Mikhail Lovric

My study at Stellenbosch University has taught me to value perseverance and humility in addition to my core engineering skills. I made lifelong friends and learnt how to work respectfully, and efficiently with a team. The key courses I completed are: - Thermo-fluid dynamics - Machine Design - Production and Maintenance Management - Energy Systems - Experimental Techniques. I have learnt to work in depth with: Autodesk Inventor, MathCAD, Matlab and FlowNex in addition to my coursework. These skills allowed me to produce a preliminary design for a centrifugal compressor testbench within university limitations as my capstone project. This experience showed me the link between the theory and future work and how much I have yet to refine my ability.

I assisted sensor calibration and conducted a specialized thermal testing project, applying experimental techniques to evaluate product performance. Flow Systems & Calibration: Assisted in the calibration of flow meters by configuring fuel cycles, utilizing industrial pumps, and managing Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems. Sensor Profiling & Software: Developed custom sensor profiles within DAQ software to ensure accurate data capture during high-frequency testing cycles. Experimental Design (DOE): Independently designed and executed thermal testing experiments, bridging company documentation with academic research on thermal barriers. Data Analysis & Visualization: Processed raw experimental data using specialized software to perform uncertainty analysis and generate technical visualizations (graphs/plots). Technical Reporting: Authored comprehensive experimental reports following ISO/Company standards, translating complex data into actionable business insights. Stakeholder Presentation: Formally presented findings to senior management, discussing the product's performance and its strategic relevance to the company’s goals.

I gained hands-on experience in precision manufacturing and industrial fabrication, progressing from manual material preparation to CNC operation and structural assembly. CNC & Manual Operation: Developed proficiency in operating Microcut and Kiaturn lathes, performing tasks such as facing, drilling, and parting components to exact drawing specifications. Component Assembly: Assisted in the multi-stage production of Or-Valves and flow controllers, ensuring mechanical integrity throughout the assembly process. Quality Assurance: Utilized Vernier calipers and precision measuring tools to verify surface tolerances and dimensional accuracy on CNC-milled muster bases. Workpiece Preparation: Managed high-volume material portioning using automatic stop band saws and executed refined de-burring techniques to ensure safety and part quality. Full-Cycle Fabrication: Designed and fabricated a custom industrial shelving system for parts storage to improve workshop organization. Metalworking & Welding: Performed all cutting, chemical rust treatment, and drilling; utilized MIG welding to assemble the structural frame. Finishing: Managed the application of industrial primers/coatings and final installation, ensuring the structure was safely secured for heavy-duty use.

In this role, I acted as a bridge between available software capabilities and engineering needs, focusing on the evaluation of industry-leading GIS tools and the optimization of renewable energy site layouts. ArcGIS Implementation: Lead the internal testing of ArcGIS Pro, documenting tool performance (specifically zone buffering and polygon grouping) to inform long-term licensing decisions. Renewable Energy Modeling: Introduced to WindPro and methods to perform site-suitability analysis, balancing energy resource potential with environmental and regulatory buffers. Internal Consultancy: Prepared and delivered a final-day presentation to the engineering department, providing a strategic roadmap for software adoption and data management. Template Engineering: Created generic, reusable map templates and Excel coordinate catalogs that improved the speed and consistency of project site reporting.

During this internship, I supported the development of large-scale renewable energy projects by bridging the gap between GIS spatial analysis and property administration. I managed data for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring accuracy in site selection and grid connection planning. GIS Workflow Integration: Managed the data pipeline between PlanetGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth to provide engineers with high-fidelity site visualizations. Technical Exposure: Participated in specialized demonstrations for WindPro and WAsP calculations, gaining insight into turbine placement optimization and resource mapping. Data Standardization: Converted fragmented internal records into a centralized, dynamic tracking system for field equipment, significantly improving equipment oversight and maintenance scheduling. Administrative Coordination: Documented high-level technical meetings regarding servitude lines and grid connections, ensuring project requirements could be communicated to stakeholders.

Bishops served as my secondary education. It was my home for academic, cultural and sporting success. I took part in the South African Rowing Championships, was awarded Good Work and Effort each year and matriculated with 4 distinctions. The friends I made here have been instrumental to my past and current growth, focusing on quality of character over fitting the mold.

Stellenbosch served as my home and place of academic study. I learnt technical skills, theoretical knowledge and how to link these to implement solutions in the world around us. I gained lifelong friends and new experiences through my time here and am incredibly grateful for this chapter of my life.