Meet Chadia Uwamahoro who is currently completing her PhD in Civil Engineering at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering, under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Tobber. Chadia is the recipient of the first-ever Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship by the Canadian Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) and the Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association (CCPPA). Read more about her research, her reflections on receiving this prestigious award and her inspiring goals.
UBCO Engineering PhD student Chadia Uwamahoro
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a PhD student from Rwanda and a proud mom to a wonderful 4-year-old girl, who is by far my greatest accomplishment. My work is experimental based and focuses on the seismic design of precast concrete shear walls.
What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
UBC Okanagan provided a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in structural engineering. The strong connection between academia and industry, mainly through the ASSET research group’s precast work and CPCI-funded projects, made it the perfect place to advance my studies and tackle real-world engineering challenges.
Describe your graduate student experience at the School of Engineering
Collaborating with industry partners has been incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling to contribute knowledge that advances the industry while answering important questions through my experimental work. Mentoring undergraduate students has also been a highly rewarding part of my experience.
How has your time at UBC prepared you for your future?
UBC has provided me with technical expertise, leadership experience, and industry connections that will shape my career.
Tell us a little about your research
My research focuses on the precast concrete shear walls connections, evaluating their displacement capacity. This work is part of a larger effort to develop seismic design guidelines for precast shear wall buildings, which currently lack provisions in the Canadian building code.
You were recently named as the inaugural recipient of the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship by CPCI and CCPPA. What does this award mean to you, and what will it allow you to do?
Receiving the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship is an incredible honor. It recognizes the importance of my research in advancing precast concrete design and provides financial support that allows me to focus on my studies and research contributions. The award also connects me with industry leaders, opening opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange that will further strengthen my work.
What are your goals?
One of my goals is to help develop and implement seismic design guidelines for concrete buildings in Rwanda, improving infrastructure resilience. In the short term, I aim to contribute to advancements in Canadian building codes through my research at UBCO. I also want to continue mentoring and supporting women in engineering, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse field. As a mom to a four-year-old girl, I want to inspire the next generation of engineers, especially young girls, to see that they, too, can pursue careers in STEM and make a difference.
What advice do you have for future / current engineering grad students?
My advice would be to stay curious by embracing challenges, and exploring new ideas.
Throughout the year, the School of Engineering celebrates the exceptional Women in Engineering who are advancing research, teaching, learning, and service at the School, and who are making outstanding contributions to their fields. Do you have any reflections on women in engineering?
Women in engineering have made significant strides, yet challenges remain in achieving full representation and equity. Engineering thrives on diverse perspectives, and increasing the presence of women brings new ideas and solutions. While there have been historical barriers, the growing number of women in leadership and research roles is encouraging.
To help foster a sense of community and support, I co-founded a Women in Engineering Graduate Students club (WiEGS) at UBCO, providing a space for mentorship, networking, and collaboration. It is important to continue advocating for inclusive work environments, mentorship, and equal opportunities to ensure that future generations of women engineers can excel without limitations.
Are there any women in engineering who inspire you?
One of my inspirations is Mary W. Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer. She broke barriers at a time when the industry was rooted in racial and gender discrimination. Her work in aerodynamics and advocacy for women and minorities in STEM paved the way for many. Beyond historical figures, I am also inspired by the women in structural and earthquake engineering today who drive innovation in the field, such as my mentor and academic supervisor, Dr. Lisa Tobber.
Do you have any advice for women looking to pursue a career in Engineering?
My advice is to believe in your abilities and never let challenges deter you. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles or voice your ideas. Your contributions will shape the future of engineering.
Is there anyone else you’d like to shoutout?
I would like to acknowledge my coach, Dr. Frank Büker, and our research group manager, Devin Boyce.