Jess Larmer

Queen's University - Mechanical Engineering

I am currently enrolled in mechanical engineering at Queen's University and am expecting to graduate in June 2010.

Projects

Current Projects

• MECH 461 - I am performing tests using environmentally friendly lubricants for use in forming titanium (used for surgical implants) and aluminum.

Past Projects

• MECH 460 - I helped to design a solar array suitable for a church. The project was used as a case study for implementation of photovoltaic technology on historic buildings.
• APSC 381 - I helped to redesign conventional lifeboats to incorporate appropriate technology. The design included solar panels on the lifeboats to supplement ship power.

Courses

• MECH 425 - Engineering for Sustainable Development
• MECH 435 - Internal Combustion Engines
• MECH 461 - Research Project
• MECH 480 - Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Volunteering

I currently volunteer for two on-campus committees - Project Outreach for Secondary School Education and Read for Fun by Frontier College. Project Outreach is a drama troupe who write and perform skits to high schools and campus organizations to promote awareness of social issues including oppression and identity. Read for Fun organizes homework clubs and reading circles to promote literacy in Kingston public schools.

I have a particular interest in behavioral development and have a specialized interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dyslexia. For the past two summers I have acted as the Special Needs Instructor for Science Quest, a camp run by the Queen's Engineering Society. I have also traveled to Wikwemikong, a native reserve on Manitoulin Island, to run aboriginal outreach programs to help foster an interest in science and engineering.