Faisal Ahmed Siddiqui

Windsor, Ontario
Graduating with a Master's of Applied Science in mechanical engineering

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

I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering (Thermofluids). Growing up, I was and am a big fan of science fiction TV shows like Star Trek and StarGate. This eventually inspired me to pursue engineering. I pursued my undergraduate B.A.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering in the University of Windsor as well. During the BASc. degree, the University of Windsor had instilled a passion for research and development in me. After all, research and development is the only link between today's science fiction and tomorrow's reality. It enables us to boldly go where no one has gone before. Therefore following BASc. I came back to the University of Windsor and commenced MASc. in Mechanical Engineering. I chose to study thermofluids because this will be a booming field with wide implication in many industries: HVAC, Automotive, Aerospace, and Electronics to name a few.

During the BASc. studies I met and developed a professional relationship with many professors who were both knowledgeable and passionate in their field. After my graduation many of them recommended that I pursue graduate study based on my solid academic record. This coupled with the facts such as many memorable moments at this university, Windsor being my hometown, close proximity to friends, family and industrial hubs were the reasons behind my return to the university for a MASc. Degree.

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

I had a multifaceted expectation from the university. Among others they were achieving professional development, educational maturity, interpersonal skills, and personal growth.

Yes, the university has met these goals for me. Through study I have gained much knowledge of the possibilities in my profession, I have learned how to think critically and rationally, developed friendship with people from variety of backgrounds, and developed much needed self confidence necessary to succeed in my future career.

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 I have learned here is also the same thing my father used to say: "The trick is to do your best, be satisfied with the fact that you gave your best, be positive, do not give up and always look up and ahead. There will be days when things will look bleak and it will seem that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But if you keep doing those basic things you will eventually find it."

Studying engineering was not a walk in the park – however, by implementing his advice to the best of my ability, I managed to graduate from BASc. and MASc. in Mechanical Engineering with high grades here at University of Windsor.

I have also learned about myself that all I have to do is to endure and not give up when faced with obstacles. Even if I do not manage any significant breakthrough overnight; I can still achieve many things that I thought were beyond me with persistence and perseverance.

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

The most memorable part of UWindsor experience is the friendship I developed with many of students as well as many professors. The interaction and collaboration with these students in matters pertaining to academic and social life as well as the guidance from well wishing professors were pivotal to my success in the last seven years here at UWindsor.

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

I am extremely proud to be part of the University of Windsor's graduating class of 2011 since this the only graduating class that can celebrate being part of the important 100,000th graduate. I had also graduated BASc. Mechanical Engineering earlier in class of 2008 from here in University of Windsor. By being part of the graduating class of 2011, I am proud of my contribution towards the 100,000th graduate.

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

Many classmates as well as professors helped me towards graduation as well as being part of the 100,000th graduate milestone. I am especially grateful to my MASc. supervisor Dr. Amir Fartaj. He saw the potential in me and believed in my ability to carry out the research work and the responsibilities of a graduate student. He also provided me with valuable academic and on campus employment opportunities where I learned more than just the engineering principles. Through these experiences he helped me learn more about myself as a person, my character as well as commitment, professionalism and honourable conduct. Now I can clearly articulate what I have to offer to any organization looking to hire me.

What are your plans following graduation?

I hope to find employment as a Mechanical Engineer somewhere in North America. My preferred industries are Automotive, Aerospace, and Oil and Gas.