MEET THE TEAM
The Solar Floatie Team is made up of students from various streams within the fields of engineering and the liberal arts. The team is further divided into research, design, tracking, simulations, and implementation sub-teams. Each member brings a unique perspective, as well as different knowledge and skills, that has made this project possible.
TIFFANY LIN
Research and Implementation Teams
Tiffany is a third year student studying Humanities and became interested in the socio-economic and cultural impact this project could have. She wanted to be a part of this project to better understand how sustainable projects can be implemented positively and impact community growth. Her background allowed her to view the project from various disciplines that are not usually included in project development.
JUSHWIN MAHAL
Optical and Design Teams
Jushwin is a student in his final year of Mechanical Engineering. His previous experience with the research topic has proved to be an asset to the project, giving him the opportunity to work in parallel with his research. In addition, he was drawn to the project's potential to have positive social impact for remote and developing communities.
JAVERIA MIRZA
Research and Implementation Teams
Javeria is a student in her final year of studies in Global Politics with a background in policy research. She became involved with this project because of her interest in analyzing the different, often conflicting, viewpoints that go into the implementation of a sustainable development project. This led her to become a part of the research and implementation teams of the project.
JARED MORROW
Electrical and Tracking Teams
Jared is in his final year of Electrical Engineering and has a deep passion for green technologies and sustainable energy solutions. This project provides him with an opportunity to build a light and feasible technology that can be used to provide energy in remote areas, especially in the developing world. He is also an avid camper, and is very interested in off-grid living; Jared spent his 3rd year at York living out of his van.
THERESA NGUYEN
Heat Design and Research Teams
Theresa is a student in her final year pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a degree in International Development Studies. Her knowledge in these two fields sparked her interest in technology solutions that have a long-term positive impact in the world. This project provided her with an opportunity to further develop her manufacturing and design capabilities.
SOGAND TALEBI
Tracking and Research Teams
Sogand is in her final year of Space Engineering and was excited to be a part of a project that uses technology for the betterment of society. She was able to take a course called 'Engineering for developing communities' in Ethiopia and learned about the great impact that sustainable energy solutions can have. In addition, everything she has learned about advancements in solar technology will be useful in the space sector.
MEGAN TRAN
Research and Implementation Teams
Megan is in her final year of study in the International Studies program at Glendon, York University's bilingual campus. She has a strong interest in environmental issues, learning about different cultures, and is passionate about working with people. Her work on this project involved using her international perspective to navigate how the project could be implemented and adapted to meet the needs of local communities.
SANDRA YOUNIS
Design and Simulations Teams
Sandra is in her final year of Mechanical Engineering and has had previous experience working on a parabolic reflector design project. This experience with low-cost solar reflectors was one of her primary motivations to further explore this subject. Her knowledge and experience with SolidWorks has been an asset to the team and has helped to take her understanding of the topic to another level.
DR. THOMAS COOPER
Supervisor
Dr. Thomas Cooper received his BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and his MSc and DrSc in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich. Prior to joining the Mechanical Engineering faculty at the Lassonde School of Engineering, Dr. Cooper was a postdoctoral associate in the NanoEngineering group at MIT. His research unites the fields of thermal science, optics, and materials, with the goal of realizing new systems for efficiently harvesting solar energy and converting it into useful forms: electricity, heat, and fuels. He is the head of the CooperLab at York University.