1% Inspiration: Recent Episodes

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Introducing Dana Kokoska (ECE 2T0 + PEY)

Dana Kokoska is an Electrical Engineering graduate of the University of Toronto. While at U of T, she held many leadership roles in artistic and community-building/outreach activities, such as Vice-Chair Marketing for F!rosh Week in 2020, Director of Hi-Skule, Resident Advisor at Girls Leadership In Engineering Experience (GLEE), and Graphics Executive on the Frosh Handbook Committee. When she graduated in 2021, she was named a 'Grad to Watch' and received the L.E. (Ted) Jones Award of Distinction from the Engineering Alumni Network.

Read Dana's letter to first-year engineering students during Frosh 2022 here: https://dearfrosh.com/dana.htmlResources mentioned with Links

• Electromagnetic Courses: ECE 320 Fields & Waves, ECE 422 Radio and Microwave Wireless Systems, ECE 424 Microwaves
• DaydreamyDesignShop - Dana's Etsy Shop
• GLEE or Girls in Innovation Program with University of Toronto Engineering Outreach
• YNCN - You're Next Career Network
• Honeywell - Careers

How to get in touch with Dana

• Email: dana.kokosa@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-kokoska/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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About Kathy Zhuang (EngSci Machine Intelligence 2T2 + PEY)

Kathy is an undergraduate engineering student completing the Machine Intelligence major within the Engineering Science program and graduating in 2023. She has completed summer research internships at UC Irvine, the University of Toronto Intelligent Sensory Microsystems Laboratory (ISML) and the BMO Lab in Creative Research. She has industry experience at Huawei, where she completed her Professional Experience Year as a Machine Learning Research Engineer, and at Amazon as a Software Development Engineer Intern. She has also contributed to U of T Engineering's design teams as a 3D Object Detection Engineer with aUToronto and an Autonomous Rover Team Electrical Team Lead with the University of Toronto Robotics Association (UTRA).

Notable Quotes

• “Doing things I want to do instead of doing things I should.” - Kathy Zhuang
• “Before I know what I want to do, I always look for the one that gives me more opportunities.” - Kathy Zhuang, on decision making

Resources mentioned with Links

1. Engineering Science Disciplines
2. Engineering Communication Program (ECP)
3. Intelligent Sensory Microsystems Laboratory
4. ESROP Engineering Science Research Opportunities Program) - UofT
5. LeetCode
6. Cracking the Coding Interview Book & Website
7. STAR Interview Method
8. Book: Counselling for Toads: A Psychological Adventure
9. Distill.pub

How to get in touch with Kathy

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yue-kathy-zhuang/
• Instagram: kath.yue_z

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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About Yilin Huang (MSE 2T0 + PEY, Current MSc. Candidate in Science, Technology & Policy @ ETH Zurich)

Yilin Huang is a graduate of the Materials Science & Engineering undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. While at U of T, she completed an academic exchange at the National University of Singapore, did her PEY in Switzerland, a violinist with Skule™ Nite's Band, the Lausanne Student Chamber Orchestra in Switzerland, and the Hart House Orchestra.

Notable Quotes

• "if you want to figure stuff out, you want to take the risk at the beginning, if there’s something you want to try, you better try it now.” - Yilin Huang, on finding your path.
• “Life is equal no matter where we are... one dollar may go a long way in a worse place.” - Yilin Huang, explaining the philosophy of effective altruism.
• "We don't quit enough things." - Yilin Huang, unconventional advice for undergraduate students.

Read Yilin's letter to first-year engineering students during Frosh 2022 here: https://dearfrosh.com/yilin.htmlResources mentioned with Links

• Centre for International Experience - UofT
• Master in Science, Technology and Policy - ETH Zurich
• DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service
• The Cansbridge Fellowship
• 80000 hours Podcast
• 80,000 Hours Website & Career Advising
• Centre for Effective Altruism
• How to Take Smart Notes: - Sonke Ahrens

Resources on Effective Altruism: Programs

• Effective Altruism
• The Introductory EA program
• AGI Fundamental Courses - Effective Altruism Cambridge
• Standard Existential Risks Initiative - Stanford

Articles about Yilin

• Engineering Grad to Watch - Yilin Huang

How to get in touch with Yilin

• Email: yl.huang@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yilin-huang

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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About Ben Sprenger (MechE 2T0 + PEY, Current MSc. Candidate in Robotics, Systems and Control @ ETH Zurich)
Ben Sprenger is an undergraduate mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, and was named an Engineering Grad to Watch based on his multifaceted work as a filmmaker, fieldwork he conducted in Mongolia with the Munk School of Global Affairs, and his leadership of the University of Toronto Formula Racing Team among others. At the time of publication, he is completing his MSc. in Robotics, Systems, and Control at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

Some of Ben's Films

• Road to Colombo
• When Food Goes Bad

Notable Quotes

• “I didn't have anything to act in, so I decided to make my own film.” - Ben Sprenger, on how he was drawn to filmmaking
• "There is no better way to learn than just jumping right in." - Ben Sprenger, on exploring new opportunities
• "There is literally nothing I cannot learn, if you give me the time and put in the effort." - Ben Sprenger, on his favourite quality about himself

Resources mentioned with Links

• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• Field Notes
• Analogy as the Core of Cognition - Stanford
• The University of Toronto Formula Racing Team
• Reach Alliance
• Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy - UofT
• the Art Gallery of Ontario

Articles about Ben

• How one U of T Engineering student made the world his classroom
• Engineering Grad to Watch - Ben Sprenger

How to get in touch with Ben

• Email: bsprenger@ethz.ch
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensprenger/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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About Professor Elham Marzi (BA, BIS, Masters, PhD Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto)

Professor Elham Marzi graduated from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto as a PhD with specialization in human resources and organizational behavior. Elham is now director of Engineering Business and the International Virtual Engineering Student Team(InVEST) program at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto . She also teaches course JRE 420 People Management and Organizational Behavior and APS 500 Negotiation in an Engineering Context.

Notable Quotes

• "My teaching philosophy is Einstein's Formula E = mc^2 : Engagement = motivate, connection and communication." - Elham Marzi
• "There is so much left to go....the world is bigger than I thought." - Elham Marzi

Resources mentioned with Links

• Basecamp
• Adam Grant - Think Again and Originals Book
• Podcast – Adam Grant
• X-Culture
• POWER skills
• Toronto Public Library
• The Role of Empowerment on the Relationship between Flexible Work Arrangements, Work-Life Balance, and Job Satisfaction in the Canadian Public Sector - by Elham Marzi
• ISTEP - Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Education and Practice
• Engineering Business Minor
• InVEST - International Virtual Engineering Student Teams Program
• UofT Academic Appeals Board
• Faculty Council - Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering - Faculty Council Standing Committee
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management PhD Program
• Professor Joseph Wong - REACH Alliance

How to get in touch with Prof. Elham Marzi

• Email: elham.marzi@utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elhammarzi

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Cori Hanson has served at the university for over a decade, first as a residence coordinator at New College, holding other roles such as Assistant Registrar. She is familiar to many students as a former advisor in the first-year office, staff liaison of the Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD), and currently leading efforts in EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) as the founder of the Engineering Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group at U of T Engineering.

Notable Quotes

• "Learning is not one size fits all, and so goes for the university experience. More flexible and accessible experiences will be the way forward at every university and every program." - Cori Hanson, on undergraduate learning.
• "The community is changing, and how do we make sure it's an inclusive space for everyone?" - Cori Hanson, on building an inclusive community.
• "(I) bring student leaders into a space and see what they do with it." Cori Hanson, on her most rewarding experience of working with FASE.

Resources mentioned with Links

Task Force and Action Groups and Initiatives

• Engineering Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group
  • Towards inclusive practices session, overcoming imposter phenomenon
• Joint Task force on mental health academic advising
  • What student don’t understand is tapping into a system of support is big part of being a successful student
• Technology Enhanced Active Learning Community of Practice

First-Year and Upper-Year Resources

• Guide to First Year
• GEAR mentors
• EngCEOs
• Mental Health Academic Advising

Research Resources

• Learning abroad
• Summer Research Program within Engineering
• Undergraduate Engineering Research Day
• First-Year Research Fellowship
• Research Catalogue - Clnx
• UofT Engineering Undergraduate FAQ page

How to get in touch with Cori

• email: cori.hanson@utoronto.ca

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Introducing Dean Chris Yip (Current Dean of Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering @ University of Toronto)

Dean Chris Yip began his term as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering in July 2019. Before this, he served two years as Associate Vice-President in the University's International Partnerships Office. Dean Yip received his B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry from the University of Toronto in 1988 and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1996.

[Source for Description]

Notable Quotes

• “Ask questions...Don't just be a passive receiver of information... be an active participant in your learning." - Dean Chris Yip, on his advice to undergraduate students.
• "I'm persistent in ensuring success." - Dean Chris Yip, on his favourite quality about himself.
• "You're going to be successful." - Dean Chris Yip, responding to What is one thing you'd reassure younger students about?**

Resources mentioned with Links

• Coffee with Chris Yip Podcast
• Academic Advising at UofT Engineering
• What is the Skule™ Community?
• UofT Engineering Alumni & Friends
• UofT Engineering CONNECT

How to get in touch with Dean Chris Yip

• Instagram: @uoftengdean
• Email: dean.engineering@utoronto.ca

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Introducing Professor Minha Ha (Current PhD Candidate, Lassonde School of Engineering @ York University)

Minha Ha is a PhD Candidate at IDEA-Lab at the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. She is also a session instructor at the Troost Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering at the University of Toronto. She currently teaches TEP447, The Art of Ethical & Equitable Decision Making in Engineering. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Calgary and an undergraduate degree in molecular biology from McMaster University.

Notable Quotes

• Q: What's the most significant area of growth you've experienced in your journey?
  • "Starting to find my voice." - Professor Minha Ha
• Q: What has been your most rewarding experience as an educator?
  • "Seeing my students find their voice." - Professor Minha Ha
• "If it's got value, it's got to fit." - Professor Minha Ha, on value creation in engineering.
• "I need to know where I end and where you begin." - Professor Minha Ha, on the importance of boundaries.

Resources mentioned with Links

• Minha's Course - TEP447: The Art of Ethical & Equitable Decision Making in Engineering
• People Mentioned:
  • Dr. Brian Golding - Department of Biology, McMaster University
  • Dr. Yvonne Herbert, Werklund School of Education
  • Dean David Wilkinson -Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University
  • Dr. Shinya Nagasaki - Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University
  • Professor Doug Reeve - Troost Ilead, the University of Toronto
• Paulo Freire: Inquiry & Violence
• Good2Talk
• In Search of Criminal Responsibility: Ideas, Interests, and Institutions

Articles on Minha Ha

• Doctoral Student Minha Ha takes her teaching seriously

How to get in touch with Minha Ha

• Email: m.ha@utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minha/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Step 1: Learn about Dear FroshRead the Dear Frosh Intro and Guide HERE.

Step 2: ReflectWe've prepared this audio writing prompt to guide you through the letter-writing process. Read the prompts on our Instagram page -> 1percentinspiration.mp3. The prompts are split into three parts below:

Part 1

Write down as many memories as you can from your undergrad. How did these memories from undergrad make you feel?

Part 2

In this next part, we have some questions for you:

• Before your first year coming to U of T. What was on your mind?
• As a frosh, what were you most nervous about?
• During your undergraduate studies, what did you change your mind about?
• As a senior student/graduate/alum, what are you hopeful for?
• Imagine the youth of today med the freshman version of yourself.What are the top three things you've learned that you'd want to teach or tell your past self? How did you come to learn those things?

Part 3

1. What do you wish you knew as a first-year undergraduate student? What memories, advice, and feelings do you want to share?
2. How have you evolved since you were a freshman? What surprises you about who you are now? What experiences made you who you are today?
3. What does U of T Engineering mean to you in memories, experiences, feelings, or whatever else you can think of? How has being at U of T Engineering changed you and your outlook?

Additional Resources

Need more inspiration? You can find our curated letter inspiration HERE.

Step 3: WriteUse the letter writing templates HERE to prepare for submission.

Step 4: SubmitWhen you are ready, submit your letter through the form HERE. The submission deadlines are August 16, 2022 (to be shared during F!rosh Week in print) and September 2, 2022 (for the website launch).

Have questions?

Email: whatisyour1percent@gmail.com

Jennifer and Maeesha (with 💜)

Music from Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/lBXdWtMaA6/

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Introducing Dr. Phil De Luna (Materials Science & Engineering PhD 2019, Expert at McKinsey & Company | Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto | Forbes 30 Under 30)

Dr. Phil De Luna is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of Toronto and a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab. After the episode recording in late June 2022, Phil started his role as an expert in sustainability at McKinsey & Company. His previous experiences include being the youngest-ever Director at the National Research Council (NRC) for Materials for Clean Fuels and serving as a candidate for Federal Member of Parliament Candidate for the Green Party in the riding of Toronto-St. Paul's. He is also a carbon tech cofounder Carbon XPRIZE finalist (1 of 10 globally). Phil graduated with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto in 2019 and was named a Forbes Top 30 Under 30.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00:54 Phil introduces himself
• 00:05:49 Phil talks about how his career in climate change evolved from working in a lab to industry to policy (technology readiness, career maturity levels)
• 00:14:00 Phil talks about his experience running for office
• 00:19:58 Phil talks about his 5 point plan to address climate change and hidden opportunities in climate change for young professionals
• 00:27:07 How to transform ideas into his campaign
• 00:35:48 Phil shares his criteria for accessing opportunities and experiences on how rejection hasn't stopped him from going after what he wants
• 00:44:47 Advice for young professionals who want to work on climate change issues and resources for students

Notable Quotes

• "I enter every conversation I have with empathy." - Dr. Phil De Luna
• "Recognize an opportunity and capitalize the opportunity." - Dr. Phil De Luna

Resources mentioned with Links

• Dr. Phil De Luna's Website
• Iron & Earth
• GHGSAT - Greenhouse Gas Satellite
• International Energy Agency: IEA
• The Globe and Mail- News
• Corporate Knights- News
• GreenBiz - News
• What’s Next In - Podcast hosted by Dr.Phil De Luna
• Book: The Defining Decade - Dr. Meg Jay
• 80,000 hours
• MaRS Discovery District

How to get in touch with Dr. Phil De Luna

• Email: phil@phildeluna.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildeluna/

Corrections Notice

When this episode was first published on Monday, July 11, 2022, the About and Episode Summary sections mentioned Dr. Phil De Luna was the Director of NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) and ran for the Ontario provincial election. He ran for the Federal election as a Federal Member of Parliament Candidate, not the Ontario provincial election. He was also the Director of the National Research Council (NRC), not NSERC.

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Introducing Peter Serles (Current PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering @ University of Toronto)

Peter Serles is a Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering specializing in the Nanomechanics of Materials supervised by Dr. Tobin Filleter at the Nano-Mechanics and Materials Lab. He is a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar (2020-2023) researching the nanomechanics of nanoscale-additive manufactured (nano-3D printed) components for nano-structural, robotics, and machine applications. He earned his M.A.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and Bachelor of Engineering Science from The University of Western Ontario.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00:48 Peter's story leading up to pursuing Ph.D. in Nano-mechanics at UofT
• 00:06:04 Nano-mechanics research: it's application and challenges
• 00:11:19 Choosing research as pathway comparing to consulting and design
• 00:29:11 Covid research re-start committee and science communication
• 00:33:06 System thinking as a researcher
• 00:45:18 Lightning Round
• 00:59:41 Continuing to grow : collaborating outside the field and closing the gap of communication between fields
• 01:05:37 Final advice for student and talked about importance of letting yourself struggle

Notable Quotes

• "Research is a rabbit hole with no bottom to it...If you go niche enough you will become the expert of your area." - Peter Serles, on pursuing a Ph.D. Degree.
• “Science without communication is a nerd in the lab." - Peter Serles, on system thinking as a researcher.
• "Your growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone." - Peter Serles, advice for undergraduate students.

Resources mentioned with Links

• University of Toronto Research Revealed Gallery
• 10,000 PhDs Project
• Nanomechanics and Materials Lab at the University of Toronto Engineering
• Canadian Science Policy Centre
• RBC Olympians Program
• Shaping Science - Book by Janet Vertesi
• The Pleasure of Finding Things Out - Book by Richard Feynman
• Peter Principle
• Science SAM - Dr. Samantha Yammine, Science Communicator
• Vanier Graduate Scholarship
• Faculty Council Standing Committee (Governance at U of T Engineering)
• U of T Engineering - Design Teams
• Advice to a Scientist

Resources for Managing Research

• Mendeley - Reference Management Software
• ORCID - digital identifier for researcher
• Google Scholar

Articles about Peter

• CNano Tower by MIE PhD candidate Peter Serles featured in U of T's Research Revealed
• MIE PhD Candidates teach engineering concepts to kids at UofT's STEM Day
• Five UofT Engineering grad students awarded Vanier Scholarship in recognition of research impact and leadership

How to get in touch Peter

• Email: pserles@mie.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pserles/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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About Mickael Dang (Current PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering @ University of Toronto)

Mickael is a second year Chemical Engineering PhD student from the University of Toronto. He holds U of T’s Connaught International Scholarship and also received the Cecil Yip Award for work pursuing interdisciplinary and collaborative research in the Donnelly Centre. He has a master’s degree in applied physics from École Normale Supérieure in Paris.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:01:37: Mickael's Story leading up to pursuing Ph.D. at U of T
• 00:16:18: Pursuing multiple degrees, meeting professor Jeff Karp and professor Molly Shoichet
• 00:19:18: Lessons learned on how to be a scientist beyond the science
• 00:24:41: Navigating moving to Canada during COVID and cultural differences between Canada and France
• 00:35:36: Experience with co-founding start-up SMS nanotech
• 00:55:19: Lightning Round
• 01:00:59: Trade-off between pursuing passion over financial security and social/family expectations
• 01:09:49: Definition of success and happiness
• 01:12:52: Advice for undergraduate students

Notable Quotes

• "There is no right answer, it's your answer." - Mickael Dang
• "I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I tried everything." - Mickael Dang
• "For me, doing a Ph.D is being an entrepreneur." - Mickael Dang

Resources mentioned with Links

• The Shoichet Lab
• The Donnelly Centre
• Jeffrey Karp , Ph.D. - Harvard Stem Cell Institute
• Lab2Market Application - Toronto Metropolitan University
• McGill X-1 Accelerator - Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship
• H2i Pitch Perfect Competition - Heath Innovation Hub - UofT
• Business Model Canvas
• Coursera

How to get in touch Mickael

• Email: mickael.dang@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickael-dang/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Featured in this trailer

• "A general insight that COVID has really exemplified is that learning is not one size fits all, and the university experience is not one size fits all.” - Dr. Cori Hanson*
• “My teaching philosophy is based on Einstein's formula." - Prof. Elham Marzi*
• “Seeing my students find their voice has been the most rewarding thing in my teaching.” - Prof. Minha Ha*
• “The one thing I reassure students about all the time is that: You’re going to be successful.” - Dean Chris Yip*
• “I can print 'Hello World' and I am okay.” - Dana Kokoska*
• “Sometimes, people think there is a type of answer that you need to give during interviews, but you don't really have a 'type' of answer, it's just your answer.” - Mickael Dang (Ep 12)
• “We don’t quit enough things.”- Yilin Huang*

*episode coming soon

How to get in touch with us

• Maeesha Biswas (Indy 2T1+1+PEY) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeeshabiswas/
• Jennifer Wang (Chem 2T1 + PEY) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwang006/
• Email: Whatisyour1percent@gmail.com

Resources

• We consolidated resources from each episode. Access it here! (Coming Soon)
• We also collected a bunch of student-specific and student-targeted discounts for various Academic, Software, Personal Organization, and University of Toronto Specific tools. Access it here!

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

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Introducing David Boroto /Duh-veed/ (EngSci Infrastructure 2018 + PEY)

David started his global development journey as the president of University of Toronto Chapter president of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) during his undergrad. Upon graduation, David worked as a data analyst for Viamo and an infrastructure and project management analyst for the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Currently, he is serving as the Vice Chair Board of Directors for EWB Canada and completing his Master of Philosophy in Engineering for Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge.

Notable Quotes

• “Never forget where you came from.” - David Boroto
• “You can take a day.”.... “Listening to your body and mind.” - David Boroto
• “Being better tomorrow than I was today….. Little by little to improve.” - David Boroto, on his definition of success and "Engineering for Good"

Resources mentioned with Links

David's Writing:

1. David’s Medium
   • What I Learned from Losing the World Vision Social Innovation Challenge
2. "I Failed to Admit Failure" by David Boroto via Engineers Without Borders Failure Report

Global Engineering Courses and EWB

1. Centre for Global Engineering
2. Global Engineering Certificate
   • APS420/1420: Technology, Engineering and Global Development
3. Engineering Science - Infrastructure Engineering
4. Engineers Without Borders (EWB), University of Toronto Chapter
   • EWB @ U of T - Youth Engagement

Other Resources

1. Gapminder Project
   • Gapminder Project - Dollar Street
2. David Damberger: What happens when an NGO admits failure (TED Talk)
3. Hans Rosling: The best stats you've ever seen (TED Talk)
4. 80,000 Hours for Career Planning
5. Effective Altruism
6. William MacAskill (Co-Founder of Effective Altruism)
7. World Economic Forum
8. Our World in Data
9. Don’t Look up (Movie)
10. Jeffrey Sachs | University Professor and Director, Center for Sustainable Development
11. Jeffrey Sachs | Columbia SIPA

How to get in touch with David

• Medium Blog : David’s Medium
• Email: davidboroto@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-boroto/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is generously supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund.

Music By : Zen Man

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Introducing Bella Zhang (IndE 1T9 + PEY, M.A.Sc in Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, 2021)

Bella Zhang is an IndE 1T9 + PEY graduate from the University of Toronto who recently earned her Master’s of Applied Science (M.A.Sc) in Industrial Engineering also at U of T. For the past few years, Bella’s research interests have been in quality improvement and user experience in healthcare, and product management.

She completed her PEY at the Healthcare Human Factors Group at the University Health Network - evaluating medical devices and mobile health applications.

She was also a Research Assistant & UX Lead- at the Interactive Media Lab (IML) led by Dr. Mark Chignell of the mechanical and industrial engineering department at U of T. Partway through her time at IML, Bella led over 20 undergraduate and graduate students in building, and iterating technologies for aging populations as the manager of Centivizer, which is the spinoff company from the Interactive Media Lab. Shortly after the recording, Bella started her new role as a project manager in patient care at the Women’s College Hospital.

Notable Quotes

• "Work is composed of 2 things - the work you do and the people you work with."- Bella Zhang
• “My philosophy of managing is caring.” - Bella Zhang
• “GPA is not everything - become an interesting person." - Bella Zhang
• “You are living your life, you’re not living your title” - Bella Zhang

Resources mentioned with Links

• Personal Planner Template made by Bella
• Course Recommendation: MIE 344, Sociology, Graduate Leadership Courses
• Interactive Media Lab
• The unspoken rules book
• Healthcare Human Factors
• Integrity by Henry Cloud
• Linkedin Learning or Coursera

How to get in touch with Bella

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellaygzhang/

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Introducing Hamza Arshad (Mech 2T1 + PEY)

Hamza Arshad is a current PEY student at Hanon Systems - an automotive thermal management system and automotive parts manufacturing company. He is returning to his 4th year in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto in Fall 2021.

In undergrad, he contributed as a member of the Space System team at UTAT (University of Toronto Aerospace Team) on the Huron Mach (MOCK) 2 Project. He’s also the chief mechanical engineer at the UofT Hyperloop Team in designing the mechanical system for the hyperloop pod. He was also a (Summer) Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Ready Lab with Prof. Alison Olechowski where he investigated collaborative CAD (computer aided design) work and its effect on the quality of CAD models.

Notable Quotes

• “Research is more customizable.” - Hamza Arshad
• “Being able to see how each sub team or how each person comes together and makes a product work in our design team - I define that to be pretty successful.” - Hamza Arshad

Resources mentioned with Links

• UTAT
• UofT Hyperloop
• GrabCAD
• Thingiverse
• Mechanical Engineering department website
• Professor Allison’s lab
• UofT library research
• Google Scholar Search
• A House in the Sky: A memoir - Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett
• Hanon System

How to get in touch with Hamza

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamza-arshad-71847b157/

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About Benjamin Levy (Bachelor of Science 2019 at University of Toronto, MS in Data Science at Harvard University)

Benjamin Levy or Ben Levy graduated from University of Toronto in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Global Health, and Statistics, while minoring in philosophy. He recently completed his Master of Science in Data Science at Harvard University in Boston, worked at Facebook in Data Science and is currently a Data Science Fellow at QuantumBlack, which is a part of McKinsey and Company.

Ben has contributed significantly to the U of T and Toronto community. He’s conducted research at SickKids Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Department of Political Science at U of T. He’s an avid debater, former president of the Hart House Debating Club, and coached the University of Toronto Schools Debate Team. He also organized TedxUofT for a couple of years.

Notable Quotes

• "Don't be afraid of taking a very unorthodox path to get to where you want to go.”- Ben Levy
• “If you have the opportunity to create a learning occasion that is tailored to you, you should totally go for it.” - Ben Levy
• “Being on a path that allow you to continue to learn … but at no point if i will be or have been successful aside from being on such a path.” - Ben Levy

Resources

• Ben’s Personal Website
• The Evolving Ecosystem of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Applications
• In Data We Trust
• Hart House Debate and Dialogue
• Engineers without Borders: UofT Chapter
• TEDxUofT
• Professor Ludovic Rheault, Department of Political Science
• Harvard Master’s in Data Science Program
• Mckinsey - QuantumBlack

TED(UofT) Talks Ben Worked on

• Matt Russo: What does the universe sound like?
• We need human data, not just big data | Fanny Chevalier | TEDxUofT
• Julia Espinosa: The secret life of dogs (The Canine Cognition Lab)

Favourite TED Talks

• Hans Rosling - the best stats you’ve ever seen
• Stephen Webb - Where are all the aliens
• Susan Cain - The power of introverts
• Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?
• Andrew Solomon - Love, no matter what

How to get in touch with Ben

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjslevy/

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Introducing Netra Unni Rajesh (EngSci 1T9 + PEY, Current PhD Candidate in Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering @ Stanford 2020 - 2025)

Netra Unni Rajesh graduated from Engineering Science in 2020 from the Biomedical Systems option and completed her PEY at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Research Assistant.

She has conducted research at the University of Toronto, at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). She found her passion for research at 15 while conducting cancer research at Sunnybrook.

Currently, she is a Bioengineering PhD Student at Stanford researching the development of biomaterials for medical applications including vaccines and cancer therapy at Dr. Joseph DeSimone’s lab. She was awarded the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, a graduate-level scholarship program which prepares students for global leadership. While at U of T, she was named 1 of 10 3M National Student Fellows for her outstanding leadership and remarkable innovation both within and beyond higher education.

Notable Quotes

• “There's just an ocean of knowledge out there, and there's so much that you could tackle.” - Netra Unni Rajesh
• “I am hoping someday all this work that I am doing now will help people and ultimately also potentially be a source of optimism for someone else.” - Netra Unni Rajesh
• “ Things didn't work out exactly, but they worked out pretty close.” - Netra Unni Rajesh
• “I would say for me right now I would define being successful as creating technology that can help the most people in the fastest way." - Netra Unni Rajesh

Resources mentioned with Links

• Harvard summer school program
• Learning Abroad UofT
• National University of Singapore
• Engineering Science - ESROP
• Engineering Science - Exceptional research opportunity grant
• CUBE - club for undergraduate biomedical engineering
• DeSimone Research Group at Stanford
• 3M National Student Fellows
• Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
• TEDx: Why Children Need Science and Technology - Netra Rajesh
• Nail Art Instagram : @nacreous_nailart

How to get in touch with Netra

• Twitter: @NetraUnni
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/netraunni/?originalSubdomain=ca

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Introducing Laura Berneaga (Mech 1T9 + PEY, Current MASc. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering @ University of Toronto)

Laura earned her Undergraduate mechanical engineering degree, specializing in Mechatronics and Bioengineering with a minor in the latter and was a former U of T Engineering Society President. She’s currently a Master’s Student in Mechanical Engineering conducting research with ventilators borne from COVID-19.

Laura has a tendency to master everything she puts her mind to. She was the matriculation sub committee chair during Frosh Week 1T8. She has conducted research abroad at the University of Stuttgart in Germany and she did her PEY Co-op at Conavi Medical, which is a medical device company focused on providing image guidance technologies for minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures.

She is now co-chairing BioTEC, a conference which connects students with opportunities in Biotechnology and Bioengineering.

Notable Quotes

• “Success is to be okay with failing… they are actually learning opportunities that you can take away much more from.” - Laura Berneaga
• “Trying to plan for the future is very difficult and not worth it sometimes.” - Laura Berneaga
• “How I define success is failure.” - Laura Berneaga
• "I love having a purpose to the work that I do. I love doing engineering with a purpose." - Laura Berneaga

Resources mentioned with Links

• St.Michael’s Hospital -Keenan Research Summer Student Program
• Sick Kids - Manulife Kids Science & Technology
• The Simmons Lab - investigate how biomechanical force on cells lead to regeneration, repair, and disease of cardiovascular tissues.
• Certificate in Entrepreneurship, innovation and small business
• Centre for International Exchange - Learning Abroad UofT
• Summer Research: University of Stuttgart
• UofT engineering society
• Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD)
• Conavi Medical

How to get in touch with Laura

• Email: laura.berneaga@mail.utoronto.ca
• facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraberneaga
• linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraberneaga/
• Instagram: @lauraberneaga

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Introducing Dr. Mikhail Burke (MSE 1T2, IBBME PhD 1T8 @ University of Toronto)

Dr. Burke (or Mikhail as we’ll refer to him) he began his undergraduate journey at the University of Toronto as a Materials Science engineering student, and led the U of T Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as their president. Later, he co-founded ENGage - a collaborative initiative between NSBE and U of T Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (FASE) targeting primarily African-Canadian youth to nurture their interest in STEM.

Mikhail continued his own STEM journey in the PhD program at the Institute for Biomedical Engineering in biomaterials on cancerous impact on bone quality.

Currently, he integrates social justice with his background as the Dean's Advisor on Black Inclusivity at the UofT FASE and is the co-instructor of TEP324 or Engineering & Social Justice, which is all about considering how different positionalities can be affected by our roles as engineers. Many of our listeners might know him from APS100 as the guest lecturer, or ESP (Engineering Strategies & Practice) as the engineering manager or his other involvement within the UofT community.

Notable Quotes

• “Success is finding out what it is, what you actually want and then aspiring towards it - not what you think you want or what you feel socialized to gain.” - Dr. Mikhail Burke
• “We have been conditioned to view learning by grades - not by outcome.” - Dr. Mikhail Burke
• “Undergrad is a process of self discovery...take the time when the stakes are lower and take the time to discover yourself” - Dr. Mikhail Burke

Resources Mentioned Links

• Meet Mikhail Burke, Dean's Advisor on Black Inclusivity Initiatives and Student Inclusion & Transition Mentor - U of T Engineering News
• Five student supports to know about at U of T Engineering - U of T Engineering News
• Prospective Student - University of Toronto Biomedical Engineering
• NSBE U of T – Home of NSBE University of Toronto
• ENGage - U of T Engineering Outreach
• TEP 324 (formerly APS 324): Engineering and Social Justice
• FASE Academic Calendar - APS100H1: Orientation to Engineering
• Engineering Strategies & Practice (ESP) | Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
• U of T Engineering Outreach: Home
• NSERC – Undergraduate Student Research Awards
• OISE : Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto
• Undergraduate - Department of Materials Science & Engineering
• U of T Engineering Science Program: Home
• RASI (Research Application Support Initiative) - A Community of Support Program

How to Get in Touch with Dr. Mikhail Burke

• Email: mikhail.burke@mail.utoronto.ca

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Introducing Hanna Zhang (EngSci Robotics 2T0 + PEY, Current MSc. Computer Science @ University of Toronto)

Hanna is a fourth year Engineering Science student who just completed her last year of the Robotics Option, and minor in bioengineering. She’s a prominent face in the Skule community, as the Vice Chair Operations of F!rosh Week 2T0, leading the transition to an online experience for over 1000 new Skuligans. She was also the Student Clubs Liaison at Troost ILead.

Hanna started conducting research in high school, through to university, both at the National University of Singapore and at the multiple Toronto hospitals in soft and flexible robotics. Starting September 2021, she’ll be starting her Masters of Science in Computer Science at U of T.

Notable Quotes

• “Every step of my life has been building up confidence, breaking it down and then rebuilding it.” - Hanna Zhang
• “I change everyday with every new thing I experience.” - Hanna Zhang
• “I think my biggest cheerleader now is myself.” - Hanna Zhang
• “You only see a snapshot of these people in high places - you know, industry leaders, [people at] Google, but you don’t really see them throughout their career, and the story leading up.” - Hanna Zhang

Resources Mentioned Links

• FIRST Robotics Competition
• Focused Ultrasound High School Summer Research Program
• U of T Engineering Learning Strategist
• UofT Student Life Learning Strategist
• UofT Summer Research: National University of Singapore (NUS)
• U of T Engineering F!rosh Week
• F!rosh Youtube | F!rosh Week 2T0 | Meet Your Orientation Chairs Ep 3: VC Operations
• Professional Experience Year Co-op Program (PEY Co-op) - Engineering Career Centre
• ESROP - GLOBAL - Engineering Science
• Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
• KITE Research Institute @ Toronto Rehab

How to Get in Touch with Hanna

• Email: hannajiamei.zhang@mail.utoronto.ca
• Instagram: afriendlyyellowbanana
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannajiameizhang/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanna.zhang.100

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Introducing Subaita Rahman (Current Bachelor of Science @ University of Toronto Life Sciences)

Subaita Rahman earned her spot as the top researcher at the conference for her work on the Validation of an image analysis algorithm for 3D hydrogel-culture platform or GLAnCE. Subaita Rahman is a second year life sciences student at the University of Toronto, majoring in human biology with a focus on Fundamental Genetics and its Applications, double minoring in bioethics and immunology. She’s also co-founder of bioDojo, a community she’s building as the Training Ground for Next-Gen Biotechnology Innovators.

Notable Quotes

• “I like to create intentional luck rather than just random luck.” - Subaita Rahman
• “Putting yourself out there is how you build serendipity for yourself in terms of getting opportunities...But what do you do after that? How do you make the most out of the environment you get put in?...Learning how to maximize more opportunities you get from that one opportunity is something that's really underlooked." - Subaita Rahman

Resources Mentioned with Links

• BioDojo
• Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD)
• Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP) | Faculty of Arts & Science
• The Knowledge Society (TKS)
• DMZ @ Ryerson
• Emergent Ventures
• TED: Ideas Worth Spreading
• TEDxUofT

How to Get in Touch with Subaita

• Email: subaita.rahman@mail.utoronto.ca
• Twitter: @subaita_rahman
• Website: subaitarahman.com

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Introducing Maddy Zhang (EngSci Aero 2T0, Current MSc. in Aerospace Engineering @TU Delft)

Many of you may have heard of our next guest from this UToronto News Headline: Meet U of T’s youngest student: she's setting her sights on the stars

and now, as a graduate: At age 18, U of T's youngest grad has accomplished more than most – and she's just getting started

Maddy Zhang is an Engineering Science Aerospace 2020 Graduate at the University of Toronto. Maddy is currently a master’s student at the Delft University of Technology (or TUDelft) studying and researching on a full scholarship in the Netherlands.

While at U of T, she was the Chief Engineer of the University of Toronto Aerospace Team (or UTAT), and pursued her passion for leadership through the completion of a Certificate in Engineering Leadership with Troost ILead.

She did all this before turning 19. We sat down with her (figuratively) to ask about the story behind these successes.

Notable Quotes

• “By accelerating through my education, I realize I may have missed out on time itself.” - Maddy Zhang
• “I really want to focus on my personal development - not just making sure I have a good grasp of knowledge and of math, that I can be a good engineer but also that also making sure that I can be a good human [when I graduate].” - Maddy Zhang

Resources Mentioned with Links

• ESROP - GLOBAL - Engineering Science
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• University Of Toronto Aerospace Team

How to get in touch with Maddy

Email: maddyxx.zhang@alum.utoronto.ca

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Introducing Robert Adragna (EngSci Machine Intelligence 2T0, Current Masters Candidate @ University of Toronto Department of Philosophy)

Robert graduated from the Engineering Science Program in the Machine Intelligence Option with a minor in Philosophy in 2020. During his undergraduate years at the University of Toronto, he was the Director of Marketing, Outreach and Social Responsibility and a software developer at auToronto, U of T’s autonomous vehicle design team. He has also conducted research at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Toronto and internationally at TU Darmstadt in Germany.

Currently, he is a Master’s Student in Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at U of T.

Notable Quotes

• “Fundamentally we are not engineers, we are human beings.”- Robert Adragna, on why the humanities is critical to Engineering Education
• “When you want go explore stuff, you don’t end up getting hitched into exploring what you think you’re going to explore; you end up getting exposed to the world as a whole”- Robert Adragna
• “As engineers, we study how to build things, but ultimately, we have to build things for people.”- Robert Adragna

Resources Mentioned with Links

• Our Poles Our Planet
• Students on Ice | Homepage
• Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence
• aUToronto
• Welcome – Technical University of Darmstadt
• ESROP - GLOBAL - Engineering Science

How to Get in Touch with Robert

• Email: robert.adragna@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adragna/

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This podcast is generously supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund.

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We've collected a bunch of student-specific and student-targeted discounts for various Academic, Software, Personal Organization, and U of T Specific tools. Access it here!Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

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