Q&A with Nate Finney

Growing up, science and engineering documentaries in the UK sparked my interest in how things work and led me to where I am today.

Nate Finney

Second Year Mechanical Engineering

 

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

Why Western Engineering?

Western Engineering is a community like no other. It’s rare to find a program that instills the values of individual hard work and dedication in the classroom while also encouraging students to meet new people and join groups they might never have considered before. Our clubs allow first-year students to collaborate with engineers of all disciplines, and our co-op programs let us explore our chosen interests in greater depth. Every engineer at Western is someone you can count on for support, so don’t be afraid to reach out!

What do you do in your spare time?

Outside of lectures and labs, I love spending time with Western Baja Racing, a club where we design and build off-road racing vehicles, you’ll often find me down in the shop working with the team. In first year, I discovered the best way to take a productive break from schoolwork was by going to the gym or running. I often run along the Thames Valley Parkway, and the student rec centre has great equipment (just try to go early, because it gets busy).

What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?

As a resident of Saugeen-Maitland Hall, my O-Week was unforgettable. I made friends across programs, including the group I now live with in my student rental. My sophs kept the energy high all week and were always there to answer my questions about the first few weeks of residence life and engineering.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I entered first year planning to choose electrical, but through clubs like Western Baja Racing I was exposed to mechanical engineering concepts. Over time, I realized I had a stronger interest in materials science and mechanics, and less enthusiasm for the software side of electrical. That led me to switch to mechanical engineering, a decision I’m now really happy with.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

My favourite TV show has to be Better Call Saul. It’s especially rewarding if you watch Breaking Bad first. Each rewatch reveals new details, which speaks to the incredible skill of the writers and cinematographers.

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

As an engineering student, and as someone who recently watched Apollo 13, I really look up to the engineers who prevented catastrophe on that mission. The NASA engineers that saved the lives of three astronauts did so by working together and thinking up unconventional solutions to what may have initially seemed like an impossible challenge. Their creativity and teamwork embody many of the same values I see in Western’s engineering community.