Reed Laker

Mechanical Engineering

Student at Brigham Young University. Bridging the gap between complex hardware systems and market strategy. Currently researching soft robotics and human-robot interaction at the BYU RAD Lab.

View Resume →

What I'm Doing Now

Completing first-year Mechanical Engineering coursework at BYU — Statics, Linear Algebra, and Physics. In April, I will join Dr. Marc Killpack in the BYU RAD Lab as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, focusing on soft robotics and compliant robotic platforms. Outside of class, I'm tutoring ACT and high school students through Canyon Tutors, the tutoring service I co-founded.

Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant

BYU RAD Lab · Provo, UT Apr 2026 – Present (Incoming)

Joining Dr. Marc Killpack's lab to assist in research focused on soft robotics, compliant robotic platforms, and human-robot co-manipulation.
Contributing to the development and control of safe, flexible robotic systems for unstructured environments.

Facilities Technician

Lashbrook · Draper, UT Oct 2018 – Aug 2025

Performed preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting on fabrication machinery.
Applied multi-material fabrication techniques, including wood, metals, and basic composite molding.

Co-Founder & Tutor

Canyon Tutors · Draper, UT Dec 2022 – Present

Founded and currently manage a private tutoring business focused on high school and ACT instruction.
Designed and deployed the company website (canyontutors.com) for client acquisition.

Full-Time Volunteer Representative

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints · Torreón, Mexico Jul 2023 – Jun 2025

Dedicated two years to full-time missionary service.
Achieved fluent proficiency in Spanish, communicating in diverse situations daily.

Education

Brigham Young University

Mechanical Engineering · Provo, UT Sep 2025 – Present

GPA: 4.0 / 4.0
Key Completed Coursework: Waves & Thermodynamics, Intro to Python, Intro to Accounting, Principles of Economics.

Corner Canyon High School

Draper, UT Class of 2023

Valedictorian · ACT: 35

Projects

Canyon Tutors

Co-founded a private tutoring business. Designed and deployed the company website for client acquisition.

Business Education Web Dev

canyontutors.com →

Jewelry Venture

Building a direct-to-consumer jewelry brand.

E-Commerce Business

Skills & Focus Areas

Core Engineering

Robotics (Developing) Soft Robotics (Developing) Mechatronics CAD (SolidWorks) Statics

Technical Fabrication

Machine Shop Precision Assembly Metals Wood Composites

Software & Analysis

Python JavaScript HTML / CSS SQL Computational Methods

Strategic Focus

Intellectual Property Unit Economics Market Analysis Fluent Spanish

Beyond the Desk

Economics & Innovation

Passionate about the intersection of deep tech and market strategy. I enjoy studying patent law and how emerging technologies disrupt established industries.

Music

Multi-instrumentalist — clarinet, saxophone, and flute.

Outdoors

Hiking and exploring whenever possible.