Luca Mastroianni is a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Windsor and a participant in the Outstanding Scholars program. Through this placement, undergraduates gain paid research experience and work closely with faculty on innovative research initiatives. (Submitted by LUCA MASTROIANNI/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Luca Mastroianni has always loved building things.
From welding and woodworking projects in high school to designing automated systems in university, his hands-on approach to problem-solving has shaped his academic journey.
Now in his third year of mechanical engineering at the University of Windsor, Mastroianni is part of the Outstanding Scholars program — a paid research opportunity that allows high-achieving undergraduates work closely with faculty on real-world projects.
Through Outstanding Scholars, Mastroianni has spent the past two years designing and building an automated system to move fabric between stations in a factory setting.
The work involves coding microcontrollers, developing control architecture and programming industrial-grade robot arms — experience that has sparked a new interest in control systems and influenced his career aspirations.
“I started with nothing and now I have a functioning prototype,” said Mastroianni.
“Watching the process unfold from concept to completion has been more than fulfilling.”
The project began in his second year and is still ongoing.
Along the way, Mastroianni learned more than technical skills. His time- and project-management abilities improved and he discovered how classroom theory translates into practical solutions.
“It’s a great way to see theory applied to real problems and to build relationships with professors and mentors,” Mastroianni said.
His passion for mechanical engineering started early.
In high school, Mastroianni enjoyed welding, machining and woodworking but found his true interest in design.
That led him to pursue engineering, though he keeps his hands-on skills sharp — recently earning recertification in all-position welding through the Canadian Welding Bureau.
The placement also introduced him to control systems, an area he hadn’t explored before.
“I was given the chance to work extensively with control systems, and I found it to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” he said.
“It has sparked a strong interest in this area, and I’m excited to continue exploring controls as a potential focus for my future career.”
For students considering Outstanding Scholars, Mastroianni’s advice is simple: dive in!
It’s not just a job — it’s a chance to turn ideas into innovation and discover new passions along the way.
This article is part of a series celebrating Outstanding Scholars—exceptional students making an impact through research and creative work across campus.