hey there! My name is Richard.

I'm an engineering student at the University of Waterloo with a passion for building things that bridge physics, hardware, and design. My work spans from developing crystallography instrumentation at Cornell, to designing embedded mechatronics control systems, to pushing the boundaries of student rocketry. Outside the lab, you’ll probably find me on some most implusive trips or exploring new side projects that mix engineering with adventure.

  • Food (before everything): Poutine
  • Coffee: Large Black Cold Brew
  • Software SolidWorks, Ansys, Inventor, Fusion 360, KiCad, Altium, MeshLab, CATIA v5, AutoCAD
  • Languages Python, C, C++, Java, Git, LabVIEW, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, SQL, ROS
  • Technologies MCUs & Embedded Systems, MATLAB/Simulink, SimulationX, Oscilloscope, Linux/Docker
  • Manufacturing Mill & Lathe, 3D Printing, Soldering, Composite Fabrication, Waterjet, Laser Cut, Test Lab, GD&T
Things I'm Passionate About
Building Cool Stuff

Give me some parts, a problem, and a bit of time — and I’ll probably hack together a solution. From PCB boards with way too many blinking LEDs, to a DIY crystallography rig at Cornell, I just love making ideas real.

Cycling

Cycling is how I explore. Some days it’s just grinding up Ithaca’s endless hills, other days it’s a 1,000+ km ride around Taiwan. For me, the bike is freedom, challenge, and adventure all rolled into one.

Shooting Rockets (Safely)

I’m part of Waterloo Rocketry, where we try to send student-built rockets as high as we can without losing them. I geek out over drag simulations, controls, and the kind of “will it fly?” engineering that’s equal parts science and chaos.

Writing

I like making tech less intimidating — whether that’s a paper, a build guide, or just a goofy blog post. Good stories make good projects even better.

Quote
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Systems Engineer
Experiences

This section includes every bits and pieces of my experience. For a brief overview, please refer to my Résumé found on the bottom left side.

Experience
Undergraduate Researcher
2025
Undergraduate Researcher
University of Waterloo

Working under Prof. Robert Nishida, I evaluated optical particle sensing methods for measuring aerosol concentration and properties. This work combined experimental testing with data analysis to assess the accuracy and limitations of low-cost sensors

Scientific Instrumentation Development intern
2025
Scientific Instrumentation Development intern
Cornell University

Under the supervison of Prof. Robert E. Thorne, I developed a low-cost, time-resolved crystallography instrument, including a gravity-drop plunger and cold-gas manifold for sub-20 ms precision. I also redesigned the electrical system into an integrated PCB architecture, unifying legacy subsystems and improving reliability

Controls Lead, Senior Member
2022 - 2025
Controls Lead, Senior Member
Waterloo Rocketry

As Controls Lead with Waterloo Rocketry, I spearheaded the design and testing of our airbrakes and canard-based active stability system,  guiding a 30-person interdisciplinary team. Seeing the canards respond in flight tests and stabilize the rocket was one of the most exciting milestones of my undergrad.

 

Research and Development Intern
2024
Research and Development Intern
Musashi Americas

At Musashi Americas, I developed a patented smart suspension sensing technology that delivered real-time vehicle telemetry at 75% lower cost than existing solutions.

Research Assistant
2024
Research Assistant
University of Waterloo

At the University of Waterloo’s OrthoTron Lab, I designed spinal tester components capable of 6-axis specimen loading, validating the design with finite element analysis. I also generated 3D-printed vertebrae models from CT scans to support biomechanical research.

Research Assistant
2023
Research Assistant
University of Waterloo

At Waterloo’s Ideas Clinic, I worked hands-on with multidisciplinary teams to tackle open-ended engineering design challenges. The experience gave me an early foundation in prototyping, teamwork, and translating ideas into functional hardware.

Team Co-Lead
2023
Team Co-Lead
UW React

Part in organizing the Robot in 3 Days challenge.

Audio-visual Events & Stores Assistant
2022
Audio-visual Events & Stores Assistant
University of Waterloo

I deployed JIRA asset management to track the flow of over 200 pieces of equipment in the store and upgraded the issue board for a more efficient workflow.
I oversaw the equipment operation of over 40 events on campus, providing all the necessary audio and visual setups required to run the event.

Deputy Store Manager / IT Technician
2020-2022
Deputy Store Manager / IT Technician
Hanor Luxury Care

Besides delivering excellent customer service by efficiently handling garments drop-offs and pickups. I attended to the mechanical equipment at multiple stores and performed regular maintenance and checkups to ensure smooth function.

Full Stack Developer
2017 - 2022
Full Stack Developer
Creatopia

I created a server for over 100+ daily active players for this personal business venture with a centralized server for players to engage on.

2019
Childcare Volunteer
Bright Beginners Childcare

In this role, I assisted daycare staff in supervising and engaging with children aged 1-5 years old and supported educational and recreational activities, such as storytime, arts and crafts, and outdoor play.

Education
2022 - 2027
BASc. Mechatronics Engineering
University of Waterloo

Relevant courses:

MTE 360 - Control Systems

MTE 322 - Electro-mechanical Machine Design

MTE 351 - System Modelling

2019-2022
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
London Central Secondary School

Overall average 99.83%,

Governor General's Academic Medal award.

2019-2020
Python Programming Course
Teen's Programming

Covered the fundamentals of python, data structures, linked lists, stacks, queues, OPP, algorithms (sorting, searching), time efficiency.

2019
Introduction to Web Design
Teen's Programming

Introduction to web design, basic HTML, CSS, static site

Projects - Click Name for Details

Canards
Mechatronics
Airbrakes
Mechatronics
Creatopia
Software
Sumo Robot
Mechatronics
Blizzard
Software
The Goosenator
Mechatronics

Cycling

Cycling is one of my favourite sports to relax and exercise. I love both long-distance road trips and mountain bikes.

Most recent journy took me to Taiwan, spent 2 weeks cycling the island.

Travelling

I have always enjoyed travelling since at a young age. Besides looking at the sceneries, tasting all the different local iconic dishes and relaxing, I also love learning about different cultures and history, and fully immersing myself in the local’s way of life.

I believe that travelling improved my interpersonal, problem-solving and geological skills, by creating opportunities for me to just go out and chat with the people I see, and explore things that are never available in a classroom.

 

A Chinese version of my travel blog can be found here: View

Get in Touch
  • Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
  • Phone: +1 (226)-789-9121
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Linkedin linkedin.com/in/richardding0417