Emily, a high school student from Woodbridge Ontario knows she wants a career that can help people. She visited Hydro One to interview Cassondra Fonseca, a Project Officer, and Tessa Leonard, a newly graduated Engineer, and Lorraine Gray, a Superintendent, to interview them about the impact female engineers can have.
engHEROES
Superheros are not just cartoons, they’re real people too! From rocket scientist to entrepreneur, our team interviewed some of the most incredible female engineers out there. Check out these engHEROES’ stories for some serious inspiration.
ENGHERO: Julia Pannolino
What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering back when you were in high school?
When I was in high school I knew that engineers used math and science to solve problems and build things. I didn’t realize that communication skills would also be very important. Every day at work I analyze data, solve problems and produce reports that explain my findings in a clear manner. I have found that you’ll go far in engineering if you can clearly communicate your technical work to others!
What’s your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?
I am proud that my work improves people’s lives. The work I do involves proactively solving problems before the public knows they exist.
Tell me about a time in your career when your work has been about discovery or curiosity?
Most of my work involves discovery and curiosity. As an Engineer-In-Training, I am constantly learning the intricacies of my field. For example, I have learned to use discrete event simulation software. I like trying to find more efficient ways of using this software to solve problems faster.
What are you doing these days?
I work at an international consulting engineering firm. I am an Aviation Analyst and my job involves designing airports. Working on behalf of airport and airline clients, I provide operations research and analysis to improve business and customer experience. I use software tools such as Simio and MassMotion to simulate the impact of thousands of travellers passing through the airport.
Do you feel your work contributes to society? How so?
As an Aviation Analyst, I make life better for people travelling through airports. My research and computer simulations allow my firm to design airports that will provide the best customer experience.
Why do we need more female engineers?
Female engineers have much to contribute to the design and engineering of everything used by society, of which they make up half. Collaboration from all groups of society always results in improvement and engineering is no different! I look forward to the day when female representation in engineering is equal and expected.
Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?
I really enjoy team sports. I have found that coming from a background of team sports prepares you for the dynamics of engineering teamwork, for performing under pressure, handling expectations and conflict, and being a leader.
When you were becoming an engineer, were you nervous and stressed out about all the math and science? What made you push through and become an engineer? Were you sure that you wanted to become an engineer when you were in gr12?
I always loved math and science because the rules are consistent. I was less fond of subjects that had rules with exceptions. I chose engineering because it felt like I was aiming high. I was sure about studying engineering but not sure of the specific type. I went to so many university open houses trying to narrow down my options within engineering. I finally went to an information session at Ryerson and saw some projects that students were working on. I ended up at the Industrial Engineering desk and a student told me that “Industrial Engineers don’t just make things, they make things better”, and I was sold.
Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on.
It is very cool to be working as an Airport Analyst on some
famous and exotic airports. I’m proud to be contributing to improvements at
airports all over the world. I especially love anything to do with computer
simulation and modelling, because I’m able to see problems and fix them
immediately by changing constraints.
engHERO: Lexi Benson
What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering back when you were in high school?
Back when I was in high school I definitely expected all of the math, physics, and science to be included in my undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program. However, one thing I didn’t expect was the amount of collaboration, leadership, and time management skills that would be needed. I wish I knew how important these soft skills were going to be in academic group projects, as well as in the workplace. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get involved in groups that could help develop these skills in high school, or at least in my first year of university!
What’s your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?
My internship at Bombardier Aerospace would have to be my proudest accomplishment as an engineer. It was my very first industry work experience, and I learned so much in my two work terms with the company. I worked in the In-Service Engineering Structures department for the Q-Series aircraft, which dealt with developing stress analysis tools to increase efficiency and creating repair drawings to assist with daily tasks. Being able to see my undergraduate course work implemented in a real-life scenario was very rewarding before commencing my graduate degree.
Tell me about a time in your career when your work has been about discovery or curiosity?
I was the captain of Ryerson Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAV) from 2016 to 2018. My decision to join the team in 2015 was based on pure curiosity of the ever-growing drone industry! I had no prior knowledge of UAVs or drones when joining the team and did not let my lack of knowledge deter me from the team. While I was captain, I was able to lead the team to their first second place finish at the Unmanned Systems Canada Student Competition! I always try to let my curiosity and passion for learning new things guide me in my decision making.
What are you doing these days?
I am about to graduate with my Master of Engineering,
majoring in Aerospace Engineering from Ryerson University! I’m just beginning
my job search and looking for new opportunities that will allow me to grow
throughout my career. I knew I would miss the RUAV team once I graduated
though, so I reached out to the Unmanned Systems Canada competition committee
to see if I could help out at all. It is an honor to be working with them as
the scenario lead, meaning that I develop the scenario for the 2019 student
competition and am also assisting with gathering sponsors!
Do you feel your work contributes to society? How so?
Very much so. Aerospace Engineering accounts for a lot of machinery that makes this world go around! The work we do encompass space exploration (rovers, rockets), modern transportation (airplanes, helicopters), and even futuristic modes of transportation (drones, flying cars) … the possibilities of aerospace are endless, and the industry just keeps growing. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for aerospace engineering and how it will change our everyday lives.
Why do we need more female engineers?
I believe we need more female engineers because each individual can offer a different point of view and perspective based upon their background and story. In fact, engineering is such a collaborative industry that benefits greatly from diverse teams when designing a new product. I think that as the number of women continue to increase in engineering, we will be seeing a wave of new unique solutions to existing industry problems.
Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?
I wouldn’t say my hobby provides me a unique perspective, however it did prepare me for engineering. I have been horseback riding since I was seven years old. This is a sport I have stuck with for 16 years, and one in which I have had the chance to compete internationally. Horseback riding has taught me patience, focus, and discipline. To learn how to ride a horse takes hours in the saddle and I am always learning. But I couldn’t just expect to improve without any work… I had to learn it, read about it, and practice it. And I will never know everything there is to know, but I want to be the best I can be. I apply this same mindset to engineering.
When you were becoming an engineer, were you nervous and stressed out about all the math and science? What made you push through and become an engineer? Were you sure that you wanted to become an engineer when you were in gr12?
I went to a French immersion elementary school, and therefore I was learning a new language as well as going to school for the first time. Math is typically a subject that does not come easily to most children, and therefore, my parents decided to enroll me in an after-school math program at Kumon. This after-school program allowed me to excel in math and provided a great foundation due to the individual tutoring I received in the subject. The confidence I gained allowed me to not even think twice about pursuing engineering, along with the continuous support from my parents. In fact, my grandfather was also an engineer! After tinkering around the house my whole childhood, engineering was definitely something that I gravitated towards.
Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on.
The coolest project I worked on was my capstone project in my final year of my undergraduate degree. I specialized in avionics and my group had to create a control model for a 3 degree of freedom helicopter system. The control model had to be developed so that the helicopter could be controlled through a graphical user interface and perform a series of actions. The series of actions was really complex which made this a really cool project. In the end the helicopter had a drill mounted on it, and had to take off, fly to a board, stop, place a marker on the board, drill 3 holes equally spaced, and return to base!
engHERO: Pamela McRae
What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering back when you were in high school?
When I was in high school I had no idea that I would be working in technology let alone enter in to the engineering world. This field is so diverse that the opportunities are endless. I guess I would have loved for someone to come speak to my class and show me a few areas of professional outcome to open my eyes to the wonderful world of engineering.
What’s your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?
I can’t think of just one, so I will summarize it this way. Everyday I come to work and lead a team to make meaningful changes to the way we live. Working under the healthcare umbrella I am changing the world and prolonging lives. As Technology experts and Engineers we are often forgotten about, however we are the ones that change visions into reality. It is an amazing world to be part of and I am proud of all the work I have taken part in; both the success’ and failures.
Tell me about a time in your career when your work has been about discovery or curiosity?
I am very blessed to work in an area of innovation. We get ideas sent to our team daily and we are always in a mindset of discovery and curiosity. I manage my team to have fun and ensure that we are open to mistakes as we discover the best solutions from our failures.
What are you doing these days?
I’m leading a team in Pharmaceutical technology. My team of talented individuals are always working on efficiencies for the workflow and quality to ensure patient safety with less user intervention allowing technology to replace most if not all human intervention.
Do you feel your work contributes to society? How so?
Absolutely, my team and I change lives daily. Working in the healthcare industry we are part of the future demands to help society live longer and healthier. Without teams of engineers making all these process’ and visions come to life we would not advance as humans.
Why do we need more female engineers?
We need more engineers in general,
Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?
Well I must admit, I live a simple and boring life outside of work. I do a lot of keynote speaking to younger students to give them an opportunity to ask questions and see through my lens of life in technology. I am a single mother of two boys age 18 and 16 and they teach me new things everyday, encouraging me to be better, stronger and faster in all aspects of life.
When you were becoming an engineer, were you nervous and stressed out about all the math and science? What made you push through and become an engineer? Were you sure that you wanted to become an engineer when you were in gr12?
I honestly had this field fall into my lap, it was not something that I thought I would have considered in grade 12. I changed my direction after first year of university and have not looked back. I think that it is critical for a successful engineer to want it, feel it and love what they do, not just have the degree.
Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on.
Me! I am my best project. I think that we should all focus on what we are and have ourselves as the best project in life as it’s the only project that you can’t control the start and end date. I continue to work on myself and each project that my team completes under my direction is another level of maturity and excellence that is embedded in my brain that can’t ever be forgotten. I use these to learn, adjust, and grow. Be a “Learn it all” not a “Know it all”.
engHERO: Momina Ishfaq
What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering back when you were in high school?
I wish I knew about the different disciplines of engineering that exist and the accessibility of each one of them for women.
What’s your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?
In the field of demolition, it’s not only exciting to see my designs on paper at work but also very rewarding seeing my plans and work come to life as they were meant to, safely. Safety is always the first priority!
Tell me about a time in your career when your work has been about discovery or curiosity?
Becoming a structural designer in demolition was all about new discoveries and ideas when I first started, and it still is even to this day. I learned about building and designing new structures in school and am still applying the same engineering concepts and principles. But, to take those same structures down this time rather than build them up has allowed me be in a position where everyday is a learning opportunity.
What are you doing these days?
I work as a structural designer at Priestly Demolition Inc.
Do you feel your work contributes to society? How so?
Demolition contributes to society in many ways, most important being that it helps and allows for the urban development of the city. And not only just at my place of work, but all over the country. In some cases it also helps society by allowing us to maintain our history, specifically when it comes to heritage structures, while bringing everything around it to a more modern design which creates a new kind of history.
Why do we need more female engineers?
We need more female engineers to show representation and to prove to the younger generation of girls that we can all be smart, great at math, hardworking, and that they can do anything if they put their mind to it.
Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?
One of my favorite things to do when I have time is travel. Being able to see all the different structures all over the world, whether that be buildings or bridges or landscapes, helps my creativity flow. If I’m lucky, I’m able take the unique designs and ideas back to work and apply them in my own way!
When you were becoming an engineer, were you nervous and stressed out about all the math and science? What made you push through and become an engineer? Were you sure that you wanted to become an engineer when you were in gr12?
The math and science aspect of engineering for me was the most nerve wracking part! Grade 12 was already tough enough and knowing it would most likely get tougher in University made me very hesitant at first. Fortunately for me, my dad, also a civil engineer, was able to encourage me and help me work through my nerves to realize that I would and could get through it if I kept a positive mind set and worked hard. Also being able to see first hand what he did in terms of his work and finding it very interesting at that age, I knew the end goal of becoming an engineer would be well worth it – and it was!
Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on.
A cool project that I’ve worked on recently has been the Lakeridge Road Bridge demolition project. What made this project different from other bridge demolition projects was that this bridge specifically was located right on top of live CN/GO tracks. Because of this, we had to design several different types of unique and removable protection platforms to cover the tracks, some of which had to be able to withstand out machine loading, and some that had to fit in place perfectly so trains could also pass over. To top it all off, all the work was to be done in a less than a week, overnight with only a couple hours work each night. It was a blast, literally!
Elda Topuzi
“It is important that we have more female engineers because they have an opportunity to shape the future and help to break down gender stereotypes that assume that the profession is for men. Having a good representation of both women and men in the industry increases collaboration and productivity through diversity of thoughts.”
What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering back when you were in high school?
One thing I wish that I knew was exactly how important good communication, presentation, and technical writing skills are to being an effective communicator to different audiences (peers, clients, users and other stakeholders). A question that I answer often is, “How can you simplify a complex engineering process or a system in order to present it in a way that your audience, who is not an engineer, will understand”? Most engineering students entering the workforce are facing challenges transferring their technical knowledge into a technical report, analysis or presentation that others can understand. Incorporating technical writing and presentation classes during high school can strengthen students’ communication skills and their expectations when they apply themselves in the real world.
Q#2 What’s your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?
I’m very proud to be able to contribute my knowledge and skills, gained in the Ryerson Civil Engineering Department, back to my alma mater by being a key player during the design and construction of Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex building. I have always believed in Ryerson’s guiding principles of campus development and their commitment to design excellence. Working on a multi-use building project early in my career that fosters student innovation, promotes student education and introduces a healthy lifestyle is a proud accomplishment.
Q#3 Tell me about a time in your career when your work has been about discovery or curiosity?
They say follow your curiosity because it will develop into an amazing discovery. I think knowing when to switch off autopilot and simply being more curious can improve your performance at work and introduce you to new exciting things; for example in one project, we were heavily involved with Municipal Approvals and meeting city requirements. The challenges that this project presented always piqued my interest and by taking part I was able to learn about Zoning By-laws in compliance with lot requirements, building setback, flight path regulations, and protecting and monitoring sensitive structures adjacent to construction.
Q#4 What are you doing these days?
Currently, I am working on a few essential projects at Michael Garron Hospital. These projects include replacing the aging infrastructure by providing the hospital with more efficient and reliable systems including high voltage electrical switchgear and boiler replacement. I am also working on a facility renovation for the Medical Device Reprocessing Department, which is where surgical equipment and instruments for the entire hospital are sterilized and inspected. An enormous, but motivating, challenge is having to do this while the hospital is in operation 24 hours. Once the projects are completed I will be focusing more on the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Tower which is a new 8 story patient care center that is currently under construction. And of course it is summertime, so I am trying to get out more and get sun-kissed.
Q#5 Do you feel your work contributes to society? How so?
The engineering profession itself is about the safeguarding of life and social well-being and is the driving force behind the cultural and economic growth. Michael Garron Hospital’s diverse range of projects allows me to be proud of my work because I am improving patient’s healthcare and hospital experience during a stressful time. I think helping others when they need it is an essential contribution to society. Wearing the iron ring on your finger is a great reminder that your actions and decisions have a great impact on society.
Q#6 Why do we need more female engineers?
It is important that we have more female engineers because they have an opportunity to shape the future and help to break down gender stereotypes that assume that the profession is for men. Having a good representation of both women and men in the industry increases collaboration and productivity through diversity of thoughts. A lot of girls don’t realize the diversity of the profession or the possibilities that come with having a career in engineering and that needs to change now. This is one of the reasons why I got involved with Women in Engineering at Ryerson, so that I can encourage young girls to enter the profession by sparking their curiosity and help them understand how broad the industry is.
Q#7 Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?
I like to draw buildings in perspective. When I draw, I like to see buildings as isolated entities so that I can focus on the details. By doing so, I can understand why they are an integral part of cities and how they contribute to the urban development. I create a personal, emotional connection with my work. It helps me visualize the design content much faster and allows me to think about ideas and improvement. I also appreciate black and white photography. It allows you to focus on key elements such as lighting, composition and spatial arrangements. Blending art with engineering is like blending aesthetics with function so having an appreciation for both helps me with the work I do and the interaction I have with my stakeholders, engineers, and architects.
Q#8 When you were becoming an engineer, were you nervous and stressed out about all the math and science? What made you push through and become an engineer? Were you sure that you wanted to become an engineer when you were in gr12?
I was very comfortable with math and science and that’s why I went into engineering. My mom is a civil engineer and she suggested I become one as well. At grade 12, I was working towards going into architecture school and I applied to engineering as a backup. It turned out to be the other way around, I got into engineering and ended up loving it. I completed 4 years out of 5 years of Civil Engineering at home and had to retake math and other engineering courses all over again when I moved to Canada, but I have never regretted it!
Q#9 Tell us about a cool project you’ve worked on.
I have a special place for Daphne Cockwell Health Science Building not only because it is a remarkable building that is designed as a learning tool but also it fulfills the commitment of Ryerson University to enrich generations of the future. I also found it interesting because of the impact it had on the students and the community around while we were still in the planning and design phase. Part of the requirements for the building were driven by how students and professors would engage and interact in the space with each other, which provides students with a unique building where they can live study and but also allow them to explore their learning environment. This was done by incorporating a natural light atrium space, a fabrication zone, feature stairs, green roof and collaboration spaces. It’s also worth mentioning the big A-frame columns that spanned through the floors spiking a lot of structural reviews and discussion. I learned a lot about teamwork and communication with different stakeholders, planners, designers, board members and faculty users during this project, which as invaluable to my future career. I was also able work with amazing mentors that were truly inspiring and supportive of my career growth.