Q&A with Dhyaanam Pandya

Western’s collaborative culture, active student leadership, and flexible dual-degree options made it the ideal environment to grow both technically and personally.

Dhyaanam Pandya

Second Year Chemical Engineering 

Dhyaanam is a student ambassador here to answer your questions. Click here to contact Dhyaanam.

Why Western Engineering?

When applying to universities, I realized I didn’t really know what type of engineering I wanted to do. Through Western Engineering's general first-year program, I was exposed to a variety of disciplines. I was then able to confidently choose my path while diving into hands-on design projects. Western’s collaborative culture, active student leadership, and flexible dual-degree options made it the ideal environment to grow both technically and personally.

What do you do in your spare time?

If I’m not studying around campus, you’ll find me sidequesting with my friends or playing pool in the UES! I value having balance, especially in a degree as rigorous as Engineering. Outside the classroom, I enjoy staying active with sports and working out, getting hands-on with personal CAD and side projects, and unwinding to good music. Keeping up with personal hobbies and spending time with peers helps me recharge and stay energized.

 

Can you talk about your extracurricular activities at Western?

Getting involved transformed my Western experience. I first ran as a First Year Rep through the UES, allowing me to advocate for peers, lead event outreach, and help build community through initiatives like Preview Day and leadership conferences. Not only was this position helpful for my professional development, but it also introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors I could always go to for help, which is vital for a degree like Engineering.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

What drew me to Chemical Engineering is its sheer range. From developing life-saving pharmaceuticals and
advancing nuclear technology to pioneering sustainable materials, impacting nearly every sector. It combines
chemistry, physics, and problem-solving at scale. Choosing this stream gives me a strong technical foundation
and the adaptability to work on diverse, high-impact projects, while still giving me room to expand to
entrepreneurial endeavours.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

Without a doubt, The Lord of the Rings. I love the epic storytelling, rich worldbuilding, and how every character plays a distinct role.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

I look up to Ratan Tata, who combined a background in architecture and structural engineering with transformative industrial leadership. He redefined Indian manufacturing, taking bold risks to acquire global brands while developing homegrown solutions to address everyday challenges. Above all, his philosophy that "business needs to go beyond the interest of their companies to the communities they serve" serves as a benchmark for how I view responsible engineering and leadership.