Electronics Weekly
Continuing our series on the latest EW BrightSparks of 2024, we profile Kenville Haynes, a student at the University of Bath.
Achievements
Kenville described for us the extent of his electronics journey. It covers being a Marine Engineering Technician in the Royal Navy, an intern at Renishaw, an entrepreneur, and also a passionate advocate for STEM education…
His engineering career began in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the Royal Navy, where he was responsible for helping maintain the operational efficiency and safety of naval vessels.
His focus was on low-voltage distribution systems, he told us, ensuring a reliable power supply for critical naval operations. His ability to perform under high-pressure conditions earned a promotion to Lead Technician. Here, he led maintenance teams and collaborated with contractors.
These experiences allowed him to manage complex technical challenges early in his career, contributing to the effectiveness of large-scale systems. “This hands-on experience in mission-critical environments instilled a sense of accountability and precision that continues to shape my engineering approach,” he told us.
During his later internship at Renishaw, he had the opportunity to apply his technical skills to commercial engineering challenges. Tasked with designing a hardware solution using FPGA programming in VHDL, he identified an opportunity to automate a key process. He told us how he developed a Python-based tool that optimised communication between the FPGA and the PC, significantly enhancing the team’s workflow and productivity. This experience showed his ability to rapidly translate theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful solutions.
But, in the earliest days, his entrepreneurial journey began in teenage years when he founded an electronics repair business. While providing free repair services to the local community, he gained invaluable hands-on experience and a reputation for solving complex electronics issues. The business also instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, he shared, which has guided his approach to both engineering and community engagement.
Kenville also highlighted the role leadership has played in defining his career. In the Royal Navy, for example, he completed a leadership skills course and received several awards for his attention to detail, team morale, and positive energy. Following this, mentoring junior technicians became one of his proudest roles, he said. He guided them through technical challenges and supported their personal development.
“I believe strongly that empowering others through knowledge-sharing is essential for creating high-performing teams and driving innovation. My leadership approach is collaborative, fostering a problem-solving environment that encourages growth and shared success.”
Balancing professional responsibilities with academic studies has been one of his greatest challenges, he noted. But he said it was also a source of immense pride.
“While pursuing qualifications through The Open University, I simultaneously held full-time roles that required significant dedication and time management. Now, as a third-year student at the University of Bath, where I achieved over 70% in my second year, I remain committed to staying at the cutting edge of electronics and engineering. I understand that continuous learning is vital in an industry defined by rapid technological advancements.”
In summary, as a flavour of his technical achievements, Kenville has worked on a variety of innovative projects. Some of the notable ones include developing an autonomous vehicle using computer vision and OpenCV. This project, he told us, allowed him to explore AI and machine learning by building a self-driving car prototype, which was capable of navigating its environment through image processing.
Another project was the “Dancing Robot”. This involved combining mechanical design with programming, and Kenville developed a robot that could mimic dance movements. This project required a deep understanding of motor control and sensor integration.
He has also explored advanced memory systems, for example working with DDR3 RAM on an FPGA, as previously mentioned. In this project, he was learning how to interface DDR3 RAM with FPGA technology, gaining insights into both hardware and software integration.
To conclude, Kenville highlighted what winning EW BrightSparks would mean for him:
“Receiving this award would be particularly meaningful in light of my background. Growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, coming from a modest upbringing, and transitioning from a military career to university studies, I have been driven by a passion for learning and a desire to contribute to the field of electronics. This recognition would validate my journey and serve as a source of inspiration for others from similar backgrounds. It would demonstrate that, with determination and commitment to continuous growth, anyone can make meaningful contributions to the future of technology.”
Electronics Industry ViewpointKaren Holland, CEO of XCAM, also shared her viewpoint on Kenville’s impressive entry.
She highlighted his transition from a military career, to an internship and becoming an entrepreneur. And his dedication to ongoing learning, particularly during his OU qualification study whilst working full-time.
“He seems to inspire others in a very modern way by use of social media, enabling him to reach out beyond geographical borders to inspire others and help them along their learning journey. Kenville certainly sounds like the candidate to watch in the future – what will he do next!”
Community
On the community and STEM outreach side of things, Kenville told us his passion for engineering and electronics has driven him to engage with his local community in practical and meaningful ways.
As mentioned, he first discovered electronics as a teenager, experimenting with dismantling and repairing old gadgets. Over time, this hobby evolved into a way to give back to the community. For example, he has gladly been offering free repair services for electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This is especially valuable for those who may not have the financial means to access professional repairs, he highlights. It helps technology remain accessible to everyone.
It was through such repairs that he dove deeper into the complexities of different electronic systems, strengthening his skills while addressing real-world challenges. And he’s find himself teaching others basic troubleshooting skills and empowering them with knowledge.
He is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and technologists. He regularly works with family members and friends, introducing them to electronics through hands-on projects using Arduino kits.
“These sessions are designed to spark creativity and curiosity, helping young minds build everything from simple LED circuits to more complex robotic devices,” he told us. He encourages others to see technology “as a tool for innovation and positive change”.
“My goal is to make technology both accessible and exciting. In many underrepresented or underserved communities, opportunities to explore STEM are limited. I strive to change that by offering mentorship and guidance, showing children that engineering isn’t just for experts – it’s something they can explore and master themselves.”
“While my local community is where I make the most direct impact, I have also found a way to extend my influence beyond geographical borders through social media, particularly Instagram. I regularly post updates on my projects, including work with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other electronic systems. One of the most rewarding aspects of this online engagement is receiving messages from followers who are inspired to start their own projects.”
And when it comes to advice or guidance, he tells us he is always eager to help them get started, whether it’s with troubleshooting tips or recommendations on what components to use.
Congratulations to Kenville Haynes!
See also: Elektra Awards 2024 – The Winners
