What year did you graduate and what program?

I graduated in December 2022 with a diploma in Computer Programming and Analysis.

What led you to want to go to Niagara College in the first place?

I had heard great things about Niagara College from family who live in the area. They spoke highly of the program and the campus. Plus, it was close to where I was planning to live at the time, so it felt like a good fit both academically and personally. 

When did you work with Research and Innovation? Years and what was your role?

I worked with Research and Innovation from April 2022 until December 2022 as a Computer Programming Research Assistant. During that time, I got hands-on experience working on real-world projects, which helped me a lot in shaping my technical skills and understanding how to apply them in practical settings.

Describe where you’re at now in your life / career. What are you up to?

Right now, I’m working as a Project Coordinator for Connectivity Solutions, a company that specializes in data cabling and IT services. I’m focused on managing projects and making sure everything runs smoothly. I’m really enjoying the challenge and learning more about how to bring IT and project management together. I’m also looking forward to growing further in this space and eventually combining my tech and programming background with more project management work.

How has your experience with Research and Innovation helped prepare for the workforce?

My time with Research and Innovation was a great start for my career. It wasn’t just about coding but also about working with diverse teams, problem-solving, and learning from experts who were doing this stuff every day. That exposure helped me build confidence and gave me the experience needed to hit the ground running when I entered the workforce.

A memorable applied research project during your time at R&I?

One of the most memorable projects I worked on was building a customer interface for SoilOptix. I had to start from scratch, and it was a big learning experience for me. I used their APIs to create a user-friendly interface for clients, working with React on the front end and FastAPI for the back end. It really tested my skills, but it has been really rewarding to see something I built continue to grow and be built upon by my colleagues after my graduation. 

Do have any special memories during your time as a student at NC?

I had a lot of great experiences at Niagara College. The learning environment was really supportive, and I made some solid connections with professors and classmates. What I remember the most is the camaraderie—everyone was always willing to help and share their knowledge. It made learning that much more enjoyable and motivating.

Do you have a mentor who influenced you?

I’ve been lucky to have several mentors along the way. People like Kimberly Cathline, Mike Duncan, Paula Reile and Carolyn Mullin had a huge impact on me. They gave me guidance on everything from project management to personal growth, and their advice continues to influence the way I approach my work today. They’ve definitely shaped me both as a professional and as a person.

What advice would you give to a current student?

Start gaining experience as early as you can. The IT field is competitive, and it’s important to build up your portfolio with real projects. Whether it’s personal work, internships, or contributions to open-source platforms, every bit of experience helps. Dedicate time to building something that showcases your skills—that will set you apart when you start applying for jobs.

Since graduating, what have you learned? Are there specific examples from jobs you’ve done since that you want to share?

Since graduating, I’ve learned how important it is to adapt and continuously grow, no matter what field you’re in. Even though I’m working as a Project Coordinator, I’ve found ways to use my programming skills to improve processes. For example, I helped my company implement project management software and streamline workflows, which allowed us to go paperless in just two months. My background in programming has been super helpful for automating tasks and handling data more efficiently.

What do you do in your personal time?

I’m a bit of a homebody, but I love spending time with my family. We’re big on hiking, and we try to explore new trails in Ontario whenever we get the chance. The province has a lot of hidden gems, and every summer weekend we try to find a new spot to enjoy the scenery and unwind from the week. 

Proudest achievement since graduating?

I would say one of my proudest achievements since graduating has been landing my first job. It took a bit of time, but it was a huge milestone for me. I also built my programming portfolio, and one of the projects I’m most proud of was creating an inventory management system using the Django framework.

If you could have a billboard message seen by many, what would it say?

God is real. He loves you and He always listens, even when you think He doesn’t. 

What TV show are you bingeing right now?

Right now, I’m watching Three-Body Problem. I’m a huge fan of sci-fi, and this one has been keeping me hooked.