About

Leo Mckee-Reid

Math – Computer Science – Ethics

Victoria, BC, Canada

leo.tzu.mr@gmail.com

Intro and Mission

I am a 4th year undergrad at the University of Victoria, majoring in Math and Computer Science with a minor in Applied Ethics. While my span of interest is broad, my primary goal is to develop safe artificial general intelligence to improve the well-being of all conscious creatures and to solve scientific mysteries.

In 2016 I completed my associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and had already begun working in the aerospace industry. While working on orbital rockets as a design engineer, I became increasingly interested and concerned with the field of artificial general intelligence and other existential risks. This field eventually became my top priority, motivating my career pivot and return to school.

In 2020 I completed an 8-month computational neuroscience internship, and I’m currently working as a deep learning intern doing segmentation analysis of neurological ultrastructure.

Work Experience


Deep Learning Intern – Tremblay Lab, Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria
(Sep 2021 – Current)
– In collaboration with the Biophotonics Core at the Salk Institute
– Training deep learning networks to identify and segment features in electron microscopy images, then stitch together many layers of images into 3D geometry for topological analysis


Club President – UVic AI
(July 2022 – Current)
– A machine learning student club at the University of Victoria focused on building ML models, exploring research, and hosting public lectures and competitions.


Computational Neuroscience Intern – Salk Institute for Biological Studies
(Sep 2019 – May 2020)
– Research and scientific programming in Python, C, and C++
– Collaboration on the latest version of the neurobiological simulation software (MCell) at the Computational Neurobiology Lab
– Research contribution for a public lecture series on science, technology, and ethics
Photo gallery


Editor and Author – Martlet Newspaper
(Sep 2018 – Aug 2019)
– Copy editing, interviewing, and writing for an independent newspaper based on UVic campus


Production Design Engineer – Rocket Lab
(Feb 2017 – Feb 2018)
– Composite department design engineer for a private orbital rocket company
– Design, procurement, and construction management of jigs, fixtures, molds, and large shop structures
– Project coordination to increase build repeatability and time and cost efficiency
Photo gallery


Composite Builder – Rocket Lab
(Jan 2017 – Feb 2017)
– Manufacturing of composite flight components and molds
– Research and development activities


Aircraft Design Intern – Nebula UAS
(Jul 2016 – Dec 2016)
– CAD modelling of complex UAVs
– Design and assembly of a vertical take-off and landing UAV prototype
– Procurement and supplier communications


Dynamometer Project Lead – Center for Aerospace Research
(Apr 2016 – Aug 2016)
– Led a team of 4 students in the design and manufacturing of a custom dynamometer for testing thrust, torque, speed, and power efficiencies of drone propellers, motors, and other flight electronics
– Mechanical and electrical systems design
Photo gallery


Aerostructure Lead – UVic Rocketry
(May 2016 – Jan 2017)
– University rocket team, launched to 11,000 ft in international competition, placing 3rd
– Responsible for all composite and most structural components (carbon tubes, nosecone, fins, internal structures, etc.)
Photo gallery


Mechanical Engineer Intern – LineSpect
(Jul 2015 – Sep 2015)
– Built composite multicopter airframes for the purpose of autonomous transmission towers inspection
– Designed and machined MDF molds using a CNC
– Calibrated and tested flight electronics (ESC, accelerometer, GPS, transmitter, compass)
Photo gallery

Languages and Software

Python, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, Octave
Blender, CellBlender, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor

Education


Math and Computer Science BSc; Applied Ethics minor – University of Victoria
(Sep 2018 – Current)
– Strategic Framework Experiential Learning Award


Online Courses
– Machine Learning – Coursera (in progress)
– Synapses, Neurons and Brains – Coursera
– Learn Advanced C++ Programming – Udemy
– C++ Tutorial for Complete Beginners – Udemy
– Learning How to Learn – Coursera


Mechanical Engineering Technology – Camosun College
(Sep 2014 – Dec 2016)
– Dean’s Honor Roll in Science/Engineering (top 15% GPA)