Skip to main content
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Brightspace Email
University
of Victoria
Apply Library A-Z Find a person Maps
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Female-identifying UVic students aim to revolutionize sustainable energy consumption through partnership with Schneider Electric

June 05, 2024

The Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST) student group within UVic’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) has again partnered with Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, on the Schneider Electric Energy Education Project (SEEE)  which aims to revolutionize sustainable energy consumption by engineering innovative solutions to real-world issues.

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, eight teams of female-identifying students, including high school and engineering and computer science undergraduates, pitched their best design ideas to a panel of industry professionals and university representatives. The challenge was to address a complex problem—How can Schneider Electric evolve its hardware and software products to help educate users on how to manage their energy to find savings opportunities and to use energy sustainably?

"The project itself was engaging and allowed me to apply my skills in a real-world setting. I’m grateful for the experience and I would highly recommend WEST to anyone looking to gain practical experience," said Livia de Azevedo Fernandes, a second year Computer Science and Psychology student.

Program Coordinators at WEST, Kariman Hamad and Harshi Mistry, alongside the rest of the WEST executive team, collaborated with the Victoria branch of Schneider Electric to run the SEEE Project. WEST aims to support and provide professional opportunities for women in STEM --science, technology, engineering, and math. 29 participants took part in this initiative, compared to 11 participants in the previous project, aimed at empowering the next generation of female-identifying individuals in STEM.

By engaging participants in impactful design projects, WEST seeks to encourage women to pursue STEM careers from high school to university.

“Because of all the mentorship and guidance provided by Schneider Electric, as project coordinators we got to develop our project management, research, public speaking, and networking skills as well as energy management and sustainability,“ said Kariman Hamad, a second year Computer Science  student.

“We are sincerely appreciative of Schneider Electric’s unwavering commitment to supporting WEST and their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Their professional expertise and constructive feedback have been instrumental in helping our 29 participants achieve their goals and develop their skills,” said Harshi Mistry, a second year Computer Science and Mathematics student.

The showcase marked the culmination of extensive research and practical learning over several months. The student teams were tasked with a 12-week challenge to innovate hardware and software products, assuming that users have internet-connected devices and are open to adjusting their energy consumption habits. These products aimed to educate users about energy consumption and provide practical strategies for managing and reducing energy usage, ultimately promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing overall consumption.

In addition to providing the real-world challenge and assigning 14 mentors to offer feedback on the proposals, Schneider Electric arranged a site visit, offering participants a firsthand experience of a professional workspace and what it’s like to work for Schneider Electric.

This not only showcased the company's dedication to fostering innovation but also highlighted its investment in the growth and development of future industry leaders, emphasizing Schneider Electric's position as a leader and an advocate for the next generation of professionals in the field.

“The WEST Project exemplifies our commitment to diversity and innovation. By bringing together talented female students, we’re fostering a community where creativity flourishes, and future leaders emerge. Schneider Electric is proud to invest in these bright minds and contribute to a sustainable future,” said Vivian Wang, ESXP SW & Solution Expert Support Specialist with Schneider Electric.

This marks the second collaboration between Schneider Electric and WEST, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to fostering engineering talent and empowering young women in STEM fields. Together, they are dedicated to driving positive change and breaking barriers in the STEM landscape.