Before we answer that…first some credit for the above photo! It’s a Nathan Tang/Rebecca Fiamboli original!
Rebecca & Nathan are the Program Coordinators this summer. They’re both creative (obviously) engineering students.
What does that photo have to do with the Engineer in Residence program?
Well, nothing….EXCEPT that it’s a great metaphor for the spirited, quirky and wonderful team you’d be joining!
Now, why should YOU become and EIR volunteer?
Well, that’s easy! Because you LOVE engineering.
Hmm? Not enough for you?
Maybe you’ll relate to what one of our long-time volunteers, Panch Yogeswaran has to say about the program. Panch works with schools in the Quinte area.
How and why did you become an engineer?
When I was growing up, our parents encouraged us to associate with educated people. At every social gathering, doctors, engineers, nurses, and other professionals were always interacting with us. There was one electromechanical engineer who inspired me with his professional career. From then onwards, my interest was in electronics. Inspiration comes in many ways.
My native country had only one university with free education, and as such, admission to the university was competitive. Those who do well can get into the prestigious engineering, law, and medicine faculties. I was given an offer to do a Bachelor of Sciences degree, majoring in physics, applied mathematics, and pure mathematics. I was highly satisfied with this offer. With the completion of my B.Sc degree, I enrolled in a British university to do an electronics engineering degree, and followed that with a postgraduate degree in engineering.
Then, my professional career started. I ended my career as a Research & Development Engineer.
Why do you volunteer?
I have always wanted to teach. I have taught adults about computer literacy and high school students about mathematics, but I found teaching lower grades much more of a challenge.
I am involved in all sorts of volunteering, including school, regional, and national science fairs, National Engineering Month, and the Professional Engineers of Ontario. It is satisfying to see the students learn, ask interactive questions, and do workshops. I am happy to see them jumping up and down with joy at their workshop results. I teach the students that knowledge is powerful in their lives. I like to nurture students to continue learning STEM subjects so that they may develop an interest in science and engineering. I help students understand the most difficult parts of the curriculum via hands-on workshops, and I am sure that it fosters them to learn the fundamentals necessary for higher study.
Above: Panch’s garage workshop where he designs and creates rigs for students to explore engineering
What do you think is unique about the EIR program?
There are 3 reasons why I find the EIR program unique. The first is that I have the option to accept positions at schools which teach topics that I am interested in. The second reason is that there is a collaboration between the teacher and EIR on how the students will be taught STEM subjects in the curriculum. The third reason is that we conduct hands-on workshops to reinforce what they have learned in class. I have used my garage to make experimental rigs that students can use for their workshops.
Above: Panch has continued to support local educators and students despite a global pandemic. He has dedicated this space as his online teaching area.
What impact do you feel you are having as a volunteer?
Every teacher strives to see their students doing well academically. I am no different. I would like to see the students do well in their academic careers and become leaders in society. I will have pride that I helped them achieve their goals in life. I feel that I am transferring all the knowledge I have gained throughout the years to the students. It is satisfying and I can confidently say that I am also benefiting by recalling the fundamentals that I learned in school. It is a mutual benefit.
0 Comments