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Home / 2024 / June / 07 / Graduate Profile – Madison Smith (BASc, Mechanical ’24)

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Graduate Profile – Madison Smith (BASc, Mechanical ’24)

June 7, 2024

Madison Smith

Where are you from?

Salt Spring Island BC

What brought you to UBC?

I chose UBC because it had a great reputation from those I talked to in my hometown. UBC offered engineering events for high school students to learn about their programs like Open House where I got to meet other students and see what going to UBC would be like. I also loved that UBC offered a smaller campus in the Okanagan as I prefer the smaller classes and more intimate learning environment. UBC is also within BC which is where I wanted to stay as I love the mountains, lake and ocean! It is a truly amazing and beautiful campus.

Why engineering? What inspired you to pursue education in this field?

I’ve always loved STEM stuff since I was a kid. I enjoy being creative and solving problems, and engineering lets me do both. Plus, it opens up tons of job opportunities after graduation. I also love how engineering impacts our daily lives, you can literally see the results of your work. It’s awesome to bring ideas to life!

What were some of the most rewarding experiences as a student? (What were some of the challenges you faced?)

First year of engineering was challenging to manage the workload and the jump from high school where teachers guide you along to where you need to be self-driven to ensure you excel in academics. Learning to study efficiently and stay on top of things was hard but super valuable. Engineering teaches you how to problem solve and the skills learned in the classroom have transferred into my everyday life. I believe engineering is a valuable knowledge base for any path in life which is why I am so glad I chose this program.

You had some major successes as part of teams! Are there any club, design team, or other campus / school involvement you’d like to highlight?

I’m proud of my involvement in both the Engineering Society and the Western Engineering Competition in 2022. Organizing the Western Engineering Competition was a highlight for me. It provided a great opportunity to work closely with my peers, lead a team, connect with students across Canada and contribute to our engineering community. Being part of the Engineering Society also played a significant role in my university experience. It allowed me to connect with driven students, gain valuable insights into different career paths, and create friendships with amazing people.

What is your proudest moment at UBCO?

My proudest moment came when my team got first place in biocompatible systems for our entrepreneurial capstone project. Over nearly a year, we dedicated ourselves to designing a cost-effective, innovative emergency cervical collar. It was a huge achievement and showed the power of teamwork and innovation.

What are you most looking forward to about Convocation?

I can’t wait to catch up with my classmates one last time before we all go our separate ways for our careers. It’s a chance to celebrate what we’ve achieved together and share some memories.

What is next for you? What are your future goals / plans?

I’m excited to start working at Trane Technologies. I’ll be focusing on making the world more sustainable through commercial and industrial HVAC solutions. I am excited to learn more about smart and eco-friendly approaches to building technology and energy solutions as I continue to progress in my career in mechanical engineering.Bottom of Form

June 23 is International Day of Women in Engineering.

Do you have reflections on women in engineering?

As a woman in engineering, I’ve found it both inspiring and empowering to be part of a field and community at UBC where diversity and inclusion are increasingly celebrated. While there are still challenges to overcome, I believe that women bring unique perspectives and strengths to engineering, contributing to more innovative and comprehensive solutions.

Any women in engineering who inspire(d) you?

Serena Auñón-Chancellor has been a significant source of inspiration for me. I had the privilege of meeting her during my senior year of high school at a speaker event. Her remarkable journey from a physician to an astronaut, and her contributions to space exploration as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station, have truly left a lasting impression on me. Serena’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of human achievement in the field of engineering serve as a constant reminder of the incredible impact women can have in STEM disciplines.

Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in Engineering?

My advice for women considering a career in engineering is to believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions and break down barriers. Seek out mentors and supportive communities, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable in shaping the future of engineering. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never underestimate the impact you can make in this field.

Posted in Events, SOESpotlight, Spotlight, student profile, Undergraduate Students | Tagged convocation, Madison Smith, Mechanical Engineering, school of engineering, Women in Engineering

School of Engineering
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