UBC Okanagan (UBCO) School of Engineering student Megha Desai has had the date Friday, June 7, 2024 circled on her calendar for a while. For Desai, this date – her graduation day – marks more than the achievement of an educational dream years in the making: it also heralds the start of her exciting next chapter and continued learning journey.
Desai will be among the more than 2,000 UBCO students who will earn credentials on June 7, including 430 from the School of Engineering – 263 undergraduate and 167 graduate students.
Desai, who was born in India and lived in Fort McMurray prior to moving to BC for school, will earn her Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering on June 7. She will also deliver the student address that afternoon. In preparing for her convocation speech, she’s been reflecting on her SoE journey from start to finish.
“I always knew I wanted to pursue a STEM degree,” explains Desai. “UBC being a top ranked School in Canada—and the world—made my decision easy to come here.”
The path to engineering came a little later, she says. After beginning her studies in Science, Desai was soon drawn to the applied aspects of Mechanical Engineering. She began her studies in Vancouver and later transferred to the SoE in Kelowna. Once there, she found her community and truly hit her stride.
“By far one of the most rewarding aspects of my studies has been the community I’ve been so lucky to be part of at the School of Engineering. We are a close-knit group. Walking into the EME building in the morning, seeing my friends and classmates at the tables studying, joining them and starting the day with people you enjoy working with, that is what makes UBCO and the SoE so special.”
That sense of community connection also developed through her participation in design teams, says Desai. What followed was some impressive results.
Earlier this year, Desai was a member of the team who claimed first place at the national Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Competition. It’s a memory she will treasure for a long time, she says: 
“Being able to compete against bigger universities with tons of resources and to come out on top because of our team’s level of hard work and collaboration, that was incredibly rewarding and a highlight of my student journey.”
Desai capped off her undergraduate career with another highlight at the Capstone Design Showcase and Competition in April. Desai’s team worked with AC Moulding and Millworks on a solution to a real-world problem. The result: a more efficient manufacturing process for the company’s custom stair nosing. Seeing that solution come to life and benefit a local business was a thrill, she says, and brought to life her desire to have a positive impact on the world around her as an engineer.
“It was amazing to see how our input could have a real impact on a local business,” says Desai.
Capstone wasn’t the only opportunity to gain industry experience. Desai also made the most of her Coop and work terms throughout her studies.
“Ultimately, all these hands-on learning opportunities with industry help to enhance the learning experience,” she says. “You are tested not just on your knowledge but on your ability to work with others, which is exactly what will set you apart as a professional engineer. And that is exactly where I’m excited to go next.”
Prior to their convocation ceremony, Desai and a number of her fellow Eng students will enjoy a well-deserved brief break to travel Europe. After convocation, she plans to continue her journey as an Engineer-in-Training and obtain her professional engineer (P.Eng.) designation, which represents the highest standards of engineering knowledge, experience and professionalism in Canada.
“As I reflect on my time at the School of Engineering, I know it’s set me up for success in my future, and I’m excited to make an impact, to make the world around me a better place, because that’s what engineers do.”
“On behalf of the School of Engineering, we are deeply proud of all of this year’s graduands. Congratulations on all your hard work and many achievements to date. We look forward to staying connected with you as alumni, and hope you remain in touch as valued members of the SoE community now and into the future. And as we send these exceptionally capable graduates out into the world to innovate and create a more sustainable, equitable and resilient society for us all, our thanks and congratulations also go to the educators, industry partners and community supporters who have helped our students achieve their goals along the way,” said Dr. Will Hughes, Director and Professor, School of Engineering.
About Convocation Day for the School of Engineering, June 7, 2024
School of Engineering Graduate and Awards Reception
Before the ceremony, graduands and their guests are invited to attend a reception hosted in the EME Foyer by the School of Engineering:
- Reception – 10:30 am
- Awards – 11:10 am
Ceremony
The Convocation ceremony for the School of Engineering will take place at 1:30 PM in the Gymnasium. More information about the ceremony is available on the Spring Convocation page.
Photos with the E
Grads are invited to stop by the E between the EME and Admin buildings to take a photo (ongoing throughout the day). The E will be specially decorated for the occasion.
Meet and Greet, Photobooth
Following the ceremony, SoE graduates are invited to attend a meet and greet with faculty and staff in the courtyard from 3-4 PM. Light refreshments will be provided. Graduates and guests can stop by a photobooth.