Nation: 
Oji-Cree, St.Theresa Point First Nation
School attended:
Queen's University
Degree:
BSc Chemical Engineering
Job title:
Engineer-in-training
Type(s) of Engineering:
Chemical
Favourite things:
As a high school student in Sioux Lookout, Siobhan Dooley excelled at math and science, and had a love of sports. Thanks to the good advice of a caring teacher, she decided to pursue her passion and study engineering. Not that she knew what engineering was all about, but the idea of being an engineer seemed to fit with her interests and passion.
"I enjoy problem solving and I had an idea that engineering involved a lot of problem solving,” says Siobhan.
Having spent all her life in northern Ontario, Siobhan wanted to broaden her world and applied to universities in southern Ontario, deciding that even Sudbury was too far north for her tastes. Queen’s was on her list of universities, and as it turned out, her final choice. She entered her first year in 2007 and in her second year, chose to specialize in Engineering Chemistry.
Slightly troubled, yet undeterred by her decision in third year to change her major to Chemical Engineering – “Engineering Chemistry led to more theory than I wanted” – she sought support from the Four Directions Indigenous Centre and in her final year, the Queen’s Aboriginal Access to Engineering Program, which had just begun. There she found people just like her, students who were balancing a demanding work load with a busy extra-curricular life, while having to make important life decisions.
Drawing on her problem solving skills, Siobhan applied those same skills to building a network of friends and mentors, something she credits to her success as a student and a young engineer. And this is the message, she sends to future engineering students.
“Studying at university is no walk in the park. There’s a huge transition from high school to university and you need to be willing to put in the effort,” she says. “It’s just as important to seek out your community, because you’re going to need it when times get tough. And when you achieve success, there’s someone to celebrate with.”
Siobhan’s dedication and determination has paid off. After graduating in 2012, she is now a Professional Engineering and works for Hatch in Calgary, Alberta. She has lived in three provinces during her time with the company.
When she’s not on the job, you can find her playing recreational hockey, volleyball, or on a roller derby track, honing her athletic skills and revelling in a lively team environment.
2024 Update:
Siobhan is a Professional Engineer living in Calgary, AB and is a member of St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba. She graduated from Queen's University with a Chemical Engineering degree in 2012, and started working for Hatch Ltd. in July 2012, where she still currently works. As her career progressed, Siobhan has been able to work on a variety of projects with a focus on instrumentation and process control. After 10 years of working in Instrumentation & Controls, she transferred within her company to the Community Engagement and Social Performance team, where she now advises on Indigenous Partnerships for her company. Outside of work, Siobhan likes to do beadwork as it allows her to relax and decompress.