Christian Fobel
About Christian Fobel
Christian Fobel is a Senior Data Engineer at TELUS in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a background in digital microfluidics and software development.
Company
Christian Fobel is currently working at TELUS as a Senior Data Engineer. TELUS is a major telecommunications company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fobel's role at TELUS involves leveraging data engineering techniques to drive efficiency and technology solutions within the company.
Professional Title and Roles
Christian Fobel holds the title of Senior Data Engineer at TELUS. Prior to this, he served as a Senior Software Developer at Songbird Life Science from 2020 to 2021. Between 2019 and 2021, he was an Innovations Senior Software Developer at RWDI. He also co-founded Sci-Bots Inc., where he held the position of Chief Technology Officer from 2016 to 2020. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research Associate at the University of Toronto’s Wheeler Microfluidics Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, from 2013 to 2017.
Education and Expertise
Christian Fobel earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science from the University of Guelph, completing the program between 2007 and 2015. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Computing and Information Science from the University of Guelph from 2005 to 2007. He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo, which he achieved between 1999 and 2005. He possesses significant expertise in discrete optimization, data science, C++, Python, embedded firmware development, and PCB CAD.
Background in Digital Microfluidics
Christian Fobel co-created the DropBot digital microfluidics platform, which automates the precise handling of micro-scale liquid volumes without the use of pumps or moving parts. His background in digital microfluidics includes areas such as software architecture, plan optimization, user interface and product design, control hardware, and integration with third-party instrumentation. He has applied these skills extensively throughout his career, particularly during his tenure at Sci-Bots Inc.
Innovations and Contributions
During his time at Sci-Bots Inc., Christian Fobel played a critical role in integrating digital microfluidics with third-party instrumentation, thus enhancing the capabilities of the DropBot platform. His contributions have significantly advanced the field of wetlab automation, transforming it into an information science. His work has had a notable impact on the development and optimization of automated laboratory processes.