Miguel T.
College student/Aspiring Mechatronics & Prosthesis Engineer
Maputo,
Mozambique
About
I am a McMaster University Engineering I (Co-op) student pursuing a path toward Mechatronics Engineering, with a strong focus on robotics, bionics, embedded systems, CAD, biomimetic design, neuroscience, and human-machine interfaces.
My current technical work is centered on the development of a low-cost bionic prosthetic arm. The project combines mechanical design, servo-driven actuation, Arduino-based control, myoelectric sensing, custom electronics, power distribution, wearable integration, and iterative CAD development. I have been involved directly in the prototyping process, including mechanical revisions, electronics integration, control-system development, testing, troubleshooting, and preparation for the transition from modular prototype electronics toward a professionally designed custom PCB.
Through this work, I have gained practical experience with Arduino-based embedded systems, C/C++ programming, servo control, PCA9685-based actuation, myoelectric interfaces, potentiometer feedback, circuit integration, power-management considerations, CAD development, 3D-printable mechanical systems, and the coordination of electrical and mechanical design constraints within a compact prosthetic structure.
My approach to engineering is highly iterative and systems-oriented. I prefer to understand how each subsystem interacts with the rest of the design rather than treating mechanical, electrical, and software elements as isolated components. This is especially important in prosthetics, where mechanical structure, actuator placement, sensing, control, ergonomics, power delivery, and manufacturability all have to work together as one integrated system.
My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of some of the most advanced bionic prosthetic systems in the world. I am particularly interested in full-body prosthetics, advanced upper- and lower-limb prostheses, humanoid robotics, biomimetic systems, neuroscience-informed engineering, myoelectric control, neural interfaces, intelligent robotic control, and technologies that can restore or extend human physical capability.
I am also deeply interested in the relationship between biological systems and engineering. Biomimicry, human biomechanics, neuromuscular control, sensory feedback, and the way biological movement can inspire robotic mechanisms are all areas I want to continue studying and applying throughout my career.
Beyond technical performance, I care strongly about accessibility and manufacturability. One of my major interests is reducing the cost and complexity of advanced prosthetic systems so that high-performance assistive technology can become available to far more people. I see engineering quality, affordability, reliability, and scalability as goals that should be developed together rather than treated as separate priorities.
As I continue my engineering education and professional development, I am looking to work with experienced designers, engineers, manufacturers, and researchers who value clear communication and technical transparency. When I commission engineering work, I want to understand the design decisions being made, the reasoning behind them, and how the final system can be tested, maintained, modified, and improved over time.
I value reliable engineering, strong documentation, manufacturability, thoughtful testing, and long-term system development. My goal is not simply to build individual prototypes, but to develop increasingly capable robotic and prosthetic systems that can eventually contribute meaningfully to the future of bionics, humanoid robotics, and human-machine integration.
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My current technical work is centered on the development of a low-cost bionic prosthetic arm. The project combines mechanical design, servo-driven actuation, Arduino-based control, myoelectric sensing, custom electronics, power distribution, wearable integration, and iterative CAD development. I have been involved directly in the prototyping process, including mechanical revisions, electronics integration, control-system development, testing, troubleshooting, and preparation for the transition from modular prototype electronics toward a professionally designed custom PCB.
Through this work, I have gained practical experience with Arduino-based embedded systems, C/C++ programming, servo control, PCA9685-based actuation, myoelectric interfaces, potentiometer feedback, circuit integration, power-management considerations, CAD development, 3D-printable mechanical systems, and the coordination of electrical and mechanical design constraints within a compact prosthetic structure.
My approach to engineering is highly iterative and systems-oriented. I prefer to understand how each subsystem interacts with the rest of the design rather than treating mechanical, electrical, and software elements as isolated components. This is especially important in prosthetics, where mechanical structure, actuator placement, sensing, control, ergonomics, power delivery, and manufacturability all have to work together as one integrated system.
My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of some of the most advanced bionic prosthetic systems in the world. I am particularly interested in full-body prosthetics, advanced upper- and lower-limb prostheses, humanoid robotics, biomimetic systems, neuroscience-informed engineering, myoelectric control, neural interfaces, intelligent robotic control, and technologies that can restore or extend human physical capability.
I am also deeply interested in the relationship between biological systems and engineering. Biomimicry, human biomechanics, neuromuscular control, sensory feedback, and the way biological movement can inspire robotic mechanisms are all areas I want to continue studying and applying throughout my career.
Beyond technical performance, I care strongly about accessibility and manufacturability. One of my major interests is reducing the cost and complexity of advanced prosthetic systems so that high-performance assistive technology can become available to far more people. I see engineering quality, affordability, reliability, and scalability as goals that should be developed together rather than treated as separate priorities.
As I continue my engineering education and professional development, I am looking to work with experienced designers, engineers, manufacturers, and researchers who value clear communication and technical transparency. When I commission engineering work, I want to understand the design decisions being made, the reasoning behind them, and how the final system can be tested, maintained, modified, and improved over time.
I value reliable engineering, strong documentation, manufacturability, thoughtful testing, and long-term system development. My goal is not simply to build individual prototypes, but to develop increasingly capable robotic and prosthetic systems that can eventually contribute meaningfully to the future of bionics, humanoid robotics, and human-machine integration.
Experience
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Graphic and Web Designer
Marcas Perfumaria · Part-time
Apr 2026 –
Aug 2026
4 mos
Av. 24 de Julho 1295 (esquina com Rua José Sidumo), Maputo, Mozambique
For the past three years, I have worked part-time at Marcas while continuing my studies, taking on responsibilities across both graphic design and customer-facing retail operations.
As a graphic designer, I have supported the development of advertising and promotional material for the company, contributing to visual campaigns, marketing assets, and other branded content. I have also assisted with preparation for international meetings and business communications, helping ensure that presentations and supporting materials were clear, professional, and appropriately presented.
Alongside my design responsibilities, I have also worked as a cashier, handling customer transactions, supporting day-to-day store operations, and maintaining a professional standard of service.
Balancing this role with school has helped me develop strong time-management, communication, and organizational skills while gaining practical experience in both creative and commercial environments.
Education
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Maputo International College
High School diploma, Sciences, 13
2024 – 2026
Activities and Societies:
null
I studied at Maputo International School And the finished my High School education at Maputo International College, following the Cambridge curriculum with a strong focus on scientific and technical subjects in preparation for an engineering career.
My academic foundation was built primarily through Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Design & Technology. I was particularly interested in Design & Technology because it introduced me to structured problem-solving, technical design, and the process of turning ideas into practical solutions.
These subjects helped establish the analytical, scientific, and technical foundation that I now continue to develop through engineering studies and hands-on projects. -
Maputo International School
High School(No diplomma), Sciences, 12
2018 – 2024
Activities and Societies:
Programming, Basketball.
I studied at Maputo International School, following the Cambridge curriculum with a strong focus on scientific and technical subjects in preparation for an engineering career.
My academic foundation was built primarily through Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Design & Technology. I was particularly interested in Design & Technology because it introduced me to structured problem-solving, technical design, and the process of turning ideas into practical solutions.
These subjects helped establish the analytical, scientific, and technical foundation that I now continue to develop through engineering studies and hands-on projects.
Other experience
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STEM & Programming
I completed two short STEM training programs, each lasting approximately two weeks, focused on practical engineering and technology skills. The training covered areas including Arduino, basic electronics and circuitry, robotics, 3D printing, and the use of electronic hardware in prototype development. These courses helped strengthen my practical understanding of how mechanical, electrical, and embedded systems work together.
I also completed extensive programming coursework through Codingal, with more than 100 live classes and experience across Python, SQL, web development, data science, and AI fundamentals. My work has included Python programming, database creation and querying with SQL and SQLite, and front-end web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Through this training and continued independent practice, I would describe myself as an intermediate-level programmer, with the ability to build functional programs, work with databases, create web pages, and apply programming to engineering and technical projects.