My Position

Engineering Design · Values · Biases

Beliefs About Engineering Design

I am an Engineering Student. 

As a first year, I am still in the early stage of my education. To me, the field of engineering is about the problem-solving application of scientific and mathematical principles. Engineers use their knowledge of science to interpret challenges so they can make appropriate decisions and recommendations to meet the needs of the world. To design is to understand the stakeholders and their needs. Based on those understanding, we can use a combination of creativity and knowledge; considering factors such as functionality and user experience, while being aware of practical constraints and limitations, an effective and innovative solution can be created. Based on these two self-defined meanings, I believe that engineering design is the type of design that focuses on the practical application of solutions. The constraints and limitation of such design is a result of scientific and mathematical principles. And using these principles, we optimize, create, and compare to recommend the best solution.

My Values

Engineering is an ideal field for me to fulfil these values. Engineers are constantly seeking to redefine the boundary of possibilities; I believe this is because of our willingness to take on challenges. From my lived experience as a student of engineering in the past year, I have developed a great admiration for not only the problem-solving abilities of engineers but also their resilience. To me, these are essential qualities to possess as an individual who also values growth.

As a student, I specifically chose to study engineering science due to its diverse range of topics and the opportunities to explore small bits of different engineering disciplines, such as Civil (CIV102), Electrical (ECE159), and Material Science (MSE160). These courses have pushed me out of my comfort zone and promoted personal development as it broadens my knowledge in diverse areas. For example, I’ve been exposed to the design of structures, circuits, and the properties of materials in the past few months. For me, it is rewarding to see how these various fields come together to address complex engineering problems and grant me the ability to effect a tangible change in the natural world. The perseverance from these challenges provides me with the satisfaction of being able to effect a tangible change in the natural world – enabling myself to experience a sense of purpose, as well as visible growth.

Overall, my value of challenges, personal growth, continuous learning, and persistence is why I knew engineering was an ideal field for me. Studying Engineering Science has allowed me to explore different areas of engineering, broaden my knowledge, and experience a sense of purpose and visible growth. I am excited to continue my studies and see where my passion for engineering takes me in the future.