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.

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Reed Laker
4.0 University GPA · Valedictorian · ACT 35 · Fluent Spanish

What I'm Doing Now

Completing first-year Mechanical Engineering coursework at BYU — Statics, Linear Algebra, and Physics. I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Marc Killpack in the BYU RAD Lab, 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
  • Researching soft robotics, compliant robotic platforms, and human-robot co-manipulation under Dr. Marc Killpack.
  • 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

Technical Projects

Soft Robotics Research

Contributing to the development and control of compliant robotic platforms at the BYU RAD Lab. Focused on improving safety and versatility in unstructured environments.

Robotics Research BYU RAD Lab

Ventures

Canyon Tutors

Founded and manage a private tutoring business specializing in ACT prep and advanced high school mathematics. Focused on strategy-based learning and student success.

Leadership Education

Bespoke Jewelry

Direct-to-consumer jewelry brand through Laker Ventures, LLC. Specializing in fully custom engagement rings and wedding bands at wholesale prices.

Direct-to-Consumer Manufacturing
View Custom Rings →

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 Licensed Insurance Agent (Health & Accident) 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.

Get in Touch

Currently based in Provo, UT