Aarushi, Schulich School of Engineering Student
Meet Aarushi: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student
When I was younger, my Saturdays were spent at the Olympic Oval, gliding across the ice in figure skating lessons. Now, more than 16 years later, my Saturdays look very different; I spend them leading Project90 meetings in the Engineering Building. Over the years, the University of Calgary campus has been the backdrop to so many meaningful chapters of my life: from competing in science fairs, to conducting research with Dr. Maryam Badv and Dr. Colin Dalton, to now shaping initiatives that impact communities both locally and abroad..jpg)
I’ve just begun my third year as a Chemical Engineering student with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development. Looking back, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the opportunities this university has given me to grow as both a student and a leader.
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Today, I have the privilege of serving as President of Project90. Leading this team has been one of the most rewarding roles of my life so far. Every week, I get to work alongside an extraordinary group of students who are united by a single vision: using engineering to make the world more just, accessible, and compassionate. From water systems in Costa Rica to adaptive devices here in Calgary, Project90 is proof that student leadership can create change far beyond the classroom.
In my first year, I dove into student life by joining several clubs, most notably the Engineering Students’ Society (ESS), where I served as a First-Year Representative. That role gave me the chance to meet students, connect with faculty, and contribute to building a stronger engineering community. I had the privilege of traveling across the country for conferences like the Conference on Diversity in Engineering at the University of Waterloo, the Canadian Engineering Leadership Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and executives’ meetings in Victoria, BC. These experiences expanded my perspective and inspired me to launch the Iron Pin Initiative, a tradition where first-year engineering students pledge to help build a resilient and inclusive community. One of my proudest memories that year was helping organize the First-Year Engineering Dinner, welcoming more than 300 students and faculty into a shared celebration of community. I even got to meet Dr. Robert Thirsk which was truly an incredible experience!
In my second year, I served as Vice-President Academic of the ESS, where I continued to advocate for students and strengthen ties with faculty. That year, I also joined Project90, a humanitarian engineering team, as co-project manager for the design of adaptive equipment for children with cerebral palsy. This experience showed me the power of engineering when directed toward human-centered impact. Around the same time, I joined Scholars Academy, where I found a community of peers who are both brilliant and kind—a constant source of inspiration..jpg)
The UCalgary campus has been a constant thread throughout my journey, from my childhood days at the Olympic Oval to my research, my leadership in the Engineering Students’ Society, and now my presidency with Project90. Each corner of this campus holds a memory of growth, challenge, and connection. From the mentors I have met to my closest friends, there are so many happy moments and stories to share, and I know that on campus I have experienced so many milestones that have shaped who I am becoming.
As I walk to class today, I am continually reminded of just how many beautiful memories this campus has given me and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to give back.