Dexter Lagasca Zamora
Mechatronic Systems Engineer with specialization in computational modelling and robotic applications in preclinical spinal cord injury. Research interests include biomechanics, surgical robotics.
About
Dexter is currently finishing up his Master’s at Simon Fraser University. His current research helps engineering developers better understand how neurotrauma researchers interact with robotic systems. He also look at how spinal cord injury occurs through simulations of preclinical models for developing potential therapies. He is excited to continue his research journey in medical robotics research and work towards his long-term goal of developing soft surgical robotics to help advance neurosurgery.
Experiences with Us
Technical Documentation / Hardware Assistant
Period: May 2020- Dec 2021 [Co-op] [On-site]
Dexter began at EIM as an undergraduate co-op student and continued part-time after the term concluded. His responsibilities included creating CAD models and performing functional tests on different products developed, including the MEGO. He also prepared technical documentation to summarize test results and supported the development of the first edition of an educational book introducing basic electrical circuits.
STEM Insturctor / Technical Writer
Period: Jul 2022- Nov 2023 [Part-time]
Dexter led summer camp classes teaching core engineering concepts related to sustainability, including solar power and electrochemistry. He guided high school students on different hands-on projects to help reinforce the covered materials and facilitate active learning. In addition to teaching, he wrote content focused on electronics using a breadboard, emphasizing real-world applications and helping students connect circuit concepts to everyday technology.
Participated Projects (Unfinished)
Project: A simple DDS(Direct Digital Synthesis) Function Generator
Period: Jan 2025 - Apr 2025
Members: Dexter Lagasca Zamora
A hands-on FPGA-driven DDS system capable of producing sine, square, and triangle waveforms through digital-to-analog conversion.
Other Collective Work
3 Minute Thesis Presentation
I had the opportunity to showcase my Master’s research as part of the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition to a wider audience. My presentation primarily focused on improving the robotic system we developed and its impact on making it usable for neurosurgeons working on potential treatments for spinal cord injury. I was honoured to be awarded 1st place in my Faculty’s 3MT competition and subsequently received the People’s Choice Award at my University’s 3MT Finals. This entire experience reaffirmed the importance of effective scientific communication as a tool for conveying complex research in an accessible manner. I look forward to actively improving my science communication skills as I progress through my research journey.
CEC project – 2nd Place Innovative Design Canadian Engineering Competition
During my final year of undergraduate studies, I took part in several engineering competitions alongside fellow students in Mechatronic Systems and Sustainable Energy engineering. We advanced to the national level and competed in the Canadian Engineering Competition at the University of New Brunswick, where we achieved 2nd place in Innovative Design. Our project centered on creating a wearable personal safety device that improved spatial awareness for users in low-light conditions. I was tasked with integrating thermal imaging and real-time object detection onto a microcontroller platform. This project highlighted the significance of accessible, human-centered design in engineering, as the primary motivation stemmed from some of our team members.
Work Expertise
Biomechatronics
User-centered robotic design
Applied machine learning
Computational modelling
Selected Publications
N. Obaid, D. L. Zamora, C. Jimenez, and C. J. Sparrey, “Effect of morphology on the biomechanics of contusion models of non-human primate SCI: an FE study in a digital population,” PLOS One, under review, 2024.
N. Obaid, D. L. Zamora, F. Khorami, F. Gomez, C. Jimenez, T. Lau, and C. J. Sparrey, “How scientists use computers to study human injury,” Frontiers for Young Minds, under review, 2024.
D. L. Zamora, “Investigating contact interactions in simulations of unilateral contusion models of simplified non-human primate spinal cord injury,” SFU Undergrad. Res. Symp. J., vol. 3, May 2022. [Online]. Available: https://journals.lib.sfu.ca/index.php/ugrs/article/view/4094
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