Karim Bouzid - 2024 Winning Essay
The beginning of my journey as a leader in the field of science and engineering began in middle-school back when I still lived with my parents in Rouyn-Noranda. I created, with two of my best friends, an unofficial scientific group with the purpose of creating scientific gadgets: the Future-Gadget Laboratory. In less than three years, we managed to build an electrical zapper based on harmless static discharges, an HHO generator that separates the H2 and O2 from salted water, a propane-injected mini-furnace capable of melting copper, a manual electrical motor from copper windings and magnets, and a trebuchet capable of flinging 700g water balloons across 15m.
Now in my first year at the PhD in Electrical Engineering at Laval University (4.13/4.33), I aspire to become a University Professor. I have worked hard to that end: publishing 6 scientific papers, creating an international collaboration with the EPFL, completing research internships in Montreal, Italy, and Switzerland, working at a start-up in Toronto, teaching university classes, mentoring students, and winning a total of 14 scholarships, awards, and recognitions. Those includes "Best technical presentation", first price of the IEEE electronics competition, federal and provincial scholarships, excellency in research, and even being awarded the prestigious Vanier Scholarship. Yet, my favorite recognition remains "Most appreciated lab assistant" as it is a testimony of my love for teaching science and engineering.
I hope my love for gadgets will continue to inspire those around me and receiving the Mensa Canada Scholarship would help me pursue those ambitions.