Neha Kasoju

Neha Kasoju

Mechatronics Engineering Student

Blending advocacy, healthcare, and technology, my journey has always been rooted in equity. From researching gender-affirming care to building self-driving systems and founding grassroots initiatives, I've sought to design solutions that serve underrepresented communities.

From creating a braille printer to improve accessibility for young learners, to designing surgical tools that empower marginalized communities, and reshaping education policies as a Student Trustee, I'm passionate about using innovation to make a difference.

I thrive on hands-on projects, tackling complex challenges, and driving real impact through empathy-driven tech solutions.

Education

Waterloo Logo

University of Waterloo

BASc – Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation Engineering (Honours, Co-op)

Elected Mechatronics Class Representative (Academic & Waterloo Engineering Society)

Experience

Orthopaedic Surgery Engineering

The Hospital for Sick Children

Watonomous | Vehicle Platform Division Member

  • Developing ROS2 control nodes in C++ for joystick interfaces, safety systems, and autonomy.
  • Supporting a fully autonomous Kia Soul, focusing on perception, control, and integration.

Durham District School Board | Student Trustee

Driven to address inequity, I ran to represent 83,000+ students. From launching "Operation Opportunities" to passing board-wide policies, I worked to reshape student advocacy in public education.

  • Elected voice of 83,000+ students
  • Launched Operation Opportunities database
  • Led Student Senate, monthly board reports, equity research
  • Passed new Student Trustee policy
  • Organized mental health conferences
  • Spearheaded menstrual hygiene fundraisers in low-income schools

Women's College Hospital | Transition Surgery Researcher

  • Tested a 3D-printed speculum to improve biopsy accuracy and comfort for trans-female patients.
  • Created Transition Surgery Patient Advisory Board
  • Developed Research Ethics Board proposals
  • Focused on improving healthcare accessibility and decision-making for transgender youth considering vaginoplasty.

Projects

DotMatic Project

DotMatic

A Braille Printer for young learners

Learn More →
Operation Opportunities

Operation Opportunities

Connecting students with STEM opportunities

Learn More →
Surgical Research

Surgical Research

Improving healthcare accessibility

Learn More →

Awards & Scholarships

Over $190,000 in Scholarships Awarded

Queen's Chancellor's

$48,000

Western National

$30,000

Ted Rogers Future Leaders

$26,800

A.J. and Muriel G. Billes

$10,000

Foresters Financial

$10,000

First-Year Entrance Award

1/9,000 first-year students

Hobbies & Interests

Outside of work, I thrive in creative and exploratory spaces.

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Photography

Capturing the world through my lens

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Nature & Animals

Enjoying nature walks, biking, and time with animals

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Travel & Adventure

Exploring new places and even tried parasailing!

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Cooking

Cooking, baking, and trying new recipes

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Hackathons

Competing in events like Hack the North and HawkHacks

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Content Creation

Writing blogs and making vlogs

Connect With Me

Feel free to reach out! I'm always excited to connect and collaborate.