## [Engineer in Residence](/okanagan/get-experience/engineer-in-residence) ## **Overview** The Engineer in Residence (EiR) Program is a volunteer-based, partnership between our valued local industry partners and the SOE. This initiative, is designed to build meaningful connections between practicing engineers and undergraduate students. By carefully selecting industry partners with values in line with SOE Values and the APSC Strategic Plan, the program creates a dynamic platform for collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development. Image ![EiR Image](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-02/image_0.jpeg.webp?itok=MsSPlq18) ## **Objective** - **Enhance Industry-Academic Engagement:** Provide students with direct access to industry expertise and insights. - **Empower Future Engineers:** Equip students with both technical know-how and essential non-technical skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership). - **Drive Innovation and Relevance:** Strengthen the connection between the SOE curriculum and current engineering practices, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. - **Facilitate a Smooth Transition:** Support students in their journey from academia to industry by fostering robust relationships and practical learning experiences. ## **Program Description** The EiR Program provides relational-based opportunities, strengthening the synergy between classroom learning and industry practice. Through discussion sessions with experienced engineers, students gain: - **Dynamic Collaborations:** Engaging interactions that spark innovative ideas and foster interdisciplinary research. - **Leadership and Mentorship:** Guidance from industry pioneers and alumni to nurture a growth-based mindset. - **Technical and Professional Insights:** Direct exposure to current engineering challenges and best practices, enhancing both academic and professional growth. ## **Program Details** ### **Schedule** #### Date #### :Topic **Feb 5****th** Co-op/Internships **Feb 12****th** Effective Communication **March 5****th** Mock Pre-Screens/ Interview: Consulting **March 19****th** EDI + Allyship **April 2****nd** Mock Pre-Screens/ Interview: Mechanical Industrial Design **April 9****th** Preparing & transitioning into industry **April 30****th** Industry day to day activities: Industry Management ### **When** - **Pilot Launch:** September 2024 - **Session Frequency:** Two afternoons per month - Wednesdays from 11:00 am –1:00 pm ### **Who** ![Hexagon Agility Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2025-02/hexagon_agility_logo_pos_rgb_0.png.webp?itok=uYEJe-so) ### Marlo Armstrong, Design Engineer-EIT ![]()Image ![Marlo Armstrong](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-03/marlo.png.webp?itok=BU4REhl3) **Hi, I’m Marlo Armstrong, a Design Engineer-EIT.** I graduated with a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from UBC Okanagan in 2019 and have been working with Agility since March 25, 2020. I’m passionate about promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in engineering and actively contribute to initiatives that support underrepresented groups in the field. I’ve been involved in the UBCO mentorship program, Women in Engineering (WiE), and the Engineers-in-Residence (EiR) program, where I strive to support and inspire the next generation of engineers. ### Brad Lorette, Design Engineer-EIT ![]() **Hi, I'm Brad Lorette, a Design Engineer-EIT.** I am an Engineer in Training at Hexagon Agility who graduated from UBCO in May of 2023 with a B.A.Sc in Mechanical Engineering. During my time at UBCO, I was very grateful to work at the UBCO Makerspace, providing students with the environment, tools, and skills to bring their ideas to life. In volunteering as an EIR, my goal is to help the next generation of engineering students build confidence in themselves by providing them with perspective and insight into how best to build their networks and prepare for transitioning into industry. I believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive engineering profession is critical to ensuring that the systems and infrastructure that we build best fit the needs of the communities that we serve, and I hope that the EIR program can help us along that path. ### Jolana Glatter, Designn Engineer-EIT ![]()Image ![Jolana Glatter](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-03/jolana.png.webp?itok=PTHQrQRb) **Hi, I'm Jolana Glatter, a Test and Validation Engineer-EIT.** I graduated with a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from UBC Okanagan in May 2022 and have been working with Hexagon Agility since July 2022. My goal with the Engineers-in-Residence (EiR) program is to help future engineers become more comfortable with the transition into their career. My hope is that I can make you feel more confident in yourself by giving you some advice to entering the field. In the past I've worked with the Engineering Mentoring Program, and now Engineers-in-Residence. I look forward to chatting with you! ![RJC Engineers Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2025-02/rjc_engineers_cmyk.png.webp?itok=e3EmRjuQ) ### Deanna Perrin, Associate, Group Leader, P. Eng. Image ![Deanna Perrin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-03/deanna.png.webp?itok=5fN9SDZi) ![]() **Hi, I’m Deanna Perrin, an Associate and Group Leader at RJC.** I earned my BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2006 and joined RJC that same year. Since April 2016, I’ve been based in Kelowna, balancing my career with life as a busy mom of three. Beyond my work at RJC, I’ve been a sessional instructor at UBCO in 2018, 2019, and 2023. I’m deeply passionate about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in engineering and am committed to fostering the development of the next generation of engineers. ![Doppelmayr Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2025-03/doppelmayr_logo_vert_white-on-alpine-blue_digital.jpg.webp?itok=82fpuIi0) ### Mary Whitten, Project EIT, Mechanical Engineering Image ![Mary Whitten](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2025-03/mary.png.webp?itok=osu74YQY) ![]() **Hi, I’m Mary Whitten, a Project EIT currently working with Doppelmayr.** I graduated from UBC Okanagan in 2020 with a BASc in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science. During my degree, I completed 20 months of Co-op and spent a semester abroad at the University of Glasgow. Since June 2024, I’ve been with Doppelmayr Canada, managing ropeway design and installation across Western Canada. I bring four years of project management experience in building systems, construction, and fuel systems across North and South America, and Europe. I’m passionate about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in engineering and give back through mentorship and community involvement. I’ve completed CCDI’s inclusivity series and serve as a mentor through UBCO’s program. Outside of work, you’ll find me lifting, running, or exploring the outdoors with my dog, Reginald, and my girlfriend. ### **Where** **Location:** EME 1252 – Glass Study Room (1st Floor) [**BOOK NOW**](https://calendly.com/grant-topor-ubc/engineer-in-residence) Please Note: In support of equitable access, appointments may only be booked two weeks in advance. ## Why the EiR Program Matters The Engineer in Residence Program is more than an educational initiative—it’s a transformative journey that unites academia, industry, and student aspirations. By fostering close, hands-on collaborations, the program helps shape a brighter future for engineering education and paves the way for sustained industry innovation.