Our Team
UVic AERO could not exist without such a dedicated curious group of individuals. Our club exists solely to provide opportunity to students and community members hands-on experience in aeronautical engineering—a field that is not prominent in British Columbia, but one we deeply value and actively work to grow. Our members come from a plethora of backgrounds, making UVic AERO well versed beyond engineering alone. This diversity allows innovative ideas to flow seamlessly, and time and time again collaboration has pushed the limits of what was originally thought possible. Proactive brainstorming and design sessions allow our team to create masterpieces of modern UAV technology. With so many contributors, it is impossible to recognize every individual and there contributions. However, the impact our members have had on the development of this technology, and on each other, will never be forgotten. UVic AERO is a revolving door of talent, and we cannot thank our members enough for the time, effort, and passion they commit to our shared vision.
Our Executives
A special thanks goes out to the executives who graciously give up there time to ensure consistent operation in their respected fields. Our execs never fail to lend a hand, with some exceptional problem solvers it goes without saying if you have a question they will have your answer. Just as club members, the executives are always temporary, we will never forget the past contributions of the club founders and past execs that carved the path to get UVic AERO to the place it is today.
President
Alex Rome
Alex Rome has been the acting president for the past 2 years and a member for almost 3 consecutive years. As one of the most devoted members to the club, Alex has brought back fire to the club with his roaring ambition and tenacity. Thanks to his coop experience with Vivitro labs, and Core engineering Alex has grown into a passionate and enthusiastic 5th year mechanical engineering student. As the clubs president he picks up the weight of extra work the team cant get to, (paperwork, emails, designs, meetings.. and a lack of sleep). Alex keeps the ship on it’s course while trying to invite as many others to join and learn while growing with the team.
Cheif Engineer
Asher Barnsdale
Fifth-year mechanical engineering student with over three years of club leadership experience. Specialties include structural design, RC electrical systems, composites, and aerodynamic analysis. Now in his fourth year with UVic AERO, Asher maintains team organization and guides members toward project success. Oversees technical decision-making and design integration.
Buisness and finance Lead
Isaac Maron
Fifth year mechanical engineering student with a multitude of experience in project management, finance, and business relations. With over a year leading the business and finance team, Isaac strives to develop and maintain exceptional business relations with our gracious patrons, whilst creating an inclusive environment where all members can thrive
Director of outreach
Mike McQueen
Michael is the business and outreach lead with Isaac, finding sponsors for the club, planning events and donation campaigns. As a 5th year Mechanical engineering student, Michael brings experience as a planner and scheduler for Suncor, and manufacturing experience from a methods coop with Dehavilland. Beyond the books, he’s a wrench monkey working on his 70’s Hilux’s or other backyard mechanic ventures
Electrical Lead
Kevin Corbett
After graduating with an Electronics Engineering Technologist Diploma from Okanagan College in 2021, Kevin moved to Victoria and began working as an Electronics Technician and Manufacturing Designer for a photobioreactor and aquaculture equipment manufacturing facility. This brought loads of experience in project management, power electronics and control systems design, as well as design-for-manufacturing and production integration. After working in the industry for two years, Kevin decided to return to school and attended the Electrical Engineering Bridge program at Camosun College bridging over to UVIC. Kevin is currently a fourth-year Electrical and Computer Engineering student at UVIC.
Software Lead
Matt Smith
Matt Smith is the Software Lead and a 4th year Software Engineering student. After four co-ops, he’s come to learn he enjoys a wide project scope and mentoring/managing a team of other developers. Working on connecting the software, hardware, and team members is a thrilling task and one of the most fulfilling. When not debugging flight logs (80% of the work let’s be real), he enjoys surfing, rock climbing, cycling, photography and playing guitar.
Mechanical Lead
James Bank
James is a third-year mechanical engineering student. Before studying at UVic, he completed the Electrician Apprenticeship Program at VIU and worked as an electrician for two summers. During his first co-op at Westmill Industries, James spent a lot of time working in SolidWorks, designing production ready parts and creating technical drawings with a focus on functionality and manufacturability. Outside of school, he loves cooking, hiking, kayaking, and photography.
