Ella Johnson

Biography

"Using the intersection of engineering and business to create change and advocate."

As a first-generation student in a single-parent household, education has always been of the utmost importance to me. I was inspired to go into engineering after engineering was described to me as a bridge between the theoretical and the tangible; As the meeting between what you can do with math and what math can do for you. I have been drawn towards engineering since.

I'm interested in why both social and physical systems work and how they can be improved. I decided to take business along with engineering to diversify my time at university and to learn how businesses can improve social systems. I plan to use my degrees to improve the lives of individuals who haven’t had access to equitable opportunities because of systemic barriers through projects and free programs.

On campus, I'm involved with the Engineering Students' Society and Diversity Advocacy Committee. I support the society with events, represent all engineering students, and communicate with businesses to secure funding. I was involved on the Diversity Advocacy Committee as Co-Chair, where I led a team and created events to celebrate diversity.

Outside of academics, I'm passionate about music and community involvement. I've dedicated over a decade of my life to learning piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music. For five years I have participated in my local Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron. When I'm not on campus or studying, you can find me practicing piano, teaching piano, tutoring, or trying to work on my moped.

 

Awards

• Generation Google Scholarship (2021)
• Seymour Schulich Community Service Entrance Award (2021)
• Diversity Champions in Engineering Award (2021)
• Loblaws Scholarship (2021)
• Alexander Rutherford Award (2021)