This year, Samantha Krieg, a graduate engineering student at UBC, was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Order of the White Rose Scholarship. Created to honor the memories of the 14 women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique tragedy, the scholarship recognizes exceptional women pursuing graduate studies in engineering who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, resilience, and a strong commitment to advancing equity in the field. Samantha joins three other UBC engineers recognized this year for their impactful work and dedication to creating a more inclusive engineering community. More about the award and this year’s recipients can be found here: White Rose Scholarship Recipients
Samantha with a white rose
What does receiving the Order of the White Rose mean to you personally and academically?
Receiving the Order of the White Rose Award is life-changing. On a personal level, it holds deep significance for me as someone who has experienced sexism and misogyny while working in male-dominated environments. Even as progress is made, engineering remains a field where women continue to navigate subtle, shifting forms of discrimination. Workplace sexism has evolved, often appearing as loaded comments masked by plausible deniability or informal mentorship networks that disproportionately benefit certain people. These quiet barriers can make it difficult for underrepresented groups to advance. This award affirms not only my place in this field, but the importance of continuing to push for change. Academically, the scholarship will support me throughout my PhD and strengthen my research by connecting me with a community of individuals who are equally committed to making engineering more inclusive.
The SoE ‘E’ painted white in honor of 14 Not Forgotten.
What will this award allow you to do, and how will it support your continued research and studies?
This award will help bridge the pay gap between research and industry, allowing me to fully devote my time and energy to my academic work. It gives me the confidence and financial stability to pursue opportunities that will elevate my research on earthquake-resilient and sustainable buildings. More than a monetary award, it has connected me with 13 other remarkable scholars who are all using their work to create meaningful change. The relationships formed this year, as well as those with past recipients and individuals involved in the Order of the White Rose community, will help propel my research forward and extend its impact beyond New Zealand.
What was it like to attend the ceremony at Polytechnique Montréal, and was there a moment that stood out for you?
Attending the award ceremony at Polytechnique Montréal was an unforgettable experience. The moment that resonated most deeply with me was hearing Nathalie Provost share her story as a survivor of the 1989 shooting. Her words were powerful and emotional and served as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that stem from misogyny. Throughout the ceremony, I found myself reflecting on how far we have come as a society while recognizing how much work remains. Violence against women in male-dominated fields continues to be a pressing issue. The recent death of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder killed by a coworker simply for “giving him a bad look,” weighs heavily on me. Moments like these underscore why advocacy, education, and cultural change are still urgently needed.
A memorial display honoring the 14 women killed in the 1989 tragedy
What are your goals for the future, and how do you see this award helping you move toward them?
During my PhD, I hope to collaborate closely with policymakers and industry leaders in both New Zealand and Canada to advance the tools and knowledge structural engineers need to design buildings that are more sustainable and better able to withstand earthquakes. After completing my degree, I plan to work in consulting as a structural engineer and join a company that prioritizes innovation and environmental responsibility. The mentorship and leadership workshops offered through the Order of the White Rose will help me build the skills I need to thrive in my research, and eventually in my professional career. This award has opened doors not only to new opportunities, but to a network that supports and amplifies my aspirations.
What advice would you offer to women in engineering and to young people inspired by your journey?
It is everyone’s responsibility to work toward ending misogyny and violence against women. If we are not actively breaking down the barriers that exist in engineering, we are allowing systems built on inequity to persist. My advice is to never shrink yourself to meet someone else’s expectations. This is true for all people, but especially for women in male-dominated fields. Support the people around you; community and collaboration will take you further than competition or tearing others down. When we uplift each other, we create environments where everyone can succeed.
Read more about UBCO’s White Rose Ceremony: Reflecting on the past, standing together for a brighter future