Q&A with Dhruv Patel

Mechatronic Systems Engineering allowed me to learn about all aspects of engineering and it was the best stream for me because of my interest in the field of surgical robotics.

Dhruv Patel

Third Year Mechatronics Systems Engineering and Biomedical Engineering

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Why Western Engineering?

Western Engineering was the best choice for me because it allowed me to pursue another engineering degree alongside one in Biomedical Engineering. I was really interested in this academic option because I hope to work in the fields of surgical robotics/neural engineering someday and having a knowledge base in a core engineering (e.g. Mechatronics Engineering) and Biomedical Engineering will greatly benefit me in my future career.

What do you do in your spare time?

As an engineering student, amongst all the classes, labs, tutorials, and extracurriculars, spare time can be hard to find but it is possible! When I do get some downtime, I love to read fiction books (more on that down below), play the violin, and go to the gym. Recently, I have also been spending some time decorating my room and desk with posters, plants, and anything that I like. This has been an extremely fun activity and has helped me de-stress after a long day of work.

What was your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?

I entered my first year of university in Fall 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, so my O-Week experience was much different from other years as a lot of the events were conducted virtually. Nonetheless, I was still able to meet lots of new people and build long-lasting relationships with my peers.

Why did you choose your specific stream of engineering?

I always knew that I wanted to pursue Biomedical Engineering, but it took me quite some time to decide the core engineering stream that I was going to take alongside BME in my concurrent degree. I chose Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) because I was interested in the software, mechanical, and electrical sides of engineering. MSE allowed me to learn about all these aspects of engineering and it was the best stream for me because of my interest in the field of surgical robotics.

What is your favourite book, movie or TV show?

(This has always been my favourite question to answer!). I don’t have a favourite book but hands-down, my MOST FAVOURITE book series by is: The Dark Tower series by Stephen King (the author of the book which inspired the movie IT). This book series is so interesting because it has elements of horror, sci-fi, adventure, action, and fantasy and it is at the centre of all of Stephen King’s work, meaning it has references from a lot of his other books. I would highly recommend checking it out!

Who do you look up to/admire and why?

My mom and my dad are my two biggest role models. From my childhood up till now, they have both set an example for the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. Their determination, perseverance, loving nature, and strong work ethic is what I strive to gain every single day. They continue to motivate me and push me to give my best in all my endeavours and I am very grateful to them for helping me be where I am today.