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LAUAI
ALERFI.

VLSI / IC Design FPGA / HDL Embedded Systems Control Systems Software Dev Guelph, Canada 🇨🇦
lauai@guelph — bash
lauai@guelph ~$
// about.me

Who I Am.

I'm a Systems Engineering student at the University of Guelph (graduating April 2026), specializing in the intersection of hardware design and software development.

I work at every layer of the stack — from designing CMOS circuits at the transistor level in Cadence Virtuoso to implementing FPGA SoC systems in VHDL/Verilog to building enterprise apps in C# and ASP.NET.

Currently a Software/Systems Developer at ECNG Energy Group, modernizing legacy systems and building automation pipelines. Previously a Teaching Assistant, Robotics Instructor, and VEX Robotics coach.

I love engineering problems that live at the boundary of hardware and software — where the logic meets the physics. Originally from Damascus, Syria 🇸🇾, now building things in Canada 🇨🇦.

Dean's Honor List
12+
Engineering Projects
906ps
VLSI Critical Path
5yr
Teaching Experience
🎓
B.Eng Systems EngineeringUniversity of Guelph · 2022 – Apr 2026
💼
Software/Systems DeveloperECNG Energy Group · May 2025 – Present
🏆
$8,500 Entrance ScholarshipUniversity of Guelph, 2022
Co-Leader, SolidWorks User GroupGuelph · Sep 2024 – Apr 2026
🤖
Robotics InstructorExceed Robotics · Nov 2023 – Jun 2024
🌍
5 Years Teaching (Syria → Canada)Robotics, Arduino, Math — ages 5–15
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Featured Projects.

VLSI · IC Design · Cadence
8-bit CMOS Program Counter
⚡ 906 ps delay · 58.08 µW · 1.10 GHz max · gpdk045 45nm

Designed a fully functional 8-bit Program Counter at the transistor level in Cadence Virtuoso. Built three sub-modules from scratch: a CMOS transmission gate MUX, a mirror adder ripple-carry full adder, and a master-slave D flip-flop register. Verified via full Spectre transient simulation.

Cadence VirtuosoSpectre45nm CMOSVLSITransient Sim
FPGA · Cryptography · HW/SW Co-Design
AES-128 Hardware Coprocessor
🔒 NIST verified · APB-integrated · CBC/OFB modes

Designed a 128-bit AES encryption coprocessor in Verilog on an FPGA SoC. Built a custom APB IP module in Platform Designer, implemented all AES transformations (SubBytes, ShiftRows, MixColumns, AddRoundKey), key expansion logic, and memory-mapped registers. Validated against NIST test vectors.

VerilogFPGA SoCAPBQuartusAES-128NIST
FPGA · Digital Design · RTL
Custom Synchronous CPU
🖥️ Full RTL datapath · FSM control · FPGA synthesized

Designed a custom synchronous CPU at the RTL level in VHDL targeting FPGA. Architected a multi-stage datapath with register file, ALU, control unit, and memory interface. Developed FSM-based control logic managing fetch/decode/execute/write-back. Debugged in ModelSim, synthesized in Vivado.

VHDLVivadoModelSimFPGARTL
FPGA · HLS · Zynq SoC
FPGA Accelerator — Vivado HLS
🚀 Loop pipelining · Array partitioning · Dataflow arch

Designed a hardware accelerator kernel in C/C++ for FPGA using Vivado HLS on a Xilinx Zynq SoC. Applied loop pipelining, unrolling, and dataflow architectures. Optimized memory via array partitioning. Analyzed HLS reports for clock, latency, II, and BRAM/DSP/LUT utilization.

Vivado HLSZynq SoCC/C++XilinxPython
FPGA · Aerospace Protocol
ARINC 429 Transmitter & Receiver
✈️ Full protocol impl · FSM-based Rx · Nexys A7

Complete ARINC 429 Tx/Rx in VHDL on a Nexys A7 FPGA. Implemented 32-bit ARINC word formatting with label, SDI, SSM fields and odd parity. FSM receiver handles bit timing, word detection, and parity validation. Optimized in Vivado for minimal LUT/FF utilization.

VHDLNexys A7ARINC 429VivadoModelSim
Embedded · Mechatronics · Capstone
Direct Polymer Extrusion 3D Printer
🖨️ 30–50% cost reduction · STM32 SKR · Marlin firmware

Capstone: modified a Creality 3D printer to print directly from raw polymer, eliminating filament. Replaced control board with STM32-based SKR Mini E3, configured/modified Marlin firmware, tuned extrusion rate, temperature profiles, and motion synchronization. Enables recycled-plastic printing.

STM32MarlinCFirmwareFDM
Embedded · RTOS · ARM Cortex
Real-Time Hot Air Plant Control
🌡️ FreeRTOS tasks · Closed-loop PID · Queue/Semaphore sync

Real-time firmware in C using FreeRTOS on ARM. Task-based architecture for temperature sensing (ADC), control computation, actuator output, and system monitoring. Used queues and semaphores for deterministic inter-task data flow. Validated with oscilloscope-based timing analysis.

FreeRTOSARMCKeilSTM32CubeIDEPID
Systems Design · Accessibility
G.U.I.D.E. — Wearable LiDAR System
♿ 360° LiDAR oscillation · Haptic feedback · ~12hr battery

Wearable real-time obstacle detection for visually impaired users. Chest-mounted oscillating 2D LiDAR achieves effective 3D sensing. Cane-mounted rotary encoder detects traction loss. Directional haptic motors provide low-latency tactile alerts. Battery life ~12hr. Compliant with Accessible Canada Act.

LiDARArduinoHapticsStepper MotorIMUC++
Control Systems · Real-Time
MAGLEV Control System
🧲 PI + PID+FF · QUARC · ~1.5% overshoot achieved

Modeled and controlled a nonlinear magnetic levitation system. Derived equations from first principles, linearized the model, and designed hierarchical PI (inner current loop) + PID+feedforward (outer position loop) control. Validated in Simulink simulations and validated on real hardware via QUARC.

MATLABSimulinkQUARCPIDControl Theory
Software · Systems Modernization
Legacy System Migration — ECNG
💻 90% manual effort reduction · Access → C# / ASP.NET

Migrated legacy Microsoft Access VBA systems to C# WinForms and ASP.NET WebForms at ECNG Energy Group. Built Python/Selenium automation for data extraction. Designed SQL Server stored procedures and staging pipelines. Implemented VB.NET business logic with DevExpress components.

C#ASP.NETVB.NETSQL ServerPythonSelenium
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Skills & Expertise.

VLSI / IC Design

Cadence VirtuosoSpectreCMOS Design45nm gpdkTransistor-level

FPGA / HDL

VHDLVerilogVivadoVivado HLSModelSimQuartusZynq SoC

Embedded Systems

C / C++STM32FreeRTOSARM Cortex-MKeil / CubeIDESPI / I2C / UARTADC / GPIO

Software Dev

PythonC#VB.NETASP.NETSQL ServerJavaSeleniumGit

Tools & Analysis

MATLAB/SimulinkQUARCSolidWorksLTspiceJIRA / ScrumLinuxOscilloscope
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Work History.

May 2025 – Present · Burlington, Ontario · Hybrid
Software / Systems Developer
ECNG Energy Group · Internship
  • Developed and commissioned a Python/Selenium automation workflow for secure data extraction, reporting, and delivery, reducing manual effort by 90%.
  • Migrated multiple legacy Microsoft Access VBA systems into modern C# WinForms and ASP.NET WebForms environment, ensuring system scalability, stability, and maintainability.
  • Designed and implemented SQL Server stored procedures, views, and staging pipelines to replace Access queries, delivering optimized back-end performance and accurate reporting.
  • Developed and enhanced C# WinForms applications, implementing business logic, integrating database connectivity, and improving usability with DevExpress components.
  • Implemented application logic in VB.NET to handle data validation, event-driven workflows, and secure interactions between the front-end and SQL Server back-end.
  • Automated reporting workflows by linking ASP.NET/VB layers with Excel exports, replacing manual processes with efficient, structured automation.
  • Converted complex business rules and legacy queries into optimized T-SQL implementations, improving execution speed and system reliability.
  • Collaborated with senior engineers on code reviews, configuration management, and maintaining stable DevExpress/Visual Studio environments across the stack.
Dec 2024 – Apr 2025 · Guelph, ON
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant — Electric Circuits
University of Guelph · Contract
  • Assisted students in mastering fundamental circuit analysis methods, including Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws, nodal analysis, mesh analysis, superposition, and Thevenin/Norton equivalents.
  • Supported lab sessions by guiding students through experiments on DC/AC circuits, operational amplifiers, first- and second-order circuits, and sinusoidal steady-state analysis with phasors.
  • Trained students in the correct use of laboratory instrumentation, including DC power supplies, digital multimeters, function generators, and oscilloscopes, while reinforcing safety procedures.
  • Facilitated connections between theoretical concepts and practical applications, helping students build confidence in applying circuit theorems to real-world engineering problems.
Sep 2024 – Dec 2024 · Guelph, ON
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant — Engineering Systems Analysis
University of Guelph · Contract
  • Assisted students in understanding core concepts of dynamic engineering systems, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and hydraulic systems.
  • Supported students in modeling and analyzing system behaviors using differential equations, Laplace transforms, and computer-based methods.
  • Provided guidance during labs and tutorials on solving system responses such as impulse, step, and frequency response.
Sep 2024 – Apr 2026 · Guelph, ON
Co-Leader, Guelph SolidWorks User Group
University of Guelph · Self-employed
Co-led the university SolidWorks user group, organizing workshops, tutorials, and events to strengthen 3D modelling and CAD skills across the engineering student community.
Nov 2023 – Jun 2024 · Ontario, Canada
Robotics Instructor
Exceed Robotics · Part-time
  • Conducted hands-on instruction in SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of 3D modelling and design principles.
  • Instructed students in LEGO Mindstorms, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills through the design and programming of autonomous robots.
  • Guided students in designing and programming Arduino-based projects, such as a robotic claw mechanism, to develop skills in hardware integration and control systems.
  • Implemented Arduino microcontrollers in a smart house project, where students learned to automate home functions using sensors, actuators, and IoT principles.
  • Supervised and facilitated 3D printing projects (FDM and SLA), enabling students to bring SolidWorks designs to life.
  • Led a team of students to success in regional VEX Robotics competitions, showcasing their design and programming capabilities.
May 2017 – Aug 2022 · Damascus, Syria
Robotics & Mathematics Teacher
Alwataniah Syria National School · Part-time
  • Taught students between the ages of 5 through 15 coding and robotics, specifically LEGO Mindstorms, Scratch, and Arduino.
  • Taught elementary school students the subject of mathematics, specifically geometry and algebra.
  • Led multiple study/help sessions teaching Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Office software while recording sessions for students to use as a reference.
  • Gathered parents' feedback on teaching methodology and adjusted approach to match each student's requirements.
  • Created and graded tests for all subjects being taught.
  • Developed a structured learning plan for newly admitted students to achieve their targets within the semester.
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Certifications & Honours.

🏆 Dean's Honor List — Fall 2025
🏆 Dean's Honor List — Winter 2025
🏆 Dean's Honor List — Winter 2024
🎓 $8,500 Entrance Scholarship · UofG 2022
🟢
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Six Sigma Global Institute
May 2024 · ID: 103865537
🟡
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Six Sigma Global Institute
May 2024 · ID: 102896996
Six Sigma White Belt
The Council for Six Sigma Certification
Mar 2024
📐
CSWA — Mechanical Design
Dassault Systèmes (SolidWorks)
Mar 2024 · ID: C-53MSNXF87E
🤖
VEX Coach Certification 2023–24
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Sep 2023
🧠
Intro to Responsible AI
CARE-AI, University of Guelph
Jan 2024
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Let's Connect.

Whether you're looking to collaborate on a hardware project, discuss embedded systems, or explore opportunities — I'd love to hear from you.