Conference on Diversity in Engineering

Student Perspectives and Insights

Camilla Drost

5th Year Chemical Engineering Student

  • I felt there was some knowledge and skills related to EDIB that I would really benefit from learning at CDE; especially as EUS president, staying well informed is essential for being able to support my teams and help to improve UNB Engineering!

  • Definitely - I understand the broader impact and scope of engineering much better now!

  • Loved the UNB Engineering Case study - Breaking Accessibility Barriers, by UNBF grad Cassie Pitchford. It was so enlightening to hear how she tackled advocacy and how the same methods can be used in other case.

  • I would highly recommend applying if you are considering CDE! You will learn so much even just in the process of applying. Make sure you are applying with the intent to learn, grow, and gain important EDIB experience - the conference will make you uncomfortable at times but it is so important for growth to be uncomfortable sometimes!

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend and learn on behalf of UNB Engineering! Opportunities like these strengthen our student communities so much.”

Duy Phuong Vo

1st Year Civil Engineering Student

  • I attended this conference to learn more about diversity, inclusion, and equity, as these are important topics in fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all individuals

  • This conference made me rethink the importance of accessibility for everyone, especially in terms of creating environments that are inclusive and supportive. It also helped me become more aware of the language I use and how it can affect others, encouraging me to be more intentional and thoughtful in my communication, both in my field of study and in my career path.

  • One of the workshops that stood out to me was the Vision-Mission workshop. It helped me understand the importance of clearly defining the values and goals behind any initiative. This session gave me practical tools to align actions with a strong sense of purpose, which I believe is crucial in both personal and professional development.

  • I would highly recommend applying to the conference. It's a great opportunity to broaden your perspective, particularly around important topics like diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. You'll learn valuable skills and insights that are not only relevant to your field of study but also essential for personal growth. Plus, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded students and professionals, which can really enrich your career path.

Gian Damot

3rd Year Chemical Engineering Student

  • I attended this conference with the goal of learning more about EDI within the engineering field. I felt that it would be a good experience for me to apply for the position of VP Internal of the EUS.

  • Hearing diverse viewpoints from different speakers and students I met at the conference has taught me the importance of valuing diversity. We are all unique in our own ways, and our experiences shape who we are. One thing that hit me throughout the conference was this quote from one of the speakers: "Understand that no one will advocate for you. You must speak out for yourself; there is no harm in asking. It's critical to put oneself out there; the worst thing they can say is no." It may appear cliche to some, but when you think about it, it is such a beautiful notion that we can constantly draw strength from.

  • One of the sessions that stood out to me was "Ethics and Bias in Algorithm". It is a hands-on session in which the room is divided in half and a scenario is presented to everyone. One of the scenarios presented was a car without brakes and two sets of pedestrian crossings: first, two elderly women and two little boys, and second, three middle-aged men and a lady. Everyone was then asked who they would sacrifice between the two groups. The main of point of this is examining one's ethical dilemma. Ethical dilemmas, such as the scenario given or sacrificial choices, provide an opportunity to investigate how human intuition and biases influence moral decision-making. People often assume they are making perfectly rational decisions, yet psychological and cognitive biases have a substantial impact on their ethical judgments.

  • YES!

Resources

Click the button to download notes from engineering students who attended the Conference on Diversity in Engineering in 2025.