A headshot of Katherine outside.
Katherine Latosinsky is an MASc student in electrical engineering whose experimental research is focused on developing new technology for solar energy generation. Katherine came to UBC Okanagan after completing her bachelor’s in engineering science at the University of Toronto, where she majored in engineering physics. She is passionate about science communication and community outreach and was also a finalist in the 3-minute thesis competition at UBCO this year.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have roots in a few different places – I was born in Winnipeg and then lived in London, Ontario, before moving to Toronto for my bachelor’s. Now I’m here in the Okanagan for graduate studies. I love to both learn and do hands-on activities, and I care a lot about the impact my work has in the world, which is what brought me to pursue research in renewable energy. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors and commuting by bike. I also live on a sheep farm while staying with family in the Okanagan, so between the farm and school there’s always a lot going on!
Tell us about your academic journey leading up to your MASc studies.
My journey in science and engineering was never a straight path—actually, I nearly majored in history! In my undergrad I explored several different fields through summer research, and I also did a 12-month internship at an engineering firm specialized in acoustics and vibrations. For my bachelor’s thesis I developed instrumentation on superconducting materials, which got me interested in material physics and electronics. After undergrad I knew I was looking to do something intellectually stimulating and hands-on and also related to addressing climate change, which I feel is the most significant challenge facing the world today. This led me to experimental research in solar energy
What inspired you to pursue a Master of Applied Science degree, and why did you choose UBC Okanagan for your graduate studies?
I chose to pursue an MASc to build my credentials and contribute to research in renewable energy. I came to UBCO because I felt I would grow more at a new university, and, within Canada, Dr. Uhl’s research fit best with my interests and my background in physics and engineering. The mountains and smaller campus were also a draw for me!
Katherine working in her research lab
Tell us about your research.
My research is focused on developing a new type of solar cell, which is the part of a solar panel that converts light to electricity. Most solar panels are made from crystalline silicon, but my research involves two different materials that can be deposited as thin films in a process similar to inkjet printing, which can greatly reduce manufacturing costs. These materials—called perovskites and CIGS—absorb different visible and invisible colors of light, so they can be stacked on top of each other to make a “tandem” solar cell that absorbs more light and produces more electricity than a conventional single-layer structure. Our research group already makes solar cells using each of these materials separately; my role is to combine them in a tandem solar cell, ensuring all the layers are chemically, electrically, and optically compatible. In the future, this technology could be used to make efficient, low-cost, lightweight, and flexible solar panels, unlocking new applications for solar energy generation.
How did you find your community at UBCO? (clubs, within your research group, etc.)
This year I contributed to the Women in Science and Engineering and Solar Energy Ambassador programs at UBCO, which are outreach programs for undergraduate and high school students, respectively. Volunteering with campus-based groups has helped me connect with students with similar interests. This degree is my first time being a “commuter” student at university, but I’ve had a lot of success finding off-campus community programs closer to where I live, including recreational volleyball and an upcoming across-the-lake swim event.
Katherine at the 3MT engineering heat in February
What has been the most rewarding part of your UBCO experience?
I really appreciate the opportunity I have as a graduate student to support other students’ learning. In my first experience as a TA this year, I found it very rewarding to provide tutorials to undergraduates on a subject I love (electromagnetism). Explaining the content also deepened my own understanding of the material.
What challenges have you faced during your time at UBC, and have you grown or adapted as a result?
Coming from a large campus to a smaller one was a bit of an adjustment. I’ve found it useful, though, to use term papers as an opportunity to explore connections between the course content and my own research. My supervisor also helped me set up a directed studies course (ENGR 598) with a curriculum that will let me dive deeper into the physics and theory behind my research, so I’m excited to start that in the fall.
What advice would you give to prospective or incoming UBCO students?
I highly recommend reaching out to both professors and students to learn more about specific programs, courses, and research groups you are interested in. Don’t be scared to approach a prof or TA after class, find someone’s office, or send an email out of the blue.
“You don’t lose anything by asking for advice, and most people are happy to share their experiences.”
How has your experience in the MASc program prepared you for your career or future academic goals?
Beyond acquiring niche technical knowledge relevant to my research, this degree has helped me improve my skills in project planning, troubleshooting, and technical communication, while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with renewable energy technologies. After graduating I plan to work in the renewables industry for a few years before deciding if a PhD is the right fit for me, and I’m looking forward to that adventure.
Have you had opportunities to present your research (e.g., conferences, publications, workshops)? If so, what have you learned from those experiences?
I had a great experience participating in UBC Okanagan’s three-minute thesis competition this year. It was challenging to explain my research briefly to a general audience, especially when I was a few months into my degree, but it really helped me distill the motivation and challenges associated with my research area. I also had the opportunity to present a research poster at the Solar Energy BC conference hosted by UBCO in April, which was a great opportunity to hear both academic and industry perspectives on the future of solar energy in this province
Katherine speaking on stage at a Solar Energy Ambassador Outreach Activity
If you could give your past self one piece of advice before starting your MASc journey, what would it be?
As cliché as it is, I would say have the courage to be yourself, especially coming to a new place. Whether engaging in class, in your research group, or just in everyday interactions, it’s better to put yourself out there and risk making mistakes rather than to be small and never leave an impression.
” It’s better to put yourself out there and risk making mistakes rather than to be small and never leave an impression.”
As a woman in engineering, how has your perspective shaped your experience or purpose in the field, and what shifts are you seeing today?
Twice in my life I have studied a technical subject with a mostly-female cohort, and in both instances I was deeply inspired by the courage and skill of my peers. The summer before I started undergrad, I had the privilege of obtaining my Private Pilot’s License (PPL) through the Canadian Air Cadet program. Although only about 10-15% of PPLs are issued to women each year, I completed flight training with an all-female group of cadets. Later, in my graduating year at U of T, most of the roughly twelve students in the engineering physics major were women, in stark contrast to the larger group studying pure physics. In both those experiences, studying challenging, technical subjects alongside other women was extremely motivating, and I certainly learned from my friends on how to be comfortable with my own identity while pursuing a career in STEM.
What advice would you share with the next generation of women and underrepresented voices entering engineering?
There are still real challenges facing women and other minorities in engineering, but it’s always easier when you find friends, mentors, and community. You have as much right to be an engineer as the next person, and if you can focus on the beauty of what you learn and joy in what you do, it will take you far.
“You have as much right to be an engineer as the next person, and if you can focus on the beauty of what you learn and joy in what you do, it will take you far.”
Learn more about Katherine’s research group Here: Laboratory For Solar Energy and Fuels