February 15, 2023
Meet Michael!
Hi! My name is Michael Hanley and I’m going into my 3A term of Nanotechnology Engineering in Spring of 2023.
I am currently in an 8-month co-op term as an Opto-Mechanical Engineer at Vena Medical, working on a device that removes blood clots from the brain of stroke victims and a micro-angioscope that can provide real-time footage within veins and arteries.
Outside of school work and co-op, I am the Operations Manager, Mechanical Project Manager, Aerodynamics and Composites Manufacturing Lead on the University of Waterloo Midnight Sun Solar Car Design Team. In addition, I am an Engineering Student Ambassador and in my spare time, I enjoy playing various sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball), chess and video games!
What does it mean to you to be a Black engineer?
I believe that being a black engineer is something to be really proud of. To me, being a black engineer isn’t solely about applying technical skills to work on creative projects that help better society. It’s working hard through adversity and being resilient while breaking down barriers in the engineering field. It also means to be a role model, a beacon for those in the Black community, who are looking to go into STEM, empowering them and giving them the tools and advice to work towards success.
How can companies or organizations better serve Black employees?
I think that it would be a great idea for companies to bring in black professionals in the field's industry to share their stories about their experiences throughout their career. They could share their journey and struggles, giving advice on how to overcome adversity and how they got into the place that they are currently. I think that it would be a great way for black employees to get inspired and to celebrate black excellence.
In the University, how can classmates/professors/TAs be better allies to the Black community?
Educating oneself about injustices that the Black community have faced over the years through articles, documentaries, experiences and stories, etc. will give a better opportunity for someone to have empathy and gain a new perspective. Looking within oneself, reflecting on if there's any underlying bias and/or actions and assessing if it's harmful or helpful to the Black community is also another great step towards becoming an ally.
Working towards gaining a better understanding for one another is the underlying principle, once people can have a true common ground and genuine respect for one another and their culture, only then can we have a fighting chance against racial injustice.
What would you say about your University expereince so far? What has been your highlight?
My favourite university experience from UWaterloo Engineering would have to be all the countless fun times I have with my design team, Midnight Sun.
Working towards a more sustainable future through building a solar car has been such a unique and awesome project to be a part of and people on the team have helped me become a better and more well-rounded engineer. This team has become my second home, the team environment has become like a family and there is never a dull moment when I’m with them. I am proud to be on the Midnight Sun team and proud to be one of the leaders on the team. The friendships and learning experience I have gained on the team are irreplaceable and it will always be the highlight/best experience of my UWaterloo Engineering Experience.
What's your advice to current Black students currently in STEM programs or those looking to get into STEM programs?
My advice to current black students in STEM and looking to get into STEM would be to continue to be who they are and to continue to strive for greatness through adversity. Make sure to reach out and connect with other black students, build that relationship, and support one another as we are all working towards the same overall goal.
