Computer Science – Math – Ethics 
Victoria, BC, Canada
Intro
I am a 4th year honours undergrad at the University of Victoria, majoring in Computer Science and Math with a minor in Applied Ethics. While my span of interest is broad, my primary career goal is to develop safe artificial general intelligence to improve global well-being and 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.
I have now completed two 8-month long internships in computational neuroscience: the former in synapse simulation and the latter doing segmentation analysis of neurological ultrastructure via deep learning.
Work Experience
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.
– Hosted over 12 technical ML workshops (8 of which I presented personally), with an audience range of 10 to 200.
Deep Learning Intern – Tremblay Lab, Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria
(Sep 2021 – Sept 2022)
– 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
Researcher – AI Safety Camp
(Jan 2022 – Jun 2022)
– Explored technical solutions to problems surrounding AI deception and human dogmatism within training datasets
– https://aisafety.camp/
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)
Leo Mckee-Reid 