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Melissa Bennett, BSc Civil and Environmental Engineering Co-op

“Friends really make the difference between surviving university and enjoying it.”

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The well-known quote, ‘be the change you want to see in the world’, is both a guiding principle and a lived experience for Melissa Bennett. Throughout their time in the environmental engineering program at the U of A, Melissa has worked hard to build community — creating a vital support system not only for herself but, perhaps most importantly, for others.

The commitment to equity and environmental stewardship was nurtured early on through initiatives like the fem+ Engineering Mentorship Program, a seven-month mentorship experience for women, non-binary and 2SLGBTQ+ high school students interested in exploring the possibilities within engineering.

Once she was in university, Melissa’s dedication to fostering community flourished, evident in their participation in multiple engineering initiatives and student groups, including (in a variety of roles) where she championed unheard and underrepresented identities within the discipline. 

“I hope one day that the work this club does shifts to a celebration of the diversity in engineering instead of fighting for people to be seen and recognized and respected,” says Melissa, adding that they found the work difficult, but also rewarding — especially the friendships they forged over the years. 

This unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion in engineering was recognized with the 2024 William Muir Edwards Citizenship Award — a validation of the important work they continue to do as a community advocate.

This fall, Melissa will join one of her favourite professors, Maricor Arlos, at the University of Waterloo to begin a graduate degree in the civil engineering (water) program.

Congratulations Melissa!

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering Co-op.

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

In Grade 12 I was a mentee in the fem+ Engineering Mentorship Program. I was introduced to engineering in a way I hadn't really thought about before, and with peers and mentors who I could relate to. One of the speakers was , and the way she spoke about environmental engineering and how it could help people really inspired me. My mentor in the program was , who at the time was just finishing her master’s degree. I thought she was the coolest person ever, and I loved the way she talked about environmental engineering and what it could be. These two women really inspired me to make a quick change of my university plans from science to engineering, and specifically to environmental engineering. I had found a program where I could help people, learn about the environment and still study science.

I chose the ����ֱ�� because I had friends in Edmonton and I really liked how the campus felt. Edmonton felt like a place I could call home, and after six years it definitely is home to me. 

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

I think I'm going to pick two memories for this.

I performed in the drag show for the civil and environmental engineering team! It was truly an incredible experience. I got to work with friends and peers that either I knew from afar or people I hadn't met before. It was a lovely way to make friends and celebrate queer joy. I'm really proud of myself for doing this because it felt like a triumph to take up space on a stage (in drag!!) in my final year of engineering. That's not something I could have done a few years ago. My self-confidence has grown so much, and so has my love and appreciation for my friends. Couldn't have done this without them.

The second memory is during the inaugural Engineering Water School program in August 2024. I got to spend a week with like-minded students learning about the North Saskatchewan watershed and meeting the most incredible people. To talk with people who understood me so well felt incredible and freeing. I learned so much and I made some friends who have been so dear to me this final year. I want to take what I experienced that week with me into the rest of my life.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

My favourite professor is (who is now at the University of Waterloo)! I met her during the faculty’s new student orientation in 2022, and then I helped her organize a few projects outside of class time. I didn't have her as a professor until Fall 2023 for (Advanced Environmental Engineering I). She took us on a canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan river so we could appreciate the water from a different point of view. Professor Arlos is the kindest person you will ever meet, I am so lucky that I have gotten to know her well.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student?.

I've been on the executive committee for for three years plus another year and a half as an active general member. I was president of the club for a year. I am so grateful for DivE. The club attracts the kindest and hardest working folks who want to see engineering be more than it is right now. I am really grateful that I got to be part of the direction of the club for a few years and make some incredible friends. It wasn't always easy though. The kind of work we do involves a lot of difficult conversations, internally, externally and within yourself. As rewarding as the work can be when you get a win, it has been draining to put effort in and see little movement. I hope one day that the work this club does shifts to a celebration of the diversity in engineering instead of fighting for people to be seen and recognized and respected.

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

I've dealt with mental health issues since starting university and developed physical health issues over the last several years. My life has been encompassed by disability and learning how to navigate a system not made for me while I am struggling. I am fortunate that I have a good support system and disabilities that are palatable to society, so I am still able to pursue what I want to do without as much resistance as others will face.

There were a couple things that helped me get through: a good therapist; tylenol; friends who understand what I'm going through or are willing to listen; and lots of or ice cream. Lots of ice cream. Emotional support snacks are key. And also not letting anyone push you around for needing support. You are worth it. 

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Friends really make the difference between surviving university and enjoying it. Friendships of convenience aren't worth it anymore, find the friends you love.

Extend your degree! Your health will be better! Your grades will be better! You can have a hobby! It's truly worth the extra year to not be swamped every second of every day during the semester. 

If there is something you need, ask for it. You are worth putting effort into. You deserve to thrive, not just get by and you definitely don't deserve to suffer.

Hold each other accountable. If a peer (or a boss or a prof or anyone else) is doing something out of line, talk to them or talk to someone who can do something about it. We need to be making this world better for the people who come after us, or for the people who will interact with someone/something next. Be the change you want to see.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I have a small trip out to Toronto and Montreal planned with a friend after exams, and then I'll visit my grandparents this summer to celebrate with them! I think other celebration plans will be small with my loved ones.

What's next after graduation?

I have been accepted to the for the masters in civil engineering (water) program starting in Fall 2025! I will be working under Maricor Arlos. I am very excited to start something new and very scared to move somewhere new, but I think now is the time to move and see how it goes!!