My Vision as an Engineer

There are different ways of defining Engineering. But, in this article, I redefine Engineering as the iterative process of developing ingenious and creative ideas for the betterment of society and the earth. I have two main visions in engineering that we can start encapsulating this year. The first depends on the involvement of universities and colleges around a community to develop a bridge between itself and school boards to have diverse and inclusive individuals interested in STEM/STEAM. My other vision is to see more construction of students from different disciplinary working with Engineering students to work on a capstone project.

It's no surprise my two vision of Engineering starts from a university or college. Because the only way to tackle issues surrounding innovation, creativity, diversity, and inclusion all starts from an environment where we learn. There has always been a disconnect between high-school and university education. By creating a program that introduces high-school students from low-income neighbourhoods and marginalized communities to STEM, we are fostering a new wave of diverse voices to create a better inclusive generation of Engineers. A great starting point is the K2I Program at Lassonde School of Engineering. They reach out to school boards to get students not exposed to STEAM/STEM to develop a research project relating to the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) in conjunction with a professor.

Another initiative that would be great for both universities, students and companies is creating an interdisciplinary course that allows students majoring in different programs to develop a research project in conjunction with a company partnered with the university or college. It provides the company with future Engineers they know graduated from a partnered university or college and has experience. For the students, it creates a connection in putting everything learned in school into a real-life project with other students outside their program and getting to work with an industry professional. While the school can teach, develop and prepare students for the further in the workforce.

What I envision is something that universities, school boards and companies can start right now. It is something that will create a world of better Engineers and better companies. So, why not start now?