Fadhil Lawal

About Me

I'm Fadhil Lawal, an engineering student at Vanderbilt University with a passion for building things that matter. I thrive on turning complex problems into simple, practical solutions, whether that’s sketching out a new idea, tinkering with hardware, or experimenting with code. Along the way, I’ve developed a strong interest in systems and controls engineering as well as software engineering, where I get to blend theory with hands-on problem-solving.

My journey has taken me from Houston to the UAE, Ghana, and Egypt—experiences that shaped my perspective on technology's global impact. I'm pursuing Electrical & Computer Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Legal Studies because I believe the future belongs to engineers who understand both code and policy. If I’m not studying or doing homework, I’m coaching congressional debaters, playing basketball, or working on my next project.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Larynx AI

Intelligent Email Automation Platform

Larynx AI is a sophisticated email automation platform that integrates with Gmail to monitor incoming business communications and generate authentic, personalized responses. The system analyzes user writing patterns to maintain voice consistency while incorporating relevant business context including inventory data and pricing information. This project addresses a significant pain point for small business owners who spend excessive time crafting repetitive email responses, automating routine communications while preserving the authentic voice and personality that customers expect.

Python FastAPI React OpenAI GPT-4 Supabase Gmail API

Visit Website Watch Demo View Code

ESP32 Smart RC Car

Advanced Remote Vehicle with Live Streaming

Custom-built ESP32-based remote-controlled vehicle featuring real-time video streaming, collision avoidance, IMU telemetry, and web-based control interface. Designed custom PCB in KiCad, reducing system size by 40% compared to breadboard prototype.

ESP32 C++ KiCad WebSocket PCB Design

View Code

V1 Prototype

Custom PCB Design

V2 Internal Components

Circuit Schematic

Transfer Tracker

Global Soccer Transfer Monitoring Platform

Interactive website tracking soccer player transfers worldwide using Python/Django backend and AWS EC2 hosting, serving 150+ active users with data on 125,000+ players, 4,000 clubs, and 200 leagues. Automated transfer data collection using custom Python web scrapers.

Python Django AWS EC2 Web Scraping HTML/CSS/JS

Watch Demo GitHub

Love Letter Game

Digital Card Game Implementation

Developed digital version of the Love Letter card game using Java to program core game mechanics, rules, and user interactions. Created custom visual elements and user interface using Figma for prototyping and Java Paint for rendering interactive graphics, delivering a fully functional gaming experience with smooth animations and intuitive controls.

Java Figma Java Paint Game Development UI/UX Design

Watch Demo View Code

WORK EXPERIENCE

Research Intern @ University of Houston

June 2023 – August 2023

Programmed Python-based vehicle routing algorithm that outperformed Dijkstra's algorithm in select suburban benchmarks
Simulated traffic networks using SUMO and TraCI, leading to a 6.3% increase in route efficiency through optimized traffic flow
Trained convolutional neural network on CIFAR-10 dataset, achieving 85% accuracy via hyperparameter tuning and augmentation

Co-Founder @ Genius Terminal

September 2022 – June 2023

Led four-week HTML/CSS course for 40+ students across 9 communities, improving technical literacy and web development skills
Ran eight-week technical program in C++, Arduino, and game design for 25+ underrepresented youth, increasing STEM interest
Developed 10+ slide decks, 25+ interactive coding assignments, and 3 collaborative capstone projects to enhance engagement

Lead Instructor @ iCode Computer Training School

March 2023 – May 2024

Taught 50+ students programming through weekly project-based lessons and interactive coding exercises
Implemented pre- and post-course surveys to assess instructional effectiveness, increasing student proficiency in programming languages by 40%
Redesigned trial class curriculum with gamified programming tasks to boost engagement, increasing after-trial enrollment by 30%

Operations Assistant @ Infinity Phone Repair

June 2021 – August 2022

Diagnosed electronics damage (phones, laptops, etc) and repaired 45+ software and hardware issues for clients on a weekly basis
Designed client-facing system for repair and warranty tracking—automating data entry and reducing turnaround time by 11%
Spearheaded rollout of novel tracking system to upscale inventory management process, reducing inventory discrepancies by 15%

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Telecommunications Chair @ NSBE Vanderbilt

August 2025 – Present

Manage social media, external communications, and outreach campaigns promoting NSBE events and opportunities to students
Develop comprehensive communication strategies to increase chapter visibility and engagement across campus
Coordinate with university administration and external partners to expand NSBE's impact and reach
Design promotional materials and maintain consistent brand messaging across all platforms

Freshman Representative @ NSBE Vanderbilt

October 2024 – May 2025

Represented Class of 2028 in NSBE leadership; collaborated with board members to plan 10+ workshops, mixers, and hackathons
Facilitated communication between freshman class and NSBE leadership to ensure inclusive programming
Organized peer mentorship programs and study groups to support academic success of incoming students
Advocated for freshman needs and perspectives in chapter decision-making processes

Team Lead @ Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science

September 2024 – December 2024

Developed and delivered interactive science lessons to K-12 students in Nashville public schools
Coordinated team of student volunteers to ensure consistent program delivery and educational impact
Focused on increasing STEM engagement among underrepresented student populations through hands-on activities
Managed logistics for school visits, volunteer scheduling, and educational material preparation

Assistant Mentorship Chair @ REVAMP

August 2025 – Present

Design and execute outreach strategies to connect with African male students across Vanderbilt's campus
Organize wellness workshops, networking events, and community-building initiatives to foster belonging
Collaborate with campus organizations to create inclusive programming and expand community reach
Mentor incoming students and facilitate peer support networks to enhance academic and social success

HONORS & AWARDS

POSSE Scholarship

Full-tuition leadership scholarship recognizing academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. Prestigious program supporting diverse leaders in higher education.

Black At Microsoft Scholarship

Competitive scholarship program supporting underrepresented students in technology, recognizing academic achievement and commitment to diversity in STEM fields.

Congressional Debate Champion (NSDA)

National championship title in competitive debate through the National Speech and Debate Association, demonstrating exceptional research, argumentation, and public speaking skills.

National Merit Scholarship

Academic achievement recognition based on exceptional PSAT/NMSQT performance, representing top 1% of test-takers nationwide with demonstrated academic excellence.

Congressional Debate Champion (UK Tournament of Champions)

Championship victory at the prestigious University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions, competing against the nation's top debaters in congressional debate format.

KATY ISD Award of Excellence

District-wide recognition for outstanding academic performance and extracurricular achievement throughout high school career in the Katy Independent School District.

SLHS Legacy Certificate of Honor

Special recognition from Seven Lakes High School honoring exceptional contribution to school community and demonstration of leadership, character, and academic excellence.

Congressional Debate Champion (UIL)

State championship title through the University Interscholastic League, Texas's premier high school academic competition organization, in congressional debate.