Alumni spotlight
Meet "Professor E," a Top 40 Under 40 for 2019
Emily Marasco is a three-time alumna of the Schulich School of Engineering and is in Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2019. She completed her PhD in electrical engineering, focusing on creativity and cross-disciplinary curriculum development for engineering students. Emily works at the intersection of technology, innovation and education, and is passionate about coding and robotics literacy outreach. Her robotics web series has been watched around the world. Emily is now using her experience to impact postsecondary teaching and learning in her position as the program evaluation and planning specialist for the Schulich School of Engineering, helping redesign engineering instruction at the University of Calgary In 2018, she received the ASTech Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
From embedded systems development to engineering education, my career path has so far resulted in experiences such as international travel, teaching opportunities and even a of couple years hosting EZ-Robot’s educational YouTube series as “Professor E.”
Dr. Emily Marasco, PhD
Program Evaluation and Planning Specialist, Schulich School of Engineering
What is your favourite memory from your time at UCalgary?
Each of my convocations has been a special moment to celebrate different stages in my life. My recent PhD convocation was a chance to reflect on my various experiences at UCalgary, from being a student, an instructor and a staff member.
What was your favourite campus hang-out spot?
I always enjoyed the camaraderie of the engineering departmental homerooms, whether we were studying hard or taking a few minutes to relax. I also enjoyed the quiet of the atrium in the Administration building.
What advice would you give your student self, knowing what you do now?
Practice, practice, practice. Don’t get caught up in the lecture notes without attempting multiple problems on your own as well. Apply problem-solving techniques and get to your own answer before you look at the solutions. Practice is a better tool than memorization.
How did your engineering degree help you get to where you are today?
When I started my undergraduate degree, I had no idea about all the different paths and options that an engineering degree would open for me. My time at Schulich offered so many opportunities to combine my various interests, such as engineering and music, which began the formation of my career path.
How has your career path evolved and changed since your graduation?
I initially planned to use engineering as a stepping stone to intellectual property law. However, my undergraduate research experiences led me to pursue graduate studies instead. From embedded systems development to engineering education, my career path has so far resulted in experiences such as international travel, teaching opportunities and even a of couple years hosting EZ-Robot’s educational YouTube series as “Professor E.” I am excited to see what comes next!