Welcome to Indigenous Futures in Engineering, Queen's University
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Joshua Thomas
Nation:
Kinistin Saulteaux Nation
School attending:
Program of study:
Chemical
Graduation:
2019
When I first heard about engineering:
I first heard about engineering from my senior science teacher in high school. He was the first person to give me an insight to what engineering really is, and he took me to conventions to broaden my knowledge about the different career paths I could take.
Why I chose my school and program:
I chose to stay in my home province and attend the University of Saskatchewan. Family means a lot to me, so staying close to home was important. The U of S is also a respectable school which my siblings have attended, so I felt pride in going here. I chose chemical engineering because in high school my two favorite subjects were math and chemistry, and when my teacher told me about a job where all I do is solve problems with math and chemistry, I couldn't resist.
What I like most about engineering:
I love solving problems, and discovering new ways to do things. I also like that engineers are able to create and invent, but also have the environment in mind, which is important to me.
Where you will find me outside of classes:
I am usually with my close group of engineering friends. We like to build computers and arcade cabinets, perform backyard science experiments, play instruments, or play computer games.
My inspiration:
My inspiration comes from my parents and Matthew Dunn, the Indigenous Peoples Initiatives Coordinator (at the College of Engineering, U of S). My parents always pushed me to do more and to reach farther, and gave me support when I needed it. Matthew showed me that First Nations people can push the envelope, and become scholars. He has given me the academic advising and the motivation to help me reach where I am today.