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By BRONWEN STREMBISKI
Public Relations Coordinator
Terri Steeves, P.Eng., has been an APEGGA member
for more than 12 years. She originally joined as a student
member, serving both the student liaison and the Outreach
committes. Ms Steeves graduated from the University of Calgary
with a B.Sc. in electrical engineering. She is now a professional
member, working for TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. Her dream job
is to be a project manager on a large cogeneration project.
Even with her many outside hobbies - triathlon, running, backpacking,
golf, cross-country skiing - Terri still finds the time to
volunteer for APEGGA initiatives. Volunteering is a way for
Terri to give something back to the professions and help them
continue to grow.
Can you recall a particularly
memorable volunteer experience?
All of my fondest memories as a volunteer come as an Outreach
presenter to young school children. Either being asked how
much money I made and what kind of car I drive or being corrected
on a scientific principle by an eight-year-old. Doing classroom
presentations was always a lot of fun and gave me as much
as I think I gave the kids.
What made you decide to become
an engineer?
In high school I was very good at math and physics. It sounded
like engineering to me. My dad is an electrical engineer (retired
life member of APEGGA), so I knew what an engineer was and
what they might do for a living. At 16 years old, I thought
I'd give it a try and if I didn't like it, I could always
do something else.
Is there a person who has been
helpful in your development as a professional?
Janet Currie, P.Eng., (TransCanada) formed a "girls"
lunch group when I was a young engineer. The group brought
together younger junior and more senior female engineers within
the company (NOVA). I felt supported and saw examples, in
other women, of where I could go to in my career.
As an engineer, how do you contribute
to APEGGA?
As a responsible professional, looking out for public safety.
As a volunteer, encouraging others to join the profession
(Outreach) or showing others the remarkable work done by the
professions (Summit Awards®).
What do you think the next hot
trend/subject/discipline will be in engineering?
I think engineers will continue to grow in the area of environmental
engineering, with all disciplines looking at the impact of
what they do or design on the environment and the future of
our planet.
What high-tech product could you
not live without and why?
My HP Jornada 548 (electronic personal planner). My whole
life is in there and then some.
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