About Me

Who I am.

Driven by curiosity, shaped by experimentation. An exploration of what led to engineering and the pursuit of learning beyond the classroom.

daniel@portfolio — ~/whoami
Daniel Benjamin
01 — Background

How I got here.

I had decided I wanted to become an engineer at a fairly young age, perhaps because I enjoyed taking things apart (and then sometimes putting them back together). I knew I made the right choice when I started my first year at UBC and was exposed to courses that let me design and build tangible objects. I fell in love with the thrill of seeing designs come to life. That thrill has never gotten old, and it continues to be what drives me to this day.

At UBC I'm in the Mechanical Engineering program's Biomechanics and Medical Devices Option (BMMD) option, with self-directed depth in AI engineering and robotics. These courses allow me to explore my interests and gain the skills to apply them in real-world contexts. I also have a strong interest in software development, which I pursue through personal projects.

Outside the classroom, most of my time goes into UBC Formula Electric, the university's FSAE electric car design team.

APSC 101 Claw Manufacturing APSC 101 CLAW MANUFACTURING
02 — UBC Formula Electric

Building more than just a race car.

FSAE is a student competition where teams design, build, and race their own formula-style car. It's the thing that eats most of my free time outside of class but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Welding the chassis ME WELDING THE 2026 FRAME

// how it started

I joined as a first-year with no experience, primarily because I'd always thought it would be cool to learn how to weld. I also wanted to gain hands-on experience and apply what I was learning in class to something real. It turned out to be an even greater experience than I had imagined. While I did gain real manufacturing skills and finally achieve my goal of learning to weld, what was more important was the community and mentorship I found.

Mech team picture at competition MECH TEAM PICTURE @ COMP 2026

// how it's going

The things I learned from senior members shaped my growth on the team. As my own skills developed, I took on increasing responsibility, eventually becoming Chassis Lead and passing my knowledge on to the next generation of team members. Seeing others grow and being able to give back in the same way others invested in me has been incredibly rewarding.

03 — Beyond the Bench

What else drives me.

I'm from Victoria, where growing up surrounded by Vancouver Island's beautitful landscapes inspired a love of the outdoors. I also enjoy reading and am always open to book recommendations.

Reading Hiking Woodworking Homelabbing Bouldering Photography
What I'm currently reading CURRENTLY READING