Name: Satinder Kaur Brar
Program: Environmental Engineering
University(s) / College(s) Attended: Indian Institute of Technology
Education / Degree(s): Ph.D.
Current Job Title: Professor and James and Joanne Love Chair in Environmental Engineering
Current Employer: York University
Email: Send Email
Fun Facts About Me
Share one fun fact about yourself: I can go nuts over nuts…
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........ ?: My grandfather, as he could connect the different pieces very well to give a clear explanation of anything and, design his own “retrofit” technologies to save water on the farms.
Profile Questions
Why did you choose to study engineering?: I chose engineering as it provides a perfect interface between fundamental sciences and application. Engineering trains you to think beyond laboratory and move to the ground where concepts can be realized.
How do you apply your engineering degree to your current career?: I am applying engineering in striking a chord between biotechnology (something living and natural) with our environment to find solutions to the growing pollution. It is an outcome of the inspiration from the environment itself as it teaches us many things in its own subtle way to be respectful and adaptive.
What do you love most about your career?: I love the flexibility and dynamics that goes with an academic job. It helps nurture and create innovation and bring it to the next level. Moreover, the breadth and span of independence allows us to venture into the unknown and come out with a known!
What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in engineering?: My journey towards academia has been a long trail of hiccups and yawns! I started as a core Chemist working around with chemicals. And then I decided to study Environmental Engineering for my Master’s. Eventually, my Ph.D. was in Biochemical Engineering working around with microorganisms and I loved the way they could do magical stuff despite their size. So, dear womenfolk, size does not matter and be persistent and resistant and you can make your way through anything you want to do. VIVA LES FEMMES!!!