OCNews

Q: What is your education and background?

A: My education includes the Civil Engineering Technology Diploma from OC, Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering (BASc) from UBCO, and the Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering (MASc) from UBCO. I initially registered with ASTTBC as a student member, then graduate technologist and superseded this to become a professional engineer (P.Eng.). Professional practice has been specialized mostly in structural engineering; however, I have experience in other areas of civil engineering consulting and research as well.

Q: What is your area of interest?

A: I enjoy all areas of civil engineering and diversifying myself within the field.

Q: When did you know you had found your discipline?

A:  As a student at the college, I was able to begin picking up some work with some professors which started me on the path I would follow in professional practice.

Q: Why did you choose to work at Okanagan College?

A: I enjoy the opportunity to work with students and try to prepare them for whatever their goals are, coming out of the program

Q: What do you like most about the work you do?

A: I enjoy when I see students meeting their learning outcomes even if it takes them some extra effort.

Q: Favourite teaching experience?

A: I enjoy when we can bring a bit of humour into the classroom to lighten things up, while keeping the course content as a primary focus. Sometimes this occurs through discussing either the students or my own experiences with the course material.

Q: Who gave you the best advice you ever received?

A: I try to pick up the good advice, and improve, based on everyone I meet, rather than having a single main influencer.

Q: What advice do you have for new students?

A: Communicate with your classmates, professors and perhaps support staff regularly. The program is much more manageable when you have a support network around you. As a professor, I want to see my students succeed and I can better control this when I have open communication with them.

Q: Why do you think people should study technologies?

A: Technologies are a great way to get onto a career path with a more manageable initial investment. Many students have successful careers after completing their diploma and many others further their education to reach other goals. Technologies are also a short enough program to qualify for funding that is not typically available for degree type programs, which opens the door further to mature students looking at re-training in a new field.

Q: Where are you the happiest?

A: I get good satisfaction in my work life by helping students and I get good satisfaction in my personal life by spending time with my family. I find that friends tend to border the work and personal aspects of life and they also bring me happiness.