Faces of WISEST: Mae Stewart

I was 13 years old when I decided I wanted to be an engineer.  I didn’t know anyone who was an engineer, and I really didn’t know what engineers did; I just knew I wanted to be one.  I excelled in math and science in High School so when a teacher gave me the WISEST summer research program application, I completed it with a hunger to participate.  I spent that wonderful summer of 1997 in a chemical engineering lab doing research and running experiments on corrosion, and I loved every moment of it!  That summer solidified my dream to be an engineer, as well as giving me first hand exposure to the U of A campus, where I completed my Bachelor of Engineering degree several years later.

My experience in WISEST helped me secure some great summer jobs at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Parkland County and the Municipal District of Big Lakes.  Upon graduating, I took on the Municipal Engineer role at the Municipal District of Big Lakes, and 5 years later I transitioned to Alberta Transportation in Peace River.  While I have held the role of Infrastructure Engineer, I am currently the Operations Engineer.  I look after highway maintenance, construction projects, development, ice bridges and ferries in Alberta’s beautiful north.  I’m privileged to use both my education and experience to help Albertans every day! 

I emphasize the WISEST Program in my community through school visits, APEGA career presentations, and through my work with Girl Guides of Canada.  Girl Guides of Canada actually partnered with WISEST to create the “I am a STEMinist” Challenge that exposes our youth to all facets of science and encourages both passion and creativity.  I’m so glad I can pass on my love of science to our youth!  I hope I can influence them as much as WISEST influenced me.