Hello! My name is Nusayba Sultana. I am a chemical engineering student expected to graduate in 2023.
Waterloo Engineering in one word:
Enriching
I choose Waterloo Engineering because:
I chose Waterloo for its co-operative education program and its reputation. The co-op experience lets me really apply my skills and learn so many things that you can’t learn in a classroom. When I graduate, I will be confident in my skills as an engineer. I also find that the school’s great reputation speaks for itself within the industry.
The best thing about my program is:
I like how I am not limited to any one industry with chemical engineering. While I have recently been more interested in sustainability and renewable energy, there are doors open to me in industries such as food, pharmaceutical, nuclear energy, paper and pulp, batteries, and more! I also believe that even though chemical engineering is a more traditional branch of engineering, it is very useful in today’s world too. Chemical engineers are needed to solve some of today’s biggest challenges, like climate change, improving battery technology, healthcare advancements, and more.
About my Co-op experience:
I have worked in the fields of battery research, metallurgy, and energy efficiency. In all my experiences, I have been able to learn so much about these industries and do important work in their respective fields. For example, at all my co-ops, I've worked on projects that drove sustainability efforts to fight the climate crisis. When I first entered Chemical Engineering at UW, I wasn't sure what in what industry I would work. Through co-op, I've experienced a variety of work in different fields which has helped me find my passions beyond graduation.
I wish I had known before I came:
For one, I wish I had known how helpful TA’s can be! Seriously, if your TA is offering office hours or extra help sessions, go to them. They can really make a seemingly impossible course to an extremely easy one.
Also, you should know when to take a break. It’s always important to stay on top of homework but taking care of yourself and having fun is just as important. Having a designated time in your weekly schedule just to relax will improve mental health ultimately improving your studies as well.
Being a Waterloo Engineering student can be challenging, but it's important to know that EVERYONE has their struggles. Even if it feels like you are the only one confused, suffering from Impostor's Syndrome, struggling with a course, etc., I can guarantee there are other people in your class going through the same thing. You are not alone and be sure to lean on your friends, family, school support systems, etc. when things get hard.
Outside the classroom, I’m involved with:
I've been a part of Engineering Ambassadors all throughout my time here at UW. I am currently the Outreach Lead and Website Director for Engineering Ambassadors and I love every minute of it! I've also participated in mentorship programs in within the Department of Chemical Engineering. I also volunteer for external groups that promote Women in STEM.
A fun project I’ve completed:
In class, we were tasked with designing and performing an experiment to predict how long it would take for water to filter through a Brita filter. It was really satisfying to see that my prediction was almost exact, and I just had to use a few equations! We also got to test the efficacy of various materials for keeping coffee warm for a longer period of time. It was a cool reminder about how simple things in our daily lives are governed by such intricate scientific principles!
One more thing about me:
In my spare time, I love photography, trying new restaurants, and reading books!