Scholar Life
By Jackey Locke
February is Black Historical past Month.
Study simply a number of the achievements and distinctive experiences of members of Memorial’s chapter of the Nationwide Society of Black Engineers as they navigate their engineering research, in addition to insights from alumni about what it’s like post-graduation.
Laughter Afolabi
Laughter Afolabi is a fifth-year mechanical engineering pupil. Hailing from Kwara and Oyo states in Nigeria, she selected engineering to mix her artistic and technical expertise.
Throughout her time as an undergraduate pupil, Ms. Afolabi competed in entrepreneurial competitions, together with successful the Ignite Fund for Revolutionary Enterprise Thought, and positioned second in St. Mary’s College Pitch Competitors, third place at Hack Frost NL, Hack-a-thon and first within the School of Engineering and Utilized Science’s Junior Design Competitors.
“Finding out engineering has given me the self-discipline, focus and perseverance required to pursue entrepreneurship,” she mentioned.
Ms. Afolabi not too long ago acquired a fellowship from Ventures for Canada, an entrepreneurial program that connects new graduates eager about exploring entrepreneurialism with mentorship, steering and assist from native startup firms.
Her recommendation to fellow engineering college students?
“Don’t quit! Your first thought often isn’t the very best one so preserve going.”
Success Aifuwa
Success Aifuwa is a fifth-year pupil from Benin Metropolis, Nigeria. She selected to check mechanical engineering with technical streams in supplies and biomedical engineering.
Each time Ms. Aifuwa designs a brand new machine or improves an present one, she is completely happy understanding she helps at the very least one particular person.
“On account of my initiative in growing my very own bio-med mission, I landed a piece time period at BreatheSuite, which was very enjoyable and thrilling,” she mentioned.
Hadiza Babatunde
From Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Hadiza Babatunde has used LinkedIn throughout her undergraduate research with nice outcomes and plans to maintain utilizing it all through her profession.
Ms. Babatunde encourages different college students to be lively on LinkedIn as a result of, whereas the school helps college students with securing work phrases, the platform may also help introduce college students to recruiters and hiring managers.
“Placing your self out there may be actually daunting, particularly on such a platform the place everybody shares so many achievements,” mentioned the third-year pupil. “Put up all of it as a result of networking is extra highly effective than we expect.”
You’ll find her on LinkedIn at Hadiza Babatunde.
Roxanne Balemaken
Roxanne Balemaken is proof that onerous work pays off.
The third-year mechanical engineering pupil from Cameroon has been named to the Dean’s Record.
“I’m a work-in-progress in the case of staying disciplined, however I consider that consistency is vital for something in life.”
Ms. Balemaken has recommendation for her friends.
“With all of the technical ideas we be taught in engineering, observe does make excellent and errors are alternatives for development,” she mentioned. “We have been all uniquely created and our brains don’t all work the identical, however deal with your research like a full-time job. Put within the hours and observe, ask questions and use the Web!”
Chinedu Obi
Chinedu Obi is a second-year laptop engineering pupil initially from Imo State, Nigeria.
He selected Memorial for its status as a high-quality establishment, supportive atmosphere for worldwide college students and alternatives for hands-on expertise within the subject via its co-operative schooling program.
His ardour for computer systems has turned him right into a grasp in hack-a-thons.
“Taking part in competitions has given me the chance to be taught content material that I wouldn’t have had the time to be taught at school,” he mentioned. “It has additionally been a technique to community with individuals of all walks of life.”
Whereas Mr. Obi has turn out to be good at juggling hack-a-thons and his research, there’s something that he prioritizes above every part else.
“As an engineering pupil, examine time must be a precedence. It’s tough attempting to steadiness every part, so I all the time prioritize my psychological well being.”
Alumni
Ebbetien Bullard
Ebbetien Bullard (B.Eng.’18) takes satisfaction in being totally different.
When she got here to Memorial, she was the one Black particular person in her class. However, she shortly fashioned sturdy friendships and precious connections with different Black college students throughout campus.
Whereas her preliminary aim was to design luxurious automobiles, she pivoted to luxurious yachts after studying {a magazine} characteristic.
“I had seen many ships and boats within the Bahamas, however I didn’t know they could possibly be so luxurious,” she mentioned. “The article opened my thoughts to what I might be capable of do as a naval architect and I instantly determined to make the shift.”
Right this moment, Ms. Bullard works as a producing engineer with Irving Shipbuilding. She has some recommendation for fellow Black ladies.
“There aren’t many people and being a trailblazer is usually isolating, however it may be very rewarding. All the time provide a serving to hand to different Black ladies who’re attempting to make their approach within the business, whether or not it’s placing in a job referral, critiquing a resumé or cowl letter or providing recommendation. There’s no want for gatekeeping — there’s room for us all.”
Dr. Cleverson Esene
Cleverson Esene (M.Eng.’15, PhD’19) is at the moment a reservoir advisor with Suncor.
“It’s fascinating to know that day-after-day, my actions, tasks and selections might play an important function within the well-being of my neighborhood and the world,” he mentioned.
Dr. Esene is a robust advocate for mentorship.
“I consider that an efficient and well-defined relationship between a mentor and a mentee can have a major impression on younger professionals,” he mentioned. “In my expertise, I’ve seen sensible younger people who need assistance placing their proper foot ahead. I’d prefer to see extra lively mentoring on this area.”
His recommendation for Black college students about to start their graduate research?
“Be purposefully pushed. Any alternative given to develop your self and achieve a aggressive edge must be embraced wholesomely. I consider getting a grasp’s diploma may set you aside. Life is a one-time journey alternative, give it your finest all the best way.”
Nationwide Society of Black Engineers
Victory Aifuwa is president of Memorial’s Nationwide Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter.
She says the group gives assist to all kinds of audiences within the college’s STEM packages.
“At NSBE MUN, we hope to foster a neighborhood to assist Black-identifying college students and ethnic minorities enrolled in Memorial’s engineering program,” mentioned Ms. Aifuwa.
The society organizes occasions centred on three core values: neighborhood; studying and networking; and the promotion {of professional}, educational and social growth of its members.
For extra details about NSBE MUN or to hitch, go to the web site.