When Saber Yu embarked on his journey in McMaster’s Master of Engineering Systems and Technology program (MEST) in September 2024, he was eager to acquire practical skills and immerse himself in real-world scenarios. Merely eight months later, his collaborative capstone project with Ascension Automation Solutions Ltd. culminated in an enticing job offer for the position of Junior Computer Vision Engineer, all while he was still navigating his academic obligations.
Explore a Q&A with Saber below to discover how he capitalized on McMaster’s industry-integrated MEST program to transform potential into a professional opportunity.
What attracted you to the MEST program at McMaster?
I meticulously evaluated McMaster’s MEST program alongside several contenders and concluded it offered the most robust amalgamation of hands-on learning supported by both research and theoretical foundations. Having previously completed my undergraduate degree at McMaster, I felt an intrinsic connection to the institution, rendering it the ideal conduit for my aspirations.
In fact, the MEST program was the sole program for which I submitted an application for my graduate studies. Saber Yu, right, pictured with friend and fellow MEST student Mengchen Liu.
How did your tenure at McMaster equip you for employment?
Arriving at this graduate program with a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering and lacking prior work experience, I found the master’s curriculum to be a treasure trove of opportunities. It enabled students to assimilate extensive knowledge and gain practical experience in AI, Computer Science, and Automation. The growth I’ve experienced over the last eight months has been unparalleled, ultimately propelling me toward my current professional role.
Can you elaborate on the project you undertook with Ascension?
Our MEng project focused on the implementation of deep learning-based vision models for the purpose of industrial defect detection. This venture represents a collaborative effort involving faculty from the W Booth School (Seshasai Srinivasa, Zhen Gao, and Marjan Alavi), our industry partner Ascension, and two dedicated students (Mengchen Liu and me).
Throughout this project, we engaged closely with Tim Reinhart, Ascension’s Vision and R&D Manager, conducting thorough research into domain-specific data augmentation techniques while evaluating the efficacy of cutting-edge vision models, including CNN-based architectures and Detection Transformers. The results we yielded provide substantial augmentation guidelines and model selection criteria applicable to similar endeavors. Saber Yu (far left) with friends and fellow students in McMaster’s Learning Factory.
What was your reaction when you received the job offer?
Receiving the offer for the position of Junior Computer Vision Engineer was exhilarating. Ascension is renowned for delivering comprehensive automation solutions and engages with an array of multifaceted projects. The prospect of learning and innovating alongside a talented team while applying the skills acquired during my education to tangible applications was incredibly exciting.
What do you find most rewarding about your role at Ascension?
At Ascension, we tackle a multitude of projects ranging from vision-guided assembly to defect detection across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, nuclear, and commercial buildings. The opportunity to work and learn across various domains is the most fulfilling aspect of my role.
Do you have any advice for prospective students interested in industry-connected projects?
Engaging in industry-connected projects is immensely beneficial for students lacking prior experience in their respective fields, offering avenues to confront authentic industrial challenges alongside seasoned professionals. My counsel to future students is to remain intrinsically motivated and self-driven; projects may encounter delays or unforeseen complexities. However, once overcome, the rewards will invariably surpass expectations.
Source link: Eng.mcmaster.ca.
