From TRU to UBC: A transfer journey into computer engineering

Eduardo Nunez-Palma Headshot

Eduardo Nunez-Palma

What got you interested in engineering? 

A lot of different things. Math and science always came naturally to me in elementary school, and in high school I took a coding course and a robotics course. Everything just clicked — the logic made sense and I found it really fun. My dad is also an engineer who works in mine automation, so growing up I saw how he used math and science to solve problems and make real contributions. That was inspiring and definitely pushed me toward engineering. 

Why did you choose the TRU-UBC transfer program? 

For my situation, this was the best decision. Staying in Kamloops meant I could live at home and save a ton of money, with no need to pay for rent or food. It also made the transition from high school to university easier. 

I was part of a cohort of about 40 students at TRU – we quickly became a big friend group. We took the same first-year courses you would take at UBC: physics, chemistry, calculus, linear algebra, coding and two engineering design courses where we worked in teams on open-ended projects. The professors were great and our courses felt more like a conversation than a lecture where you are just sitting and listening. 

What was the transition like when you arrived at UBC for second year? 

At first it was hard. The second-year courses are more difficult and I was also learning how to live on my own, from grocery shopping and cooking to managing my time. I lived on-campus with two friends from the TRU program, which helped a lot, and I soon figured out how to be organized and have time for going to the gym, playing tennis and other pursuits.  

Any highlights from your second year? 

One highlight was a first semester course where we worked on an open-ended coding project as a team. This was my first time coding in a group instead of solo. It was challenging to figure out how to divide tasks, share files, and track progress, but we learned industry tools like GitHub and it was a very positive experience. 

Another highlight was CPEN 212, which has a reputation for being very hard. But the instructor – Guy Lemieux – was great. He taught in an interactive style that reminded me of TRU – more of a back-and-forth than listening to a lecture. 

Guy Lemieux

Has engineering changed the way you approach problems? 

I think so. I used to be more impulsive with decision making. Now, after two years in engineering, I take a more analytical and long-term approach when it comes to solving problems – whether that’s planning a hike with friends or working on assignments for class. 

Tell us about your summer positions at Nucorp.  

After my first year at TRU, I got an internship at Nucorp in Kamloops and I returned again this summer. The company has a mini sag mill model used in mining and we work on optimizing throughput. 

This summer I am setting up networks for communication and web-based control of a remote motor. I research which sensors and motors to add to the model, and I’m building the network so multiple users can control it and see real-time data from the sensors. It’s a continuation of work I was doing last summer, but I have taken on more responsibility this year. 

I’ve also been able to apply concepts from my courses, especially around concurrent processes and deadlock. I also appreciate being able to talk with the team at Nucorp as it gives me a sense of potential career paths. 

What kind of impact would you like to make as an engineer? 

Technology has a large environmental footprint, and I’d like to work on making hardware and software more energy-efficient. In one of my courses we talked about memory management and how poorly written code can waste a lot of power. That got me thinking about how I could combine my interest in the outdoors with my interest in technology and finding ways to make computing greener. 

What advice would you give people considering the transfer program? 

Work on your time management skills during first year as this will make the transition to UBC so much easier. And enjoy the process! 

Doing the transfer program meant I got to have two “first days” of university: one at TRU and one at UBC. The novelty of switching schools was very exciting, and overall the program was a great experience. If I had to do it again, I absolutely would. 

Engineering Transfer Program

Computer engineering co-op student at work

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers can change the world. Whether it is the systems that control our phones, cars, planes or robots — every automated device has a software or hardware engineer helping to create it. 

Computer Engineering

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