If your best friend had to describe you in 10 words or less, what would she say?
I always try to find problems and come up with possible solutions.
What do you want to accomplish in the next 10 years?
I would like to help design green buildings that have much lower carbon footprints than existing buildings. I would also like to contribute to the development and promotion of more energy efficient technologies for retrofitting existing residential buildings.
Who is the most inspiring engineer you know or have heard of?
Dr. Cynthia Cruickshank has been a very inspiring role model. She is extremely dedicated to her research towards the development and optimization of new solar energy technologies for heating and cooling buildings. She currently leads the Solar Energy Systems Laboratory at Carleton University.
Why did you choose your program of study?
When I was in high school I was fairly strong in my math and science courses. I realized that by becoming an engineer I could help advance the development of technologies that will improve the way we live and reduce our negative impact on the environment.
What has been your favourite course?
Green Building Design. The course covered many techniques that can be used to reduce energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings. The course also introduced students to various simple design programs that can be used to optimize the performance of different systems within a building. Some of the programs taught were actually used in the design of a high-performance house that was eventually built and sent to California for the Solar Decathlon 2013 Competition.
What has been the best part of your engineering education?
Participating in the Solar Decathlon 2013 Competition was definitely the highlight. I was given the opportunity to design, model, build and commission a space heating, cooling and domestic hot water system for a high performance house that competed in the competition. The research I have conducted contributed to our team’s first place win in the Engineering Contest. The experience allowed me to showcase my work at this international competition that took place in California.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I hope to pursue a career in developing solar energy technologies and designing green buildings.
