International Women in Engineering Day 2024: Celebrating UBC Engineering’s leading women graduates
June 23 is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the invaluable contributions of women engineers. International Women in Engineering Day highlights their relentless efforts, the challenges they have faced and their remarkable achievements.
Meet four inspiring women from the UBC Engineering Class of 2024 who are already making contributions to the field of engineering and paving the way for future generations.
Jessica Wolf, Master of Applied Science (MASc), Mechanical Engineering
Jessica Wolf is an MASc graduate in Mechanical Engineering, who will soon be embarking on a PhD degree with a research focus on engineering education at UBC.
She showcased her passion for social justice and community through her roles in the TA union on campus, CUPE 2278, the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Association, and through her research. Her MASc thesis examined the comprehensiveness of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) topics taught within and adjacent to the engineering curriculum across multiple disciplines. This work, which included refining a set of EDI competencies for the Faculty of Applied Science, gives programs critical information on their current state and a method with which to re-evaluate EDI content in the future.
“In the male-dominated field of engineering, I’ve had the unique experience of working with a research group that is primarily women as well as with many inspiring women engineers and scientists beyond my research group. Being surrounded by such a supportive and diverse group of women in my graduate studies has been a breath of fresh air, to say the least.”
Victoria Ibrahim, Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)
Originating from Nigeria, Victoria Ibrahim was driven to pursue electrical engineering to address critical infrastructure needs in under-served communities, and worked after graduation to deliver electricity to remote communities through sustainable and reliable power sources.
Knowing that she needed further education to continue this work, she began her MEL in Clean Energy at UBC.
While at UBC, Ibrahim founded Sustainability Simplified, a platform that demystifies sustainability concepts for her peers and the general public.
She also extended her impact by working on a capstone project with WSP focusing on net-zero fuels for transportation. This work aims to provide a framework to help industry leaders make informed decisions, potentially influencing global standards in sustainable transportation.
Ibrahim stands out as a first-generation professional and the only woman engineer in her extended family, inspiring future generations to explore unconventional paths.
“The MEL program at UBC provided extensive teamwork opportunities and challenging projects, simulating real-world scenarios. This environment, akin to a one-year intensive boot camp, forced me to face real-world challenges and develop essential skills. Engaging with diverse teams enhanced my ability to work with various personalities and backgrounds, preparing me to succeed and make a significant impact in the real world.”
Shaden Bhuiyan, Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering
For over six years, Shaden Bhuiyan has been volunteering with UBC Engineering Geering Up Outreach, which provides youth in BC the opportunity to explore engineering through summer camps and year-round programming, including events for girls, genderqueer and non-binary people. This summer, she will help lead the program's UBC Vancouver day camps.
A civil engineer at heart, Bhuiyan worked on redesigning the SW Marine Drive and 16th Avenue intersection as her Capstone Project. With the Civil Club, she helped organize the Civil Alumni Student Night and ran the 2024 Civil grad trip to the Netherlands, the first in years. Through her co-op experiences, she discovered her love for construction and plans on continuing in the field to support and mentor future women engineers.
“I want to contribute to the push for sustainability in the construction industry, and to female representation in the field. Despite more women graduating from civil engineering programs, many leave the industry due to a lack of support and representation. By being part of the team, I hope to mentor and encourage young female co-op students, EITs and engineers.”
Megha Desai, Bachelor of Applied Science, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering (SOE)
Originally from India, Megha Desai has been an active member in the UBC Okanagan SOE community.
She was a member of the team that won first place at the national Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Competition 2024. Additionally, she served as the co-president of UBC Okanagan’s Women in Engineering Club (WiE), dedicated to creating a supportive community on campus for female engineering students and advancing Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 initiative.
Desai’s academic and co-op experiences have inspired her to continue her journey as an Engineer-in-Training and obtain her professional engineer (P.Eng.) designation, which represents the highest standards of engineering knowledge, experience and professionalism in Canada.
“As I reflect on my time at the School of Engineering, I know it’s set me up for success in my future, and I’m excited to make an impact, to make the world around me a better place; because that’s what engineers do.”
