22. Dana Kokoska - Student Community Steward, Part-Time Artist, and Full-Time Electrical Engineer in Training

Introducing Dana Kokoska (ECE 2T0 + PEY)

Dana Kokoska is an Electrical Engineering graduate of the University of Toronto. While at U of T, she held many leadership roles in artistic and community-building/outreach activities, such as Vice-Chair Marketing for F!rosh Week in 2020, Director of Hi-Skule, Resident Advisor at Girls Leadership In Engineering Experience (GLEE), and Graphics Executive on the Frosh Handbook Committee. When she graduated in 2021, she was named a 'Grad to Watch' and received the L.E. (Ted) Jones Award of Distinction from the Engineering Alumni Network.

Read Dana's letter to first-year engineering students during Frosh 2022 here: https://dearfrosh.com/dana.html

Resources mentioned with Links

• Electromagnetic Courses: ECE 320 Fields & Waves, ECE 422 Radio and Microwave Wireless Systems, ECE 424 Microwave Circuits
• DaydreamyDesignShop - Dana's Etsy Shop
• GLEE or Girls Leadership In Engineering Experience
• YNCN - You're Next Career Network
• Honeywell - Careers

How to get in touch with Dana

• Email: dana.kokoska@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-kokoska/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

About Kathy Zhuang (EngSci Machine Intelligence 2T2 + PEY)

Kathy is an undergraduate engineering student completing the Machine Intelligence major within the Engineering Science program and graduating in 2023. She has completed summer research internships at UC Irvine, the University of Toronto Intelligent Sensory Microsystems Laboratory (ISML) and the BMO Lab in Creative Research. She has industry experience at Huawei, where she completed her Professional Experience Year as a Machine Learning Research Engineer, and at Amazon as a Software Development Engineer Intern. She has also contributed to U of T Engineering's design teams as a 3D Object Detection Engineer with aUToronto and an Autonomous Rover Team Electrical Team Lead with the University of Toronto Robotics Association (UTRA).

Notable Quotes

• “Doing things I want to do instead of doing things I should.” - Kathy Zhuang
• “Before I know what I want to do, I always look for the one that gives me more opportunities.” - Kathy Zhuang, on decision making

Resources mentioned with Links 

1. Engineering Science Disciplines
2. Engineering Communication Program (ECP)
3. Intelligent Sensory Microsystems Laboratory
4. ESROP Engineering Science Research Opportunities Program)  - UofT
5. LeetCode
6. Cracking the Coding Interview Book & Website
7. STAR Interview Method
8. Book: Counselling for Toads: A Psychological Adventure
9. Distill.pub

How to get in touch with Kathy

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yue-kathy-zhuang/
• Instagram: kath.yue_z

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

About Yilin Huang  (MSE 2T0 + PEY, Current MSc. Candidate in Science, Technology & Policy @ ETH Zurich)

Yilin Huang is a graduate of the Materials Science & Engineering undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. While at U of T, she completed an academic exchange at the National University of Singapore, did her PEY in Switzerland, was a violinist with Skule™ Nite's Band, the Lausanne Student Chamber Orchestra in Switzerland, and the Hart House Orchestra.

Notable Quotes

• "if you want to figure stuff out, you want to take the risk at the beginning, if there’s something you want to try, you better try it now.” - Yilin Huang, on finding your path.
• “Life is equal no matter where we are... one dollar may go a long way in a worse place.” - Yilin Huang, explaining the philosophy of effective altruism.
• "We don't quit enough things." - Yilin Huang, unconventional advice for undergraduate students.

Read Yilin's letter to first-year engineering students during Frosh 2022 here: https://dearfrosh.com/yilin.html

Resources mentioned with Links

• Centre for International Experience - UofT
• Master in Science, Technology and Policy - ETH Zurich
• DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service
• The Cansbridge Fellowship
• 80000 hours Podcast
• 80,000 Hours Website & Career Advising
• Centre for Effective Altruism
• How to Take Smart Notes: - Sonke Ahrens

Resources on Effective Altruism: Programs 

• Effective Altruism
• The Introductory EA program
• AGI Fundamental Courses - Effective Altruism Cambridge
• Standard Existential Risks Initiative - Stanford

Articles about Yilin

• Engineering Grad to Watch - Yilin Huang

How to get in touch with Yilin

• Email: yl.huang@mail.utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yilin-huang

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

About Ben Sprenger  (MechE 2T0 + PEY, Current MSc. Candidate in Robotics, Systems and Control @ ETH Zurich)
Ben Sprenger is an undergraduate mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, and was named an Engineering Grad to Watch based on his multifaceted work as a filmmaker, fieldwork he conducted in Mongolia with the Munk School of Global Affairs, and his leadership of the University of Toronto Formula Racing Team among others. At the time of publication, he is completing his MSc. in Robotics, Systems, and Control at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

Some of Ben's Films

• Road to Colombo
• When Food Goes Bad

Notable Quotes

• “I didn't have anything to act in, so I decided to make my own film.” - Ben Sprenger, on how he was drawn to filmmaking
• "There is no better way to learn than just jumping right in." - Ben Sprenger, on exploring new opportunities
• "There is literally nothing I cannot learn, if you give me the time and put in the effort." - Ben Sprenger, on his favourite quality about himself

Resources mentioned with Links

• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• Field Notes
• Analogy as the Core of Cognition - Stanford
• The University of Toronto Formula Racing Team
• Reach Alliance
• Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy - UofT
• the Art Gallery of Ontario

Articles about Ben

• How one U of T Engineering student made the world his classroom
• Engineering Grad to Watch - Ben Sprenger

How to get in touch with Ben

• Email: bsprenger@ethz.ch
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensprenger/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

About Professor Elham Marzi (BA, BIS, Masters, PhD - Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto)

Professor Elham Marzi graduated from the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto as a PhD with a specialization in human resources and organizational behaviour. Elham is now director of Engineering Business and the International Virtual Engineering Student Team (InVEST) program at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto. She also teaches the courses JRE 420 People Management and Organizational Behavior and APS 500 Negotiation in an Engineering Context. 

Notable Quotes

• "My teaching philosophy is Einstein's Formula E = mc^2 : Engagement = motivate, connection and communication." - Elham Marzi
• "There is so much left to go....the world is bigger than I thought." - Elham Marzi

Resources mentioned with Links

• Basecamp
• Adam Grant  - Think Again and Originals Book
• Podcast – Adam Grant
• X-Culture
• POWER skills
• Toronto Public Library
• The Role of Empowerment on the Relationship between Flexible Work Arrangements, Work-Life Balance, and Job Satisfaction in the Canadian Public Sector - by Elham Marzi
• ISTEP - Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Education and Practice
• Engineering Business Minor
• InVEST - International Virtual Engineering Student Teams Program
• UofT Academic Appeals Board
• Faculty Council - Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering - Faculty Council Standing Committee
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management PhD Program
• Professor Joseph Wong - REACH Alliance

How to get in touch with Prof. Elham Marzi

• Email: elham.marzi@utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elhammarzi

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

Cori Hanson has served at the university for over a decade, first as a residence coordinator at New College, holding other roles such as Assistant Registrar. She is familiar to many students as a former advisor in the first-year office, staff liaison of the Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD), and currently leading efforts in EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) as the founder of the Engineering Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group at U of T Engineering.

Notable Quotes

• "Learning is not one size fits all, and so goes for the university experience. More flexible and accessible experiences will be the way forward at every university and every program."  - Cori Hanson, on undergraduate learning.
• "The community is changing, and how do we make sure it's an inclusive space for everyone?" - Cori Hanson, on building an inclusive community.
• "(I) bring student leaders into a space and see what they do with it." Cori Hanson, on her most rewarding experience of working with FASE.

Resources mentioned with Links

Task Force and Action Groups and Initiatives

• Engineering Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group
  • Towards inclusive practices session, overcoming imposter phenomenon
• Joint Task force on mental health academic advising
  • What student don’t understand is tapping into a system of support is big part of being a successful student
• Technology Enhanced Active Learning Community of Practice

First-Year and Upper-Year Resources

• Guide to First Year
• GEAR mentors
• EngCEOs
• Mental Health Academic Advising

Research Resources

• Learning abroad
• Summer Research Program within Engineering
• Undergraduate Engineering Research Day
• First-Year Research Fellowship
• Research Catalogue - Clnx
• UofT Engineering Undergraduate FAQ page

How to get in touch with  Cori

• email: cori.hanson@utoronto.ca

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great guest idea or request!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

About Dean Chris Yip (Current Dean of Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering @ University of Toronto)

Dean Chris Yip began his term as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering in July 2019. Before this, he served two years as Associate Vice-President in the University's International Partnerships Office. Dean Yip received his B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry from the University of Toronto in 1988 and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1996.

[Source for Description]

Notable Quotes

• “Ask questions...Don't just be a passive receiver of information... be an active participant in your learning."  - Dean Chris Yip, on his advice to undergraduate students.
• "I'm persistent in ensuring success." - Dean Chris Yip, on his favourite quality about himself.
• "You're going to be successful."   - Dean Chris Yip, responding to What is one thing you'd reassure younger students about?

Resources mentioned with Links

• Coffee with Chris Yip Podcast
• Academic Advising at UofT Engineering
• What is the Skule™ Community?
• UofT Engineering Alumni & Friends
• UofT Engineering CONNECT

How to get in touch with Dean Chris Yip

• Instagram: @uoftengdean
• Email: dean.engineering@utoronto.ca

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

Introducing Professor Minha Ha (Current PhD Candidate, Lassonde School of Engineering @ York University)

Minha Ha is a PhD Candidate at IDEA-Lab at the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University. She is also a session instructor at the Troost Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering at the University of Toronto. She currently teaches TEP447, The Art of Ethical & Equitable Decision Making in Engineering. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Calgary and an undergraduate degree in molecular biology from McMaster University. 

Notable Quotes

• Q: What's the most significant area of growth you've experienced in your journey?
  • "Starting to find my voice." - Professor Minha Ha
• Q: What has been your most rewarding experience as an educator?
  • "Seeing my students find their voice." - Professor Minha Ha
• "If it's got value, it's got to fit." - Professor Minha Ha, on value creation in engineering.
• "I need to know where I end and where you begin." - Professor Minha Ha, on the importance of boundaries.

Resources mentioned with Links

• Minha's Course - TEP447: The Art of Ethical & Equitable Decision Making in Engineering
• People Mentioned:
  • Dr. Brian Golding - Department of Biology, McMaster University
  • Dr. Yvonne Herbert, Werklund School of Education
  • Dean David Wilkinson -Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University
  • Dr. Shinya Nagasaki - Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University
  • Professor Doug Reeve - Troost Ilead, the University of Toronto
• Paulo Freire: Inquiry & Violence
• Good2Talk
• In Search of Criminal Responsibility: Ideas, Interests, and Institutions

Articles on Minha Ha 

• Doctoral Student Minha Ha takes her teaching seriously

How to get in touch with Minha Ha

• Email: m.ha@utoronto.ca
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minha/

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH

SUBMIT HERE

Step 1: Learn about Dear Frosh

Read the Dear Frosh Intro and Guide HERE. 

Step 2: Reflect

We've prepared this audio writing prompt to guide you through the letter-writing process. Read the prompts on our Instagram page ->  1percentinspiration.mp3. The prompts are split into three parts below:

Part 1

Write down as many memories as you can from your undergrad. How did these memories from undergrad make you feel?

Part 2

In this next part, we have some questions for you:

• Before your first year coming to U of T. What was on your mind?
• As a frosh, what were you most nervous about?
• During your undergraduate studies, what did you change your mind about?
• As a senior student/graduate/alum, what are you hopeful for?
• Imagine the youth of today med the freshman version of yourself.What are the top three things you've learned that you'd want to teach or tell your past self? How did you come to learn those things?

Part 3

1. What do you wish you knew as a first-year undergraduate student? What memories, advice, and feelings do you want to share?
2. How have you evolved since you were a freshman? What surprises you about who you are now? What experiences made you who you are today?
3. What does U of T Engineering mean to you in memories, experiences, feelings, or whatever else you can think of? How has being at U of T Engineering changed you and your outlook?

Additional Resources

Need more inspiration? You can find our curated letter inspiration HERE. 

Step 3: Write

Use the letter writing templates HERE to prepare for submission.

Step 4: Submit

When you are ready, submit your letter through the form HERE. The submission deadlines are August 16, 2022 (to be shared during F!rosh Week in print) and September 2, 2022 (for the website launch). 

Have questions?

Email: whatisyour1percent@gmail.com

Jennifer and Maeesha (with 💜)

Music from Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/lBXdWtMaA6/

Introducing Dr. Phil De Luna (Materials Science & Engineering PhD 2019, Expert at McKinsey & Company | Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto | Forbes 30 Under 30)

Dr. Phil De Luna is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Materials Science & Engineering Department at the University of Toronto and a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab. After the episode recording in late June 2022, Phil started his role as an expert in sustainability at McKinsey & Company. His previous experiences include being the youngest-ever Director at the National Research Council (NRC) for Materials for Clean Fuels and serving as a candidate for Federal Member of Parliament Candidate for the Green Party in the riding of Toronto-St. Paul's. He is also a carbon tech cofounder Carbon XPRIZE finalist (1 of 10 globally). Phil graduated with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto in 2019 and was named a Forbes Top 30 Under 30. 

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00:54 Phil introduces himself
• 00:05:49 Phil talks about how his career in climate change evolved from working in a lab to industry to policy (technology readiness, career maturity levels)
• 00:14:00 Phil talks about his experience running for office
• 00:19:58 Phil talks about his 5 point plan to address climate change and hidden opportunities in climate change for young professionals
• 00:27:07 How to transform ideas into his campaign
• 00:35:48 Phil shares his criteria for accessing opportunities and experiences on how rejection hasn't stopped him from going after what he wants
• 00:44:47 Advice for young professionals who want to work on climate change issues and resources for students

Notable Quotes

• "I enter every conversation I have with empathy." - Dr. Phil De Luna
• "Recognize an opportunity and capitalize the opportunity." - Dr. Phil De Luna

Resources mentioned with Links

• Dr. Phil De Luna's Website
• Iron & Earth
• GHGSAT - Greenhouse Gas Satellite
• International Energy Agency: IEA
• The Globe and Mail- News
• Corporate Knights- News
• GreenBiz - News
• What’s Next In - Podcast hosted by Dr.Phil De Luna
• Book: The Defining Decade - Dr. Meg Jay
• 80,000 hours
• MaRS Discovery District

How to get in touch with Dr. Phil De Luna

• Email: phil@phildeluna.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildeluna/

Corrections Notice

When this episode was first published on Monday, July 11, 2022, the About and Episode Summary sections mentioned Dr. Phil De Luna was the Director of NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) and ran for the Ontario provincial election. He ran for the Federal election as a Federal Member of Parliament Candidate, not the Ontario provincial election. He was also the Director of the National Research Council (NRC), not NSERC.

Submit to our Suggestion Box if you have a great potential guest idea or some feedback!

This podcast is supported by the Hart House Good Ideas Fund, the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, the Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Engineering Alumni Network, all at the University of Toronto.

Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/were-in-it-together. License code: AT02WGQJBZNM4PMH