What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
In my current role at voestalpine Nortrak Railway Systems, I perform Finite Element Analysis on railway trackwork components to assess potential stress points, distortion, and failure risks. I contribute to root cause analysis by preparing presentations that outline numerical modeling strategies and suggest remedial actions. Additionally, I handle practical design work for various trackwork components, ensuring design accuracy, customer compliance, and effective communication with clients, including preparing BOMs, RFIs, submittals, and participating in project calls.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
At Nortrak, I apply the computational modeling skills I developed in UBC's Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory under Prof. Cockcroft and Prof. Maijer. My graduate training in stress prediction, finite element modeling, and creating user-defined subroutines has been essential for my FEA work and for communicating design solutions effectively.
What do you like and what do you find challenging about your current position?
What I enjoy most about my role at Nortrak is applying FEA to tackle complex challenges in railway trackwork. Coming from a materials engineering background, adapting to the transport sector was initially challenging, especially in understanding the industry standards and real-world applications. Visiting the railway manufacturing facilities has broadened my knowledge, helping me bridge my materials expertise with practical insights, though in retrospect, I would have sought more hands-on guidance from my senior colleagues sooner to deepen my industry understanding.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?:
While my career path has shifted from my initial focus on materials research, my current role aligns well with my long-term goals. Ultimately, I aim to build in-depth expertise in numerical analysis and mechanical design, alongside project management skills to handle complex projects. This position provides a strong foundation toward that direction, blending technical and managerial experiences that are essential for my professional growth.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
I was motivated to pursue graduate work at UBC because of its esteemed reputation in materials engineering and the chance to collaborate with distinguished faculty. The Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory provided access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a collaborative atmosphere that matched my interests in materials science and computational modeling.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student at UBC?
What I enjoyed most about my time as a graduate student at UBC was the beautiful Vancouver campus, which provided a stunning backdrop for my studies. The vibrant and collaborative atmosphere fostered intellectual growth and innovation, allowing me to work closely with renowned faculty and talented peers on meaningful research in materials engineering.
How did the graduate degree at UBC help you achieve your career and/or personal development goals?:
The graduate degree at UBC significantly contributed to my career and personal development goals by providing me with a solid foundation in advanced computational techniques. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on research experiences not only enhanced my problem-solving skills and technical expertise but also helped me build a strong mindset for managing stressful situations.
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
Several key approaches contributed to my success during graduate school. I proactively reached out to distinguished professionals in the industry to expand my network and gain realistic insights, which proved invaluable in understanding real-world applications of my studies. Being flexible in adapting to the evolving challenges of the post-pandemic era also played a crucial role, allowing me to navigate uncertainties effectively.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
My best piece of advice for prospective and current graduate students is to actively build your professional network by reaching out to industry professionals and researchers. Establishing connections can provide valuable insights and open doors to opportunities. Additionally, stay adaptable and open to new experiences, as the landscape of work continues to evolve. Also one needs to focus on developing both technical skills and soft skills, such as communication and project management, to equip oneself for success in diverse career paths.