Brandon English
Fourth-year Computer Engineering student
Tell us a bit about yourself and your current role in Mac Eng:
I’m entering Level IV of Computer Engineering co-op and currently serve as the East Canada Zone Chairperson on the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region I Executive Board (REB), where I assist NSBE chapters in developing programming and fostering collaboration among Black engineering students across Eastern Canada. My most recent internship had me in the U.S. as a Human Interface Devices (HID) Quality Engineering (QE) intern at Apple.
In my time as a NBSE McMaster executive, I actively volunteered for and planned events targeted at our membership and pre-collegiate communities, a few of which were Black @ Mac Eng events! I’ve had the privilege of working with extremely talented Faculty of Engineering staff like Jodi-Anne Buckley and Sarah Alizerig. Further, my diverse roles allowed me to collaborate with adjacent community figureheads who share NSBE’s mission, like Aaron Parry in the Faculty of Science, and a plethora of Hamilton based non-profit organizations.
What advice do you have for Black students thinking of pursuing engineering?
Firstly, I want to say I’m proud of whomever is reading this as you’re already doing a better job than I was when I began to consider engineering as an option for me. Refusing to remain in your comfort zone and seeking out resources to help yourself is a form of risk. The imagery that we see in relation to engineering and STEM education in general, is seldom a reflection of ourselves — choosing to step into this space of unfamiliarity takes courage, and you should own it! Announce it to your friends, family, your peers. I promise they’ll be prouder than I am.
My advice: Embrace your passions and interests despite the unfamiliar journey you will soon embark on, as they can serve as powerful motivators in shaping your academic and career choices. Staying true to yourself is the ultimate service you could do for anyone, as we have no need to change who we are to fit into an idea of what an engineer ‘should be’ or ‘looks like’.
Engage actively in clubs and teams that align with your goals and visions, as they provide unequivocal experiences and networks that will make your journey worthwhile. Stay determined, seek mentorship and never shy away from exploring the unknown. Should you ever feel lost, there is always a home in one of McMaster’s many BIPOC groups where you will be accepted and embraced by a community of people just like you.
Can you share an experience where you felt particularly supported or included within the McMaster community?
I’ve had plenty of moments of fun and camaraderie (surviving through an exam season will make you best friends with your peers), but a moment that stands out as very memorable to me was the ‘Healthy Relationships in the Black Community’ event hosted by McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre (BSSC). On the speaker’s panel we had some members from the Shining LIGHTE Youth Charity, and the BSSC’s very own Black Student Wellness Counsellor.
Feeling ‘othered’ is a common feeling among engineering students, especially Black engineering students. Though I have reaped many benefits possible by BSSC, and love the students and staff involved, it was still easy for me to feel out of place when gathered among others in the lounge. The event changed that for me, and in fact, gave me a platform to voice my feelings about it. And I was applauded for doing so, leaving with a warm feeling in my heart as we could healthily share our views in a safe space. Often, we come up with exclusionary thoughts in our heads that are flat out untrue. Even if unfamiliar for you at first, you have a home at Mac.
Why does representation matter in engineering and at McMaster?
Representation in engineering and at McMaster matters because it shows the importance of diverse practitioners in the field and the importance of individuals in society. Historically, representation issues in engineering exist due to disparities in class; Indigenous people, women, Black people, etc. have significant accessibility barriers due to various systemic factors, making it difficult to pursue engineering education (which costs a pretty penny)!
I believe it to be no coincidence that in the last century or so, we have seen technological advancements like no other in engineering that have shifted the course of history, along with an extreme increase in representation of diverse groups in the field. Diversity introduces perspectives and experiences that no other person or group can introduce to the playing field, and it has a direct cause and effect on product innovation. It’s our job to make sure that what we bring into the world has a way to work for everyone. And at McMaster, I believe we’re always reminded to hold that goal very close to heart, that’s why some of the best innovators and entrepreneurs are produced here.
What initiatives or resources at McMaster have you found helpful in supporting your journey?
NSBE and the BSSC, bar none. In my first year, I had to pay all school related expenses on my own, and NSBE introduced me to a job opportunity that, without it, I’m unsure if I would be where I am today. I highly encourage you to do your exploring and go to events. When I had questions surrounding my internships, the helpful staff at the Centre for Career Growth and Experience also enabled me to make confident and informed decisions.