What does your job or volunteer work consist of?  

As an Engineering Intern (EIT) working in electrical engineering, my work involves supporting the design, analysis, and implementation of electrical and control systems across various projects. I assist in preparing technical drawings, performing load and fault calculations, reviewing design specifications, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety standards. I also participate in field inspections, equipment testing, and commissioning activities to verify that installations meet design intent and operate efficiently. My role is greatly enhanced by more than a decade of professional experience accumulated prior to earning my engineering degree, during which I worked in progressively responsible positions such as assistant manager, technical manager, foreman, mechanical technician, and electromechanical technician. This hands-on background in diverse industries has provided me with a solid understanding of practical systems operation, project management, and interdisciplinary teamwork. It enables me to bridge the gap between design and implementation, anticipate challenges in the field, and contribute solutions that are both technically sound and practical. My role allows me to gain practical experience under the supervision of licensed professional engineers as I work toward obtaining my P.Eng. designation.

How do you apply engineering knowledge and principles to your job or volunteer work?

As an electrical engineer, I apply engineering knowledge and principles by combining theoretical understanding with practical experience to design, analyze, and support the implementation of safe, reliable, and efficient electrical systems. I use fundamental concepts such as circuit theory, power distribution, control systems, and safety standards to develop and evaluate electrical designs, perform load and short-circuit calculations, and ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. My more than a decade of professional experience in previous roles of manager and technician provides a strong foundation for applying these engineering principles effectively. Having worked hands-on in diverse industries, I developed a deep understanding of how systems function in real-world conditions. This experience allows me to approach engineering challenges with a practical mindset, anticipating potential issues during installation, operation, or maintenance and integrating solutions that improve performance, safety, and cost efficiency. By combining academic knowledge with my technical and managerial background, I’m able to bridge the gap between design and execution, communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to projects that meet both engineering standards and operational needs.

Why are you an OSPE member/why do you think the work OSPE does is important?

I am an OSPE member because I believe in being part of a professional community that advocates for engineers and advances the practice of engineering in Ontario. As an electrical engineer, I see OSPE as an essential organization that not only supports professional development but also promotes the vital role engineers play in building a safe, sustainable, and innovative society. My decision to join OSPE is also influenced by my more than a decade of prior professional experience in technical and managerial roles before returning to school full-time years earlier. That experience taught me the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional integrity. Through OSPE, I’m able to connect with peers across different engineering disciplines, exchange insights, and stay current with evolving technologies, regulations, and best practices. I believe the work OSPE does is important because it strengthens the engineering profession by advocating for evidence-based policy, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring that engineers have a voice in matters that impact our industry and society. Being part of OSPE allows me to contribute to that collective effort while continuing to learn, grow, and help elevate the standards of our profession.

What issues in the profession are most important to you?

The issues that matter most to me are those related to climate change, sustainability, and the impact of human activities on the environment. I believe engineers have a vital responsibility to address the growing challenges caused by the rapid transformation of our ecosystems. The increasing demand for energy, urbanization, and industrial development all place significant pressure on natural resources—and without proactive, sustainable engineering solutions, nature will ultimately restore balance on its own, often in ways that can be devastating for humanity. I see the engineering profession as central to developing technologies and systems that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy adoption. Electrical engineers, in particular, play a key role in advancing clean energy generation, smart grids, and electrification initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future. For me, it’s not just about innovation, it’s about ensuring that progress and environmental stewardship move hand in hand.

What advice would you give your younger self?  

If I could give my younger self advice, I would say: be patient, stay persistent, and trust the process. Every obstacle and setback you face will teach you something valuable that will shape the engineer—and the person—you become. The moments that feel like failures are often the ones that build resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential in both life and engineering. I would remind my younger self that progress is not always linear and that perseverance matters more than perfection. The challenges you overcome today will one day become your greatest strengths, helping you connect theory with practice, lead with empathy, and appreciate the value of continuous learning. Looking back, I now understand that every difficulty was a stepping stone toward becoming a more capable, confident, and well-rounded professional.