Rafael Costa

Background

About Rafael Costa

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Queen's University, I am actively engaged as a Research Assistant on the Balloon-borne Very Large Baseline Interferometry Experiment (BVEX). My role involves supporting the integration, testing, and deployment of a balloon-borne radio telescope for high-resolution astronomical observations. This position emphasizes my expertise in sensor integration and calibration, software development (Python, C), hardware testing, and data analysis, all within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Previously, I gained valuable experience at Ceva Santé Animale, contributing to vaccine production through rigorous documentation, environmental monitoring, and laboratory procedures. Additionally, my involvement in QMIND’s AI Ethics Design Team and the Electrical Sub-team at QBiT, where I assisted in developing therapeutic biomedical devices and ethical AI solutions, has broadened my technical skills and ethical awareness. Beyond technical pursuits, my role as an Engineering Mental Health Steward at Queen’s has deepened my commitment to fostering supportive and inclusive environments through effective communication, empathy, and community engagement. I am enthusiastic about combining technical expertise, practical experience, and ethical mindfulness in future opportunities, particularly those focused on innovative, interdisciplinary technologies.