Lydia Smith

Undergraduate Scholar

Profile

Published April 2022

Briefly describe yourself

I am a Fourth Year Electrical Engineering student doing a minor in Power Engineering. I grew up in Wellington and moved down to Christchurch to attend the University of Canterbury. In my spare time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee.

Why did you choose UC?

The University of Canterbury School of Engineering has a strong reputation for being one of the best Universities to study engineering.

Why Engineering?

In high school, I had an aptitude for STEM subjects. Engineering felt like a natural choice and enables me to improve the lives of everyday New Zealanders.

How you have benefited from the Aruhiko Power Engineering Excellence Trust (PEET) Scholarship?

The Trust has enabled me to form connections within the power industry and provided mentorship.

How would you like to contribute to the electricity industry after completing your studies?

I intend to work in the New Zealand power industry. I want to contribute to New Zealand’s shift to a completely renewable energy system.

What advice would you give students thinking about studying engineering?

University is a lot more independent than high school. This means you need to be self-motivated and able to manage your time. But it also means that if you find the right balance, it can be a lot more enjoyable than high school.

What have been your highlights at UC so far?

The practical experiences from the EPECentre field trip and the High Voltage Lab have been invaluable. It is also highly enjoyable when you finally solve a problem that gets a project working.