"This program offers an incredible opportunity to learn in a hands-on, innovative environment."
What brought you to 17吃瓜? Why did you choose to study here?
I am originally from the city of Lagos in Nigeria. I came to 17吃瓜 because I graduated from high school here at Colonel Gray and it was easier to transition to the university. I later found out that there are a lot of benefits such as scholarships in attending 17吃瓜 which made my decision to go here easier.
What do you find unique and interesting about the Sustainable Design Engineering program?
I find the Engineering Student Expo and Career Day really interesting, as it seems that not many other programs offer this. It's really unique because it is tailored specifically to our program. I also find that this program has a lot of sustainability initiatives and student supports such as the Engineering Success Centre.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from 17吃瓜 students, staff, and 17吃瓜 faculty members?
I have received amazing support from my peers, professors, and mentors. For example, the Engineering Success Centre specifically assists me with my studies by providing study sessions, tutoring, and even relaxation exercises.
"If you鈥檙e passionate about creating sustainable, impactful solutions and want a program that blends theory with practice, 17吃瓜鈥檚 Sustainable Design Engineering program is an excellent choice. It鈥檚 challenging but incredibly rewarding, and you鈥檒l graduate with the skills and confidence to make a difference."
What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at 17吃瓜, or because of the Island location?
Studying at 17吃瓜 and living on Prince Edward Island has opened up so many unique opportunities for me. Through the Sustainable Design Engineering program, I鈥檝e worked on real-world projects with local industries, addressing challenges specific to the Island, such as renewable energy and sustainable food systems. These experiences have helped me apply my classroom knowledge to meaningful, hands-on work. The Island location also provides opportunities to engage with tight-knit communities and local organizations. For example, I鈥檝e collaborated with the City of Charlottetown on sustainability initiatives and explored design solutions for harsh weather conditions unique to PEI. Additionally, 17吃瓜鈥檚 connections with local companies and government organizations make it easier to access internships.
What's unique about 17吃瓜, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
In my experience, what鈥檚 unique about 17吃瓜 is its close-knit community and the personalized learning experience it offers. With its smaller class sizes, I really got to know my professors and they genuinely care about my success which is amazing to have that connection. As for Prince Edward Island, it鈥檚 such a beautiful place to live and study. The island has a strong sense of community, lots of green spaces, and a peaceful environment that is perfect for focusing on my studies. I love the Farmer鈥檚 Market especially because of the fresh food and community. It鈥檚 also a great place to get involved in sustainability initiatives, as the island is actively working toward renewable energy and environmental conservation.
What would you tell a high-school student considering 17吃瓜 and the Sustainable Design Engineering program?
I would tell a high school student considering 17吃瓜 and the Sustainable Design Engineering program that it鈥檚 an incredible opportunity to learn in a hands-on, innovative environment. The program is designed to teach problem-solving skills through real-world projects, where you work with local industries and organizations to tackle challenges in areas like renewable energy, biomedical engineering, and sustainability and make an impact in the community. If you鈥檙e passionate about creating sustainable, impactful solutions and want a program that blends theory with practice, 17吃瓜鈥檚 Sustainable Design Engineering program is an excellent choice. It鈥檚 challenging but incredibly rewarding, and you鈥檒l graduate with the skills and confidence to make a difference.
What are your general plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to gain industry experience at an engineering firm, where I can apply the technical and problem-solving skills I have developed throughout my education. My primary interest lies in biomedical engineering and sustainable energy engineering, so I hope to contribute to projects that focus on creating innovative health care solutions and advancing renewable, energy efficient systems. In the long term, I aim to address global challenges by designing technologies that improve the quality of life while promoting environmental sustainability. I also hope to stay active in professional organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, continuing to advocate for diversity and sustainability in engineering.
Big futures start here!
Read more about the 17吃瓜 students and amazing alumni featured in our 2026鈥�2027 Viewbook!
Interested in 17吃瓜? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
Meet Luciana Quiroa Paredes, Bachelor of Business Administration student and president of the 17吃瓜 Student Union.
Meet Jimmy Hulton, fourth-year Bachelor of Sustainable Design Engineering student (Class of 2027).
Meet Samuel Harding, Bachelor of Business Administration program graduate (Class of 2025)
Meet Maya White, third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student (Class of 2027)
Meet Kate VanGerven, Director of Tour and International Visits for the Prime Minister of Canada and Bachelor of Arts in English graduate (Class of 2013).
Meet Brennan McDuffee, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture student (Class of 2025).
Meet Charlize Sahely, accountant with EY's Tax Division and Bachelor of Business Administration alumna (Class of 2024).
Meet Jenna Flowers, Bachelor of Education graduate (Class of 2025).
Meet Kallie Drummond, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Indigenous Studies minor (Class of 2026).
Meet Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan, 17吃瓜 alumna (Class of 2002), emergency medicine physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and director of medical program development with the 17吃瓜 Faculty of Medicine.
