For Michael Acquaviva (EngSci 2T4 + PEY), the past year has been defined by innovation, persistence, and balance. As the co-founder and tech lead at Prandtl Dynamics, he has spent the year applying engineering principles to real-world challenges—bridging his academic work with entrepreneurial experience.
One of the central pieces of his journey is an amplifier board designed by his team at Prandtl Dynamics to power an ultrasonic array. “There aren’t a lot of systems that disable drones safely within cities,” says Michael. “Prandtl Dynamics developed a system which can be used without the risk of collateral damage in urban environments.”
In the classroom, his passion for electromagnetics has shaped both his studies and his research. His textbook, Field and Waves in Electromagnetics, served as a foundation for his undergraduate thesis, which focused on developing an electromagnetic solver. “Out of all the courses I’ve taken at ECE at U of T, Electrogmagnetics was my favourite subject,” he reflects.
Michael’s technical work often revolves around tools like the STM 32 microcontroller and his long-serving laptop, both of which have been instrumental in his projects, from his fourth-year capstone to research and development at Prandtl Dynamics. “They’ve been with me through every phase of learning and building,” he says.
Outside of engineering, Michael finds balance through pickleball, a sport that helps him unwind and stay connected with friends. “It helps me take my mind off things,” he explains. “It’s something I like to do outside of school…and allows me to get some quality time with friends.”
From developing ultrasonic safety systems to exploring electromagnetic theory, Michael’s year reflects the core of ECE at the University of Toronto: rigorous study paired with hands-on application and personal growth. As he continues his career, he carries forward a commitment to innovation and to the curiosity that drives engineering forward.