Alqeshira Feyza is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at UBC Okanagan.
Recently, two UBC Okanagan School of Engineering students – Alqeshira Feyza (third-year, Mechanical Engineering) and Keira Page (first-year) – sat down to interview one another about their unique SoE experiences.
Read what inspired each student to choose UBC Engineering, and their advice for high school students who are considering engineering.
Meet Alqeshira Feyza
Interview conducted by Keira Page
Edited/produced by Alice Xie
Tell me about yourself
My name is Alqeshira Feyza. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. From a young age, I developed a natural curiosity and a love for trying new things. Whether it was competing in storytelling contests, volunteering with the Red Cross, or taking on leadership roles in student council organizations and various clubs, I was always eager to explore different opportunities.
However, it wasn’t until 10th grade that I ventured into something completely new—research. I was the first student in my school to express interest in joining a research team, and I ended up representing my school at a national research olympiad. I couldn’t really explain why I felt so compelled to do research, but I had a strong sense that this experience would shape my future in a positive way.
How did you end up studying at UBC?
Two years of research efforts in high school paid off when I became a medalist in the National Olympics organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education. This achievement opened up an unexpected opportunity: an invitation to apply for a newly launched undergraduate study abroad scholarship for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. I spent 12 years studying Indonesia’s national curriculum in public schools, where English was not the primary language of instruction, so I felt a bit of hesitation about studying abroad.
I initially felt uncertain and intimidated about applying to universities abroad. However, when I learned about UBC’s strong reputation as a leading research university, along with its welcoming, diverse community, I felt inspired to apply to this prestigious institution.
In the end, I successfully secured a fully-funded scholarship for my four years of study and received an acceptance letter from UBC Engineering, marking the beginning of a new journey.
Why engineering?
Growing up in a non-STEM family didn’t stop me from developing a deep passion for STEM fields. My mother fostered this curiosity by introducing me to science and problem-solving projects, nurturing my love for discovery. The pinnacle of this passion came during high school when I successfully developed my own invention, Blickr (Blue Light Blocking Mirror). This device was designed to help prevent Computer Vision Syndrome. Since then, I have been passionate about designing and inventing devices that can solve problems in healthcare.
I firmly believe that innovation has the power to improve lives, and my ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of medical technology in my country.
This aspiration is what led me to pursue mechanical engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering.
What extracurricular activities outside of class do you participate in at UBC to continue pursuing your passion for engineering?
Currently, I am a part of the OK Motorsport Design Team as a chassis sub-team member, applying my mechanical engineering skills to real-world automotive design. Our team is developing UBCO’s first Formula SAE EV race car, where I contribute to designing, testing, and manufacturing the chassis to ensure both safety and performance.
Beyond engineering design, I joined URO (Undergraduate Research Opportunities) and pursued a project in bioinformatics in order to expand my research experience. This research focused on using machine learning for cell classification and analysis of immune cell infiltration in renal cell carcinoma. Collaborating with three peers, we dedicated five months to this research. Our efforts culminated in a presentation at the Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) in March 2024, the largest undergraduate research conference in BC.
I also previously worked as a social media ambassador for Engineering Stories, where I created content to share insights, personal experiences, and practical advice with prospective UBC Engineering students. Additionally, I’ve been building my digital presence as a social media influencer, aiming to connect with and inspire others who dream of pursuing education abroad.
What advice would you give to other international students interested in studying abroad?
For international students interested in studying abroad, my first piece of advice is to be proactive and open-minded in exploring different opportunities.
My own journey started with a love for learning and a curiosity to try new things, even if they felt unfamiliar or outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s getting involved in high school research, joining extracurricular activities, or seeking out leadership roles, don’t be afraid to venture into unknown territory.
These experiences build your skills and demonstrate your commitment and passion, which are essential when applying to universities abroad. Next, take advantage of the scholarships and support systems available for international students. Highlight your unique experiences and the impact you’ve made in your community.