Umair Khan

From a young age I have always been interested in how electrical devices work. In grade 6, I made a very simple car that had two wheels operated by a stepper motor and a switch to make the car run forward or backward (change polarity). This accomplishment intrigued me so much that I added LEDs in the front and back end of the car. I also added it under the car to give it a neon look, just because I though it would be cool to add it in. I wanted this car (which was made from cardboard) to be as flashy as I can possibly make it. At the time my LED's kept dying on me (power supply was too large for the LED) and I did not understand why and this curiosity got me hooked to learning more about how electricity works. This curiosity of mine ended up being a "burden" on my parent because I would open up devices such as remotes and other electronics, just to check out whats going on behind the cover; but then be unsuccessful at putting some of the devices back together.

Once I got into grade 9 (high school) I took a computer science course which taught me how to code Java for the first time. Once again I was so moved by the applications and programs that I was able to create with Java that programming became a major part in my life. I created RPG games and learned many cool thing like digital arts to improve upon my development skills.

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to go into a program that not only involved programming but also taught me more about electricity. I wanted my code to make an impact in my real life and after 5 long years of my program, I now possess the knowledge of how to program micro-controller, Programmable logic controllers (PLC), and PID controllers, as well as developing applications, using databases and best of all combining it together to make a robot. After watching my code move physical objects, I wanted to take my skill set to the next level.

When I worked at Dana Corporation, I was put in charge of many projects and was exposed to many automation systems which I was able to use to build my skills and be able to come up with many project ideas of my own.

I am currently working on an independent home automation system where my entire room is going to be automated, from the door to the windows to lights. I am also working towards acquiring my Professional Engineer in the near future.