Connor Badowich – MASc ’18 (Electrical)
Why did you choose to study at UBC Okanagan?
I completed my BASc at UBC Okanagan in 2016. Because of the involvement and support from the professors here during my undergrad, there was a lot of opportunity to get involved in research projects. I got involved in a research project with the Applied Electromagnetics Laboratory and this turned into an offer for graduate school which I accepted in 2017. I originally chose UBC Okanagan because of the smaller size of the school, and its location within British Columbia.
What has the experience been like thus far?
My experiences at UBC Okanagan for both the undergraduate and graduate program have been fantastic. The school has really allowed me to explore my interests and challenge myself academically while the student and engineering communities in the Okanagan are very supportive and open.
Describe your research
I am working on Wireless Power Transfer (WPT), which involves using inductive coils to transfer power (on the order of Watts) across a gap of 20-40cm. As a member of the Applied Electromagnetics Lab, I am looking at passive designs of coils, configurations, and design methods to improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety for mid-range WPT. Mobile devices are already beginning to use these technologies today, and future uses include powering of electric vehicles, biomedical implants, and industrial applications.
What do you enjoy about working with your supervisor and your research group?
My supervisor (Loïc Markley) has been a great mentor over the course of my MASc, who allows flexibility in what ideas you test and how you work, but can equally provide a push in the right direction when you get stuck. I have found our research group and supervisor to be a very supportive team, and even though we work on different projects we are always willing to help each other in our individual research.
Can you talk about the importance of the EGSS to your experience at UBC Okanagan?
I served a one-year term as President of the EGSS during my MASc, and also volunteered with other organizations such as Harmony, International Programs and Services, and the Student Union. Getting involved with the community is important to me because as future professionals there will be a necessity to interact with people with diverse backgrounds, and getting involved in diverse teams and organizing events provides a great learning environment to prepare you for your career. In addition to this, I really enjoyed providing events and opportunities to my peers as a way of giving back to the community.
What do you like to do when you are not in the lab?
Kelowna and the Okanagan provides a great area to do things outside of the lab year-round. In the summer there are continuous events such as dancing, music, or food in the city parks that I like to check out with friends, and hanging out at the beach is a must. During the winter terms there are also continuous events such as talent shows, banquets, and movies being hosted by the large number of student clubs on campus, so finding something fun to do on an evening or a weekend is pretty easy.
Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
I served a one-year term as President of the EGSS during my MASc, and also volunteered with other organizations such as Harmony, International Programs and Services, and the Student Union. Getting involved with the community is important to me because as future professionals there will be a necessity to interact with people with diverse backgrounds, and getting involved in diverse teams and organizing events provides a great learning environment to prepare you for your career. In addition to this, I really enjoyed providing events and opportunities to my peers as a way of giving back to the community.
Looking ahead 5 or 10 years, where do you see yourself?
I am looking forward to working in the aerospace and space industries, hopefully within satellite telecommunications. Canada and the world currently has a rapidly growing number of companies and projects in this field, so I feel there is a lot of opportunity for engineering graduates in the next few years. I can definitely foresee myself working in project management after a few years of working as an Engineer in Training (EIT).
Best advice you have received so far at UBC? Advice you’d give to a student consider UBC Okanagan for their graduate studies?
The best advice I have received while at UBC has been from Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut, who addressed my undergraduate convocation ceremony. She told us to ensure that we have passion for what we have, but to also have a strategy of how to work towards that passion. Because passion without strategy will leave you spinning your wheels, and you may not feel like you are accomplishing anything.
For students considering attending grad school at UBC Okanagan, I would definitely recommend reaching out to someone who is already here. Either ask a professor if it is possible to talk to some of their existing students or even contact the EGSS to put you in touch with students, and see how they find their UBC experience, and if it will be a right fit. I think having a right environment is more important than finding the right project.