¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

Rianne Caldwell, BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Making space for marginalized voices and opinions in engineering and STEM

Learn About the Program

Community is at the foundation of Rianne Caldwell’s life. It informs who she is as an individual with Indigenous roots and as an engineer seeking to make engineering and STEM professions more inclusive.  

Within the context of making space for unheard voices within her community, Rianne joined the (ISSA) as a committee member, which she says opened her eyes to the struggles other Indigenous students face and the ways she could help them succeed. Her community-based advocacy has not gone unseen or unappreciated, and for the last three consecutive years she has received the , the Indigenous Careers Award and the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Opportunities Award.  

For the last two summers, including this summer, Rianne has worked at gaining valuable industry experience and learning about Canada’s only pipeline transport system for oil products headed to the West Coast. Her goal is to continue working in this field as an Engineer in Training (E.I.T) and as a champion for equitable STEM classrooms and workplaces.

“I fell in love with mechanical engineering,” she says. “It gives me the power to make meaningful change in society and I am especially excited to bring forth voices and opinions that have had less influence.” 

Congratulations Rianne!

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

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

I chose the U of A for its renowned engineering program. I can't say I always knew what I wanted to study, but I had always enjoyed math and science and engineering offered me a wide range of opportunities. After the first year, I decided on mechanical engineering, again because it offered so many options. Over the next few years, I fell in love with mechanical engineering — it gives me the power to make meaningful change in society and I am especially excited to bring forth voices and opinions that have had less influence. 

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

There are a few memories that come to mind. One being going to Dewey’s after our (Mechanical Design I) car lost in competition to do some shots, then work on an assignment together. Another being the engineering volleyball tournament. I was able to form a team with all my friends and hang out on campus talking between games and eventually winning!

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

My favourite professor and class was (Busting Myths with Analysis) with . Samir encouraged such a positive and fun atmosphere in class and the myths we studied were exciting. It gave me an opportunity to apply engineering knowledge to real world examples in a fun and interesting way. We got to pick our own myth to bust and present as well as compete in debates which were challenging, but so fun. I chose as my project, ‘does the Happy Gilmore swing significantly improve a golf drive’? If anyone was looking for a fun class that also challenges your learning, I would recommend MEC E 415!!

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

I am a committee member of the (ISSA). I saw it start up and gain members. I have attended many meetings and events and gotten to know all the other Indigenous students in engineering and STEM. It has opened my eyes to some of the struggles other Indigenous students go through and what I can do to make it easier for them to succeed.

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

The entirety of my degree felt like a challenge. In particular, this last semester I have struggled with managing seven courses on top of searching for work. Some days, it seemed as though I couldn't solve any assignments or problems and others when things seemed to come easily. There wasn't much to do other than slowly chip away at the work I had to do, and hope the next day was better.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

I would say to find your community. Have friends that you trust and share similar goals with,  and work through assignments and projects together. I would not have gotten this far completely on my own. Another thing I would say is that it's going to be hard and you're going to struggle, but just keep trying — slow progress is still progress.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I am excited to get together with my friends one last time while we're all together and take them out to some karaoke and try to teach them some line dances.  

What's next after graduation?

I don't have specific plans lined up, though I have been through some interviews hoping to get started as an Engineer in Training (E.I.T). I also hope to travel — my first places will be Italy and Iceland.