Flying lessons and atomic modelling

This year, the University of Manitoba welcomes Schulich Leader Scholarship recipients Tobias Hathout Willard and Daniel Mejia, whose ambitions span aerospace engineering and educational technology.

The scholarships recognize students who combine an entrepreneurial mindset with leadership, innovation and a passion for science, technology, engineering and math, otherwise known, otherwise known as STEM.

Every year, two incoming UM students in engineering or sciences receive these prestigious awards, no small feat. Recipients are chosen from a national pool of more than 350,000 graduating high school students; over 1,300 nominees are forwarded by their schools, with 100 outstanding students earning the scholarship. The engineering-based Schulich Leader receives $120,000 over four years; the science recipient receives $100,000 over four years.

As they begin their studies at UM, Hathout Willard and Mejia exemplify curiosity, leadership, entrepreneurial thinking and a commitment to using STEM to improve lives. From Northern transportation to transforming student learning, both are already making an impact. 

Teen airship builder: Tobias Hathout Willard

Tobias Hathout Willard has been taking flying lessons since age 14. The Exchange Met School graduate is the recipient of the engineering-based $120,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship.

He earned his student pilot permit after more than 75 hours of flight time and has since secured his private pilot licence after completing over 150 flying hours and numerous written exams.

In Grade 9, Hathout Willard designed and built a remote-control airship, adapting his design from hydrogen to helium. Later, he built a remote-control airplane from the ground up, applying aerodynamic calculations, CAD design, 3D printing, fiberglass fabrication and laser cutting.

Churchill trip sparks passion

On a trip to Churchill as a teen, Hathout Willard saw how a rail disruption affected food access and travel in the North. The experience sparked his interest in transportation solutions for remote communities.

His initiative led him to STARLab at UM, where he secured an internship after interviewing local airship entrepreneur Barry Prentice.

Over three years, he worked on aerospace projects including satellite calibration systems, hovercraft development and a prototype airship for Northern communities. Collaborating with graduate researchers and international manufacturing partners, he gained experience rare at the high-school level.

Solving real challenges

Beyond aerospace, Hathout Willard expanded his skills through an internship with Winnipeg startup Win-Shield Devices, contributing to design, coding and manufacturing projects while quickly learning the basics of precision machining.

He mentored younger students through a provincial engineering competition and has worked with diverse teams of various trades and ages.

Safer aircraft for the North

Now entering UM’s Price Faculty of Engineering with a focus on mechanical and mechatronics studies, he hopes to create safer, more efficient and more affordable aircraft for Canada’s North.

“Ten years from now, I would love to be working in R&D [Research and Development] for an aerospace company, designing efficient aircraft for remote communities,” he says. “I plan to earn a mechanical engineering degree with a specialization in aerodynamics and then hope to leverage co-op positions in university to get into the industry.”

Making chemistry visible: Daniel Mejia

Daniel Mejia is passionate about helping people learn through technology. A graduate of St. Maurice School in Winnipeg, Mejia is driven by a love for creativity, storytelling and problem-solving. He is the recipient of the science-based $100,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship.

He aims to combine computer science and artificial intelligence to build tools that help learners understand complex STEM concepts. In ten years, he hopes to lead a software company developing AI-powered learning platforms that make problem-solving more accessible and engaging.

Mejia’s leadership is rooted in helping others succeed. He has tutored classmates, adapted lessons to different learning styles and shared study strategies with younger students. These experiences reinforced his belief that leadership is about empowering people and creating opportunities for growth.

From a young age, he says, “I have always loved creating worlds and stories, dreaming that one day I could bring the same joy my creations gave me to others. Ever since I realized my potential, I began to believe in the power of creation to inspire and help people. 

“Because of this, I am driven to use my vision to help others learn, think creatively and be more productive.”

3D atomic modelling for learning

One of Mejia’s notable accomplishments is creating a 3D atom visualization app called AtomLink that visualizes molecular structures and chemistry concepts using accurate atomic models.

By combining scientific knowledge, coding and creative thinking, Mejia developed a tool that turns memorization into an interactive learning experience.

“I built a 3D atom visualizer tool called AtomLink that transforms abstract theory into an interactive learning experience for peers. To bring my vision to life, I began to learn coding and leveraged AI tools, iterating through multiple designs until it functioned as desired,” he says.

Throughout high school, Mejia maintained a 90-plus average while earning recognition in biology and web design. He also taught himself coding and explored emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, looking for ways to turn ideas into practical solutions.

Whether leading group projects, balancing school with part-time work, or pursuing ambitious technical projects, Mejia approaches challenges with persistence and accountability, seeing obstacles as opportunities to learn, improve and innovate.