Name: Keeana Mihalin
Program: Mechatronics Engineering
Specialty Program: Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Degree you are studying toward: Bachelor of Engineering Science
Expected year of graduation: 2022
Institution: Western 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?:Hard-working, creative, funny, and very knowledgeable.
Share one fun fact about yourself: I love long-distance running, with the half marathon being my favourite distance to run.
What do you want to accomplish in the next 10 years?: In the next 10 years I hope to become a professional engineer and set myself up for long-term success through continually gaining experience in order to determine the most personally rewarding career path. I never want to stop learning and will seek out opportunities that allow me to develop my skill set while positively impacting society.
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........?: The most inspiring engineer I know is Marilyn Spink, a metallurgical engineer working in the mining industry. As a highly vocal supporter for women in engineering, Marilyn is an inspiration to me due to the fact that she never stopped persevering and achieving success in a male-dominated field. After attending one of her talks recently, my eyes have been opened to the lack of gender parity within the engineering profession and has encouraged me to advocate for diversity within the field.
Profile Questions
Why did you choose your program of study?: I began my studies in the Medical Sciences program, however, I felt as though it did not offer me the creative liberties that engineering provided. Ultimately, I switched programs to pursue my passions, and have not looked back since. I specifically chose mechatronics because it allowed me to combine multiple disciplines instead of specializing in just one. I also believe the applications mechatronics has for society are increasingly important as technology becomes more sophisticated.
What has been your favourite course (in Engineering) and why?: My favourite course has been Programming Fundamentals because it introduced me to a language I was previously inexperienced with, and made me develop a love for coding. The problem-solving strategies I employed when completing assignments, combined with the relevance of Java to computer applications, has encouraged me to go on and learn other programming languages. I have also been able to use the content taught in class to successfully participate in multiple hackathons.
What has been the best part of your Engineering education to date?: The clubs within the engineering faculty at Western have allowed me to collaborate with insightful people and express my creativity through work on a variety of projects. The engineering community is such a tight-knit group that has guided me in a plethora of ways and have allowed me to create long-lasting memories. Without these individuals, I do not believe I would be on track to completing my degree with the excitement and passion I currently feel.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?: After graduation, I hope to continue pursuing my passion for innovation and begin a career in the tech industry, where I see myself aiding with the production of more efficient devices that will benefit society as a whole. I wish to apply my newly gained knowledge to relevant projects that will have a lasting impact.