CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE-LENNOXVILLE
Mateo Jarquin Represents Team Canada at the MILSET International Science Fair in Abu Dhabi

Champlain College-Lennoxville proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Mateo Jarquin, a second-year Science student, who recently represented Team Canada at the MILSET International Science Fair in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Mateo's project, F.L.E.X. (Fully Leveraged Exo-Hand), is an innovative robotic hand that mirrors human movements in real time, without the need for gloves, sensors, or physical attachments. Combining 3D printing, robotics, coding, and motion-capture technology, his project demonstrates how creativity and engineering can come together to redefine human-machine interaction.

Projects selected to represent Team Canada at MILSET are recognized for their innovation, quality, collaboration, and sustainability. Mateo's selection in the Engineering, Computer Science, and Robotics Applications category is a testament to his hard work and his dedication to research and design.

The MILSET Expo-Sciences is a non-competitive, multicultural exhibition that brings together young scientists from around the world to present their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) projects. Participants also take part in conferences, cultural visits, workshops, and scientific activities designed to foster collaboration and cultural exchange.

Reflecting on his experience, Mateo shared: "While I was there, I did want to make the most of my experience -- I met people from every country that attended! I attended a lot of the really fascinating conferences and met up with the speakers after. For example, I got to speak to a NASA scientist."

He also took time to explore some of the region's most unique cultural and artistic highlights.

"We went to the TeamLab Phenomena, which was very immersive. You should Google photos, it was insane! The Mosque was definitely one of my favourite visits; I loved seeing the Arabian culture there."

But for Mateo, what stood out most was the opportunity to share his passion with others. "Overall, my favourite experience was that I got to present my project to many students from across the world who share similar passions to me. I got to meet like-minded people who will become the next generation of innovators, and that's something I'll always remember."

Representing both Champlain College-Lennoxville and Canada at such a global event is an extraordinary accomplishment. Mateo's enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity reflect the very best of our college community and serve as an inspiration to fellow students.

"I'm so grateful for the support from Champlain and the Foundation," Mateo added. "Without them, I wouldn't have had this incredible opportunity to share my project and connect with so many amazing people from around the world."

To learn more about F.L.E.X. and discover Mateo's innovative projects, subscribe to his YouTube channel: @MateoTechLab.