I’m at my best when I’m learning fast, working with people, and turning ideas into something real.
I’m Gabriel Bernal, an engineering student at Queen’s University interested in the intersection of technology, economics, and public life. My work and experiences have ranged from space technology and student-led research initiatives to community projects, entrepreneurship programs, and youth leadership.
I’m especially drawn to problems that combine technical thinking with real-world impact: how new technologies are built, how they affect people, and how they can be used responsibly. Outside of academics, I enjoy following politics and current affairs, staying active, and continuing to explore long-standing interests in space, performance, and community-building.
Education & Certifications
Ashbury College Graduate 2025 with International Baccalaureate (IB) HL Certificate
France Education International DELF B2 (French Proficiency) Certification, 2023
Languages
Fluent in English and French
Projects
Queen’s Model Parliament
Organized by: Queen’s Model Parliament | January 2026
Participated in model parliament proceedings at the House of Commons, speaking on a variety of issues. Helped lead Conservative party in bill writing and policy focus throughout the months of preparation and the eventual conference in the winter term.
Spoke in House of Commons
Space For the Benefit of the Earth
Organized by: Blue Origin, Conrad Challenge | April 2023
Our idea of a system of laser transmitting solar satellites was recognized by Blue Origin and the Conrad Challenge as the best out of over 4000 students. My team of three won this and was invited down to Blue Origin’s Rocket Factory in Cape Canaveral.
Selected as the top project out of 4000 students
Invited to visit Blue Origin Rocket Factory in Florida
TEDx
Organized by: TEDxAshburyCollege | 2024
I presented on the critical need for humanity to invest in space exploration, emphasizing how the indirect benefits of this investment often go unnoticed.
Delivered speech on the importance of investment into space
Utilized public speaking skills to educate others
Conrad Challenge - Lunalith
Organized by: Conrad Challenge | February 2024
My first Conrad Challenge saw my team develop a pitch and prototype for a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) System to store energy for long term Moon missions.
Video pitch creation for the Conrad Challenge
Developed physical prototype of lunar energy storage system
NASA Space Apps - Theia
Organized by: NASA | 2022
Theia is a NASA SpaceApps proposal for an integrated Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator designed to make use of a decaying radioisotope to power long term missions on Venus’s surface. The project was designed to enable long term Venus missions which would be impossible with current technology due to inadequate power methods.
Published a technical research paper for NASA Space Apps
Used CAD software to develop prototypes for the RTG
Bamboo - National Space Society Space Settlement Contest
Organized by: National Space Society | 2022
Our framework for a self-sustaining colony to orbit Mars including artificial gravity, propulsion technology, and a hydroponics system, dubbed Bamboo due to its bamboo shaped nodules, won my team an honourable mention from the organization.
Earned an honourable mention from The National Space Society
Published with the National Space Society
TKS Alumni
Organized by: The Knowledge Society (TKS) | 2022-2023
The Knowledge Society (TKS) is an innovation program designed to prepare high-potential teens for the future by exposing them to cutting-edge technologies, scientific advancements, and entrepreneurial thinking. TKS aims to foster the next generation of global leaders and problem-solvers by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on experience in real-world challenges.
"If we can train Olympic level athletes from a young age, why can't we train Olympic level CEOs and innovators?"
TKS Co-Founder, Nadeem Nathoo
I joined TKS as an after school program to provide me an understanding of how to engage with technology companies and learn about the business side of science. What I got was life-changing: TKS opened up opportunities for me to have my work pitched to execs at billion dollars companies, submit a proposal on a self-sustaining Mars colony to the National Space Society, write papers on multiple aspects of aerospace technology and the future of space exploration, meet 1-1 with engineers who've worked at SpaceX and Amazon Prime Air to build-out projects.
Connected With Global Business Leaders
RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Awards, Innostation
Organized by: RBC, Youth Ottawa | June 2023
In April 2022 I helped start Innostation, a non-profit with 2 friends, dedicated to helping young people conduct high level research and offer mentoring in preparation for hackathons. We were recognized by RBC and Youth Ottawa with a $1000 grant and mentoring for our endeavors as we grew our international online program and in person programs with Youth Ottawa.
Founded a non profit to support youth in conducting high level reaserch
Awarded $1000 grant from RBC
Hack Against Hate
Organized by: Toronto Metropolitan University | 2021
Unhate, our prototype of an AI program able to be incorporated into school devices and social media platforms to detect hate speech won my team of three $5000.
Created a prototype AI program to combat hate speech
Awarded $5000 from Toronto Metropolitan University
I'M JUST GETTING STARTED
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I'M JUST GETTING STARTED
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I'M JUST GETTING STARTED ↴ I'M JUST GETTING STARTED ↴
I’m interested in the ideas, systems, and decisions that shape how people live and work. My experiences have taken me through hackathons, student-led projects, entrepreneurship programs, and community initiatives, where I’ve explored topics ranging from emerging technologies and space to business strategy and public impact.
Across these experiences, I’ve learned that I’m most engaged when I’m working with thoughtful people, asking questions, and turning early ideas into something more practical, useful, and considered.