The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Waterloo proudly congratulates graduating undergraduate student Cait Aitchison on being named a recipient of the 2025 IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Scholarship Plus Initiative. Awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the power and energy sector, the scholarship recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing the future of sustainable electricity systems.
For Aitchison, the recognition marks an important milestone at the culmination of her undergraduate journey. “It was a nice reminder that I’ve put a lot of hard work into school and co-op — I’ve learned a lot in the process, and my hard work was rewarded.” Her passion for the field began early, sparked by conversations about power systems with her father, who worked at Ontario Power Generation. That curiosity continued to grow throughout her studies as she explored the complexities and impact of modern electrical infrastructure.
Coursework and hands-on learning opportunities further solidified Aitchison’s interest in power engineering. She credits ECE 260 with Dr. Ayman El-Hag as a defining academic experience and one of her favourite courses in the program. Building on this foundation, she pursued all available power-related technical electives and explored emerging areas such as nuclear power generation. Her capstone design project — a hybrid-power solar window blinds system designed for renters — reflects her commitment to accessible and innovative energy solutions. Through co-op placements, including experience at S&C Electric, she also developed a strong interest in switchgear design and gained valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges.
Aitchison’s six co-op terms allowed her to explore diverse areas within electrical engineering, helping her identify both her technical interests and the type of work environment where she thrives. “I’m really glad to have had that experience because now I know where my interests are, and what I value in a work environment,” she explains. The breadth of Waterloo’s co-op program enabled her to apply classroom learning in practical settings, strengthening her confidence as she prepares to enter the profession.
Following graduation, Aitchison will begin her career with Eaton, where she plans to continue building expertise in the power and energy sector while working toward her Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation. Reflecting on her time in ECE, she notes the personal and academic growth that came from the program’s rigorous environment. “It’s not a walk in the park — I am constantly challenged and learning new things about myself and electrical engineering,” she says. “I’m leaving this program feeling much more capable and sure of myself than I was when I started university.”
Cait will be formally recognized for this achievement at the upcoming ECE Grad Toast and Dinner on March 31, where faculty, staff, and fellow graduating students will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. The department congratulates Cait on this well-deserved honour and looks forward to seeing the impact she will make in the evolving power and energy landscape.