Hello, I'm Euan
I am a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Swansea University, currently transitioning into an MRes (Master of Research) in Mechanical Engineering, continuing the work I began in my final year dissertation on the Smart Walking Stick.
Engineering foundations
I completed my BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Swansea University, graduating with First Class Honours. My undergraduate degree gave me a strong foundation across the full engineering spectrum, from fluid mechanics and structural analysis to electronics, embedded systems and product design.
Alongside my studies, I completed a year of industry experience at Ipeco, an aerospace and aviation manufacturing company, where I gained hands-on experience in a professional engineering environment working on aircraft seat components and manufacturing processes.
One project, six disciplines
For my final year dissertation, I chose to design and build the Smart Walking Stick. This wasn't just an academic exercise. It was a project I chose because it mattered personally, and one that pushed me across multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously.
Embedded systems
Programming a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W in Python to run the cueing, sensing and communication logic.
Electronics and PCB design
Designing custom circuits and a printed circuit board in EasyEDA to replace the breadboard prototype.
Mobile app development
Building a full Android application in React Native with Expo, from UI to voice control.
Bluetooth Low Energy
Implementing a full wireless communication stack between the Pi and the app.
Signal processing
Reading and interpreting real-time IMU sensor data from the six-axis motion sensor.
Human-centred design
Evaluating the prototype with real Parkinson's patients and building their feedback into the design.
The project was demonstrated live to a Parkinson's UK Southend support group in April 2026, and has since led to contact with Parkinson's UK Tech Partnerships and PD Buddy, a Parkinson's disease assistive technology business.
Continuing as research
I am now continuing this work as an MRes at Swansea University, supervised by Dr Eifion Jewel. The research will focus on three areas:
- Prototype 2 development: migrating to an ESP32, adding physical buttons, and refining the PCB.
- Clinical testing: structured trials with Parkinson's patients measuring quantitative gait parameters.
- Automated freeze detection: using machine learning on IMU sensor data to detect Freezing of Gait episodes in real time.
What I work with
Technical
Engineering
Beyond engineering
Let's talk
I am always happy to talk about the Smart Walking Stick, Parkinson's research, or engineering in general. If you are a clinician, researcher, funder or part of a Parkinson's organisation, your perspective would be especially welcome. There is no mailing list and no form: just send me an email.