How long have you been affiliated with Western Engineering?
I am currently in my fourth-year of mechanical engineering here at Western.

Tell us about your IIP experience.
I am currently working for the Labatt National Office. I work with project managers, suppliers and contractors to plan and implement processing and packaging projects for the breweries.

What is the first thing you would do if you were Dean of Western Engineering?
Three things:
1. Eliminate 8 am classes (9am is early enough).
 
2. Encourage professors to clearly identify the most essential items to learn, whether it is the big picture course outline or a single type of problem solving approach. Focused learning will give more time for the real world side of the course (maybe even time for a field trip).  Drs. Wood and Johnson are two great examples of profs that clearly teach the essentials of the course and applications in industry.

3. Exams should challenge the mind and problem solving approach not pencil / calculator speed. A clever prof doesn't challenge their students with their pencil speed.

What do you like most about Western Engineering?
The people.  I've worked with a lot of great people to get through the tough engineering program. Team work is a big part of Western Engineering.  Good Engineers aren't cut throat; we work together as a means to a common goal.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering?
Don't be afraid of the work, stereotypes, etc. Engineering is a challenge, but it is respected well worldwide and will make your way of thinking valuable.

On a typical day, what would we find in your lunch box?
I don't have a lunch box, I guess I either starve or binge eat. However, a cold Stellas Artois, some fruit and cheese for snacks and a juicy filet mignon sandwich with sautéed mushrooms would be nice.

What is your favourite movie?
I have many,  but Platoon, Legends of The Fall, and Old School are standing out right now.

Which engineer (famous or not) do you respect the most?
Gord Duncan, my grandfather.  He worked for a major company and had the courage to quit a secure job and start his own engineering company helping communities affected by Hydro.

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus.
I have two: the bottom of University Hill, looking up at the gorgeous view, and a bar stool at the Wave.

How has Western Engineering changed since you’ve been involved with the Faculty?
Hard to say, I've always done my own thing with the team of people I work with in Mechanical Engineering. I don't think it has changed greatly; at least not for me.

What is your most memorable moment at Western Engineering?
Being an Engineering soph was great, crazy all nighters, studying for an exam at the Ceeps, and many, many laughs with my engineering pals.

What are you most proud of accomplishing over the past five years?
Great work experiences at a Steel Mill and now at Labatt. Somehow maintaining average grades while working part time, and having the time of my life being in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, chilling with my engineering buds, playing hockey, snowboarding, and sucking every possible breath, second and cent out of my university experience!

If there is someone in Western Engineering you would like to learn more about or if you would like to be profiled yourself, contact Allison Stevenson via email (astevenson@eng.uwo.ca), telephone (ext. 82917) or stop by her office (SEB Room 2074).  Your comments and feedback are also greatly appreciated.