Space Exploration Microfluidic Engineer | Leo
Leonardo Cabrera Ortiz was a microfluidic biosystems engineer at the Canadian Space Agency, in partnership with the National Research Council, in Quebec, Canada. Keep reading to learn more about what it was like to work alongside astronauts and work on nanobiotechnology that will soon be in space!
How did you get to where you are today?
This is a great question! Ever since high school, I knew I’d always had a gut instinct to pursue something that would have a positive impact on people and humanity — but I didn’t quite know where or how I could find that! That is where Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo stood out to me as a new and interesting field that combines many disciplines and sparked a sense of curiosity in me.
After having my first year online, I found it difficult to stay curious and motivated in the program, failed a course, and seriously considered switching programs. After a timely conversation with my mother and a live-streamed version of the 2022 Norman Esch Pitch Competition where fourth years presented their capstone design projects, I was mesmerized by how such incredible inventions can come from students only a few years ahead of me. It re-sparked curiosity and willingness to continue in the program. I had a new outlook and challenged myself to one day see myself up there.
What are the main responsibilities of your job? What project(s) have you taken on?
My initial role was to perform analytical tests on biological samples in the laboratory and to simultaneously perform experiments on MicroPREP, a Canadian biomedical device aimed to be deployed on the ISS in the upcoming years. A lab-on-a-chip device can take a sample of body fluids and isolate multiple macro-molecules such as DNA, proteins, or rare cells, making it possible to assess immune system state, inflammation, bone loss, or radiation effects.
During my first four months, I demonstrated my capacity to learn and perform these experiments to high-quality standards quickly and produced results that the team could trust. Eager to continue contributing to the team, I took the initiative of authoring several internal NRC reports, presenting them to both internal and external collaborators, attended the Canadian Space Conference at l’Université de Montreal, and participated and won first prize at the CSA intern poster competition, showcasing CSA and NRC with the MicroPREP project.
I took on a new project moving into my second 4-month term where I extensively contributed to creating a novel microfluidic interface that connects CSA-NRC technology to existing ISS analytical platforms. I conducted extensive research on microfluidic technologies, space biotechnology, and learned new tools and software such as AutoCAD, 3D printing and microfabrication processes to engineer the initial draft. I presented my work to CSA and NRC and received high praise for my contributions.
What’s your favourite part about your job?
I had an incredibly unique experience of having two employers in CSA and NRC, allowing me to build a large professional network, experience two different company roles, and also in a new city (in both English and French)!
The peers and teams at both companies were filled with brilliant and wonderful people and shared outstanding workplace environments, not to mention I worked alongside astronauts!
I was able to get an understanding of both the R&D aspect at NRC, as well as the overhead project management world at the CSA — and be the unique link that bonded the two together. For example, I would be able to provide in-depth scientific reports at the large scale of the project with CSA and be able to creatively work in the laboratory on individual experiments at NRC.
Moving to Montreal, although separate from the workplace, was an incredible city to live in as a student. I loved the energy, the people, the bilingualism, and all the different foods, parks, bars and tourist attractions! Definitely recommend checking it out if you can.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learnt was how important it is to always be curious, not be afraid to ask questions, and try new things! As a co-op student, we are so lucky to be placed directly “in the deep end” of the workplace, and you have all the resources and opportunities there to learn and absorb as much as you can — take advantage of it! Talk to everyone, build your network, ask for new projects, be eager, find that spark and chase it.
What are you planning on pursuing after graduation? Do you need a postgraduate degree for your job?
Not exactly sure at the moment! I like to take things one step at a time, although I do see myself after this co-op diving deeper into the biotechnology and nano-biosystems route. This route may require a postgraduate degree in the future; however, time will tell!
