What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I’m originally from Kingston, Ontario, but I’ve lived in PEI for the last 10 years. I chose to study here at UPEI primarily for the unique engineering program offered here, and I was also excited to play on the UPEI men's rugby team.

What do you find unique and interesting about the sustainable design engineering program?

First, the project-based learning offered in the program provides a unique opportunity to further explore areas that really interest you. I’ve had the opportunity to explore computer-aided design and additive manufacturing throughout my projects, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve learned a lot about project management through the design courses as well, which should prove to be a valuable skillset for my career.

Being in a smaller program also affords you some unique opportunities that would be incredibly difficult at larger universities. I have had the opportunity to be Vice-President External for the UPEI Engineering Society, where I was able to attend various conferences across Canada, representing UPEI in the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students.
 

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?

The Engineering Success Center has been an amazing support during my time here at UPEI. In my first year, I was able to get assistance with many of my courses, as well as achieving my Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) certification through the program. The professionalism cohort helped greatly in my job search for my first summer, where I landed a job as a solar installer at Sunly Energy.

I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Engineering Success Centre as well for the past two years, which has given me very valuable experience in different areas. We were able to build a swing that accommodates a wheelchair in O’Leary, and I was able to 3D-print a wheelchair for a dog with only one hind leg. Since obtaining my CSWA certification, I’ve been able to teach the course for the past two years, and we’ve even helped other universities start their own CSWA course.

What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

The UPEI sustainable design engineering program is very involved in helping facilitate students attending Atlantic Engineering Competition, and that’s been an amazing experience. Despite being such a small school, UPEI sent the most students of any engineering program in Canada to compete in both the Atlantic and subsequent Canadian Engineering competition last year! This year will be my third time competing, and it’s been one of the most enriching and fun experiences of my post-secondary education.

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

I’ve found that both in the engineering program, and at UPEI as a whole, we are a very tight-knit community. You’re able to make lasting friendships with your classmates and have personal relationships with professors. It never feels like a huge lecture hall where the teacher doesn’t know who you are, and small class sizes mean you’re able to get effective, personalized feedback on your classwork.
 

What would you tell a high school student considering UPEI and the sustainable design engineering program?

I would say that it's a great program for ambitious, hard-working people. The structure of the program and various opportunities provide an environment where hard work and dedication is directly rewarded. It's also a unique program, in that you don’t specify in any one area (such as mechanical or electrical engineering), but you do get a varied knowledge in a lot of different areas. When I was graduating high school, I knew I was interested in engineering, but I wasn’t sure what discipline exactly. Sustainable design engineering is a great program for people that feel that same way.

"I’ve found that both in the engineering program, and at UPEI as a whole, we are a very tight-knit community. You’re able to make lasting friendships with your classmates and have personal relationships with professors."

The sustainable design engineering degree also has the option of planning to complete the degree in four or five years, which provides a lot of flexibility for students to choose their own path. Personally, I followed the five-year degree plan, and it has allowed me to become more involved in extracurriculars and focus on my coursework in more detail.

What are your general plans after graduation?

As of right now, I’m not really sure—I’m debating between a Master’s degree, pursing a job in industry, or potentially starting my own company!