Engineering Conversations

Send us a textMany industries need both engineers and geoscientists to make their operations successful.  In Canada, most of the provincial and territorial regulators that oversee the engineering profession also oversee the geoscience profession.In this episode we take a break from engineering and sit down with Jason Cosford to learn about geoscience.  Jason is a professional geoscientist with 25 years of experience working in geoscience and environmental consulting.  He is one of the executives leading the team at JD Mollard and Associates, an engineering, geoscience, and environmental consulting firm based in Saskatchewan.

Send us a textMany things in our world run on power and contain electronics.  As a result, there is a demand for electronic and electrical engineers in almost all sectors.  In this episode we sit down with Cory Dumalski to talk about his career as an Electronic Systems engineer.  Cory has over 17 years of experience working in a variety of industries including mining, manufacturing, and power systems.  He is currently the Director of Engineering at Shermco Industries where he leads a team of engineers that oversees large-scale technical projects.  In this conversation, he talks about his experience with controls systems and power systems.  He also offers advice to young people who are thinking about studying engineering.

Send us a textDid you know that roughly 30% of the world's potash is produced in Saskatchewan?  That is significant!  Potash companies need large teams of operators, technicians, geoscientists, and engineers to have successful potash mines that are safe, economical, and environmentally viable.In this episode we sit down with Caitlin Knaus to talk about her career in the potash industry.  Caitlin has a background in Environmental Systems engineering and is currently a cavern engineer for K+S Potash Canada.  In this conversation, she talks about her career path in the potash industry, solution mining, and what a cavern engineer does to help produce potash.  She also offers great advice to young people who are thinking about studying engineering.

Send us a textGoing to university to study engineering is not easy.  Many students report seeing a drop in grades, difficult courses, and a high work load with labs and lectures.  In many ways, students have to learn time management skills, develop good study habits, and ask for help when they need it.In this episode we sit down with Holden Rogers to talk about his experience in engineering.  Holden just finished his second year of our Energy Systems engineering program and he is about to go out on his very first Co-op work term!  In this conversation he talks about the ups and downs he has experience during his studies, and he offers great advice to young people who are thinking about studying engineering.

Send us a textIt is hard to believe that Engineering Conversations is already celebrating its first anniversary!  To recognize the occasion, I thought it would be fun to do a “behind the scenes” episode.  Justin Gwilliam is back on the show with a list of questions that dive into this podcasting journey.Thank you to all of the guests who have been on Engineering Conversations this past year.  Without guests, there is no show!  Hopefully, with each episode we are helping people learn about the world of engineering!Also, thank you to the listeners!  I hope you are enjoying the episodes and discovering lots of interesting things about engineering!

Send us a textStructural engineers are involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, and other infrastructure that we find throughout the world.  People often do not think about whether a building or bridge is safe when we use it, but structural engineers have worked hard to design and build safe projects that get used on a daily basis by the general public.In this episode we sit down with Mohsen Rassem to learn about structural engineering.  Mohsen is the senior structural engineer and Department Manager at KGS Group.  His career spans over forty years, and he specializes in the structural engineering of buildings.  In this conversation we hear about how he got into engineering and we learn about some of the large projects he has worked on.  In addition to talking about his career, Mohsen also shares some advice for young people that might be interested in a career in engineering.

Send us a textEnvironmental engineers play an important role in helping communities and industry function in sustainable and responsible frameworks that protect the public and the environment.  First Nations communities in Canada have many engineering challenges that need to be addressed with both sound engineering and cultural considerations.In this episode we sit down with Darlynn Lavallee to learn about her career as an Environmental Systems engineer at Piapot Nation.  In her role, Darlynn is responsible for environmental and major capital projects at Piapot Nation, including land use, planning, zoning, and water use.  Darlynn is in a unique role in that she is both a member of Piapot Nation and an engineer!  In this conversation we hear about how she got into engineering and how she found a path to help provide engineering services within her own First Nation community.  In addition to talking about her career, Darlynn also shares some advice for young people that might be interested in a career in engineering.

Send us a textHave you ever thought about where all of the metals we use come from?  Mines around the world help produce all of the metals that we rely on for use in our infrastructure and day-to-day devices.In this episode we sit down with Jared Orynik to talk about his career as a metallurgist.  Jared has a background in materials engineering from the University of Alberta, and he has over 20 years of experience working in several mining sectors.  Jared is currently a Senior Project Metallurgist working at NexGen Energy, helping to develop their Rook I uranium project.  In addition to discussing the progression of his career, Jared also shares some advice for people thinking about a career in engineering.

Send us a textTo celebrate Pi Day, I invited a bunch of engineers to my office to eat some pie and talk about random “engineery” things!A big thank you to Tom Atkins, Kim Korchinski, and Bailey Armstrong for coming to chat about about engineering, childhood toys, sitcoms, sci-fi, energy, water, food, what makes a great engineer, and more!  Also, I extend a HUGE thank you to my mom for making us the delicious pie! Happy Pi Day!

Send us a textDid you know that engineers and geoscientists have to be licensed to practice in Canada?  Licensure helps provide greater protection to the public and environment as members have to be competent, accountable for their work, and adhere to a code of ethics.In this episode we sit down with Chris Wimmer and Kate MacLachlan from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).  Chris is a professional engineer and is currently the Director of Professional Standards, and Kate is a professional geoscientist and is the Director of Registration and Deputy Registrar.  In this conversation we will explore the importance of self-regulation, the application process, licensure, and member requirements.  If you have ever wondered how to become a professional engineer or geoscientist, then this conversation is full of helpful information!

Send us a textHave you ever been on a university campus and been in awe of the sheer size and complexity of the buildings and services?  In many ways, a university campus is a lot like a mini-city and it needs a great deal of planning and effort to operate the infrastructure required for the university to function.In this episode we sit down with Carol Reyda to talk about her career as an engineering project manager at the University of Regina.  Carol is an environmental systems engineer with twenty years of experience in project management.  In this conversation, she talks the infrastructure at the University of Regina, and she highlights several projects she has worked on related to the maintenance, repair and expansion of the campus.  Carol also shares some advice for young people thinking about a career in engineering.

Send us a textHow often do you drive on roads or highways, walk on sidewalks, or cross the street?  Have you ever thought about the safety features that have been built into the system?  Transportation engineers work to design roads, intersections, and pedestrian walkways that are safe for everyone!In this episode we sit down with Kwei Quaye to talk about his extensive career as a transportation engineer.  Kwei is the Vice President of Traffic Safety Services at Saskatchewan Government Insurance.  In this conversation, Kwei talks about the many design features that are built into our transportation systems to make them safe for people.  Kwei also discusses his extensive career and explains how transportation engineers work with municipalities and politicians to help improve transportation safety in urban and rural communities.  Kwei is very passionate about engineering and offers advice to young people thinking about a career in engineering.

Send us a textDid you know that the demand for energy increases year after year?  This helps  drive growth, diversification, and innovation in a very dynamic industry.  While fossil fuels have been a reliable source of energy for the world, new energy sectors have been growing to meet the demand.In this episode we sit down with Bryden Wright to talk about his career in the energy sector, which dates back to 2007.  Bryden is the President and Chief Operating Officer at ROK Resources.  In this conversation, Bryden talks about his experience in the oil and gas industry, how his company is starting to expand into the lithium industry, and the growth in non-traditional energy sectors.  Bryden also offers some advice to young people thinking about a career in engineering.

Send us a textHave you ever noticed how much we rely on the infrastructure that we have in our cities and rural areas?  We all drive on roads, cross bridges, use water, and spend time in public buildings.  Civil engineers play a major role in helping to design and build the infrastructure we need to support the quality of life we have become accustomed to in today's society.In this episode we sit down with Nancy Inglis, who has close to thirty years of experience working as a civil engineer in a variety of roles.  She has been involved in transportation, roadway, and water projects, including several multi-discipline complex mega-projects.  Nancy is currently a Divisional Manager at Associated Engineering.  In this conversation she talks to us about her career, her volunteer work with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), and she offers advice to young people thinking about engineering as a career.

Send us a textIt is very hard to predict the type of engineering career someone may have when they graduate from university.  In fact, there are so many different roles and responsibilities for engineers.  For example, engineers can be involved in consulting, technical design, project management, sales, and so much more.  It takes all kinds of different engineers, working in a variety of roles, to accomplish successful projects.In this episode we sit down with Katrina and Evan Bahr.  Katrina is an Industrial Systems engineer working at SaskPower, and Evan is an Environmental Systems engineer working at Bird Construction.  In this conversation they talk about their engineering careers, how they met during university studies, and what they are currently working on as project managers!  Both Katrina and Evan highlight a favourite project from their career, and they offer advice to young people considering engineering.

Send us a textThe world of software engineering is exploding.  We now see software being developed for all sorts of applications, having a huge impact on our day-to-day lives.  If you like to modify and improve existing products and processes, and you like to play around with technology, maybe you have a software engineer lurking inside you!In this episode we sit down with Trevor Douglas to learn about the Software Systems Engineering program at the University of Regina.  Trevor has been teaching software engineering laboratories for 20 years!  In this conversation he talks about what he learned in industry, and explains what Software Systems engineering is all about.  Trevor shares some fun examples of how software engineers help solve real-world problems, and he offers advice to young people thinking about a career in software engineering.

Send us a textDo you like to tinker around in workshops and fix things?  Or maybe you like to design and build new items?  Have you ever thought about what might be involved in large scale manufacturing of commercial products?  Engineers around the world help companies figure out how to design and manufacture their products in affordable, efficient, and safe processes.In this episode we sit down with Glenna Stewart to talk about her career as an Industrial Systems Engineer.  Glenna is the Chief Operating Officer at Degelman Industries.  In that role, she oversees the production side of the business, which designs and manufactures a variety of agricultural equipment specific to farming operations.  In this conversation we learn from Glenna what it takes to be a manufacturing engineer and what is involved in selling agricultural products in a global market.  Glenna also offers some advice to aspiring engineers on what they can do to be successful in their career.

Send us a textDo you heat your home with natural gas in the winter time?  Do you have a natural gas stove, barbeque, or water heater?  How does the natural gas get to your house?  A team of engineers has worked behind the scenes to ensure that you have a safe and reliable supply of natural gas.In this episode, we sit down with Zeshan Hyder to talk about natural gas pipelines.  Zeshan is the Manager of Pipeline Engineering at SaskEnergy here in Saskatchewan.  In this conversation we learn about his background in Petroleum Systems Engineering and the work he does leading a team of engineers to design safe, reliable high pressure natural gas pipelines.  Zeshan also highlights the importance of extra-curricular activities for students considering a path in engineering.

Send us a textHave you ever noticed the large air ducts in buildings, or wondered how the climate inside the building was controlled over the summer and winter months?  Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers are the people who ensure that the environment inside a building is safe for the occupants.In this episode, we sit down with Jared Larson to talk about his experience as an HVAC engineering consultant.  Jared is a mechanical engineer and senior partner at MacPherson Engineering.  In this conversation we learn about the many considerations that go into designing HVAC systems for buildings.  Jared also talks about his experience volunteering with ASHRAE, and how volunteering can play a critical role in career development.

Send us a textThe world of consulting engineering is a diverse field of practice that challenges engineers to come up with unique solutions for their clients.  As a result, there are all kinds of consulting engineers working to solve problems that help make our lives better.In this episode, we sit down with Brett Kelln to talk about his experience as an Electronics Systems engineering consultant.  Brett is a Principal and Senior engineer at Ritenburg and Associates Ltd., and has worked on numerous engineering projects throughout his career.  In this conversation, we learn about an important project he did for the health sector, and an interesting project for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  Plus we learn about Brett's experience teaching a university course and the advice he offers anyone thinking about studying engineering.

Send us a textProfessors often help to inspire and encourage students as they find their way to a successful and rewarding career path.  In this episode, we sit down with Professor Emeritus Art Opseth to discuss his journey in engineering and his amazing career at the University of Regina, which spanned more than 30 years.  Professor Opseth taught thousands of students and was one of the leaders that helped build and grow the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Regina.  In this conversation, he talks about the history of the faculty, how it survived a potential closure, and what students can do to be successful in engineering.

Send us a textHave you ever noticed that we are surrounded by software?  It's in our phones, our cars, our appliances, and more!  The opportunity for Software Systems engineering to make positive impacts on our lives is limitless.In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Pelchat to talk about her experience as a Software Systems engineer.  Nikki is currently the co-Chief Technology Officer and Principal Software Engineer at Lumeca Health, a company that provides health technology solutions for medical providers across Canada.  In this conversation, she talks about her early career at Gas Buddy and her current work at Lumeca to help develop software that provides meaningful impacts in the health care sector.

Send us a textDo you ever wonder about the infrastructure and services in your community?  How did the roads, sewer, landfill, and water services get there?  Engineers are responsible for setting up communities that are functional and safe for the people who live there.In this episode we sit down with Ryan Johnson, an Environmental Systems engineer with close to thirty years of experience.  Ryan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation.  In this conversation he talks about his career and his extensive experience in water treatment.

Send us a Text Message.Engineers often find themselves in leadership positions as their career progresses. Managing large projects and groups of people can be very challenging and requires skills that are not fully developed during university studies.In this episode we sit down with Tara Paton, an Industrial Systems engineer and the President and founder of Red Blaze Solutions. Tara spent 20 years working in the energy sector for oil and gas companies. That vast experience eventually led her to start her own company that helps managers become better leaders. Tara shares some interesting perspectives and advice on what engineers can do to become better leaders.

Send us a Text Message.Do you like industrial projects?  Are you interested in manufacturing and processing modern resources?  Do you want to help companies improve their efficiencies, quality control, reliability, economics, and sustainability?In this episode we sit down with Rob Jones to learn about Industrial Systems Engineering.  Rob has been teaching laboratories at the University of Regina in our Industrial Systems engineering program for over 37 years!  In our conversation he explains how laboratories help enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom.  Rob also gives some examples of the industries and careers that Industrial Systems engineers work in after they graduate.

Send us a Text Message.Do you ever notice street lights or the exterior lighting on buildings?  Have you ever wondered who put them there, or how they get their power supply?  Engineers design these systems!  In fact, there is even an Illuminating Engineering Society to help support engineers in this field of practice.In this episode we sit down with Ariele Chow to discuss her career as an Electronic Systems engineer.  Ariele has over a decade of experience in consulting, where she has primarily designed lighting and power systems for civic and commercial projects.  In this conversation she talks about her career, the Illuminating Engineering Society, and some of the projects she has completed.

Send us a Text Message.International students can be found studying at many universities and colleges across Canada.  They bring their culture and knowledge to the classrooms and laboratories, and they broaden the educational experience for all students and professors.  Moving to the other side of the world to pursue an education is a giant leap in life that takes a lot of courage, determination, and effort.In this episode we sit down with Ashley Kanyatte and Rushi Patel, international students from Kenya and India who came to Canada to study engineering.  Ashley has completed her degree in Electronic Systems Engineering, and Rushi completed his degree in Industrial Systems Engineering.  They both talk about their experience studying in Canada, and they offer great advice for individuals who are thinking about studying abroad.

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever thought about your own energy use?  People need energy, and the global energy demand continues to rise year after year.  Engineers play a huge role in helping address the challenges and opportunities that exist in the energy sector, from demand to sustainability to safety, and more.In this episode we sit down with Lex Ewen to learn about his experience as a Petroleum Systems engineer.  Lex is the CEO at Edge Engineering and Geoscience Ltd.  In our conversation, he talks about the work his company does to improve the abandonment and reclamation of oil and gas wells, and their new work on lithium exploration.  He highlights the importance of industry mentors that can help guide and encourage entrepreneurs to tackle unsolved opportunities.

Send us a Text Message.Do you have an interest in the environment?  Do you want to reduce pollution, improve sustainability, and help ensure that new engineering projects meet current environmental standards? In this episode we sit down with Ben Lichtenwald to learn about Environmental Systems Engineering.  Ben teaches the laboratories that help give students a hands-on learning experience in our Environmental Systems Engineering program.  In our conversation, he talks about his own experience in industry as an environmental systems engineer, and he highlights the types of careers that students can have when they graduate from this program.

Send us a Text Message.Do you like to write code?  Have you ever dreamed of starting your own software engineering company?  Software Systems Engineering is a rapidly growing field, driven by the need for safe and reliable software products.  We are literally surrounded by software in our homes, vehicles, places of work, phone apps, and more.In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Smyth to talk about his journey into software systems engineering.  Kyle is the co-founder of Offstreet Technology and serves as their Chief Technology Officer.  Kyle and his team develop software products for the parking industry.  In this conversation, he talks about his experience launching a start-up company and explains how software can be designed to help improve the parking experience for everyone.

Send us a Text Message.Does anyone remember what life was like before cell phones and the internet?  The telecommunications industry has changed so much over the past thirty years.  Engineers are working hard to keep up with this rapidly changing industry.In this episode, we sit down with Patti Kindred to talk about her experience as an Industrial Systems Engineer.  Patti spent over two decades in the telecommunications industry, helping bring cellular and internet services to Saskatchewan.  She then moved into the regulatory side of engineering and worked for the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.  At the end of her career, she started an engineering consulting firm with her husband.  In this conversation, Patti shares some highlights from her career and encourages people who like to figure things out to consider a career in engineering.

Send us a Text Message.Environmental engineers can work in a number of different fields including environmental remediation, environmental impact assessments, water projects, air quality, transportation, and much, much more!  Virtually all industries need environmental engineers.In this episode, we sit down with Dwayne Gelowitz to learn about his career as an environmental and civil engineering consultant.  The majority of his career has been spent working on water projects.  In this conversation Dwayne talks about an interesting project to reduce flooding in a local neighbourhood and he touches on the role of consulting engineers.

Send us a Text Message.Are you thinking about going into engineering, but you are not really sure what it is all about?  You are not alone.  There are lots of students in first year engineering that are not quite sure what the profession is all about.In this episode, Lucas Hollinger sits down with David deMontigny to ask him a bunch of questions related to engineering education, engineering careers, and what to expect.  While studying engineering can be challenging, this conversation should help reassure new students that they can be successful.  The magic recipe is simple:  go to class, do your homework, and ask for help when you need it.

Send us a Text Message.Pipelines are commonly used to transport energy from one location to another.  They are complex systems that are designed to be safe, reliable and compliant with federal regulations.In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Cozine to learn about pipelines and her experience in the energy transportation sector.  Vanessa is an environmental systems engineer with over twenty years of experience, both on the regulator side at the National Energy Board and on the energy transportation side with Enbridge.  In this conversation, Vanessa encourages women to think about a career in engineering, and she offers advice to all new graduates when they look for that first job to start their career.

Send us a Text Message.What happens when the power goes out?  It seems as though life comes to a halt.  Who are the engineers that help ensure we have a safe and reliable source of electricity?In this episode we sit down with Jason Whitelaw, an electronic systems engineer who works at SaskPower, the principal electric utility in Saskatchewan.  Jason is one of hundreds of engineers who work to provide a reliable source of electricity for residents and industry.  In this conversation he tells us about his path to engineering and what he currently does as a technical services engineer in the power production side of the company.

Send us a Text Message.Would you like to get practical work experience that relates to your degree while you are studying as a student in university?  It almost sounds too good to be true.In this episode we sit down with Carlo Palazzo, a Coordinator in the Co-operative Education and Internship Program at the University of Regina.  He outlines how students can get real life work experience related to their engineering program while they are studying for their degree.  In addition to gaining experience, students make contacts in industry and… they get paid!  In this conversation we learn how these types of programs are a win-win for both the students and the employers.

Send us a Text Message.Going to university can be intimidating.  To make matters worse, engineering programs have a reputation of being very difficult.  The truth is that millions of people have graduated from engineering programs around the world, so it does not need to be scary.  Success comes from hard work, commitment, and perseverance.In this episode we sit down with Justin Gwilliam, a fourth year Industrial Systems Engineering student who is graduation this spring.  We talk about his experience as an engineering student, getting involved in extra-curricular activities, and his participation in the co-operative education program.  Justin offers good advice and encouragement to anyone who is thinking about studying engineering.

Send us a Text Message.Do you like playing around with electronics?  Have you ever fixed your computer, built a small robot, or programmed a control system?  Have you noticed that we are surrounded by electronics in our day-to-day lives?In this episode we sit down with Dave Duguid to learn about Electronic Systems Engineering.  For the past 37 years, he has taught the electronic laboratories at the University of Regina.  In our conversation he highlights the importance of hands-on laboratories in an engineering education, and he gives examples of the types of careers students can have when they graduate from this program.

Send us a Text Message.People often have a hard time describing what engineers do in their day-to-day work.  This is because the career paths are so diverse, it is hard to come up with a common definition.In this episode, we visit a local elementary school and high school to talk with students about engineering.  Listen to what students in Kindergarten, Grade 6, and Grades 10-12 have to say about what engineers do in their jobs.  Their answers are very insightful and demonstrate that we need to have more conversations with engineers to learn just exactly what it is they do in their careers.

Send us a Text Message.In this introductory episode of Engineering Conversations, we will learn about the host David deMontigny and the goals for this podcast.  Quite simply, Engineering Conversations is a series of conversations with engineers, students and engineering stakeholders.  We will learn what is going on in the profession of engineering, across a wide range of sectors.These conversations will help showcase the profession and help people understand what it is that engineers do in their day to day work.