LeRoy Thompson
Bozeman,MT
Summary
I am a forward-thinking student pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. I worked at the BOREALIS Laboratory as an intern during the summer of 2025. I have experience with many of the current projects at BOREALIS and I am eager to continue developing the systems I worked on during the summer.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BOREALIS Intern
Montana Space Grant Consortium
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Designed and Built PCBs using Fusion360 and surface-mount soldering techniques that were attached to payload strings and flown above 90,000 ft.
- Created software program using Python to control a ground tracking station.
- Developed radio systems using LoRa communication protocol for tracking and control of balloons in flight.
Log-Yard Manager/Equipment Operator
RBM Lumber
06.2015 - 08.2023
- Managed log-yard operations autonomously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines for orders and to prevent disruptions to production.
- Engaged in training for new operators in equipment use, safety and operational procedures.
- Coordinated with departments and directly interacted with customers, utilizing strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Education
Bachelor's - Mechanical Engineering
Montana State University
Bozeman07-2026
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Flathead Valley Community College
Kalispell, MT05.2024
Skills
- MATLAB
- SolidWorks
- Python
- Soldering
- Fusion360
- Foundational research experience
- Equipment operation
Certification
Private Pilot Certificate - Part 61
Undergraduate Research Experience
From fall 2022 to spring 2024.
- Designed and conducted an undergraduate research project focused on marine chemistry related to eelgrasses found in Morro Bay, CA.
- Received $7,000 in research funding to travel to Morro Bay, collect samples, and take chemical measurements on site.
- Had to demonstrate an ability to plan out and execute a project, as well as adapt as circumstances changed.
- Learned fundamental research skills such as report writing, hypothesis development, and working within budget and time constraints.
- Presented two posters.
Presentations
- Thompson, L., Ennist, J.H. (2022) Comparing Salinity and Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Near Eelgrass in Morro Bay. Presented at Flathead Valley Community College Science Conference
- Thompson, L., Ennist, J.H. (2024) Calculating Carbon Chemistry of Morro Bay, California. Presented at Flathead Valley Community College Science Conference
Timeline
BOREALIS Intern
Montana Space Grant Consortium
05.2025 - 08.2025
Log-Yard Manager/Equipment Operator
RBM Lumber
06.2015 - 08.2023
Bachelor's - Mechanical Engineering
Montana State University
Associate of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Flathead Valley Community College
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