Name: Alexandria Cushing
Program: Civil Engineering
Specialty Program: Municipal Hydraulics
Degree you are studying toward: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
Expected year of graduation: 2022
Institution: Carleton University, Queen's University
Email: Send Email
Fun Facts About Me
If your best friend had to describe you in 10 words or less, what would they say?:Focused on school but enjoys a good time with friends.
Share one fun fact about yourself: When I am not studying I enjoy being outside and active. During the summer I enjoy running, mountain biking, swimming and sailing. Through the winter I have fun skiing and skating.
What do you want to accomplish in the next 10 years?: Within the next 10 years I hope to be finished my school studies and to be a practising Professional Engineer.
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........?: Debbie Sterling is a female engineer who graduated from Stanford in Mechanical Engineering/ Product Design. She is the inventor and current CEO of Goldie Blox, a toy made to inspire and spark an interest in engineering for young girls.
Debbie understands girls do not easily fit into the world of engineering studies or practice. While girls are stereo typed into professions other than engineering the fact is females have as much potential as males. Debbie decided she was going to try to give girls the opportunity she never had – by kick starting an interest in the world of engineering science for young females. From this inspirational goal was born Goldie Blox by Debbie.
“Engineering is not about being a born genius, it’s about how hard you work. This stuff takes a lot of work.” ~ Debbie Sterling
Profile Questions
Why did you choose your program of study?: During my last year of high school I was unsure of whether I wanted to study business or engineering although I knew I wanted to graduate from university with an undergraduate degree which would lead to a professional designation. I had weighed the pros and cons of both programs at each university I applied to. Finally, on the last day of university acceptance I chose to accept business studies. However, it was apparent I was uncertain of my decision and whether it was the right choice. A few days prior to my graduation from Gr. 12 I realized I really wanted to pursue a degree in engineering rather than business because of the applied science involved in engineering and the opportunities I believed it would provide to me upon graduation from university.
What has been your favourite course (in Engineering) and why?: My favourite engineering course I have taken was Municipal Hydraulics. This was the first engineering course I took which relates to my field of study. After taking this class I knew with certainty I was in the right program (engineering) and the right stream of engineering (environmental).
What has been the best part of your Engineering education to date?: The best part of my engineering education has been the people I have met and the friends I have made – both in the school of engineering and at the university. Although most of the time my friends and I are together is spent either in class or studying for mid- terms and tests or finishing labs and assignments, I believe we have had really great times and we all have great memories. My friends and I also have a lot of fun outside of class whether it is in the campus pub, skiing, running or just sitting outside watching life go by. I believe I have made, am making and will continue to make life-long friends as I continue my studies in engineering.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?: After I graduate with a graduate degree in engineering I hope to earn my Professional Engineer designation while working for an environmental engineering company. I also hope to further my knowledge by pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA).