Vanessa Hoang receives the prestigious Gold Medal award for 2024.
Credit: Harry Choi
Awarded to each faculty’s top-performing student, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) is excited to announce Vanessa Hoang from electrical engineering as the 2024 FEAS Gold Medal recipient.
Creatively minded and passionate about using engineering to better the world, Hoang shined throughout her undergraduate studies as she applied classroom theory to real-world projects. Her scholarly, research, and creative contributions led her to receive over 13 scholarships and awards, including the Stalin Boctor Circuits Award, the Savitri & Anju Virmani Scholarship for Women in STEM, and the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education Scholarship in Engineering.
We asked Hoang about her journey, from working on research alongside professors to the Gold Medal and beyond!
What are your favourite experiences from your time at TMU?
One of my favourite experiences has been working at TMU’s Sustainability Office alongside my supervisors, Sharmilla Raj and Stephanie MacPhee. Having the opportunity to participate in various sustainability initiatives for the campus community was incredibly rewarding.
I also thoroughly enjoyed working on the Capstone Design Project in my fourth year, as it has provided me with many good memories with my teammates and allowed me to apply my engineering knowledge to create a tangible product.
Hoang and her Capstone teammates designed and 3D printed a multifunctional robotic cat capable of walking, climbing stairs, smelling, detecting objects, balancing after falls, and responding to voice commands!
What did you take away from the research assistant positions and internships you held during your time at TMU?
Those experiences have been invaluable in shaping me as an engineer. I have had the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge and improve my technical and soft skills. They have emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a professional environment. Having internships and research positions across a diverse range of fields has also allowed me to work with mentors who have provided insights into various career paths. I feel that all of these experiences have provided me with confidence for my future career endeavours.
Hoang with her peers from the 2023 Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), along with Roslyn Bern, president of the Leacross Foundation.
What does receiving the FEAS Gold Medal award mean to you?
Receiving the Gold Medal has been incredibly meaningful to me, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to be recognized for my academic achievements and community involvement at TMU. I am so thankful to my friends, colleagues, and professors for their support during my undergraduate journey.
As a woman in engineering, I am aware of the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields due to the male-dominated environment. This award not only highlights my dedication to academic excellence and strong work ethic over the past five years but it also shows the capabilities of myself and other women alongside our male peers.
At this year’s convocation, Hoang received the prestigious Gold Medal award for FEAS!
Credit - Harry Choi.
Where do you hope your journey takes you next after graduation?
In September, I will be starting a career in technology consulting, as I am interested in bridging the gap between technological advancements and business needs. In the future, I plan to pursue an MBA or MSc in electrical and computer engineering to further enhance my understanding of the field. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that life takes me!
Who helped you along your undergraduate journey?
I am immensely grateful for the many professors and staff members who have supported me during my time at TMU:
- Dr. Eno Hysi (external link) (external link) , my previous supervisor, was an amazing mentor while I was a research assistant at the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) at St. Michael’s Hospital. Working in his lab was a highlight of my fourth year, as it allowed me to appreciate working in biomedical research with an electrical engineering background.
- Dr. Reza Arani, my current lab supervisor and professor for electrical engineering courses ELE 637 and ELE 746, was truly impactful during my undergraduate degree. His engaging lectures and support in the power system courses have inspired me and many other students in the electrical engineering program.