Joshua Budisa earned his B.Eng. in mechanical engineering from McMaster University in April, 2022. In January 2023, he joined the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) as a master’s student in the department of mechanical engineering, under the supervision of Dr. Ali Emadi. His research focuses on thermal management for power electronics in electric vehicles, and he is currently contributing to automotive projects in collaboration with Vitesco Technologies.
Full Profile
Like many aspiring engineers, Joshua Budisa discovered a love for building early on—spending countless hours with LEGOs, creating whatever his imagination could envision. His passion for problem-solving and creative design continued through his teenage years, reflected in his fascination with Rubik’s cubes and Minecraft. In high school, he entered design competitions, where he built popsicle stick bridges and rat-trap-powered catapults. As an adult, his curiosity and hands-on nature have led him to work on cars as a hobby, constantly seeking opportunities to learn and apply new skills.
During his time as an undergraduate student at McMaster University, Joshua developed a strong foundation in engineering principles, software tools, and collaborative teamwork. He joined the McMaster Interdisciplinary Satellite Team (MIST), where he contributed to the NEUDOSE mission—culminating in the successful launch of their CubeSat in March 2023 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. As a graduate student, Joshua returned to MIST as a thermal specialist, supporting the team’s next CubeSat project for the PRESET mission.
Joshua also completed a 12-month co-op at General Motors, leading teams on the front lines of vehicle manufacturing and gaining practical insight into large-scale production systems. These academic and industry experiences, combined with his lifelong enthusiasm for engineering challenges, led him to pursue graduate studies at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC).
Now working under the supervision of Dr. Ali Emadi, Joshua is pursuing a M.A.Sc. in the department of mechanical engineering. His research focuses on developing innovative thermal management solutions for power electronics in electric vehicles. Surrounded by a strong network of peers and state-of-the-art resources, Joshua is eager to contribute to the advancement of EV technology and make a meaningful impact in the automotive industry.
