Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.  

My name is Becca Gignac, and I am currently completing Grade 10 at Archbishop Jordan High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. I am passionate about sketching, listening to music, and exploring new places. My love for travel has taken me across Canada and to various parts of Mexico and Central/South America, allowing me to appreciate diverse cultures and environments. I’m also an accredited Open Water Scuba Diver, which has deepened my appreciation for the ocean and marine life. I live with my family and my cat, Bailey. This July, I’m thrilled to be spending a month in Halifax through the Shad Canada program—an opportunity I’m especially excited about because of my love for seafood, coastal culture, and trying new things. 

Q: Why do you want to participate in the Shad program/What are you most looking forward to?  

I’m looking forward to experiencing university life by living in residence and immersing myself in the Shad community. I’ve always been curious about life on the East Coast, especially its culture, people, and food. I briefly visited the Maritimes in the past and knew I wanted to return to explore it more deeply. Being from the Prairies, I’m excited to be surrounded by the ocean and try new activities. I see Shad as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step outside my comfort zone, grow both personally and academically, and be inspired by new perspectives. 

Q: What motivates or sparks your curiosity in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?  

Math and Science have become my favourite subjects at school, but it wasn’t always that way. When I was younger, I struggled with math because I didn’t connect with the way it was being taught. Over time, with persistence and the right support, I began to understand it—and now it’s my highest mark. That experience taught me the importance of not giving up, and it opened my eyes to the many opportunities that STEAM fields can offer. I’m drawn to hands-on problem-solving and the idea of using knowledge to create real-world solutions. Through Shad, I hope to explore innovative approaches to science and technology and learn new skills that will support my future career goals. 

Q: How do you envision your future? 

I am currently interested in pursuing a career in Power Engineering, particularly within the Oil and Gas industry. As someone who values diversity and innovation, I want to contribute to a field that is evolving. I see myself as someone who can bring a fresh perspective and help promote inclusion in traditionally male-dominated sectors. I believe that programs like Shad can offer me new insights into engineering, helping me to better understand how I can make an impact in the future.