Martin Edwini-Bonsu

Projects Portfolio

Academic

Cardboard Chair Design

Cardboard Chair Project

APSC 100 - Introduction to Engineering
September 2021 – October 2021
  • Designed and constructed an innovative cardboard chair intended for schoolchildren in low-income communities in Kenya, focusing on sustainability and affordability.
  • Produced an educational video detailing the chair's features, stakeholder considerations, and the engineering design process behind its development.
  • Created a comprehensive poster showcasing design sketches, prototype iterations, and precise measurements, earning a project grade of 88%.
Skills Developed:
Stakeholder Engagement Product Design Project Management Microsoft Office Technical Drawing Prototyping
Distillation Column Setup

Distillation Laboratory Project

CHBE 366 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory
February 2024 – March 2024
  • Conducted a comprehensive distillation experiment separating n-propanol and n-butanol, demonstrating expertise in separation processes and laboratory techniques.
  • Analyzed 23 distinct parameters across 9 equilibrium stages using Excel and Python, showcasing strong data analysis and process modeling capabilities.
  • Documented findings in a detailed technical report that earned a grade of 94%, highlighting clear communication of complex chemical engineering concepts.
Skills Developed:
Distillation Data Analysis Refractometry Technical Writing Microsoft Office Python Process Simulation
Microfluid System Design 2

Microfluid System Project

CHBE 366 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory
March 2024 – April 2024
  • Designed and engineered a comprehensive microfluid system including a microfluidic channel, glass base, tube connections, and sealing O-ring.
  • Developed precise molds for system components using SOLIDWORKS, ensuring accurate dimensions and functionality for micro-scale fluid manipulation.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and engineering precision, earning a near-perfect grade of 98% on the project.
Skills Developed:
SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Microfabrication Precision Engineering Technical Design
Tube-in-tube Heat Exchanger

Tube-in-tube Heat Exchanger Project

CHBE 362 - Process Engineering Laboratory
September 2023 – December 2023
  • Spearheaded research with trials for the minimum time for a heat exchanger to reach steady-state operation, optimizing experimental procedures.
  • Analyzed +1000 time points to determine the heat transfer coefficient as a function of flow rate and heating fluid temperature, demonstrating strong analytical skills.
  • Achieved 99% accuracy for relevant parameters measured during the experiment and received a report grade of 95%, showcasing attention to detail and technical writing proficiency.
Skills Developed:
Data Analysis Python Microsoft Office Data Visualization Technical Writing Experimental Design Process Equipment
Cycling Lane Project

Cycling Lane Project

APSC 100 - Introduction to Engineering I
October 2021 – November 2021
  • Presented a cycling option to construct in Vancouver based on 2040 transportation goals by the City of Vancouver; the ideal cycling option was justified through environmental, social, and economic assessments.
  • Utilized cost-benefit analysis, stakeholder analysis, and weighted criteria to analyze multiple cycling options.
  • The cycling path was predicted to generate $85.5 million in terms of return on investment and create 137 jobs within the area of the cycling path based on economic and policy modelling.
Skills Developed:
Economic Modelling Policy Analysis Stakeholder Engagement Qualitative Research Quantitative Analysis Public Speaking Presentation Skills Microsoft Office
Air Pollution Research

Air Pollution Scientific Poster Project

CHBE 264 - Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory
January 2023 – April 2023
  • Developed a scientific poster on an air pollution case study in Cancer Alley, highlighting environmental degradation, geographical challenges, socioeconomic conditions, and key industries.
  • Created a diagram illustrating the industrial process and identified sources and types of pollution in the region.
  • Utilized systems thinking and designed a causal loop diagram to depict the relationships among 21 social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to environmental degradation.
  • Presented 4 evidence-based recommendations to reduce detrimental health outcomes by 67% and ecosystem damage by 94% over a 10-year period.
  • Presented the scientific poster to an audience of 120+ students and 20+ faculty members; received a grade of 92% on the project.
Skills Developed:
Data Visualization Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagrams Environmental Assessment Technical Communication Presentation Skills Research Skills
Knee Biomechanics Research

Biomechanics Design Project

BMEG 101 - Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
March 2022
  • Researched the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, including injury mechanisms, common symptoms, and severity assessment.
  • Proposed an innovative preventative device design incorporating biomaterials like agarose gel and hydrogel, along with mechanical features including internal and rotational sensors.
  • Developed a comprehensive laboratory procedure for device testing using displacement measurements and anthropometric models.
  • Received a grade of 88% for the project, demonstrating strong research and design capabilities.
Skills Developed:
Qualitative Research Experimental Design Biomechanical Analysis Medical Device Design Microsoft Office Technical Writing
Protein Release from Alginate Spheres

Biomaterials Lab Project

BMEG 102 - Biomedical Engineering Laboratory
January 2022 – February 2022
  • Designed a procedure for the quantification of protein release from alginate spheres, demonstrating expertise in biomaterials characterization.
  • Utilized mathematical modeling with Excel to investigate the relationship between temperature, bovine serum albumin concentration, and protein absorbance.
  • Wrote a comprehensive laboratory report analyzing results and identifying potential interference factors such as phospholipids in protein release studies; received a grade of 92%.
Skills Developed:
Experimental Design Mathematical Modeling Microsoft Office Technical Writing Protein Analysis Data Visualization
Signal Processing Project

Signals & Systems Lab Project

BMEG 102 - Biomedical Engineering Laboratory
January 2022 – February 2022
  • Designed 3 circuits with oscilloscopes and voltage sources that varied by experimental conditions such as resistance using Simulink.
  • Utilized circuit analysis to analyze 4 characteristics such as voltage amplitude and resistance, using a function generator, oscilloscope, and Simulink to maximize accuracy in electrical experimental design.
  • Wrote a laboratory report that included an explanation of the relationship between the cell-membrane model and resistor-capacitor circuits, circuit analysis results, and ion channel disease analysis. Received a grade of 98%.
Skills Developed:
Circuit Analysis Oscilloscope Simulink Technical Report Writing MATLAB
Cellular Bioengineering Lab

Cellular Bioengineering Laboratory Project

BMEG 102 - Biomedical Engineering Laboratory
March 2022 – April 2022
  • Conducted genetic transformation of E. coli using pGlo plasmid across six experimental conditions, applying sterile technique and heat shock protocols to induce exogenous protein expression.
  • Assessed bacterial growth and GFP expression using brightfield and fluorescent microscopy, interpreting transformation outcomes across all samples.
  • Quantified cell populations by analyzing 77 hemocytometer squares under microscopy, validating results with digital cell-counting software for accuracy.
  • Diagnosed experimental failure through root cause analysis, identifying procedural flaws in thermal handling and sterilization that compromised bacterial viability.
  • Proposed engineering-based protocol improvements to enhance experimental reliability, including thermal control adjustments and aseptic technique refinements.
Skills Developed:
UV Light Imaging Brightfield Microscopy Fluorescent Microscopy Quantitative Data Analysis Data Visualization Microbiology Genetic Engineering Aseptic Technique
Bioinformatics Analysis

Bioinformatics Laboratory Project

BMEG 102 - Biomedical Engineering Laboratory
April 2022
  • Analyzed unknown protein sequences using BLAST, UniProt, Gene Ontology Resource, KEGG, and Protein Atlas to classify six genes as tumour suppressors or oncogenes.
  • Developed and optimized a bioinformatics pipeline to extract molecular functions, cellular responses, and gene expressions related to breast cancer.
  • Prioritized NF1 and VEGFA as therapeutic targets based on medium-to-high expression in >90% of breast cancer patients.
  • Authored a comprehensive report proposing biosimilar production of Avastin using perfusion bioreactor systems; received a grade of 91%.
  • Applied pathway analysis to identify NF1's role in Ras/MAPK signaling and VEGFA's involvement in angiogenesis, contributing to precision oncology strategies.
Skills Developed:
Bioinformatics Data Analysis Scientific Literature Review Technical Writing Molecular Biology Microsoft Office Database Management Pathway Analysis
Adsorption System Design

Adsorption & Activated Carbon Project

CHBE 264 - Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory
November 2022 – December 2022
  • Performed a laboratory study on the adsorption mechanism of methylene blue using activated carbon using 7 samples.
  • Utilized linear regression techniques on Excel to create 5 plots of experimental data for mathematical modeling.
  • Wrote a 30-page technical report to present our findings of the experiment; received a grade of 92%.
  • Recorded 200+ data points and performed 60 calculations on the physical and chemical characteristics of methylene blue using Excel and partial differentiation.
Skills Developed:
Data Analysis Technical Report Writing Micropipetting Data Visualization Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word
Biomedical Signals & Systems

Biomedical Signals & Systems Project

BMEG 101 - Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
January 2022 – February 2022
  • Wrote a technical report on the usage of medical imaging for breast cancer by analyzing the types of medical imaging techniques used for breast cancer. Received a grade of 95%.
  • Examined the history of and modern use of medical imaging technologies for breast cancer and diagnosis of the disease.
  • Analyzed the future role of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity protection of medical data, and the impact of income inequality on the access to medical imaging.
Skills Developed:
Technical Report Writing Research Skills
Fluid Mechanics Design

Fluid Mechanics Design Project

CHBE 264 - Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory
January 2023 – February 2023
  • Conducted a laboratory study on the fluid mechanics of water flow and its impact on 20 different parameters.
  • Recorded 200+ data points and performed 25 calculations on water flow parameters using Excel and partial differentiation.
  • Wrote a technical report to present our findings of the experiment and received a grade of 92%.
Skills Developed:
Manometry Rotametry Process Equipment Operation Data Analysis Microsoft Excel & Word Fluid Mechanics Data Visualization Technical Report Writing
Thermodynamics Design

Thermodynamics Laboratory Project

CHBE 264 - Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory
February 2023 – March 2023
  • Conducted a laboratory study on the refrigeration cycle and the compressibility of real gases and modelled six thermodynamic phenomena.
  • Recorded 200+ data points on 20 physical and chemical characteristics of refrigerants and performed 25 calculations using Excel and partial differentiation.
  • Wrote a technical report to present findings of the experiment and received a grade of 92%.
Skills Developed:
Data Analysis Microsoft Excel & Word Technical Report Writing Thermodynamic Analysis Refrigeration Systems
PHB Bioproduction Process

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Bioproduction Design Project

CHBE 221 - Foudning Principles in Chemical and Biological Engineering II
September 2022 – December 2022
  • Conducted research on 30 different areas of environmental, social, and economic considerations of PHB production.
  • Designed a process flow diagram with 9 biological unit operations and 5 bioprocess control strategies to showcase PHB production.
  • Presented a final design report summing 12 weeks of research and received a 98%.
Skills Developed:
Bioprocess Engineering Process Flow Diagrams Technical Report Writing Material and Energy Balances Bioprocess Control Research Skills Microsoft Office (Word + Excel)
Alkaline Treatment Research

Alkaline Treatment Project

CHBE 263 - Introduction to Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory Practice
November 2022 – December 2022
  • Neutralized 7 samples of iron chloride with sodium hydroxide to decrease the solubility of iron chloride in water using a continuous stirred-tank reactor and flow control with rotameters.
  • Utilized spectrophotometry and pH meter calibration to analyze iron standard solutions and generate an iron standard calibration curve.
  • Composed a research report to summarize the experimental findings and received a 92%.
Skills Developed:
Pipetting Spectrophotometry pH Meter Calibration Data Analysis Microsoft Office (Word + Excel) Technical Report Writing Data Visualization
Biodiesel Laboratory Project

Biodiesel Laboratory Project (CHBE 263)

CHBE 263 - Introduction to Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory Practice
October 2022 – November 2022
  • Utilized transesterification to synthesize biodiesel from vegetable oil.
  • Analyzed 5 thermodynamic properties of biodiesel using bomb calorimetry and Excel.
  • Conducted 8 calculations and error analysis computations to analyze the thermodynamic properties of biodiesel using Excel and partial differentiation.
  • Wrote a technical report to summarize the experimental findings and received an 80%.
Skills Developed:
Organic Synthesis Data Analysis Data Visualization Microsoft Office (Word + Excel) Technical Report Writing Bomb Calorimetry
Banana Oil Synthesis

Banana Oil Synthesis Project

CHBE 263 - Introduction to Chemical and Biological Engineering Laboratory Practice
September 2022 – October 2022
  • Conducted an esterification reaction to produce 8 samples of banana oil with 85.3% yield and 98.3% purity.
  • Analyzed 10 physical and chemical properties of synthesized banana oil using gas chromatography.
  • Composed a technical report to summarize the findings of the experiment and received an 85%.
  • Carried out 10 calculations and error analysis computations to analyze the properties of the banana oil using Excel and partial differentiation.
Skills Developed:
Organic Synthesis Pipetting Gas Chromatography Data Analysis Data Visualization Microsoft Office (Word + Excel) Technical Report Writing
Acetone Manufacturing Process

Acetone Design Manufacturing Project

CHBE 220 - Founding Principles in Chemical and Biological Engineering I
September 2022 – December 2022
  • Researched cumene oxidation process which generates a 94% yield of acetone
  • Compiled research on economic analysis, reaction pathways, separation pathways, and energy balances to maximize acetone production
  • Designed a process flow diagram with 13 unit operations and 2 process control strategies to showcase acetone manufacturing
  • Presented a final design report summing 12 weeks of research and received a grade of 95%
Skills Developed:
Technical Report Writing Process Flow Diagrams Research Skills Economic Analysis Material and Energy Balances Microsoft Office
Assisted Living Device

Assisted Living Device Project

APSC 100 - Introduction to Engineering I
October 2021 – November 2021
  • Collaborated with a team to develop 6 computer-aided models to design a can-opener for people with disabilities.
  • Used stakeholder analysis and criteria-based quantitative analysis to identify the most ideal can-opener using criteria such as manufacturability, durability, and portability.
  • Wrote a technical memorandum to explain the target design specifications, evaluation of device options, and the computer-aided prototypes.
Skills Developed:
Qualitative Analysis Stakeholder Engagement Technical Report Writing SOLIDWORKS (CAD) Fusion360 (CAD) Microsoft Word
Boiler Data Analysis Dashboard

Data Analytics Project

CHBE 366 - Chemical Engineering Laboratory
March 2024 – April 2024
  • Developed Python-based analytics pipeline to clean 411,000 operational boiler data points, improving data integrity by eliminating outliers and sensor errors.
  • Generated 15 data visualization plots using Python to identify the most appropriate boiler dataset for analysis.
  • Quantified 4.82 million m³ of natural gas usage, enabling precise energy tracking and operational insights for campus heating systems.
  • Replaced faulty NOx sensor data with calculated emissions using regulatory factors to enhance environmental compliance reporting.
  • Wrote a comprehensive report on findings, achieving a grade of 94%.
Skills Developed:
Python Data Analysis Data Visualization Mass & Energy Balances Technical Writing Microsoft Office Environmental Compliance Thermodynamics Heat Transfer
DME Process Flow Diagram

Dimethyl Ether Process Simulation

CHBE 376 - Computer Flowsheeting and Unit Operation Design
March 2023 – April 2023
  • Created a detailed Aspen PLUS simulation of dimethyl ether (DME) production from methanol, modeling key unit operations including a kinetic reactor, distillation column, and heat exchanger.
  • Configured high-pressure equilibrium and kinetic reactors (up to 79.3 bar, 260°C) using RKSWS thermodynamic models to simulate exothermic reactions and optimize conversion efficiency.
  • Performed seven parametric analyses on variables such as feed temperature and heat exchanger area to assess their impact on process performance and energy integration.
  • Developed comprehensive block flow diagrams and stream specifications, integrating recycle loops and separation units to enhance process efficiency and operability.
  • Achieved a final grade of 100%, demonstrating strong technical proficiency and attention to detail in process simulation and reactor design.
Skills Developed:
AspenPLUS Process Flow Diagrams Technical Writing Microsoft Office Data Analysis Data Visualization Thermodynamics Reaction Kinetics Heat Transfer Process Safety Chemical Process Simulation Unit Operation Design Process Optimization
Cellular Bioengineering Research

Cellular Bioengineering Project

BMEG 101 - Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
January 2022 – February 2022
  • Researched and documented applications of tissue engineering in developing a two-dimensional cell system optimized for cell proliferation.
  • Designed a comprehensive experimental protocol with controlled conditions to study and optimize cell proliferation processes.
  • Conducted mathematical modeling and data analysis to quantify and predict cell growth patterns, achieving an 88% project grade.
Skills Developed:
Experimental Design Mathematical Modeling Data Analysis Microsoft Office Technical Writing Cell Culture Tissue Engineering

Personal Projects

Progressione Website

Progressione

Personal Project - Web Development
June 2022

A study development and productivity website designed to enhance students' study habits, productivity, motivation, and physical and mental well-being. The platform inspires and motivates students while improving the efficiency of their study sessions.

HTML/CSS Web Development Content Creation Article Writing