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BY
HEATHER FRANZ
Public Relations Coordinator
Paul Schnitzler, P.Eng., has been an APEGGA member for
12 years. He received a diploma in civil engineering technology
from Lethbridge Community College and a bachelor of science
in civil engineering from the University of Calgary. Paul
has previously worked as a traffic assessment coordinator
and traffic signals engineer. He is currently employed as
a development engineer with the City of Calgary.
Paul has been volunteering with the Outreach program for
six years. His favourite type of Outreach presentation is
air and aerodynamics. In addition, he currently volunteers
on the Practice Standards Committee.
Why do you volunteer with APEGGA?
APEGGA has an established and well-organized student Outreach
program. It is through my volunteer work in this program that
I can fulfill my passion to teach math, science and engineering
to the school-aged, through group interaction and hands-on
learning, while at the same time assisting APEGGA in its mandate
to promote the profession.
Do you recall a particularly memorable volunteer experience?
During one school visit I had a Grade 9 class construct cantilever
box trusses out of matchsticks (heads removed). Several groups
of three were formed and each group's goal was to design and
construct the truss to withstand the greatest load with the
least amount of material. The competition generated a lot
of excitement especially during the testing phase. It was
nice to see a group of girls win overall.
What made you decide to become and engineer?
As a kid growing up I was always fascinated with the great
man-made structures of the world, particularly buildings and
bridges. One particular event that made an impact on my career
direction was following the construction of the World Trade
Center towers in New York. Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge was
also a great inspiration.
Is there a person who has been helpful in your development
as a professional?
My father was the first to put the idea in my head when I
was around 11 or 12. He would say that I would be missing
my calling if I didn't pursue a career in engineering. My
dad knew I spent a great deal of my time building things,
sketching and designing. Figuring that I had some talent,
my younger brothers would always second me to the sandbox
to construct their cities and freeways for them. I always
managed to deliver and their sandbox was the envy of the neighbourhood!
What are your other hobbies and activities?
Spending quiet time and just talking with my wife, Elizabeth.
Going for long afternoon walks. Playing with our two boys,
Matthew and James. (No, we don't have a sandbox!) I also enjoy
playing hockey, cycling, fishing and home improvements.
What are your favourite movie and book?
Favourite Movie: A tie - A Beautiful Life and Schindler's
List.
Favourite Book: The RAMA series by Arthur C. Clarke
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would
you go?
I would like to visit Australia some day with my family. My
wife and I have travelled extensively since we were married
in 1987. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have traveled
to Egypt and the Holy Land when travel there was safer.
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