Zenith Fellow Mentee, Class of 2025
University of Toronto Engineering Science: Physics
Mentor: Casia McLeod

Tyler’s passion for astrophysics and science, rooted in childhood curiosity, has defined his academic journey. Tyler grew up in rural Ontario, in a village called Lansdowne. With a population of only 500, there was no visible light pollution. Each night, thousands and thousands of stars could be seen with the naked eye. Some of his fondest memories are of when he would stay up late to lie on the lawn, gazing up at the sky to watch the Perseids in July or constellations on calm nights, always wondering what was really out there. This love for space and the search for the unknown has driven Tyler to pursue astrophysics in Engineering Physics through the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science program, where he is currently in his third year of studies.

Tyler has always loved leveraging physics theory to solve practical problems. He is passionate about working with a team towards ambitious goals, and he is able to accomplish this through his work within the design team Blue Sky Solar Racing. As the prospective solar array team lead and a member of the aerodynamics team, Tyler has contributed to research in lamination materials, solar cells and aerodynamic simulation, and to development in aerodynamic design, array layouts, and fabrication of testing apparatuses. He has also helped with team advancement efforts, hosting recruitment and information booths at club fairs. Another design team Tyler is a part of is one which he founded and leads, Project FROST. Frost is a rover being designed for ice climate traversal for the exploration of ice moons like Europa.

Outside of school and design teams, Tyler enjoys playing soccer and volleyball intramurals, snowboarding, amateur astronomy, and nature walks. He also loves building Lego and solving Rubik’s cubes. Tyler is invigorated by the opportunity to partake in the advancement of Canada’s space discovery and innovation!