Matthew Richardson

Twelfth cohort

Scholars Academy

Biomedical Engineering

3rd Year

Contact information

Biography

Growing up, I always loved creating things. In school science fairs, I prototyped adaptable chair legs and water filtration devices. These projects sparked my interest in addressing accessibility problems using engineering principles. As a biomedical engineering student, this passion has now become my professional focus. In the future, I hope to work on prostheses and assistive mobility technologies.

Outside of my studies, I am the mechanical lead of the Go Baby Go Original Design Team on campus. We are designing and prototyping a cost-effective pediatric wheelchair and implementing a modular design which can “grow” with the child. As a result, we hope to increase the longevity of the device while also decreasing the economic barrier to access.

In my community, I have been involved with KidSport Calgary and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank - local charities covering sports fees and equipment costs for low income families. Over multiple summers, I have outfitted over 225 kids in equipment and helped send over 2500 items to groups across Alberta.

This past summer, I conducted a research project at the Pediatric Onset of Neuromotor Impairments (PONI) Lab at the Alberta Children’s Hospital comparing a portable spasticity assessment device to current clinical scales for children with cerebral palsy. In this position, I was also able to perform muscle testing assessments on participants and assist with robotic gait training.

In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey, golf and a good round of spikeball with friends!

Awards

  • BME - Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute Award (2023)
  • Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship (2022)
  • Dean’s List - Schulich School of Engineering (2022)
  • Darren Beatty Memorial Scholarship (2022)
  • University of Calgary Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship (2021)
  • University of Calgary President’s Admission Scholarship (2021)
  • Governor General’s Bronze Academic Medal (2021)
  • Dr. Robert Thirsk Award for Outstanding Citizenship and Academic Achievement (2021)