Balancing the equation: An engineer's pursuit of equity

Why did you choose to study Chemical Engineering?

Throughout school I had always enjoyed and excelled in science. I found it challenging and simultaneously rewarding. When it came to choosing my degree, engineering seemed to blend my interests in chemistry, biology, physics and math, but specifically chemical engineering allowed me to delve into some chemistry without going down the bachelor of science in chemistry route.

When I stumbled across UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering, I was excited that I could continue my chemistry and biology passions in an engineering degree and the decision to pursue it was a no-brainer.

I always had an interest in clean energy and my degree nurtured this interest perfectly. This was confirmed by my first co-op opportunity where I got to work in hydrogen fuel cells. It was honestly a dream come true and confirmed that I had made the right decision.

Chemical and Biological Engineering

What challenges did you face and overcome during your degree?

A collective challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic. At that point I was in my second year avidly applying for a co-op position. Once the pandemic hit it was immensely difficult to get one. The number of job listings dropped significantly and even some of my peers that were offered positions had them revoked.

I remember having no idea what the future held and desperately wanting co-op experience. Then I learned about the Applied Science Equity Ambassador program, which was hiring students to work on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) programs. Although not originally the technical engineering co-op I had expected, I applied and got the position, and this catapulted my work in EDI.

My lived experience as a Black woman played a huge part in how I approached this position. Although I had been working on diversity issues through my presidency role at the UBC Africa Awareness Initiative, through this role I learned so much more than I expected. This opportunity allowed me to be in rooms and spaces I would never have expected; from engaging with Deans and the President of UBC, to moderating panels with Vancouver’s leaders. I am so grateful that what was originally a terrifying experience of not getting the technical engineering co-op I had expected, led to something so much greater and more fulfilling.

Ashley's work in EDI

What are your future plans to make a difference in our world?

I plan to continue to pursue my interest in clean energy and continue to work in the industry. But I also want to continue with work in equity, diversity, and inclusion, whether in a formal or in an informal role. These two paths fulfill my passions in different ways, and I’d be honoured to continue both of them.

As a Black woman in engineering, I am in the minority at UBC. At UBC, we do not currently have any Black engineering faculty members at the Vancouver campus. It is important for Black students at UBC to see their reflection in the faculty hired at UBC. Having Black faculty members would not only provide academic guidance, but role models for students and present unique learning and collaborative opportunities for current faculty and UBC as a whole. I really urge UBC Engineering to take this lack of Black faculty seriously as it has detrimental effects on Black students and the general student body.