Success Story

A Double Student Success Story: David and Pierre Leduc

David and Pierre Leduc, identical twin brothers from Hearst, Ontario, both have an innate curiosity and a passion for learning. Spend any time with them and odds are they will either have explained to you how something as innocuous as a light switch works, or asked you explain something they are interested in knowing more about.

When they started their studies at Cambrian College, that thirst for knowledge continued. Quickly, David and Pierre’s talents were recognized in their respective programs, machining and electrical engineering.

So, when local company Clickmox Solutions Inc. approached Cambrian R&D for an innovative solution to help them improve their 3D-scanning technology for underground mining cavities, David and Pierre seemed like the perfect fit.

Drawing from their combined machining and electrical skills, the two were tasked with helping Clickmox develop a custom enclosure, which would include an onboard computer, power source, and LIDAR (surveying technology) unit. The project required that the enclosure protect these components from water, shock, humidity, and extreme temperatures, so that the unit could efficiently explore uncharted areas underground.

Drawing from their combined machining and electrical skills, the two were tasked with helping Clickmox develop a custom enclosure, which would include an onboard computer, power source, and LIDAR (surveying technology) unit. The project required that the enclosure protect these components from water, shock, humidity, and extreme temperatures, so that the unit could efficiently explore uncharted areas underground.

It wasn’t long before it was apparent that their skillsets surpassed the expectations of both the industry partner and the college. Soon enough, David and Pierre were leading the design, engineering, and fabrication of the enclosure.

While the brothers got extra time developing expertise in the shop and on the equipment to bring their plans to life, they say that knowing that their innovation would help the company was actually one of the most satisfying parts of the project for them.

“My favourite part of applied research is being able to work with industry partners on projects that will be used in the real world,” David said. For Pierre, it was that the new ideas and devices they were working on would help the company overcome their challenges.

“My favourite part of applied research is being able to work with industry partners on projects that will be used in the real world,” David said. For Pierre, it was that the new ideas and devices they were working on would help the company overcome their challenges.

But beyond the impact on the industry partner, the pair also recognized how applied research was sharpening their skills outside of the classroom.

“Applied research helped me with my studies by allowing me to apply the technical skills that I have learned during my studies and use them to solve problems in current industrial challenges,” Pierre explained.

“It helped me in my studies by encouraging me to learn more advance topics, which allowed me to better understand the content in my classes,” David added.

In addition to refining their technical prowess, the project also helped the brothers develop other skills. “Applied research helped me learn valuable skills like management skills, working with others, and organization,” David said. “These are the soft skills that separate the good from the great.”

In addition to refining their technical prowess, the project also helped the brothers develop other skills. “Applied research helped me learn valuable skills like management skills, working with others, and organization,” David said. “These are the soft skills that separate the good from the great.”

David and Pierre put those newfound skills to the test when they were selected to participate in CICan’s Student Innovation Showcase, a nation-wide college sector event in Ottawa. During this event, they had the chance to highlight their project to a varied audience that ranged from fellow students to Members of Parliament.

Although the two would tell you they are more comfortable in the shop, programming a tool path for a machine or tinkering with electrical components, they embraced the unique opportunity and rose to the occasion, garnering praise from those in attendance. While they may not have envisioned doing something so public-facing when they started the project, they agree that it ultimately enriched their experience in applied research.

When the project concluded, the industry partner was thrilled with the results. Clickmox is now looking to commercialize the prototype and expand their service offerings to the mining sector.

Meanwhile, David and Pierre are each looking for their next challenge beyond graduation; it shouldn’t take them too long to find one. The skills they continued to develop through their engagement with applied research will make them highly sought-after by companies everywhere.

The twins were innovators long before they arrived in Cambrian R&D – but the experience of working on an applied research project has allowed them to develop additional abilities and knowledge that will help them succeed in the field.