Student Feature: Q&A with Lorenzo De Finis

Lorenzo De Finis is a fifth year Mechanical Engineering major at the University of Guelph. He expects to graduate at the end of the Winter 2022 semester, and plans to move on to graduate studies in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Lorenzo is passionate about staying active, interacting with fellow U of G students, and donating blood. Continue reading to learn more about Lorenzo’s U of G experience.  

Tell us a bit about yourself.  

My days are usually occupied by work and school however, I always find time to stay physically active whether it be working out or running. I recently developed an interest in yoga and it’s been helping me keep my body healthy while I’ve been training for a Toronto half marathon in May 2022, shortly after I graduate (seems like a good way to celebrate)! 

I frequently go rock climbing at the Guelph Grotto which I am looking forward to doing more of when they finish their expansion. Also, I am a huge film buff. I enjoy watching movies with friends and family at home and I especially love going to theatres.  

What made you choose the University of Guelph?  

The University of Guelph was the only school I applied to for the Mechanical Engineering Co-op program. After visiting the campus and getting a personal tour from Jason Tyszka, then Recruitment Officer. I truly fell in love with the school. I knew the school had a co-op program which was a major decision factor, and I was already familiar with Guelph which helped make it the easiest decision of my life. It was also so close to my home and I didn’t want to move far away from my friends and family. 

What made you want to study mechanical engineering?  

Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology and I’ve always been curious to know how things worked beyond the basic level of functionality. I like working with my hands and tinkering with microcontrollers and sensors and I enjoy taking things apart and seeing what goes on behind the screen. I chose mechanical engineering because it seemed like the best pathway to gain a good foundation of engineering and that it could eventually lead me to specialize in an area, I found a greater interest. 

What made you choose to pursue the mechatronics stream?  

My passion and interest for technology led me to choose the mechatronics stream which gave me exposure to Robotic Systems, Intro to Mechatronics Systems Design, and now Advanced Mechatronics Systems Design. I found it was beneficial to take courses that allowed me to play with microcontrollers and get a credit at the same time. I began learning about weld robots in one of my internships which led me to want to work with them more. In Robotic Systems, I was exposed to using FANUC, Kuka, and Baxter robots which was the highlight of my program. 

What has been your campus life experience? Are you a part of any groups of clubs?  

I love UofG’s campus. I lived in Glengarry Hall first year and I had a single room. I met so many people and made several best friends that I am still friends with today! I frequently went to Creelman Hall or Mountain to get food and I loved going to the gym on campus. I joined various intramural teams for multiple years such as indoor and outdoor soccer, and pickleball. I competed in the Guelph Engineering Competition with one of my good friends and we came 3rd in the Reverse Engineering division. 

Who is your favorite professor and why?  

This is a tough question because I love so many of the professor that taught me. However, my all-time favorite course was having Matthew Demers and Kim Levere teach Calculus. They are the most genuine people and make a difficult subject way more entertaining and exciting. I really enjoyed the format of their course, midterm, and exam. Their economical workbook also makes it so much better. 

You were in the co-op program and have some unique work experiences. Tell is about those. What is something that you learned from one of your placements that has a lasting impact on you?  

I completed three co-op terms (16 months) and then instead of completing my last four-month co-op term, I was offered an eight-month internship that was too good to turn down and that’s when I requested to withdraw from co-op. However, the co-op program was essential to my learning experience and I loved the opportunity to work in various industries. 

I completed four months at Newmar Windows Manufacturing as a Manufacturing Engineer, eight months at Sleeman Breweries as a Maintenance Engineer, four months at SAF-Holland as a Manufacturing Engineer, and lastly, I am currently working at ABB for an eight-month internship as an Automation Engineer. 

I learned that finding a company that has a culture that resonates with you is so important, and especially your manager must share that as well. My first manager was an amazing influence on me and really cultivated a friendly and enjoyable learning environment. 

Congratulations on getting accepted into the MASc. program at the University of Waterloo for Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. What do you want to study and research? How do you feel the University of Guelph prepared you for this?  

I am excited to be working in the Mechatronic Vehicle Systems Laboratory. I hope to focus my research on Robotics and AI. I may research path planning, perception and control but ultimately it will be an area that my Advisor and myself decide on depending on what projects are currently going on in the lab and where I find the most interest. The University of Guelph offers so many resources that has helped prepare me for this opportunity. The courses offered in the mechatronics stream and the co-op experiences I had allowed me to gain the interest and the knowledge that has led me to this new and exciting opportunity. 

Is there anything else about you that you’d like to tell us?  

Fun fact – since I started my program, I have donated blood nine times, something I hope to do more of in the future. I realized how much they need people to donate and there are so many people who can’t for various reasons, and I am one of the people who is young and healthy. I had no reason not to. 

Also, reminder to take care of yourself and that sometimes putting yourself first is not a bad thing.