AV俱乐部

From a small-town classroom in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Jami McDowell鈥檚 journey into STEM is one shaped by inspiration, resilience, and a deep desire to make a difference.

A graduate of Pictou Academy, McDowell is now a second-year Electrical Engineering student and co-president of the Engineering Society at AV俱乐部 Faculty of Agriculture. She is also a proud recipient of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship, valued at $120,000.

Interestingly, engineering wasn鈥檛 always the plan. 鈥淚 had thought I was going to go into creative writing,鈥� McDowell says. That changed in Grades 11 and 12, when a biology teacher encouraged her to think differently and embrace innovation. Drawn to its versatility and hands-on nature, she chose engineering鈥攁 decision that would shape her future.

Receiving the Schulich Scholarship marked a defining moment. 鈥淚 was home from school when I got the call, and my mom happened to be home too鈥攚hich never happens,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淚 was screaming and crying, and once I told her, she started crying too.鈥� Beyond recognition, the scholarship has provided her with the freedom to focus on leadership and community involvement鈥攕omething she has embraced fully.

Coming from a small town, the transition to university life was a concern. 鈥淭he most people I ever had in a class was 20,鈥� she explains. Choosing the Agricultural Campus in Truro offered a supportive and close-knit environment. 鈥淭he community is extremely welcoming. The campus pride is energizing and infectious.鈥�

That sense of community has fueled McDowell鈥檚 leadership journey. She began as a first-year representative for the Dal AC Engineering and Integrated Environmental Management Society and now serves as co-president. In this role, she has prioritized creating a safe and inclusive space for students. Her involvement has extended beyond campus as well鈥攁ttending conferences across Canada, representing the Faculty at major events, and contributing to the Atlantic Council of Engineering Students.

鈥淐reating a safe and welcoming space for all students was my main priority as co-president this year, and I truly believe I accomplished it. I hope the next cohort of students will find as much comfort in the Engineering society as I did,鈥� she added.

Her accomplishments also include being selected for a competitive design team in her first year, where her team placed first regionally and second nationally鈥攁 testament to her collaborative and innovative mindset.

Looking ahead, McDowell plans to pursue her third year of Electrical Engineering on the Sexton Campus, alongside a certificate in Biomedical Engineering. Her career aspirations are deeply personal. Having witnessed the impact of neurological conditions firsthand鈥攊ncluding a classmate who passed away due to complications of epilepsy鈥攕he is driven to develop technologies that support individuals experiencing seizures.

鈥淚 want to make an impact in biomedical engineering,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 want to create technologies that can improve lives.鈥�

As she continues her journey, McDowell hopes her influence will leave a lasting mark on the engineering community. 鈥淚 hope the society continues to thrive and that future students feel the same sense of belonging that I did.鈥�

For National Engineering Month, Jami McDowell exemplifies what it means to be an engineer: innovative, community-driven, and committed to using knowledge to make a meaningful difference.