Q&A with Anna Rose Sutherland

Western Engineering felt right from the start - a welcoming community with endless opportunities that made me excited to learn, grow, and truly belong.

Anna Rose Sutherland

Fourth Year Chemical Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering

Anna Rose Sutherland is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Anna.

Why Western Engineering?

I chose Western Engineering because I liked the sense of community and the variety of opportunities it offered! I remember when I first visited the Engineering buildings for Fall preview day, I was intrigued by how all the students at the event seemed to be a part of a large community and genuinely proud to talk about their experiences in the program. Western Engineering also has an excellent academic program filled with opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

What do you do in your spare time?

Two of my favourite spare time activities are baking and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy baking as it’s both a calming activity, and a rewarding one as I always end up with a treat that I can share with my friends and family. I also like learning and practicing new baking techniques so that I am always improving my end results! Additionally, I enjoy spending time with friends and family as it always provides me with a sense of belonging and support. I find no matter what I do with them I always end up having fun feeling more upbeat afterward!

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

Some of my favourite extracurricular activities at Western are intermural sports. I personally have been a part of a few dodgeball teams and an innertube water polo team. I would encourage students to get involved in activities like these because it gives you a chance to get some exercise and connect with people outside of your academic program.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

When I entered first-year I knew I wanted to be a chemical engineer as I was interested in the work they did. It wasn’t until second semester when I took my first programming course that I discovered I loved coding and knew I also wanted to pursue it. By talking to upper year students, I discovered the chemical and artificial intelligence systems engineering dual degree program and how it allows me to continue focusing and working on projects for both fields.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

One of my favourite movies is Interstellar as it is a combines two of my favourite genre’s dystopia and sci-fi. The movie finds a unique way to combine scientific topics like time dilation and black holes while also telling a moving story about love and sacrifice. The movie also has surprising plot twists which overall makes it one of my top picks!

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

The person I look up to most is my mom, as she has always shown me how to be a hardworking, resilient, and positive person no matter the circumstances I am in! Throughout my childhood my mom always led by example as she worked hard at her job while keeping a kind attitude and facing any challenges she encountered head on.  In my future I hope to continue following her example as it has taught me to put my best foot forward in every situation and always ends in me getting results I can be proud of!