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engHERO

engHERO: Michelle Moxley-Peltier

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

I wish that I knew how complex and multifaceted engineering was, and how most problems are solved in group settings.  When I was in high school, I assumed that I would need to know how to do everything myself as I would work independently. Although there is independent work required, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and delegate are also important.  You don’t have to know how to do everything, but you do need to know what you need to accomplish, how to communicate it, and who you can call on for assistance.

What piece of advice would I give my high school self?

I would tell my high school self to relax and be kind to yourself.  Much of the pressure (stress) I will face in the future is the pressure (stress) I place on myself. 

There won’t be enough time in the day to do everything perfectly.  Prioritization, time-management, and delegation will be your friend.  Understand that you will not be able to physically do everything on your own. 

There will be areas of study that baffle and confuse you.  Be open to networking with others who can provide a different perspective and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.  The people you connect with in university and in the workforce can become life-long friends.

What made you want to pursue engineering?

I was a curious and mischievous child.  From the time I could walk, I would find new and interesting ways to get into things (trouble was my nickname).  I grew up fascinated with electrical cords, lights, and appliances.  I was the kid who chewed on electrical cords, thought Christmas tree lights were edible, stuck hairpins and paperclips into electrical sockets, and took apart things (while they were plugged in) to see how they worked.  Fortunately, my father, an industrial electrician was able to redirect my focus away from electrocuting myself and setting the house on fire.  He’d let me help (aka hinder) him as he performed household maintenance tasks.  He taught me the fundamentals of electricity and electrical safety.  Through our interactions, my father shared his love of his profession, his ability to perform algebra and trigonometry in his head (the man’s crazy smart), and his hope that I would take advantage of an opportunity he didn’t have: the opportunity to attend college or university.  I believe this daughter-daddy time greatly influenced my later decision to pursue engineering.

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

I majored in Electrical Engineering and graduated Western in 1997.

Throughout elementary and secondary school, I excelled at math and science.  With my marks, I was encouraged by several teachers and guidance counselors to pursue a career in healthcare as at the time, girls with high marks in math and science became doctors or nurses.  I knew that this wouldn’t be a fit for me, as I faint at the sight of blood, and hate needles.  When I was in grade 11, I took a serious look at my experiences, skills, and interests to try and determine what I wanted to study in university.  I asked myself 3 questions:

  • What am I good at?
  • What motivates and excites me?
  • What is the one thing I want to do?

My answers?

  • I’m good at most subjects but excel at history, math, and physics.
  • Walking through my father’s workplace and seeing robots, CNC machines, and conveyor systems.
  • I want to one day work alongside my father.

I chose Western Engineering primarily because of the common first year program.  When I entered University, I didn’t know if I wanted to become an Electrical or a Mechanical Engineer.  The first-year program, along with the student vehicle teams provided me with the experience and knowledge to make my final decision.

What have you done with your engineering degree?

In the 23 years since graduating from Western, I’ve had a variety of experiences in a number of fields. I’ve worked as an Engineer in Information Technology Services, Automotive Controls, Energy Efficiency, and Utility planning and construction.  With each role, I’ve adapted to changes in function, responsibilities, and technology.   I’ve followed my heart and let my interests and aspirations guide me on my engineering journey.  While not completely electrical in focus, I’ve continued to use aspects of my electrical engineering degree in my current role. 

My greatest accomplishment to date was realizing my high school dream of working alongside my father. I was appointed his acting supervisor (aka boss) and we spent his last day before retirement together.

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?

Engineering is everywhere.  I like to use the analogy of the “Pick your Own Adventure” books I used to read as a child; the books with different journeys and endings depending on decisions.  I view engineering in the same way.  With the theory and principles learned from engineering, young ladies can pick their own adventure.  No matter what interests, motivates, or inspires you, through engineering you can contribute.  If you can think it, you can do it.  Engineers play important roles in all areas of society.  From the moment we wake up in the morning until we lay down at the end of the day to sleep, aspects of engineering is involved in everything we do.

Is engineering right for you?  I recognize that engineering may not be a fit for everyone.  My advice to young females is to not discount it as an option at an early age.  I recommend resisting the temptation to opt out of math and science in elementary school as these subjects are perceived by girls as being too hard.  Math and science can be challenging, but they can also be extremely rewarding, just stick with it.  Keep in mind that math and science will also open doors to other disciplines.

I’ve met many female engineers, each with unique skills, perspectives, and aspirations.  What unites us is our desire to contribute and make the world a better place, be it designing a longer wear lipstick, the development of new apps and video games, or the constructing roads, dams, and buildings.   We have all chosen to design our own adventure and have used engineering to excel.

engHERO: Isabel Higgon

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

I wish I knew how diverse the field of Engineering really is. I had a very specific goal in mind when I applied to Engineering. I still have the same goal, but I learned that it’s important to start the program with an open mind, because there are so many exciting paths you can take, and it’s best to take the time to find the one that meets both your interests and personal strengths.

What made you want to pursue engineering?

I am a really creative person, so the idea of being able to work in a field where my job is to create and design useful things that solve problems is so interesting to me. I was also interested in finding a community of peers with similar interests and aspirations. The engineering community is amazing. I have met so many great friends. We all have a lot of fun and keep each other going through hard times like exams!

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

I am in Software Engineering. I took the programming course that all first year students take when I was in grade 12, and I fell in love with coding. There is something amazing about the feeling I get when I run a working program that I created myself, and when I work hard and finally solve a bug in my code to get it working. I also love how diverse software is. You can work in basically any field. Literally almost everything has some sort of code in it. Even things like your refrigerator!

What do you plan on doing with your engineering degree?

I hope to enter the space industry. I have a huge passion for space and I would love to become an astronaut in the future! I am hoping to enrol in a concurrent degree with astrophysics. I have begun a Japanese minor and I would really love to do a semester in Japan. Upon graduation, I hope to work in the space industry and to continue learning to gain more relevant experience in pursuit of my goal!

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?

I did a number of outreach programs with my university (Western) while I was in high school, and they really helped me learn what engineering was all about. They gave me the opportunity to talk to current students and mentors which helped a lot! I would recommend seeing if there are any programs or open houses at the post secondary institutions you are considering. I learned so much about engineering and the university, as well as many things about student life that weren’t mentioned in the brochures!

engHERO: Amanda Marshal

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

When I was in high school, I wish I had more knowledge on the various disciplines beyond the generic answer that civil builds bridges, mechanical builds cars, mechatronics builds robots, etc. The disciplines are all so much more than that and even have specialties within themselves. I think this is important as regardless of what path you take you will specialize at some point and that will determine your long-term career. Engineering itself is very broad and it is crucial to understand the interworking’s of it.

What made you want to pursue engineering?

What I love about engineering are the vast opportunities and options that it offers. A career in engineering is challenging, everchanging, and fast-paced, I personally find that interesting and intriguing. A career in engineering is also reputable as it is a well-respected field and therefore is a profession to be proud of. Also, I knew I would enjoy learning the application of the material as it can be applied to explain how everyday things operate.

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

I chose to major in Electrical Engineering. The decision came after lots of questions, considering countless pros and cons, and a few coin tosses. That said, what it really came down to was what I could see myself doing. While considering all the majors that my university offers, I couldn’t imagine myself 10 years down the road doing anything else.

What do you plan on doing with your engineering degree?

After I graduate, I hope to apply my skills somewhere that I can be challenged while working on something that I enjoy. I hope to eventually end up in a role where I can lead my own team and motivate them to complete meaningful projects.

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?

If any young female has an interest in math and a field of science, I encourage them to pursue engineering. The variety of disciplines within engineering allow for specialization in an area of specific interest and it is a highly rewarding career path. Within the engineering community, there are many resources and support systems for females in engineering, I would recommend using these resources to meet other females in engineering and to get involved within the community.

engHERO: Anna Mandra

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What are you doing these days?

I am an Airworthiness Engineer at Bombardier Aviation (Canadian manufacturer of world-class business jet aircrafts). Currently, I am the Foreign Validation Focal. I support the certification of Bombardier aircraft designs with government authorities in each country that oversee the approval and regulation of civil aviation. In the past, I have been involved in aircraft design, certification and development, including working on the world’s largest and longest-range business jet, the Global 7500.

Also, now that I completed my PhD degree a year ago, I am working on publishing an article in an academic journal.

When did you know you wanted to be an engineer?

I always knew I was going to do something related to math and science – I did well in those subjects. At the same time, I knew I did not want to focus my higher education strictly on mathematical subjects. I liked the idea of the practical application of engineering. I had an appreciation for aircraft after participating in the air cadet programme throughout high school. This and my academic interests led me to pursue aerospace engineering.

What is your proudest accomplishment as an engineer?

My proudest academic accomplishment is completing my PhD, while working full time. Back in high school and undergrad, I never thought I would be capable of developing a complex math model which provided an innovative way of improving the efficiency of drilling. I never imagined I would be able to defend my research in front of experts. It took skills outside of engineering, and I had to push myself beyond my comfort zone. But I am really glad I did.

Work-wise, the best moments are when I am able to bring together a team of engineers with different expertise to complete a project. I was proud to overcome technical and non-technical obstacles within these projects and leverage everyone’s skill sets to come to a solution.

How does your work contribute to society?

As professionals, engineers commit to serve and protect the public in all their engineering endeavours.

In my current role, I guarantee that a design meets the certification standards wherever it is delivered around the world, ensuring the safety of the product. I am part of a team that makes sure Bombardier aircrafts are airworthy, meaning they continue to meet the standards required to fly safely.

My PhD contributes to society because scientific progress is one of the factors driving society. It shapes the next generation of engineers, designs or applications.

Bombardier’s Global 7500 Business Jet
Image Source

Why do we need more women in engineering?

Inventions made by engineers often shape our society, and our future. When women are equally represented in the profession, this will give them an equal opportunity to bring inventions to the market, and to benefit from rewarding careers. Having female representation in engineering brings different perspectives and shows it’s truly for everybody.

What advice would you give to young girls who are thinking of pursuing a career in the STEM field?

When I was in grade 9 and 10, I didn’t think that engineering was something that I would ever pursue. It seemed like this job, where you’re stuck at a desk all day, alone. But, engineering is so much more than that. If you really enjoy math and science, you should follow those passions, which can open many doors.

There are many different opportunities within engineering and in fields such as AI (artificial intelligence), programming (gaming, VR, robotics), and social media, that didn’t exist decades ago. It is never just sitting at a desk– engineering also involves working with large teams of smart, creative people.

engHERO: Zarana Bavishi

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Q#1: What are you doing these days?

I work as a stress analyst in a landing gear place — it’s called Heroux Devtek. Basically, my job is to make sure that the landing gear we design is structurally strong, and it’s good for any kind of landing. I’m not sure if you remember the time the aircraft had to land on the Hudson River in the United States? So, we have to make sure the landing gear is intact and that it doesn’t cause any problems. 

Q#2: When did you know you wanted to be an engineer?

I actually knew in around grade 10. I was a part of this team that was called Formula 1 in school where we had to design tiny wooden cars that were propelled using carbon dioxide canisters. It would have to propel down 20 metres of track, and the challenge was to complete that in less than a second. Obviously, we couldn’t finish it in less than a second, but we were pretty good. We went through nationals, even an international competition [after] that. So, that was an eye opener, and I absolutely loved my time working on it, so I wanted to be an engineer. 

Q#3: How does your work contribute to society? 

I think it helps make sure that people are traveling safely, because these days it’s not just a car or a train; there’s more to that then traveling. I also think it’s very important that engineers know what they’re doing because if a doctor messes up, I mean I’m sure it happens, but that is one life. If an engineer messes up, there [are] millions of lives at stake. I think me doing my job would really benefit society in that way. 

Q#4: Why do we need more women in engineering?

Honestly, I just think that shouldn’t be a question to be asked these days because women should be everywhere. We’re in no comparison to guys, we’re equal! We’re in a world where everything [has equal value], where equality is something we shouldn’t have to fight for. So, honestly, if a woman wants to be in engineering, she should be! 

Q#5: Do you have any hobbies/passions that give you a unique perspective in engineering?

I do some puzzles here and there, but I don’t really have a specific kind of hobby that gives me an edge to engineering. Engineering is my passion and my job but I do things outside of that as well to make myself a little bit well rounded — still not there yet.

Q#6: What advice would you give to young girls who are thinking about pursuing a career in the STEM field?

Don’t get overwhelmed by who you talk to or who you see. Just think, what’s going to make you happy. [What] if 20 years from now, your fear stopped you from doing something, or actually enjoying what you do? If you want to delve into [engineering], try different things like solving puzzles or playing games that stimulate your mind. And if that still inspires you, you should go into engineering! Don’t get scared or overwhelmed by anybody you talk to who sounds like they know everything. No, we don’t know everything!

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!