Danniel | Xingyu Hu

CV

👨‍🔬 Profile

Biomedical and Mechanical Engineer with strong project coordination skills in regulated medical device development. Experienced in managing technical documentation, timelines, and compliance tasks within ISO 13485 environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through concept, prototyping, experimental design, and validation phases, with a focus on efficient workflows and design quality.

🎓 Education

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
2023 to 2024
Master of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON
2018 to 2023
Bachelor of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering, Honours, Co-operative Program with Distinction, Biomechanics option

🛠 Summary of Qualifications

Technical Skills

  • CAD modelling: SolidWorks, Fusion360, Inventor
  • Simulation: MATLAB, FEA (Ansys), ADAMS
  • Data Science: Python, Machine Learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch), SQL
  • Machine shop: Lathe, CNC machining, 3d printer, Laser cutter
  • UI/UX design: Adobe Photoshop, ProCreate, Canva, Figma, Microsoft Suites
  • Project Management: Gantt Chart Scheduling, Risk Assessment, Product Lifecycle Management
  • Regulatory & Compliance: ISO 13485, ISO 10993, FDA

Core Strengths

  • Strong collaboration with interdisciplinary teams in academic and industry settings
  • Effective communicator in both technical documentation and stakeholder presentations
  • Skilled in R&D and testing electromechanical systems for healthcare applications
  • Adaptable and quick learner in dynamic, research-driven environments

💼 Professional Experience

Elpis, Waterloo

March 2021 to April 2023
Co-founder & Lead Mechanical Designer

  • Co-led a two-year venture to develop PHANES, an innovative, electricity-free assistive device enabling people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to independently perform sit-to-stand and elliptical movement exercises.
  • Conducted extensive human-centred research to define post-rehabilitation mobility gaps, collaborating with SCI advocates, clinicians, KITE, and Praxis Spinal Cord Institute.
  • Designed and built a mechanically-actuated posture transformation mechanism, enhancing physical activity access for users through safe, stable, and accessible motion paths.
  • Led the mechanical design of key components:
    • Developed 3d CAD models and mechanical assemblies in SolidWorks.
    • Performed dynamic simulation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate link arm forces and structural safety.
    • Iterated lift arm and base assembly designs to reduce fatigue and improve manufacturability.
  • Drafted early-phase DHF-style documentation, including kinematic analysis, risk assumptions, and iterative prototypes.
  • Managed prototype fabrication, system testing, stakeholder presentations, and funding proposals, resulting in $20K in support and Top 5 finalist recognition in the Praxis SCI Ideation Challenge (2022 & 2023).

The KITE Institute, Toronto

May 2024 to August 2024
R&D Engineering Intern with Dr. Jose Zariffa

  • Led the end-to-end redesign of a handheld sEMG device for SCI rehab, improving form factor, achieving 1 kHz and 2 kHz signal fidelity, and enhancing clinical usability.
  • Coordinated hardware-software integration with touchscreen UI development, ensuring real-time signal visualization and therapist-friendly workflows.
  • Delivered a validated prototype with full design documentation (code, CAD, schematics), supporting cross-functional handoff for future clinical deployment.

Ideation Clinic, Remote

September 2022 to 2023
Program Liaison / Ideator In Training (IIT)

  • Coordinated inter-university projects on spinal cord injury innovation with McMaster and Alberta.
  • Led redesign of clinic’s website and outreach materials, increasing event engagement in 2022–23.
  • Designed promotional graphics and banners to boost online presence and recruitment.

STI Conveyor System, Barrie

January to April 2020
R&D Development Engineering Student

  • Engineered a high-efficiency wheel wash mechanism for automotive conveyor systems, leveraging SolidWorks for design, which resulted in a 200% boost in cleaning efficiency and a reduction in maintenance downtime.
  • Initiated and executed a project management system overhaul by implementing an SQL Server database, enhancing the traceability of project metrics.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative features into existing car wash systems.

Esgyn, Guiyang

May to August 2019
Q&A Engineer

  • Verified data storage, read, and write service capabilities for each database feature of EsgynDB Cord bank server end.
  • Tested the interoperability and compatibility of other technologies of the BIG data ecosystem with EsgynDB applied to the new database architecture for Guiyang Bank.
  • Worked as a project manager and internal administration manager to keep the workspace working efficiently.

📦 Relevant Project

En-Take, Toronto

January 2025 to Present
Personal Project | Co-designed with UI/UX & Inclusive Designers

  • Designed and prototyped a handheld smart pillbox integrating a 1.28” round touchscreen, ESP32-S3 microcontroller, and rechargeable battery for elderly users with chronic conditions.
  • Led mechanical design, electronics integration, and snap-fit enclosure fabrication using CAD and FDM 3d printing.
  • Collaborated on an intuitive circular UI with accessible navigation and progress tracking features, tailored to inclusive design principles.

🏆 Honours and Awards

President’s Scholarship of Distinction, University of Waterloo — 2018

The Best Mechanical Design Capstone Award, University of Waterloo — 2023

Top 7 Finalist, Velocity 5K Medical Device Pitch Competition — 2023

Finalist, Problem Lab — 2022

Finalist, Praxis Ideation Challenge — 2022

Praxis SCI Grant, SCI-focused Innovation Project — 2022