USask Engineering Spring 2022 Convocation Award Winners

Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
I will be returning to the U of S to complete a second degree in Computer Science in the fall.

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
I enjoy working to solve problems and the feeling of success once a problem has been solved.  I also like the variety of problems that can be worked on or solved in this discipline, from hardware-related problems to embedded systems to user-facing software.  I also know that I can never be finished learning in my discipline, because the technologies are always changing, and there will always be new challenges to learn in the future.

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
Take time for yourself.  Take a break from school and homework to spend time on hobbies or relax.  Sometimes, the solution to a problem will come from an idea while you are focused on something else.  Even if that isn't the case, it is healthy to take a break sometimes. 

Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
This summer I got the exciting opportunity to work at the University of Saskatchewan within a research team focusing on sustainability solutions in the form of biofuel production. This fall 2022 I will transition to a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering on the topic of biomass and biofuel.

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
In second-year I would have naively said that I really enjoy the math and chemistry components. Yet, after surviving classes like organic chemistry and mathematical modelling it made me realize that these subjects alone are not what I actually enjoy. The need for development and optimization of chemical processes that unites a broad range of industries is what interests me. I enjoy the constant balancing act of chemical engineering that strives for the best solution whether it be the agricultural, mining, petroleum, pharmaceutical, or food industry.

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
Time really does fly! So have fun and find a good group of people ​to spend your time with. Some of my favourite memories are the (not so) productive nights working on projects/labs with friends and bonding over the workload. Keeping up with sports/activities and finding the balance with schoolwork is tricky, yet unbelievably rewarding.

Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
I am traveling to several Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America to improve my Spanish. When I return, I plan to begin my civil engineering career with a focus on water resources or geotechnical. I really enjoyed both subjects in school and would like to expand my knowledge. 

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
Since there are many different projects involving civil engineering, there is a good variety of jobs that one can do. There are many sub-disciplines such as structural, transportation, geotechnical, and many more. There is something in civil engineering for everyone. I also like that there are jobs that are in the office, in the field, or a combination of both, which keeps the work interesting. 

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
A little bit of work every day ends up being a lot by the end of the semester, so make sure to keep your effort consistent. That being said, don't forget to make time for yourself! It's incredible how much more productive and motivated you can be when you are well-rested and have hobbies outside of class.

Hometown: Martensville, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
I am working at Hatch, an engineering consultant located in Saskatoon. In the fall I will begin an M. Sc. degree at the U of S in the field of fire protection engineering. 

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
I like the variety of different subjects to learn about. There are a lot of different career paths you can take stemming from a single degree.

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
It's ok to have no clue what you want to do with your life - I sure don't. Also remember that everyone you meet is smarter than you in some way, so it's always helpful to listen. 

Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
This summer I am working as a Material Physics and Analytics Intern in BASF’s electron microscopy laboratory in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany. Come September, I will return to Canada and start the University of Toronto’s Master of Science in Applied Computing program. I aspire to one day work in research and development, applying next-generation computing technologies to solve the world’s biggest problems.

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
Its cross disciplinary nature and tight-knit community. The engineering physics program exposes students to a wide variety of advanced topics in mathematics, physics, electronics, and scientific computing, all whilst fostering lifelong friendships and facilitating top-notch learning experiences! It really is a huge amount of fun!

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
Seek out internships and exchanges. These are amazing learning and personal development opportunities and there is no better time to explore the world. Always remember to have fun and live in the moment!

Hometown: Brandon, Manitoba

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
I am working for RAYHAWK Technologies in the engineering department. In my career I hope to explore as many areas of electrical engineering as possible and to continue developing skills that allow me to make a positive impact on those around me.

What do you enjoy most about your discipline?
I enjoy the wide variety of focus areas within electrical engineering that allow a person to explore and find what genuinely interests them. Advances in technology continue to change the discipline, these changes keep the field interesting and exciting. The community surrounding electrical engineering is incredibly supportive and I would like to thank all the professors and support engineers for their help throughout the years. Special thanks to Professor Faried.  

What words of advice or encouragement would you pass along for undergrads still working on their degrees?
Focus on more than simply doing well in classes; making connections within the industry and creating meaningful relationships with classmates can make an enormous difference in a person’s studies. The internship program is a great opportunity to get some real-world experience and can make finding work easier. Keeping a balance between your studies and other areas in life is important.

Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

What are your future plans for your engineering career?
I am going on to a master’s program in hydrology at USask.