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• Q&A with Jana Almajali, Western Engineering Student & Go ENG Girl Alum

Q&A with Jana Almajali, Western Engineering Student & Go ENG Girl Alum

Jana Almajali is a former participant of the Go ENG Girl program and a second-year biomedical and mechanical engineering student at Western University. (Jacob Arts/Western Engineering)

Western Engineering’s Go ENG Girl program is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers by giving girls and non-binary youth in Grades 6 to 11 the chance to explore the exciting world of engineering. Participants hear from women in engineering, try hands-on activities, and connect with students and professionals who can help spark their curiosity and confidence in STEM.

To see the impact of Go ENG Girl, we spoke with Jana Almajali, a former participant who is now a second-year biomedical and mechanical engineering student and a student ambassador. Almajali shares how her experience shaped her path and why she’s excited to encourage others to follow their passions in engineering.

Engineering Communications (EC): Looking back, what do you remember most about your Go ENG Girl experience?

What I remember most about my Go ENG Girl experience is the sense of community. Being in a room filled with girls my age who share the same passion was so empowering. Meeting current and aspiring engineers showed me that while women are underrepresented in this field, the support you receive from your peers is unwavering.

EC: How did participating in Go ENG Girl influence your decision to pursue engineering at Western?

When I was a kid, I knew I wanted to pursue a STEM field, but I hadn’t fully settled on a specific career path. Participating in Go ENG Girl opened doors for me as I realized how diverse engineering is, allowing you to work in industries from ice cream making to designing robots to building bridges. Meeting faculty and students also gave me a glimpse into the welcoming community at Western, which made it easier for me to picture myself studying here.

EC: What do you enjoy most about your program as a second-year biomedical and mechanical engineering student?

What I enjoy most is being able to dive deeper into courses that connect directly to my interests. It’s exciting to see how biology and physics come together in biomedical engineering while also building a strong foundation in mechanical concepts. We also get many opportunities to work with peers on group design projects, which I find really fulfilling. Working with my peers lets me contribute my own ideas while also learning from different perspectives, and that teamwork makes the whole experience more rewarding.

EC: As a Western Engineering Outreach Instructor, what do you share with younger students who might be thinking about engineering but aren’t sure yet?

I tell them that it’s completely normal not to have everything figured out. Engineering is such a broad field and there’s no one way to do it. I share how I started off just curious about STEM and gradually found my fit in my program. My biggest piece of advice is that if you enjoy problem-solving and being creative, engineering is worth exploring.

EC: Why do you think events like Go ENG Girl are important for girls and non-binary youth?

Events like Go ENG girl show students that they belong in engineering, even if the field doesn’t reflect that yet. It provides them with role models, a chance to experiment in a fun and supportive space, and the confidence to picture themselves as future engineers.

EC: What advice would you give to this year’s Go ENG Girl participants who are just starting to explore engineering?

Stay curious and try everything you can. You don’t have to know right now what kind of engineer you want to be or even if you want to be an engineer at all. The skills you’re practicing, like problem-solving and teamwork, will help you in any path you take. Ask questions, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun.

EC: Fast forward a few years—what impact do you hope to make as an engineer?

I hope to design technologies that aim to improve people’s quality of life through prosthetics and implants. Many solutions are not accessible to those who need them most, so working on teams that develop affordable alternatives would be a goal I strive towards as an engineer.

This fall, Go ENG Girl returns with two free events:
• Go ENG Girl Sarnia (Sponsored by NOVA Chemicals) – Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park
• Go ENG Girl London – Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Western University Campus

Both events are open to girls and non-binary youth in Grades 6–11 and their parents/guardians. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore engineering, connect with role models, and imagine your future in STEM.

You can learn more and register here.