Maggie Chong
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
In my fourth year of undergraduate studies, I worked on a project with the Canadian National Nuclear Laboratory to numerically simulate small punch tests, which sparked my interest in understanding the "why" behind the engineering work I was doing. I became particularly drawn to composites engineering after taking an aerospace materials course taught by my current supervisor, where I was introduced to advanced aerospace materials. This combination of these experiences inspired me to continue my studies at the graduate level.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Growing up in Vancouver, I often heard about UBC from friends and family, and it quickly became a university I admired. During high school, I attended several Girls in Engineering workshops hosted by the Faculty of Applied Science and Women in Engineering where we got to tour research facilities and attend lectures, which left a lasting impression on me. Meeting passionate students and learning about UBC’s strong research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences through lab courses helped solidify my decision to study here. What attracted me to the undergraduate program was the diverse expertise within the Department of Materials Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to learn from professors across a variety of sub-disciplines, from hydrometallurgy to biomaterials.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Having enjoyed my undergraduate studies within the Department of Materials Engineering and realizing there was so much more to explore, it felt easy to make the decision to stay on. The department’s supportive environment, numerous scholarship opportunities and ongoing research collaborations with other leading universities were also major draws. It felt like the perfect place to continue growing academically and professionally, while remaining part of a tight-knit community.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Definitely the food! Vancouver is a very diverse city, which means you can find authentic cuisine from all around the world. Whether you’re craving a burger, pho or sushi, they can be found on the same street with an option for every palate and budget. There are so many restaurants around that it’s impossible to get bored.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
The aspect I enjoy most about my graduate program is the opportunity to attend conferences and connect with students and researchers from around the world. So far, I’ve had the chance to attend both international (SAMPE 2024) and domestic (CANCOM 2024) conferences, with more planned for the future. These experiences allow me to engage with new ideas in composites engineering and share my own research with a wider audience. It's incredibly rewarding to engage in discussions about projects I'm passionate about while also building a professional network that bridges both industry and academia.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my future career is addressing complex, interdisciplinary problems. The National Academy of Engineering has identified 14 grand challenges, many of which go beyond just technical expertise requiring collaboration with different professionals and experts on a variety of topics. To effectively contribute, engineers today need to combine technical skills with leadership, strong communication and a global perspective. Balancing the need for depth in a specialized field while developing these broader skills will be crucial as I move forward in my career.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
As a master’s-PhD fast-track student, my program has provided a strong foundation for tackling future challenges. I had the opportunity to take courses in conjunction with other departments in and out of Materials Engineering This interdisciplinary exposure has broadened my perspective and allowed me to see how engineering solutions often require collaboration across multiple fields. Many of these classes involved group projects with students from different countries, offering a global perspective and reinforcing the importance of strong communication and teamwork.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
One of the key experiences that prepared me for my UBC graduate program was helping to create UBC Volcan in 2020, with support from the Materials Engineering Department. This team allows undergraduate students to hand-forge artisanal blades while developing practical skills in metallurgical characterization, mechanical testing and technical writing. I also pursued an original research question on the chemical composition and mechanical properties of professional fencing blades. Through this, and by taking on various leadership roles, I gained experience in the scientific method and project management — both of which are immediately applicable to graduate school.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I fence foil with the UBC Fencing Club. I love how fencing feels like a physical game of chess — it's a great workout for both the mind and body. I always look forward to local tournaments where I can test out new strategies and skills. When I’m not fencing, I enjoy hiking Vancouver’s beautiful mountains and soaking in the fresh forest air.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
The transition from undergraduate to graduate studies can be steep. I found the sudden intellectual freedom to explore large engineering questions on my own a bit daunting. However, my research group has a strong collaborative and can-do spirit. We exchange ideas and solutions daily, creating a great culture for conducting research. It is important to be disciplined and critical of your work, but having a laugh and some fun along the way is equally important.
