Incoming UBC student wins $30K Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship

Sidana is now beginning his first year as an Applied Science student at UBC, after graduating from David Thompson Secondary.

The Amazon Future Engineer scholarship program supports graduating high school students from underserved and underrepresented communities who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership in school, work, and community activities.

Born and raised in Delhi, India, Sidana immigrated to Canada with his family, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, at age 17. Despite the significant challenges posed by the move and the pandemic, he maintained his academic standing and continued to find ways to volunteer while adapting to a different education system and culture.

“When I reflect on childhood experiences that greatly influenced who I am today, I’m drawn to when I was eight, observing a line of ill people stretching two kilometers in front of the hospital for a brief consultation with a doctor,” said Sidana. “Ever since then, I developed a keen interest in medicine and medical technology, and have worked passionately toward my goal of becoming an engineer and then going to medical school.”

Sidana aims to pursue Biomedical or Electrical Engineering after completing his first year of studies, adding, “I don't want to engineer simply new innovations, but rather, those that bring about a positive change in the world we live.”

"At Amazon, fostering diversity in the Canadian tech sector starts with ensuring that students from all backgrounds are able to discover computer science and pursue postsecondary education, focusing on their studies instead of financial concerns," said Susan Ibach, Head of Amazon Future Engineer Canada.

"The 2022 Canadian Amazon Future Engineer scholarship class has demonstrated passion, resilience, and commitment to the field of computer science, and we look forward to seeing where this next chapter of their education leads them."