Allison Bawden

Windsor, Ontario
Graduating with an honours Bachelor of Applied Science in environmental engineering, with a minor in mathematics

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

I chose to attend the University of Windsor for several reasons: it was convenient, close to home, offered me many scholarships, and because most of my friends were also attending. I actually did not apply to any other university, as I knew I wanted to stay in Windsor for my undergraduate degree. Because of this decision, I am graduating this spring without any debts.

I originally accepted an offer of admission at UWindsor to pursue a Bachelor of Arts & Science, with the intension of majoring in biochemistry and minoring in French. After first year, I decided that this wasn’t the right choice for me, and I transferred into environmental engineering – where I could continue applying my strengths in physics and mathematics, while pursuing my interests in chemistry and biology. Engineering also offers a co-op program which allowed me to gain valuable work experience prior to graduation, network with potential future employers, and earn an attractive salary.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

My expectations of university were to prepare me both for higher education and ultimately for the workplace. My program at UWindsor helped me to accomplish these goals by maintaining Canadian accreditation for an engineering program, allowing me to graduate with an engineering degree that is recognized by all accredited engineering universities in Canada. In addition, participating in the co-op program allowed me to obtain work experience prior to the start of my career, which will assist me in attaining a job when it comes time to look for one.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

The most important thing that my university experience has taught me is that life is about cooperation and working with other people. Both my coursework and my co-op work terms have taught me that engineers from different fields must work together, as well as with people from other backgrounds and levels of education, to keep processes running, design and create products, and earn profits.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

Last year for my fourth year Capstone project, myself and three other students in my class participated in the Water Environment Association of Ontario student design competition, which we also submitted as our final design project for school. Despite starting the project three months later than the other competing universities, we managed to place second in the competition. This was very exciting for us, as we earned both widespread recognition as well as a monetary prize; in addition, the accomplishment made us proud of our own hard work, our department, and our school – it was not without the help of several of our professors that we were able to perform so well.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

I am proud to be part of UWindsor’s graduating class of 2011 because it marks the celebration of the university’s 100,000^th graduate. I know that I am graduating from a reputable university which has taught many students and has played host to many important people over the years.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

There was not one particular person or course that inspired me in school; rather, a combination of the continued support and help of my friends, family, and professors was what encouraged me to continue striving to do my best in school.

What are your plans following graduation?

I will be taking a break from school and work this summer by going on a six-week European backpacking adventure with friends. In September, I will be starting my Masters of Applied Science at the University of Waterloo, studying Environmental and Water Resources Engineering.