Rushda Khan

Software Engineering Student and Women for STEM Award Recipient

Rushda's fascination with STEM education comes from her curious nature. "It's hard to pinpoint exactly where my interest in STEM originated, simply because I was always inquisitive," she reflects. As a child, she loved to dismantle objects, eager to understand their inner workings. "I loved stimulation that would take my mind for a spin, such as brain teasers and complex puzzles, especially ones that involved math and logic." This passion evolved during a high school computer science class, where she discovered her love of coding, particularly creating graphical user interfaces with Java. Her curiosity led her to Engineering Outreach programs, which solidified her path in STEM and allowed her interests to flourish.

Participating in the Women for STEM program transformed Rushda’s educational journey. “Growing up, I didn’t believe I could make a difference in STEM.” The program connected her with women who understood her experiences, instilling bravery and a relentless desire for exploration. "Learning about Women for STEM when applying to Ontario Tech was one of the driving factors that gave me the mental courage and financial assurance to study engineering.". The mentorship reassured her during her transition to university, helping her build a supportive community.

As Rushda continues her studies and approaches graduation, her perspective of her future has evolved. “I’ve had moments of uncertainty about the future, but this experience has been transformative in shaping how I envision my career. It’s not just about the financial assistance, though that has been incredibly helpful,” she noted. The mentorship and support from her peers have built her confidence in her skills, broadening her view of potential career paths and leadership opportunities. “I now feel empowered to pursue opportunities where I can make a meaningful contribution in STEM.”

Looking ahead, Rushda is excited to embark on her career as a software engineer. “From a young age, my career goals have been clear: to create, inspire, and help the world.” Collaborating with diverse teams will allow her to expand her expertise and explore different industries. “I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to real-world challenges. I look forward to working on innovative projects that can have a meaningful impact on people’s lives, whether through improving technology or developing solutions that make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.” Rushda aims to push tech boundaries, leveraging creativity and problem-solving to make a lasting impact.