About Me
Dexter Lagasca Zamora, EIT
Academic Background
I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) from Simon Fraser University (SFU). I then completed my Master of Applied Science in Mechatronic Systems Engineering at SFU’s NeuroSpine Lab, where I was awarded the NSERC CGS-M Scholarship.
Alongside research, I have worked to communicate technical ideas clearly to broader audiences. I won 1st place in SFU’s Faculty of Applied Science 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and later received the People’s Choice Award in the SFU Finals. These experiences strengthened how I present complex work in a concise and accessible way.
I am now continuing my academic path as a PhD student in Bioengineering at Imperial College London, where I work closely with an industry collaborator through the MultiSci iCASE programme.
Professional Journey
My professional journey started as an undergraduate co-op term working at EIM Technology as an Electronics Engineer/Technical Writer. I was offered to work there after the co-op term ended. My responsibilities varied widely from contributing to an educational book to electrical testing to leading summer classes as a STEM Instructor. These experiences improved my leadership skills and taught me the adaptability necessary to succeed in a small startup environment, contributing to my current research endeavours.
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of biomechanics, surgical technology, and device development. I am interested in how quantitative measurement and modelling can improve surgical decision-making. Broadly, I enjoy projects that apply user-centred design principles to engineering approaches to translate findings into practical tools and workflows.
Volunteer Experiences
Alongside my academic and professional background, I actively pursue volunteer opportunities to participate in events that promote and demonstrate advancements in medical robotics. An exciting event I volunteered for was the Cybathlon 2024, which took place at ETH Zürich in October. I was the referee for the Vancouver hub for the teams competing from Western Canada. This competition hits the core of my belief - developing meaningful engineering solutions that directly improve people’s lives.
Beyond the Work
Outside my research, I am an avid language learner and music enthusiast. I enjoy the challenge of mastering different ways of communicating. Music is my creative outlet, and I enjoy expressing emotions sonically. These interests in language and music enrich my perspective, fueling my curiosity and creativity in my research and personal life.
Currently, I’m part of an amazing lab that actively engages in university events, including fun community activities like handing out Halloween treats to local elementary school kids. This year, I added a creative twist by making my own 3D-printed Remy from Ratatouille costume, bringing some movie magic to the event! Shoutout to Christina Ernst for the inspiration—check out her website and her version of Remy that went viral!