Siu-Kae Yeong / Arts & Engineering Co-op Student

www.apsc.ubc.ca/news/releases/99_may03.html

Innovation changes the way we think about different disciplines.

A love of English and Engineering are not mutually exclusive. Siu-Kae Yeong, one of seven students enrolled in the brand new combined Bachelor of Arts and Applied Science (Engineering) degree program at UBC, is proof positive. She's as comfortable sitting down to write a screen play as she is tackling a complex calculus equation. "I find the two disciplines complement one another," says Yeong. And employers seem to agree. Yeong's most recent co-op placement took her to Burnaby-based CreoScitex, where they utilized her scientific understanding to document research as a technical writer. By working with both the company's writers and researchers, not only was she able to convey complex information effectively, she also helped to ensure that research was not being duplicated.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Writing is a way for me to express my creative ideas and provoke thought. I believe that our ideas can make people question things.

What attracted you to the combined degree program?

Engineering is about technology and how things work, while English is about emotions and the study of characters. I find this combination both fascinating and stimulating. So, it's the perfect undergraduate experience for me!

How do you define success?

When you change or grow for the better.

What's your favorite activity?

It's difficult to pinpoint just one activity. I enjoy painting, cooking, sewing, playing tennis and going for long walks at the beach.

Any advice for future innovators?

Don't compromise your passions. I've seen too many people do what they think they should be doing, instead of what they love to be doing.

Credo:

It's important to remember that you can learn something from everyone you meet.