Zenith Fellow Mentee, Class of 2025
Toronto Metropolitan University - B.Eng Aerospace Engineering (w/ a Minor in Economics)
Mentor: Sean Mitra

Umar Shabbir is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering and a Minor in Economics from Toronto Metropolitan University. His expertise spans leadership, project management, and technical aerospace applications, with hands-on experience in rocketry and propulsion systems.

During his undergraduate studies, Umar was actively involved in aerospace extracurriculars. He contributed to the LR-101 rocket engine testing campaign (2021), where he gained his first experience working with a kerolox motor as part of the operations team under Launch Canada. He later served as Team Director of the Metropolitan Aerospace & Combustion Hub (MACH), leading a team of over 70 students in the development of a nitrous-ethanol liquid rocket engine (dubbed GAR-E). Under his leadership, MACH secured second place in the Launch Canada 2023 tech demonstration competition.

Currently, Umar is a Senior Project Coordinator at CIBC, where he applies agile methodologies to develop his leadership and project management skills further. Beyond his professional role, he remains deeply involved in the space and STEM community, advising teams on theoretical hypersonic engines, Martian rover challenges like CIRC, and ofcourse, amateur model rocketry initiatives. Committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation, he actively supports students and young innovators, helping them navigate their journeys with the same passion that drives his own work.