Iolanda Montagnese

Why did you choose your undergraduate program?

I thought it would be a nice mix of all three sciences that you take in high school but also had an aspect of aiding in the caretaking of the environment, which very much interested me.

How did you like your experience at UWaterloo?

I really enjoyed my undergrad at UW. I thoroughly enjoyed bouncing between courses and co-op placements every four months as it was a nice balance of both life experience and knowledge. It made for some really great discussions in class and learning opportunities at the workplace.

What were your favourite classes?

ENVE 330 and EARTH 458 - classes that had labs outside.

How did the friends you made at UWaterloo inspire you throughout your undergraduate experience?

My friends inspired me to continue through the program, try new things and grow as a human.

Co-op work term history Co-op 1: Laboratory Assistant at the University of Toronto in their Civil Engineering wastewater lab Co-op 2: Teaching Assistant at the University of Waterloo in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering - ENVE 100 Co-op 3: Lot Survey Technician for the City of Markham, Stormwater Department Co-op 4 & 5: Production Assistant at Rothsay, a Division of Darling International Inc. Co-op 6: Research Assistant at the University of Waterloo in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Groundwater and Soil Remediation group

What is the biggest lesson you learned from co-op?

That school isn't the real world. There are lots of lessons to be learned from working in your field.

What is your occupation now?

I am a Junior Engineer at BluMetric Environmental Inc.

Did your undergraduate program play a role in where you are today? How?

Yes, I needed the degree to get my job.

List 3 lessons you'd like to share with the current undergraduate students.

1. Take care of your mental health.
2. Make time for things outside of school.
3. Reflect before you make big decisions.