I bring energy, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset to everything I do.
I'm Gabriel Bernal, a high school student at Ashbury College with an array of passions ranging from space technology and science hackathons to musical theatre and cross-country running. As a recipient of the RBC Spirit of the Capital Youth Award, I’m recognized for my commitment to community impact. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and other passionate students through organizations like NASA, the Conrad Challenge, and more, all with the goal of engaging in projects that push the frontiers of innovation and inspire new perspectives.
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
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
WalmartxTKS
Organized by: TKS, Walmart | 2022
As a part of The Knowledge Society I was able to work with a team to create a case study to help Walmart’s customer’s retention with our MyWalmart program, the membership uses spit test data to offer personalized product recommendations based on each customer’s health needs. Additionally, the updated Walmart app scans shopping lists for out-of-stock items and provides options for delivery, substitutions, or nearby store availability. It’s a seamless, personalized shopping experience like never before. We did market research that allowed us to ensure Walmart stores would be better connected to the communities they served and gave an in depth cost-analysis and plan for how it could be implemented and we were invited to pitch to Walmart’s then Head of Innovation and then was able to take part in the launch of their BlueLabs incubator at Collision Conference 2022 in Toronto.
Launched an app prototype for Walmart
Invited to the launch of BlueLabs incubator to pitch our app
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’ve always sought to push myself.
Since grade 9, I have participated in hackathons ranging from incorporating emerging technologies in space exploration to collaborating with companies to introduce innovative ideas for creating the ultimate customer experience.
At the heart of all my projects, I aim to work on things I am passionate about and collaborate with others who share that same passion to produce exciting ideas that challenge the status quo of what is possible.