First-year student recognized for exceptional achievements

First-year Nanotechnology Engineering (NE) student Aisha Siddiqui is having a banner year! She received the Ruler's Court Higher Education Scholarship and was invited to meet HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. The meeting was held to recognize and award exceptional graduates from British Curriculum schools in Dubai. Siddiqui was nationally ranked in first place in her exams. She credits her academic success to a combination of hard work and curiosity.

Siddiqui visited the University of Waterloo and attended a two-week quantum school program when she was in grade 12. After that visit, she determined to study here. She chose Nanotechnology Engineering as she felt it was a discipline that is at the forefront of technological advancement.

“I find the genuine passion that my professors have for their areas of expertise infectious,” says Siddiqui.” The classes are really interesting!  I have heavier subjects like linear algebra, where we're working out sums, but we also get to have hands-on experience. One of the most fun things I've done was 3D printing.”

Siddiqui enjoys interacting with her close-knit cohort that works collaboratively on their assignments. She’s excited about the potential of the University of Waterloo’s world-renowned co-op program to give her insight and experience in work terms. This will help Siddiqui decide if she wants to do academic or corporate work post-graduation.

Siddiqui was also recently honoured with the Engineering Society Leadership First Year Award. This award is given to one full-time, on-term undergraduate student who is enrolled in any Faculty of Engineering Program at the University of Waterloo. The recipient has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the University, Faculty of Engineering, or the community at large. The criterion for this award includes displaying outstanding leadership either in high school or within the community before joining Waterloo.

Congratulations to Aisha!