PLAYER PROFILE
JALAL G
ECE @ University of Toronto · Grad 2028
Embedded systems. Hands-on builds. Building things that actually work.
ORIGIN
I grew up in Khartoum, Sudan. Did my IGCSEs in 2020, pandemic year, fully remote. Started a Biomedical Engineering degree at UMST in Khartoum in 2021. Things were going well until April 15, 2023 — war broke out in Sudan the same day I was sitting a final exam. I left with my family shortly after.
We moved through Egypt for a few months. In September 2023, I landed in Toronto and restarted at the University of Toronto in ECE. It was a reset: new program, new city, starting from scratch at 21. Honestly, one of the better things that happened to me — I ended up where I was supposed to be.
The full origin story is in the Logbook → Origin series with 10 individual posts. If you want the actual timeline, it’s all there.
WHAT I BUILD
EMBEDDED + HARDWARE
- Arduino & microcontrollers
- Circuit design & analysis
- Sensor integration
- 3D printing & CAD (Fusion 360)
- Soldering & hardware assembly
- Diagnostics & repair
SOFTWARE + TOOLS
- C / C++
- Python
- MATLAB
- Embedded firmware
- Git
- HTML / CSS / JS
RIGHT NOW
- Studying ECE at UofT, graduating 2028
- Doing hands-on personal build and repair projects outside class
- Doing home services and assembly work via TaskRabbit (5.0 rating, 100+ tasks)
- Actively seeking an internship in embedded systems or firmware
- Building on the Logbook — documenting projects as I go
OUTSIDE ENGINEERING
Cycling is the main thing. I ride a custom 2010 Orbea full-carbon build: Dura-Ace groupset, C35 wheels, FSA cockpit — about 17 lbs. Also have a Norco for more casual routes. Most of my rides are in Ottawa through Gatineau Park; did the Pink Lake loop (roughly 50km) a few times now.
Hiking when I travel. Banff was one of the best — Peyto Lake past the main viewpoint, early morning. Spent time in the Dolomites too: Seceda Ridgeline at sunrise and the Col Raiser to Pieralongia route in South Tyrol.
Started skiing recently and tracking progression. Coffee is also a thing — macchiato in the morning, double double when I need it.
Life.exe → has the full breakdown with routes, gear, and notes.