Tell us a little about yourself.  

I’m Chimdindu Albert Alison-Ukonu, a Grade 10 student at Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School in Regina, Saskatchewan. I’ve been drawn to robotics and computer engineering since I was young, and I’ve pursued that interest through my school’s Applied Technology program, picking up hands-on skills in AutoCAD, CNC machining, 3D printing, Python coding, woodworking, metalworking, and robotics along the way. Outside of class, I build my own robotics vehicles from scratch, wiring up motors, breadboards, Arduino boards, and Raspberry Pi systems to bring my ideas to life. Outside of my technological endeavours, I participate in creative programs when I play as a band musician, playing percussion in my school’s Symphonic Winds Band, and studying piano at the Conservatory of Performing Arts of the University of Regina. My passion to give back to my community led me to become a volunteer media officer at my local church and program officer at Flo-Oral, Hygiene Network, a youth-led non-profit that addresses oral hygiene and menstrual hygiene poverty in the community. I’m also a Silver Star gunner with the 2370 Royal Canadian Artillery Cadet Corps, where I serve as lead marching band drummer, an experience that has sharpened my discipline and deepened my sense of community.  In general, I’m someone who genuinely likes people. I enjoy cooking and playing chess; I aspire to make my family proud and to be a great older brother to my siblings who look up to me.

Why are you excited to participate in Shad? What are you most looking forward to?

What draws me to SHAD is the combination of STEM, entrepreneurship, and community that I may not find anywhere else. I’m most looking forward to the SHAD Design Challenge and the entrepreneurial workshops, where I can put my technical skills and problem-solving mindset toward a real-world issue alongside other driven students from across Canada. I’m also excited to live and learn in a university environment, surrounded by mentors and peers who push each other to think bigger. Being part of one of the most prestigious and impactful youth-to-high-school programs is an opportunity I am very grateful for.

What sparks your curiosity or interest in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?

I am driven by the passion to use technology to solve real-world problems while creating economic value. My interest in entrepreneurship and innovation elevated last summer at the University of Waterloo engineering faculty’s FLIGHT program, where I studied a widening gap between labour force growth and job creation in the GTA. This inspired my team and me to develop a mobile app that connects job seekers with local opportunities and assists them with certifications and training. Leading this project from research to delivering a final pitch to faculty and innovation staff taught me the rewarding experience of transforming curiosity into effective solutions. This same drive motivates me every time I work on a new robotics project.

How do you envision your future?

I see myself pursuing a career in computer engineering, building technology-driven solutions to problems that matter in my community and on a global scale. SHAD feels like a key step in the right direction, a place to sharpen the mindset and connections I’ll need to keep growing as an engineer, entrepreneur, and a leader who helps other people build confidence in their own abilities.