WHERE IS SHE NOW?

LFA Alumna Olivia Yee '17 was recently spotlighted by Women in Consulting Engineering for her work with Intelligent City, a housing development company dedicated to innovative and sustainable urban housing methodologies. We recently caught up with Olivia to learn more about what she's been up to in the five years since graduating from LFA.

You're graduating from UBC in December...with what degree?

My degree is a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Engineering with a specialization in structural and materials engineering.

How did you find your way to engineering and this specific field?

My original intention was to go to Western University and play on their varsity soccer team. I always had engineering in the back of my mind though because my favourite classes at LFA were physics, math, and chemistry - but I was very intimidated by engineering in high school. As I neared graduation, it dawned on me that I should give engineering a real shot despite my original plan. So I entered the engineering program at UBC immediately after graduating from LFA in 2017 and I've loved the journey its taken me on.

You took part in the co-op program that allowed you to get real-world experience while earning your degree. What led you to co-op?

Frankly, because I didn't know what specific field of engineering I was interested in at first. I think the best way to learn what suits you is by trying something and going from there. Co-op gave me the opportunity to work in industries of various scales, academia, and government. It wasn't until my last co-op work term that I realized where I could see myself working full-time.

You were recently spotlighted by the organization Women in Consulting Engineering, how did you get involved with them?

I am not an active member with WCE. However, during my time at UBC I worked for two years at EngCite, which is a non-profit organization committed to transforming the way that engineering is perceived and understood, so that young women see engineering as not only a possible and feasible educational and career path, but also an inspiring and exciting opportunity. This organization is committed to helping UBC become the national leader for gender diversity in engineering. I represented UBC Engineering at various networking events, and mentored female high school students who were interested in pursuing a degree in engineering.

The company I currently work for, Intelligent City, is a sponsor for Women in Consulting Engineering and I am one of two female engineers at the company.

What is your role at Intelligent City?

I'm a co-op student in Sustainability and Mass Timber Structural Engineering. In my role I've helped contribute to our team's understanding of adhesive-based connection design, mass timber floor panel engineering, and integrated sustainability analysis.

What are your plans post-graduation?

After graduating, I am going to work as an Engineer-In-Training to obtain my Professional Engineering licence and designation. I aim to return to school to pursue my Master's degree in structural and earthquake engineering. I will likely take some time off to travel and relax in between.

Any advice or reassuring words for current LFA students who might be considering Engineering?

LFA prepared me with the quality of education and work ethic required to be successful in engineering. It is a lot of hard work, but it is incredibly rewarding to know that my profession directly serves the people around me.

One last burning question: are you still playing soccer?

I am still playing soccer - yes! I've played on intramural teams at UBC throughout my degree, and recently joined a women's league as well.