(Edmonton) Two speakers at this week's graduate student research symposium are delivering talks on building a career in engineering, bridging the gap between academic research and industry, and cashing in on a successful school project.
The two presentations are running on June 23 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Learn about engineering graduate study opportunities.
Siobhan Robinson and Derek Keller have made significant impacts in their respective fields and empowered many. Their accomplishments-and a few bumps on the path to a rewarding career-prove that the road to success is paved with hard work and determination.
"Graduate students have a potential to be one of these people in the future," said Amirhossein Mahdavi, second-year PhD student in mechanical engineering and VP of sponsorship and finance for the symposium.
Robinson is a project engineer with a British Columbia-based consulting company providing water engineering services to the municipal infrastructure and resource development fields. Through a series of presentations in numerous communities across B.C., she encourages students to pursue varied opportunities within the profession. What's more, she's involved in career development and networking events for young professionals.
Robertson was named a Women's Executive Network 2015 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in the TELUS Future Leaders category.
At the workshop, she will be focusing on professional development opportunities for young engineers and professional circles that might prove helpful for recent graduates.
Derek Keller is a U of A engineering alumnus holding a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, and vice president of production for Laricina Energy, one of the front-runners in the oilsands technology industry. Years of hands-on experience in oil and gas industry as an in-field heavy oil operator, production engineer, and deep-water drilling engineer helped him land leadership positions: business development manager and, eventually, a founding member of Laricina Energy.
Derek was named one of the Oilweek magazine's 2011 Rising Stars for his significant achievements at Laricina.
His talk will touch on merging academic research and industry, innovation in the oil and gas industry, and some tips on transforming an A+ project into a lucrative business idea.
The talks are open to all graduate students with no registration required. For more information on the speakers and locations, visit the FEGRS website and the event schedule.