Vladislav Pomogaev, a recent Riverside Secondary graduate, is a self-taught electronics and software whiz. One of his projects has taken him to Montreal for the Canada-Wide Science Fair.

From a very young age, Pomogaev has been developing his software programming skills. In the more-recent past, he has become increasingly interested in electronics. Electronics are an affordable hobby for Pomogaev, and he has largely taught himself how to develop electronic products by combining information and ideas from various sources.

In his Grade 12 year at Riverside Secondary, Pomogaev began a project that put his skills to the test – a smartphone-controlled electric skateboard. Pomogaev used his knowledge of RC parts and electronics to motorize the skateboard, and used his software programming skills to develop a smartphone app that can be used to control it.

The skateboard can be operated with a regular handheld controller, or for added portability, a smartphone. He is currently on his sixth prototype, with each one aiming to make the skateboard as light, fast and portable as possible. The skateboard can travel at an impressive 32 kilometres per hour.

Pomogaev took his invention to the provincial science fair held at the University of British Columbia, won a gold medal and moved forward with a team of B.C. students to represent the province at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Montreal. He came home with a bronze medal, a $1,000 entrance scholarship and a new network of like-minded friends.   

Come September, Pomogaev will be studying at the University of British Columbia, along with some of the friends he made on his trip to the Canada-Wide Science Fair. He plans to pursue studies in engineering physics, but his aspirations don’t stop there. A student of entrepreneurship at Riverside Secondary, Pomogaev wants to learn more about business so he can continue to invent products and take them to market. We look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!

Vlad's is just one of many student success stories. Read more.