"It was a great experience to work with an industry partner on an open-ended challenge. We did a lot of research and applied the knowledge we’d acquired in our courses and work terms to come up with a solution."
Grace Quan
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2023
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
Current Profession: Pursuing Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering
What got you interested in engineering?
I’ve always been a creative person interested in technology and innovation. That’s basically what engineering is all about: using your creativity and knowledge to solve problems.
What are some of your highlights from your undergraduate student days?
I really enjoyed all the project-based courses, starting with APSC 100 and continuing on throughout the years. My capstone project in final year was another highlight. My team worked on automating an assembly line for a battery manufacturer. It was a great experience to work with an industry partner on an open-ended challenge.
We did a lot of research and applied the knowledge we’d acquired in our courses and work terms to come up with a solution. Interestingly, my capstone project played an important role in helping me get my job at Worley.
Another highlight was my work on different design teams. I was part of Third Quadrant Design, which is a group that designs and builds net zero buildings. I was on the architecture team and involved in some of the design of Third Quadrant’s passive house. I was also part of UBC AgroBot, which develops robots for agricultural applications.
We designed and built a robot for weed extermination and travelled to Italy to participate in an international conference and competition.
This project involved a lot of cross-disciplinary research with students in agriculture and food systems and applied biology. We tested our algorithm at UBC Farm!
Third Quadrant UBC UBC AgroBot
What do you see as the value of design teams?
Design teams are a great complement to your courses. You get to practice and apply what you are learning in class – and, more often than not, to learn and explore many other new areas. You also gain other skills – at UBC AgroBot, for example, I was the marketing and outreach team lead.
It’s a great reminder that all the different engineering disciplines share a lot in common, and it gives you experience in them.
What did you do after you graduated in May 2023?
Over that first summer I worked as a robotic application research assistant with Dr. Kefei Wen, a professor in mechanical engineering doing research in robotics, dynamics and kinematics.
I then started working full time with Worley as a junior mechanical engineer. Worley is an engineering consulting firm that works on a lot of sustainable material manufacturing projects, many of which are related to automation.
I worked on a project very similar to my capstone as part of a team automating the warehouse and production line for a battery manufacturing facility.
Another project was doing a feasibility study for a project on plastics recycling in Saudi Arabia.
What do you like about working for a consulting company?
It’s really interesting to be part of a team whose members are from all over the world (and not without its challenges given we are part of different time zones!). I have learned so much from the senior engineers about how to execute on projects.
Why did you decide to go back to school to do a master’s degree?
My research work with Dr. Wen and my experience in consulting engineering contributed to my interest in robotics and automation.
Doing a master’s degree in this area enables me to gain more expertise in a field I’m passionate about and can see myself pursuing as a career path.
The Master of Applied science includes both coursework and a research-based thesis. I’m working with Dr. Wen to test and validate theories about human-robot collaborations and safety-related sensors.
Any advice for other students?
Don’t just focus on grades – get out and get involved in co-op or design teams. Try things out to see what you like and discover your passions.
