Finding connections between civil engineering and tap dancing

Why did you choose civil engineering?

During my first year, I spent some time looking into different engineering programs, and civil engineering stood out as the best fit for me. I am drawn to the way it shapes the world around us with roads, bridges, buildings and the infrastructure we depend on every day. I find the scale and complexity of it fascinating. I like how it blends problem-solving with collaboration and real world impact. I feel proud to be part of a field that has the capacity to make a tangible, positive impact on society and improve people's lives.

Are you part of co-op?

I am in the co-op program. Last year I worked for Omicron as a project coordinator. Omicron is an integrated design firm, so they have architects and engineers working together on projects. I was part of the construction side, but it was very interesting because I could simply walk across the office to talk to the architects who had designed the project. My role was helping out with the pre-construction tender phase of a project for a facility Omicron is building for Red Bull in Chilliwack.

Omicron

This summer I am working for Emry Formworks in Kelowna as a project coordinator. Emery is a concrete formwork contractor and the company is currently building a 43-storey mixed use tower for UBC Okanagan in downtown Kelowna. The project is just getting started; they’ve poured the raft slabs and it will be another two years until completion.

Emry Formworks

My co-op experiences have been great learning opportunities. I’ve observed how site superintendents and engineers work back and forth to communicate and solve the problems they are dealing with on site. 

I am impressed with how many people are involved in the process, from the engineer who does the initial drawings to the superintendent who is communicating those drawings to the people who complete the process to bring the ideas to life.

You mentioned that you have an Indigenous background. Does this influence the way you approach engineering challenges?

I am of Métis heritage and my homeland is on Treaty 4 territory. As I think about my identity in relation to civil engineering, I recognize the deep connection to the natural world including the significance of water, land, and natural resources. At UBC, I have been encouraged to integrate Indigenous practices into my work. For example, in second year, we were tasked with designing a tiny home that included an aspect of indigenous culture. It was important for me to consider its construction in the context of colonization. I continue to think about how to weave in and integrate my Indigenous identity into my life’s work.