February 23, 2023
Electrical engineering undergraduate student, Nain Abdi was awarded the Loran Scholarship worth up to $100,000 over the course of 4 years. After being named a 2022 Loran Scholar, Nain began his undergraduate studies in the University of Waterloo's Electrical Engineering program in Fall of 2022.
While in high school, Nain was the president of an association for Black students and a club for students from different cultures. He played in the jazz band and ran cross-country. He also volunteered his time at a library and helped support international low-income communities.
Introduction
Hi, my name is Nain Abdi and I am an electrical engineering student. I like public speaking, making people laugh, and of course, in true electrical engineering fashion, playing around with circuits.
What does it mean to you to be a Black engineer?
Interestingly enough, it doesn't cross my mind much. While there is less representation for black engineers and barriers that others may not experience, I grew up around a very strong community, so I feel just as entitled to everything that comes with being an engineer as everyone else.
You recently won the Loran scholarship worth $100,000, what did that feel like? What’s your advice for high school students who might be interested in a similar scholarship award
It was the greatest call I have ever received! I spent all of high school working hard, both with academics and in extracurricular activties, so the award was extremely rewarding.
My advice for those interested in pursuing a similar scholarship would be to get involved with activities that they are truly passionate about. It is only then that you can perform incredible things. And of course, aim for the highest marks you can achieve. The key word being YOU. You are your biggest competition, so as long as you're constantly outdoing yourself, that's all one can ask for.
As a first year student, what would you say about your University experience so far?
Honestly, UWaterloo has been better than what I expected. You would think that an engineer wouldn't have much time for socializing, and yet my cohort has quite a lot of fun with each other inside and out of class. As for the workload, it's definitely a lot, but what's the fun without a little challenge. I am yet to go on co-op, but I am excited to jump into a real-world experience so soon.
In the University, how can classmates/professors/TAs be better allies to the Black community?
So far, everyone in the Waterloo community has been an excellent friend and ally. I would say continue making everyone feel as though they are welcomed in the community, whether it is engineering or any other program.
What's your advice to current Black students currently in STEM programs or those looking to get into STEM programs?
As our good friends at NIKE would say, Just Do It. Can it be daunting? Of course. Can it be difficult to pursue something where there is a clear lack of representation? Most definitely. Should that stop anyone? Absolutely not.
Research STEM programs in your area and determine who you can connect with to join. If you have a free Saturday, complete a side project. I would say consistently applying your problem solving skills is the most integral skill. With that, you can tackle any problem.
