Danielle Ahadzie

Hometown(s): Accra, Ghana and Birmingham, England Why did you choose International Development? The lack of clean water, sanitation, healthcare and education in developing countries are complex problems that need to be successfully addressed. ID work offers me the chance to use my engineering skills to help reduce the number of people worldwide without access to the basic necessities of life.
What will you be doing this summer? Undertaking a summer internship working on projects in the Gambia at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. I’m hoping to learn how to be an effective development engineer and I’m greatly looking forward to the challenges and experiences the summer will bring.Undertaking a summer internship working on projects in the Gambia at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. I’m hoping to learn how to be an effective development engineer and I’m greatly looking forward to the challenges and experiences the summer will bring.

John Iezzi

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Hometown: Brantford, Ontario
Why did you choose International Development? I joined International Development because I thought it would be a great way to collaborate my strong Civil Engineering based skills with my passion of helping the people who really need it. I have always had an interest in traveling overseas and I feel very fortunate to be able to do so while furthering my education and work experience.
Where are you now? Currently completing my 4th year and trying to decide between returning next year for graduate studies, finding work here in Canada or returning to the Gambia.

Dan Hyland

Hometown: London, Ontario
Why did you choose International Development? I decided to go into Civil Engineering and International Development because the majority of the world does not have the same opportunities that I have been given so I feel that it is my responsibility to give back. While giving to those who have less material wealth can take many forms, one way can be through international development.
What will you be doing this summer? This summer I will be working in The Gambia with John and Danielle with the Ministry of Agriculture on water resource issues.

Spencer Weber

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Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan
Why did you choose International Development? A world where lack of opportunity limits people’s ability to show their true brilliance is unjust. By combining the analytical skills of engineering with the development skills offered by this program, I hope to address these complex social problems.
What will you be doing this summer? This summer I will be volunteering overseas with Engineers Without Borders Canada. I will be working with EWB on their Agriculture Value Chains program in Zambia. Click here to follow my work.

Scott Bagg

Hometown: Kingston, Ontario
Why did you choose International Development? 
I have always believed that everyone deserves a fair chance and equal opportunities in life. I chose the International Development program at Western because of the opportunity to work directly in developing countries and to put the knowledge gained from the program with the problem solving mindset of the engineer to use in meaningful and constructive ways.
Where are you now? I am currently completing my final year of Engineering at Western. In addition to working with WEAID, I am also involved with Engineers Without Borders, focusing my efforts towards building the momentum of the Fair Trade movement in Canada.

Nick Millington

Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
Why did you choose International Development? I have always had strong interests in the sciences. However when applying to university, I was torn between engineering, and another interest of mine, international relations. The Civil Engineering with International Development program at The University of Western Ontario has been a perfect vehicle for me to explore my technical interests, and apply them to international problems. I truly believe that young, socially minded engineers are the key ingredient to bringing undeveloped countries out of poverty, and to improve their quality of life.
What you will be doing this summer? Unfortunately I will not be volunteering overseas this summer, however I hope that this program, and this Association will provide me with more opportunities in the future.

Colin Schmidt

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Why did you choose International Development? My passion for international development started on a Canada World Youth trip to Honduras to build roads. Before I even knew that this program existed at Western I knew I wanted to travel abroad and experience everything the world has to offer. The International Development program at Western is my first step on the road to this goal.