Mechanical Engineering Student

Luca Hawtin

Design. Prototyping. Analysis.

I am a hands-on mechanical engineering student dedicated to building physical systems that work seamlessly in the real world. I value precision, practical manufacturing, and robust design. Outside of engineering, I enjoy endurance sports and other outdoor activities.

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Background

Following my graduation from Shirley Boys' High School in 2023, I began pursuing my Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury. Now in my third year and tracking toward a 2027 graduation, I am developing a broad mechanical foundation with a strong personal design interest in aerodynamics, lightweight structures, and the optimization of high-performance human-powered vehicles.

In my engineering work, I gravitate toward practical, hands-on problems where theoretical modeling meets physical execution, ranging from structural optimization and stress analysis to aerodynamic testing. I am highly comfortable moving between digital design and the workshop floor, utilizing tools like SolidWorks and Python for data analysis, alongside practical experience in machining, mechanical prototyping, and manufacture.

I am currently looking for a summer engineering internship starting in late 2026, where I can apply my grit, technical toolkit, and practical problem-solving skills to real-world mechanical engineering challenges.

Mechanical
Bachelor of Engineering Honours
Design
Analysis & Problem Solving
2027
Expected Graduation
Beyond Engineering

Interests & Activities

My other interests outside of technical work.

Southern Tour Cycling Race

Cycling

I have been competitively road cycling since 2018, my passion for the sport led me to found the cycling team at Shirley Boys' High School, growing the team to have nearly twenty riders by my final year. I won the overall best individual award for Christchurch Schools Cycling in 2023, but since then my focus has shifted toward more endurance focused mountain biking and multi-day backcountry adventures.

Ski Touring in the Mountains

Tramping

An avid tramper with an appetite for challenging terrain, I spend much of my free time exploring New Zealand’s backcountry across all seasons. From multi-day alpine crossings and ski touring to winter camping, I enjoy the logistics, self-reliance, and physical endurance required to navigate remote routes and rugged peaks.

Adventure racing photo

Other Endurance Sports

Beyond traditional routes, I thrive on the varied challenges of multi-sport events and adventure racing. This passion brings together my endurance base in road cycling and long-distance mountain biking with outdoor lead climbing and technical navigation, demanding both physical versatility and sharp problem-solving in dynamic environments. Looking ahead, I would love to achieve the ultimate goal of tackling iconic endurance races like the Coast to Coast and an Ironman.

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See my work

Some of my projects, each with photos, drawings, and videos.

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