Currently a 4th-year undergraduate student in Materials Engineering, Dylan is also a student-athlete on the UBC Varsity Rugby team. Originally started as a volleyball player but growing tired of the environment, she took up rugby on her mom’s advice. Through rugby, she developed a strong sense of teamwork and self-confidence and hasn’t looked back since then. Dylan is also an all-star off the field, having completed several co-op terms. In the summer of 2024, she joined Slb’s Additive Manufacturing team, where she worked on identifying printing process parameters for two polymers and gained hands-on experience operating a 3D printer.
1. What made you choose Materials Engineering?
This was something I found very attractive because it would allow me to pursue almost any industry after I graduate as I will have the background to try and solve most problems. I wanted to focus on a career in sustainability, and Materials Engineering will provide me with the tools to achieve that from any perspective I choose.
2. Could you share some examples of how being a student-athlete has influenced your undergraduate experience at UBC, particularly within the Materials Engineering program?
Being a student-athlete has given me a unique perspective on time management and the meaning of being a team player. With limited free time and energy at the end of the day, I make sure to prioritize staying ahead of my work to avoid the unnecessary stress that comes with procrastination. Specifically in Materials Engineering, there are a lot of classes in the third and fourth year that require you to work in groups on projects and assignments.
“Being a student-athlete helps me be a better team player in these student teams and feel more comfortable taking on a leadership role. This supports organization, time management, and communication within the group. Academic groupwork is different from athletics because not everyone is used to being in a team, so it takes time to learn how each member works.”
3. What is your average day like as a student-athlete?
During the school year, a usual Monday and Wednesday for me is classes in the morning and early afternoon, and then practice from 3-5 pm. However, practice never ends at 5 pm because my coach likes to do a little extra work, so it is more like 3-5:30 pm. On Tuesday and Thursday, I have classes in the morning and afternoon and then go to the gym from 2-3:10 pm. On Fridays, I have class until about 2 pm, then go to the gym from 3-4 pm. Afterward, I have practice from 4-5:30 pm. At the end of the day, I plan my meals for the next few days, cook, and organize them. If I’m on top of things, I usually have lunch made beforehand because I do not have a lot of time between when class ends, and practice or gym starts. It may be a lot, but being a student-athlete is incredibly rewarding and meaningful. It brings community, joy, and new experiences that I would not have had otherwise.
4. What do you enjoy the most about your undergraduate experience in Materials Engineering?
I enjoy the course content and how accessible the professors are to support your learning. It makes a big difference when the community around you works to help you succeed and learn as much as you can. The content challenges your ability to solve problems and work through complex concepts. I was asked things I had never been asked before and from a very interesting point of view. My undergraduate experience has sparked my curiosity about how I can contribute to shaping the future of technology and driving innovation.
I found a lot of value in getting to know my professors and establishing them as a resource in my studies. They are incredibly knowledgeable and want to pass that knowledge on to their students to take with them into their careers.
5. What advice would you give to someone who is also a student-athlete or involved in leadership activities on balancing between academics and their outside commitments?
It is important to have a clear understanding of your priorities and goals at the start of each semester. It serves as a grounding point at times when you feel overwhelmed. Balancing academics and athletics is not an easy feat – do not be afraid to say no to things if you are not comfortable with them because your mental health and overall well-being should come first. I have found that writing down a to-do list every week with both school and life tasks can be a great tool to stay organized and focused. It also brings a sense of accomplishment and help me to stay motivated.
“Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help! Whether that is from teammates, friends, professors, or academics, it is so important to utilize all the resources around you and speak up if you need anything.“
6. Do you have any advice for women in engineering, especially those who may be experiencing challenges related to being a woman in engineering?
“Believe in yourself. You are smart, capable, and creative.”
Make sure you are able to communicate your ideas and opinions, and do not shrink away from contributing. You cannot control what people think about you, so what matters is what you think and your growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either if you don’t understand something. There will be times when others may know more than you on a topic. Asking for clarification isn’t silly, so don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
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