Lydia McIntyre (BAsc, Civil Engineering, ’24)
Where are you from?
I am from San Francisco, California, USA.
What brought you to UBC?
I was drawn to UBC due its reputation and location. The natural playground that is the Okanagan attracted me as it is a place in which I could pursue many of my favorite outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and rock climbing. I appreciated that I could pursue my hobbies while studying at a smaller campus.
Why engineering? What inspired you to pursue education in this field?
I was inspired to pursue a degree in civil engineering to learn more about the interaction between the natural and built environment. I grew up in an area with many large bridges and have always been in awe of their ability to withstand heavy traffic, high winds, and seismic events. I have also had the privilege of visiting places like Teotihuacan and Machu Picchu and have marveled as to how different civilizations adapted to their natural environments.
What were some of the most rewarding experiences as a student? (What were some of the challenges you faced?)
My most rewarding experiences have come from various summer internships in which I have had the pleasure of seeing the real-life application of the content taught during the program. Academically, solving problems and completing work as a team to produce high quality deliverables was also very rewarding.
Are there any club, design team, or other campus / school involvement you’d like to highlight?
I really enjoyed working under Dr. Sumi Siddiqua and graduate student Mahmoud Babalar as a lab assistant. I learned a lot, and it was rewarding to contribute to current research efforts focusing on the removal of contaminants from the environment.
What is your proudest moment at UBCO?
I am most proud of my achievements as a whole at UBCO. I was able to reach my academic goals while taking the time to explore and enjoy BC.
What are you most looking forward to about Convocation?
I am looking forward to attending my graduation ceremony as I graduated high school in 2020 and therefore did not graduate in the typical manner. I am also looking forward to celebrating my achievements.
What is next for you? What are your future goals / plans?
My future goals are to continue learning and have fun throughout my career.
June 23 is International Day of Women in Engineering:
Do you have reflections on women in engineering?
When seeing classes that had predominantly women on campus, I immediately knew that was not an engineering class. While women are still a minority population within the field of engineering, I have never felt that I have been treated differently both academically and professionally. I have also have never been the only woman at any internships or class.
Are there any women in engineering who inspire(d) you?
I was inspired by my mother who has a chemical engineering degree and worked in predominantly male environments throughout her career.
Any advice for women looking to pursue a career in Engineering?
Go for it! It is a very interesting career to pursue. There are many different disciplines, and at least within civil, many pathways one can take. Positions can be field based, office based, or a mix of the two. There is something for everyone.