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enghero: Natalie Shears

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Who inspired you to be an engineer?

Shows like Mythbuster or MacGyver inspired me when I was a kid. I just thought it was so cool to see someone make something so incredible with just their imagination and some tools.

Why did you choose to be an engineer?

I always loved figuring out how things work. I was always taking things apart and putting them back together, it’s one of the first ways that I got interested in engineering. From there, I fell in love with physics and the type of math that you can see, like projectile motion, stress calculations, etc. just seeing how cool the world is and how it relates to math has always fascinated me.

What have you found is the difference between being a female and a male engineer?

I find the biggest difference is the surprise when I tell people. Whenever I say I’m studying engineering, they assume that I was in a different program, looking at me like I have 3 eyes. 

What’s one thing you wish you knew about engineering in high school?

I wish I knew that math and physics are the same thing. It sounds obvious, but I’m more talking about calculus and physics combining fully. Be good at both kids! (and don’t forget integrals end in +C)

Does anything in your life (ex. A hobby, experience or passion) give you a unique perspective to engineering?

Last year, I served as VP Student Life on Ontario Tech’s Engineering Society. Being in that position allowed me to not only set up fun, educational, or de-stressing events for the engineering students at our school, but it also allowed me to create networking opportunities and meet other leaders in Universities across Canada. It showed me the many diverse opportunities that engineering has to offer and helped me find my path after graduation.

How does your work contribute to society?

The saying “engineers rule the world” is not an understatement by any means. We help design your websites, buildings, phones, planes, cars… you name it. Specifically, mechanical engineering is about making sure any device that moves (or has moving parts) is properly designed, as cheap as possible, and is safe for people to use. The amount of thought that goes into designing even the most basic tools that we use every day is baffling, and I can’t wait to be one of the people that get to do that!

Strutting the STEM Runway

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Photo Credit: Kelly Hofer

We all know that a lot goes into engineering, and there are endless possibilities in the field. But, with all of these options, it’s easy to overlook some of the most exciting ones. Have you ever been interested in fashion, and love STEM just as much? Well, there is a new community and event just for it, that will satisfy your creative hobby with the exciting world of STEM. MakeFashion is an amazing company that showcases the combination of high fashion and the newest tech to create an unforgettable experience. This organization takes engineers, designers, and creators alike and brings them together, to create clothing that is both wearable and decked out with the latest tech as accessories and materials. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting collaboration of professionals!

MakeFashion has an annual gala that takes place in Calgary, Canada and is the largest event this organization holds. Every year at this gala hundreds of creatives gather and are paired with tech whizzes and engineers to create jaw-dropping pieces. Some of these fashion inventions amaze audiences by glowing, and some by moving. All that is guaranteed when taking part in this event is,  you will never see anything else like it. Some of the tech that has walked this runway include; fashion pieces that regulate your body temperature, accessories that monitor your vital signs, and a necklace that begins to glow when the sun goes down.

MakeFashion also runs year wide shows around the world, in North America, and across Europe! Each event takes inspiration from local talent, and local fashion trends to create a unique experience. The best part of these showcases is that technology is involved, however, fashion and aesthetics are weighted equally. Therefore, engineers and designers must work together in perfect harmony to execute pieces that are fit to walk this runway. This sets a great example that other designers and engineers should follow, to collaborate and create together.

MakeFashion doesn’t just hold show-stopping fashion exhibits, but they also run a series of workshops and leadership events meant to inspire the minds of tomorrow. This includes offering in-class lectures for age groups ranging from kindergarten to grade 12! This is an amazing opportunity because it gives the knowledge and power to kids that may not have the opportunity to travel to these fashion shows. The message of STEM and creativity being combined is one that is truly worth spreading to young students. The more collaboration that we encourage, the more discoveries that will be made in the future.

MakeFashion also hosts a series of maker events, that provide kids with hands-on experience creating new and exciting creations that fuse creativity with technology. In these workshops kids are instructed on how to build new tools and creations with every lesson, that will give everyone something wonderful to take home.

Overall MakeFashion’s message is clear through every initiative they have, we need to keep creating and collaborating across every industry. The reasoning behind this is simple, collaboration is beautiful and can lead to amazing products and even fashion pieces. The world of STEM needs more out of the box thinkers, who can create inventions that are suited for the runway and the world!

Kickstart your love for Engineering!

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Are you an eager learner, ready to dive into the exciting world of engineering? The good news is it’s never too early to start learning, whether you’re in high school or grade school! There are tons of ways to pique your interest in engineering including various outside of school programs, activities, and games you can play from home. We have made a list of all of these things to help you get a head start.

Apps for Engineers

Apps make our lives convenient every day and help us access the world from our fingertips. Turboviewer is an amazing app for Apple (iOS) and Android users that is perfect for 2D and 3D modeling. This is awesome for anyone who has ever had a great idea for an invention, or someone who simply wants to play around with creating. If you are looking for something more laid back and game-based, Build a Bridge, might be for you. This app is a fun game where you can build and test your bridges in various situations and settings. It is perfect for having some downtime and still practicing your engineering skills. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you are looking for something more useful and educational Learn Java may be for you. This app has small consumable lessons and engaging activities that will teach you Java script. It’s perfect for anyone looking to get a head start in their education.

Summer Engineering Programs

Summer camps are tons of fun with activities and games to fill your hot days with entertainment and new friends. However, these camps don’t always look the same. Universities and colleges offer a variety of camps including; music, film, drama, and engineering. For example, Ryerson University has Eureka, an annual summer camp designed to bring kids into the amazing world of STEM. Campers can expect to complete a series of crafts and activities every day that teaches them something new about engineering and science. Western University also has a series of STEM-related camps offered including; coding camp, STEAM camp, and maker camps. STEAM camps bring both worlds of creativity and STEM together to create some amazing activities, that show all the fun and innovation that can come from engineering.

In conclusion, there are tons of ways to start satisfying all of your initial curiosities around STEM. The best time to start learning more about STEM is now, no matter your age! Engineering is all about creativity and innovation and that can be accomplished by anyone who is passionate.

Have you gotten WISE?

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Being a woman in technology comes with a lot of barriers given the lack of representation. However, that hasn’t stopped women from pursuing their dreams and passions by joining STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related fields. In fact, society and culture are changing for the better, and more people are creating an inclusive landscape. This change and inclusion are long overdue. Given this struggle and perseverance, it’s always helpful and vital to have support systems in place to aid women in breaking into STEM. WISE is a fantastic organization and resource for women around the world who are breaking into STEM as a career. Learning about resources like WISE can help you no matter what stage of your career or education you are at.

What is WISE?

The great thing about WISE is they aim to spread awareness and change across the board. This means they have programs and events in place to reach; employers, educators, students, professionals, research institutions and the general public. This is fantastic because each of these groups has something to learn when it comes to women in this industry. More importantly, real change happens when a high percentage of the population understands and welcomes the change, and that is exactly what WISE’s goal is. This organization reaches these groups by hosting local events across the world, reaching schools by providing educators with in-class workshops and creating videos and other promotional media online.

WISE’s Goals?

Every organization concerning women in STEM has the implied goal of spreading awareness and representation for women in science and engineering. However, this group has specific goals laid along with their course of action. WISE’s long term goal is a balanced representation of men and women in STEM both in classrooms and out in the workplace. Their short term goal is one million more women working in core STEM occupations by 2020. Having these goals is so important because it means this organization is moving towards reachable and tangible targets that will make real change.

Events

Events are a great way to bring like-minded people together to share their interests and skills. These events can in particular help young aspiring engineers to network, and learn from successful women in their field. WISE holds several webinars that connect professionals, students and curious people around the world. Having the advantages and skills of the internet at our disposable is connecting people like we have never seen before. What better way to use this connection than spreading skills and knowledge? These events allow professional women in STEM to speak on their experiences, and teach new skills to all that attend. WISE also hosts events to track the progress of women’s inclusion within post-secondary institutions. This is very important because it keeps these institutions accountable and on track. When striving to reach such important goals accountability is everything. These events are also great for problem-solving and sharing success stories.

Where Can You Find WISE?

Several colleges and universities that offer engineering programs have a WISE institution inside of their school, connecting students to this powerful organization. An example is the University of Toronto, located in Ontario. These in-school programs allow students to have hands-on leadership experiences within this community of females. It is a great opportunity to apply what you are learning in the classroom to invoke real change. Much like the original organization, these in-school groups host several events. These events all take place at their school to spread WISE’s goals locally.

I hope the discovery of this organization inspires you to seek education and community within these STEM-related groups. They are a great way to learn from professionals and find much-needed support. Education and success is not a solo journey, and having a strong community by your side is always an asset.

ENGHERO: Baraa Daher

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What is one thing you wish you knew about engineering when you were in high school?

I wish I knew about the different engineering disciplines and research opportunities available within this field. Engineering was not something I knew a lot about in high school, so I did not consider applying to Engineering at Western. I thought it was only about building towers and bridges. However, being a lab member of the Human Biomechanics Laboratory team and taking undergraduate engineering courses, I learned that engineering is a vast and diverse field with disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, civil, industrial and biomedical engineering.

It was interesting to see the application of engineering concepts to different settings such as healthcare. As I discovered the field during my undergraduate studies, I became interested in the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, which led me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering.

What made you want to pursue engineering? 

Engineering is a broad field that allows for tons of creativity and discoveries. It has many hands-on experiments and projects that enable students to express their skills and strengths in different ways. It feeds my curiosity about how the world and technology work together, and challenges me to solve complex problems in our society. For example, engineers create solutions by designing devices to create reusable energy or detect diseases like cancer. They are always changing the world by coming up with new solutions and inventions, and I want to be part of this field and improve everyone’s life.

I see engineering concepts applied in daily living activities, like how airbags know when to inflate or how television screens make a colorful image. With engineering, I can combine different skills and knowledge to make people’s dreams come true. Engineers are the wizards of our society; everyone needs them to solve their problems. Being an engineer is exciting as I would get to use magic to create and invent something new every day. I believe that I can make a difference and a change in our society, and for these reasons and more, I wanted to pursue engineering.

What branch of engineering is your major and how did you decide on it?

I did my undergraduate studies in science, and I am now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical engineers play an essential role in our healthcare system. During my undergraduate studies and past volunteering at the Human Biomechanics Lab, I learned how to apply mechanical engineering concepts to understand how muscles and bones work when exercising and why our knee or hip breaks.

This subdiscipline of biomedical engineering, known as biomechanics, helps surgeons develop treatment plans after an injury to restore function and mobility. It also helps us understand how the human body moves to design reliable medical devices, such as orthopedic implants. Orthopedic implants are manufactured to restore function by reinforcing or replacing a damaged bone or joint. I find this very interesting because the structure and chemical properties of implants require the application of biomedical engineering principles. Biomedical engineers combine their diverse skills and knowledge to play an essential role in our healthcare system. I decided to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering as I want to play a role in our healthcare system and contribute to the biomechanics discipline.

What do you plan on doing with your engineering degree?

After I graduate, I plan on working in the industry for a couple of years, hopefully, in a consulting firm designing joint implants or prosthetics. Later in my career, I plan to have my own company that will include designing, developing, testing and modifying products, equipment and medical devices.

What advice would you give to a young female who is considering the field of engineering, but isn’t sure if it’s right for them?

Imagine yourself in 5 years from where you are at right now. Where and how do you see yourself? If you see yourself as an engineer, this is the right field for you, and it is worth all the hard work, and I promise you the ride will be rewarding. Ask questions, reach out for help, and be a resource to others who might be struggling or need encouragement. Do not be overwhelmed by a room full of men or people who do not look like you. Follow your passion, learn as much as you can, and do your best. As long as you believe that engineering will light you up, everything else will follow.

What do you recommend doing outside of school?

I recommend looking for an engineering undergraduate club on campus and getting involved in your university’s community by volunteering for different events. I loved working with Western Engineering Outreach program, where I had the chance to learn more about engineering and its various disciplines. I worked with many people from different backgrounds and learned from their expertise. I also had the opportunity to teach children at different ages about engineering through a wide range of activities and events. I would recommend getting involved in similar initiatives. They are always looking for an extra set of hands and will make your study break worthwhile and fun!

Programming… Explained

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Computers are running our world; they help us in school, connect us with our friends and family, and fit in our pockets! But what controls these amazing machines we use every day? Understanding the basics of what makes our computers function the way they do is powerful information. That is where the world of computer programming comes in. Simply put, computer programming is a way to instruct a computer to complete various tasks. Let’s break down this area of STEM a little more so we can understand how a major part of our world works.

The Basics

If we break down a computer, they can really only understand two types of data, on and off. Essentially this means when communicating with this type of technology we are relaying different combinations of on and off switches to result in different outcomes. Confused yet? This might be difficult to understand, but we have a lot more information to help you out.

The combination of on and off switches is known as binary code, which can be written using 1s and 0s. Binary code is grouped into bytes which are groups of 8 digits representing 8 transmitters (the collection of on and off switches).

However, writing code by using solely 1s and 0s is extremely inefficient and unrealistic, that is where coding languages come in. Different coding languages are essentially a set of rules on how code should be written and programmed. Some examples of different coding languages include; JavaScript, Python, HTML and Ruby– each language is designed to work for different purposes. For example, some are better suited to work for development, web design and even game design!

The Difference Between High-Level and Low-Level Programs

Low-level programming languages are closer to binary code and high-level programming languages are a lot less similar to binary code and much easier to work with typically. This means the high-level programming languages are closer to english, so they are easier to work with.  That is why most of the programming languages used by software engineers today are high-level.

How to Create a Command?

How do we take all of this information and turn it into real results? What does this process look like, and can anyone do it? Well the answer is creating a program/line of code to instruct a computer is fairly simple, and yes anyone can do it. In its essence, a code is simply a text file written in a given coding language. This means to write code all you need to do is write the code in a text editor like notepad, and save it to your computer. How you actually implement this line of code into your computer varies depending on the coding language you are working in. Some languages operate under a certain software that will implement the code, and some save a separate accompanying binary code file that your computer can directly run.

Fields that Involve Coding

Coding and computer programming may seem like a faraway and foreign practice, but coding is starting to influence and affect every industry. This includes fields outside of STEM such as art and design. A huge part of the art and design industry includes web design, and this, of course, goes hand in hand with coding. Software engineers and designers collaborate in order to make highly effective and aesthetic websites. This career clearly affects technology in a big way, so there is no surprise that coding is also a huge part of the healthcare industry. The technology and tools behind the health care system are often created and managed in collaboration with software engineers because they involve computers. Finance is also heavily affected by coders, which includes creating the websites in which people complete online banking.

There are so many possibilities when it comes to the beautifully complex world of coding and programming. Every field is evolving and moving the direction to need code. Computers control our future, which means coding will control our future in a big way. Do you want to be a part of that change?