Carleton’s research in rehabilitation robotics piqued Colin Miyata’s interest while he was still in high school. With his fascination with design, biology and the “utility” of engineering, the university’s biomedical and mechanical engineering program was a perfect fit for the now 21-year-old, who graduates June 2013.

“I liked the idea that in engineering I wouldn’t just learn the principles, but would be taught how they applied to building and designing technology,” says Miyata, who has earned the Chancellor’s Medal.

When he worked on the school’s crash test dummy for his fourth-year project, the experience of developing sensors from scratch and trying to improve safety through design resonated with Miyata. Furthermore, his electives in bioinstrumentation and signals, as well as mechatronics, fuelled his passion for robotics, so that he began to tinker with systems as a hobby.

Then he decided to continue to pursue research in this field at Carleton’s Advanced Biomechatronics and Locomotion laboratory, which is making substantial progress in developing robotic systems for use in biomedical applications.

While he pursues his master’s of applied science in biomedical engineering, he will focus on developing a “smart skin” to improve robot safety by looking at control schemes and sensors that will allow safe human robot interaction between patients and the rehabilitative robot in the lab.

“It’s a field that allows me to explore robotics and use what I learn to help create better medical technology.”

Very surprised and excited to receive the Chancellor’s medal, Miyata admits, “I am honoured that my work over the past four years has been recognized by the university. Looking back, I am extremely happy and grateful for my time at Carleton. Through summer internships, courses and volunteer opportunities, the university gave me more opportunities to explore and learn than I had ever hoped.”

In particular, Miyata believes his professors were instrumental in guiding him through his research and his exploration of different fields in engineering.

“While I had to work hard . . . and stayed up more nights finishing work than I care to admit, I am glad I chose to come to Carleton.”