I’m Asees Kaur
Come Explore
About Me
I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering Co-op student at the University of Victoria. My main interest is in the innovation of biomedical design and increasing the accessibility of global healthcare. I grew up in Powell River BC, the Sunshine Coast. It is where my passion for over-night excursions, exploration, and sustainability came from.
Additionally, I am a co-founder of Speedy Salad, a Vancouver-based urban agricultural start-up, that utilizes an automated hydroponic system to grow microgreens. I hope to be on the forefront of new sustainable practices and help bridge the gap between nutrition and accessibility in urban communities.
Click below to learn about my company.
Educational Background
What I’ve Learned
September 2017Â - Present
University of Victoria
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | Mechanical Engineering
I am currently specializing in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Aided Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing. Additionally, I am pursuing my honours thesis on "The Finite Element Analysis on Reverse Shoulder Replacements", under the supervision of Dr. Joshua W. Giles. I have also received the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research award 2021.
September 2014 - June 2017
Brooks Secondary School
Dogwood Diploma
Throughout grades 10 - 12, I remained an active member of the community. I was a part of the Youth Rotary Club where we developed medical aid and hygiene kits for residents of the Sierra Leone Region. Furthermore, I was awarded recognition for my excellence in math, physics, and biology. I also participated in an outdoor learning program, which involved a 5-day trek through the Powell Forest Canoe route.
Professional Experience
Background & Expertise
September 2019Â - Present
Co-Founder |Â Speedy Salad
A Vancouver-based urban agricultural start-up, that utilizes an automated hydroponic system to grow microgreens. I am actively involved in the R&D of the hydroponic technology and product development.
Assisted in the design of an automated watering system to maintain overall consistency within the crops.
Involved in all aspects of marketing from creating social media posts to networking with professionals within the agricultural industry.
Collaborated on developing the website and all informational content for customers.
Led administrative tasks such as obtaining proper licensing for each employee.
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Vancouver, BC | speedysalad.ca
May 2021Â - Present
Mechanical Test Engineer Co-op / Work Study | Victoria Hand Project
Assisted in the continued development of the 3D printed Victoria Hand upper-limb prosthetic device, for deployment in developing countries.
Currently developing a low-cost cosmetic glove that can cover an upper-limb prosthetic to create a more natural appearance.
I led tensile testing initiatives on determining the effects on 3D printed specimens under various forms and concentrations of sterilization solutions.
Worked independently to perform load tests on the VC200 and VC300 prosthesis, to identify recurring failure regions.
Improved the overall photogrammetry methodology to minimize the rate of error in the development of 3D limb models.
Victoria, BC | victoriahandproject.com
September 2021 - January 2021
Research Associate Co-op | UVic Ortho Tech & Biomech Lab
Led the development of a novel pipeline to create finite element models of a scapula’s statistical intensity model (SIM), for further analysis on deformation and fatigue.
I performed medical image segmentation on scapulae using Materialise Mimics software, to create test models.
I created a series of Python scripts to generate a virtual 3D CT scan model.
Utilized a 3D Slicer software store all associated material properties from the SIM within the voxels of the model.
Created a instructional manual for the current project.
Victoria, BC | OT&B.com
May 2021 - September 2021
Mechanical Engineer Co-op | UVic COVID-19 Response Team
Assisted the Vancouver Island community to alleviate the immediate need for medical grade PPE’s as well as address other COVID-19 related engineering challenges.
Designed and manufactured 3D-printed PPE equipment for frontline health care workers across Vancouver Island.
Manufactured an automated ultraviolet cabinet for the Willerth Laboratory, to sterilize PPE equipment.
Employed practices such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and circuitry.
Led a research project for Dr. Rishi Gupta, which consisted of modelling the multi-phase flow in a wash basin with ANSYS, to predict particle deposition/distribution with fluids embedded with COVID-19. ​​
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Victoria, BC | Cov19Response.ca
January 2019 - May 2019
Predictive Reliability Engineer Co-op | Paper Excellence
Worked within the predictive reliability department to minimize damage to machinery and reduce the number of hazard within the paper mill.
Designed and constructed a water-mist suppression system above a series of hard pressure rolls in the paper machine, resulting in minimal thermal shock.
Coordinated with suppliers/vendors and internal engineering resources to obtain prototype parts and equipment.
Performed tests for fatigue and structural loading on steam dryer cans to assess their functionality
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Powell River, BC | paperexcellence.com
My Projects
Work Portfolio
My Skills
Find my collection of skills I've acquired through my experience, projects, and school.
Software
SolidWorks CAD/Simulation
Fusion360 CAD/Simulation
MasterCam & Vericut
ANSYS Fluent & OpenFOAM
Abaqus CAE
MATLAB, C++, Python, JavaScript
LabVIEW
OpenStudio
MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Mechanical
3D Printers (PLA, PVA, ABS, TPU)
3D Scanners
Laser Cutters
Machining (CNC Mill & Lathe)
GD&T
Soldering Irons
Linear Circuitry
Composite Manufacture
Research
Here is a view into some of my recent manuscripts that are under revision or in preparation.
Arklie, K., Kaur, A., Peirone, M., Abelseth, L., Willerth, S.M., Dechev, N. (under review) The Effects of Sterilization Treatments on The Tensile Properties of 3D Printed Prosthetics.
Kaur, A., Studders, C., Haugan, D., Giles, J. W. (intended submission September 2021). FEA of Reverse Shoulder Replacements.
Jamie Cassel's Undergraduate Award (JCURA)
I am the recipient of the JCURA 2021 award, for my research within the Ortho Tech & Biotech Lab under the supervision of Dr. Joshua W. Giles.
In detail, I looked into the development of a computational modeling process that will enable a more efficient way to analyze the biomechanical effects of various designs for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. This includes, statistical modelling of the anatomical variability in the patient population as well as existing Finite Element modelling methods.
Click below for my academic poster and a video for an in-depth explanation.
Interests and Hobbies
No matter how busy life gets, I believe in continuous personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and a variety of activities. Take a look below to learn more about what I like to do in my spare time, you'll find all these pictures were taken on some of my adventures.
Fitness
Regardless of how busy I get I make time to be highly active for at least 1 hour each day. Some days this includes high-intensity training or a run up Mount Doug; others, its a mild yoga session or a hike. The picture to the left was taken at the Eldred Valley in my hometown.