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Professional Experiences
Advanced Projects Intern
Safran Landing Systems (Aug. 2025 - Aug. 2026)
For my Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op, I had the pleasure of working in the Research and Technology Department, on the Advanced Projects Team, working on early-stage/pre-bid designs for unconventional aircraft. I gained a broad understanding of aircraft and landing systems, sizing structural, oleo-pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical components.
I learned and applied CATIA V5 (part modeling, generative shape design/surface modeling, product/assembly creation, and more) to create dozens of conceptual designs and iterations, learned and provided feedback on in-house structural optimization tools. I also did low-fidelity aerodynamic analyses, high level airframe architecture, and performance analyses using a suite of industry-standard software and tools.
As part of my work, I also created and submitted 3 new spreadsheet-based tools and CATIA VBA scripts for future use, which reduced processing/calculation times by around 50%, and also allowed for quicker iteration of future landing gear designs.
Graphic Designer
National Air Cadet League of Canada (Sep. 2022 - Present)
Using my past graphic design experience, I have pursued opportunities working with various clients and employers as a graphic designer and consultant. I have worked at all levels of the Air Cadet League of Canada (local, provincial, and national), creating media, volunteer training modules, presentations, and other content to support the Air Cadet Program.
I have also been responsible for the translation of various documents, ensuring that published and internal materials are available in both English and French.
Notably, I contributed to the creation and translation of the 2024 National Air Cadet League Strategic Plan, and a promotional video starring Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield, among dozens of other projects.
Undergraduate Summer Researcher
University of Saskatchewan (May 2025 - Jun. 2026)
In the Summer of 2025, I took my previous engineering education research experience home to Saskatchewan, conducting research under Dr. Sean Maw, looking at survey data collected from both students and alumni representing 60+ years of engineering education.
We looked at similarities and differences in terms of engineering identity (EI), and the many different factors that factor into their core professional identity, noting that factors like Reasons for Entering Engineering, Job Types Pursued/Desired, and Types of Fulfillment Desired had little effect on EI. We also noted interesting patterns relating to EIs by gender and age.
This summer project was extended through the year, and we presented our findings in the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) Conference in Moncton, NB.
Chen, K., Neufeld, P., & Maw, S. (2026). Engineering Identity and Career Pathways: Insights from Undergraduate Students and Graduates from the University of Saskatchewan. Proceedings of the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA). https://doi.org/10.24908/pceea.2026.21496
Undergraduate Researcher
University of Toronto, Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education and Practice (ISTEP) (May 2024 - Aug. 2024)
Under the supervision of Professor Greg Evans, Director of ISTEP, and three additional faculty supervisors, I researched the alignment between undergraduate education and the various career trajectories of University of Toronto Engineering Graduates. I was awarded a Dean's Pivot Fellowship to conduct this research.
I spearheaded studies in 4 directions, including literature, curricula and learning outcomes, high priority skills from job ads, and career path clusters of alumni between 2 and 20 years post-graduation. With relevant data collected from a myriad of sources, I used an array of methods, including natural language processing, k-means clustering, and correlation analysis to extract findings and patterns.
I presented my findings to various faculty stakeholders and at the Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (Conference). Portions of my research have also been presented as part of a first-year introduction to engineering course (APS100) and at the Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference (CSChE 2024).
Outreach Instructor
Actua (May 2023 - Aug. 2023 + Feb. 2024)
I had the opportunity to work with Actua, Canada's leading science, technology, engineering and technology (STEM) outreach organization. I delivered engaging STEM workshops and outreach camps in underserved communities in Northern Canada. Working as part of a 2-3 person team, I helped deliver dozens of planned (and unplanned) lessons, helping to inspire the next generation of Canadian youth.
Several challenges were overcome throughout the work term, including wildfire evacuation notices, scheduling conflicts, cell service outages, and a major fire at our accommodations. Through all these issues, we maintained a high degree of professionalism, organization, communication, and fun.
By developing effective leadership skills, and contingency plans, and learning to make adjustments on the go, my teams were largely successful in our program delivery!
Lead Ground Handler
Executive Aviation
At the age of 16, I joined the Executive Aviation team as a ground handler, working with multi-million dollar aircraft owned by some of Canada's major airlines operating out of the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Intl' Airport.
I was soon promoted to a Lead and was responsible for a crew of 2-8 people, directing, documenting and organizing safe and efficient ground operations, with an exceptional on-time flight rate of over 98%. This included giving safety briefings to teams above and below the wing, as well as to flight crews and load controllers and signing off information used for airline billing.
Though young, I showed my willingness to learn and grow on the job. I quickly made my way through the ranks with grit and determination, becoming one of the youngest, but longest-serving company employees at the time.