Meet the 2024 ENGAP Graduates
The Engineering Access Program is pleased to announce the seven students graduating from their program in 2024. These outstanding individuals have shown their determination and passion to succeed in engineering and we couldn’t be more proud! Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes on your career journey.
Jovanna Desjarlais – is First Nations from Norway House, Manitoba who graduated from Maples Collegiate. Jovanna is a creative problem solver graduating from Electrical Engineering with a Power & Energy Systems focus. Jovanna is deeply passionate about environmental issues, particularly in the realms of cleaner water, sustainable energy and effective waste disposal. Additionally, she holds a strong interest in space exploration. Jovanna has been described as “an inspiration as she continues to pursue opportunities for her future. Her intelligence, tenacity and ambition are evidence of the important role she plays in being a positive role model for young Indigenous women both locally and globally”.
Autumn Garnham – a Métis student originally from Northern British Columbia, achieved her graduation from Portage Collegiate. She displayed resilience in a male-dominated sport, dedicating most of her time to hockey, both on the road and on the ice. This commitment led her to earn a hockey and academic scholarship at the University of Toronto (U of T). Besides playing for U of T, Autumn has actively participated in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships with Team Manitoba. Autumn holds a Bachelor of Science (General) and is currently in the process of completing her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She is presently employed at Urban Systems.
Ryan Ketchum – a First Nations individual from Rat Portage, Ontario, graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School. He is currently completing his degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Physics. Beyond his academic achievements, Ryan is a talented musician, showcasing his skills in classical guitar and versed in French, German and Russian languages. In the summer of 2023, he worked as an Assistant Project Manager for Public Services and Procurement Canada, following a role as a General Researcher on transmission lines for the Price Faculty of Engineering in 2022. Ryan is excited to pursue a career path in project management or electrical engineering.
RJ Oolooyuk – hailing from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, RJ is the first Inuk ENGAP graduate and has a unique journey. Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, he served as an apprentice mechanic with Toromont Cat. Engaging in and organizing cross-country racing were among RJ’s pursuits before his UM venture. He holds a Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic and has successfully completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, RJ is employed as a Technical Services Coordinator with Parks Canada. His aspiration is to inspire fellow Inuit to pursue engineering degrees.
Matthew Pitura – grew up in a home with renewable energy technology, where his closest neighbours were moose, wolves and lynx. In high school, he earned the Science North Award for the highest average in grade 12 science courses, and numerous team sports awards. Throughout his tenure at the University of Manitoba, Matthew received several scholarships, including the UM Queen Elizabeth II Entrance Scholarship (President’s Scholar), Fairfax Award, and the Faculty of Engineering Centenary Scholarship. Matthew is a Métis student who is set to graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He aspires to eventually establish his own engineering firm.
Kortney Rogers – grew up in a community East of Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from a French Immersion high school. Kortney is a Métis student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Thermofluids with the Co-op option. She hopes to encourage and inspire the participation of women in STEM fields and advocate for diversity in the workplace. Kortney envisions contributing to the field in impactful ways, using her passion for innovation and helping others.
Skylar Trudeau – a Métis student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduated from Windsor Park Collegiate, where he actively participated in volleyball, ultimate frisbee and rugby. Currently completing his degree in Computer Engineering, Skylar has a passion for creating things, exploring how they work and is an enthusiast in 3D printing. Having worked with the National Research Council of Canada in the Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, Skylar brings valuable experience to the field. Eager to contribute, he is motivated to innovate and create technologies that are both new and exciting.