Get to Know: Our Fall Co-op Students
October 29, 2024
Each term we are excited to have co-op students join our teams here at Hydro. Read more about our fall 2024 co-op students, why they were drawn to a work term here, and how their experiences are preparing them for their careers after graduation.
ABBY REDDICK, Non-Regulated Project Execution Team
Civil Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Since childhood, Abby has had an interest in design and has wanted to contribute good things to this world. After entering engineering, Abby found herself drawn to working in utilities – knowing how closely this work can impact people’s lives is her motivation to put her best effort into everything she does. This is Abby’s second work term with our Non-Regulated Project Execution Team and she is excited to see how projects have developed since she was last here in summer 2023. On a site visit to Menihek to see these projects in person, she was excited to see that the Dyke Rip Rap Refurbishment (DRRR), which had only been in the planning stage when she was here last, is now almost finished its first construction season. When she’s not in the field, Abby attends meetings with contractors, updates project process trackers, and completes work packs and safety plans. She is gaining exposure to civil engineering work, from heavy civil works to general maintenance, which is helping to broaden her skills as an engineer.
Fun Fact: Abby grew up in CBS and says her golden retriever, Nellie, is her best friend. She is the Vice-President External for MUN Engineering Society ‘B’, and the 2027 Civil Class Rep.
“Civil projects are large so it’s always jaw dropping to go from seeing the progress only on drawings and photos to seeing the true scale of it in person.”
DANIEL CHAPESKIE, Regulated Engineering Services (Electrical) Team
Mechatronics Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Daniel has always been inspired by his father, a Mechanical Engineer, and followed in his footsteps to pursue a career in engineering. Daniel enjoys breaking down complex problems and finding solutions and he has always been intrigued by energy and power generation. Working with Hydro offers him a unique opportunity to explore this process firsthand and gain insight into how sustainable power generation can efficiently serve so many homes across our province and beyond. As part of our regulated Engineering Services Team, Daniel’s work is primarily focused on terminal stations and transformers, including creating preliminary drawings for terminal station upgrades, preparing work packs for transformer oil monitoring systems, and designing an upgrade for metering tanks in Jackson’s Arm and Glenburnie. Daniel enjoys collaborating with experienced professionals who help him further develop his problem-solving and project management abilities.
Fun Fact: In his free time Daniel enjoys camping, hiking and dirt biking. He’s also a fan of playing billiards and video games, and has a passion for diving into new topics, especially when they relate to his field of study.
“From powering homes and businesses to driving technological advancements and enabling infrastructure, electricity is at the core of modern society. Being part of an industry that plays such a crucial role in keeping the world moving is incredibly motivating.”
EMMA REDDICK, Long Term Asset Planning Team, Churchill Falls
Civil Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Emma’s appreciation for math and science is what gravitated her toward a career in engineering. She chose to specialize in civil, where she felt she’d have the chance to contribute to projects that have a global impact and promote a greener future. As part of the Long Term Asset Planning Team in Churchill Falls, Emma’s days are a healthy balance of hands-on and detailed work. She fills her days reviewing technical documents required for the production of front-end engineering design alignment documents. One of her favorite experiences has been visiting the underground powerhouse and marveling at how well it was designed in a time with fewer modern technologies. Emma’s position allows her to experience firsthand what goes into the operation and maintenance of an underground hydroelectric facility.
Fun Fact: Emma loves spending time outdoors, whether that’s hiking or just soaking in the beauty of nature, and whenever she’s looking for a night in, she relaxes with some self-care and crocheting. Hanging out with her friends is always the highlight of her week.
“As a civil engineering student, I’m thrilled by the opportunities in the energy industry. The idea of designing and implementing sustainable energy infrastructure, like the hydroelectric system here in Churchill Falls, excites me. This field is at the forefront of our future.”
ETHAN HEAD, Long Term Asset Planning Team, Churchill Falls
Mechanical Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Ethan enjoys applying math and physics to real-world problems to create effective solutions, and loves taking things apart to see how they work. Working on snowmobiles and motorcycles has given him a strong appreciation for the fact that most things we use every day have been engineered. One of Ethan’s primary roles in his position with the Long Term Asset Planning Team at Churchill Falls, is creating front-end engineering design alignment documents which provide a scope and proof of concept for capital projects projected for future years. This allows him to interact with many industry subject matter experts from various departments at Churchill Falls, who he believes he has a lot to learn from. Ethan is excited to be working in the energy industry as, every day, new advancements increase clean energy generation to accompany an ever-expanding customer demand.
Fun Fact: Ethan loves spending time in the woods and on motorcycle, as well as playing competitive ultimate frisbee for the MUN Seahawks and men’s provincial team.
“My favourite experience from my work term so far is going underground into the powerhouse. The magnitude of the equipment in the Churchill Falls facility is humanly unfathomable. Just to be a small part of such a large-scale operation is super exciting!”
ISH CHAPLA, Long Term Asset Planning Team, Hydro Generation
Electrical Engineering, Term 8 (MUN)
Seeing two of his role models in the engineering field motivated Ish to pursue a career in the same field; his grandfather was a mechanical engineer and his dad used to be a civil engineer. After completing a work term with us in winter 2024, Ish realized Hydro was an organization where he can see himself starting his career so he is back with us for his final work term. In order to ensure that we are producing energy safely and reliably, Ish and our Long Term Asset Planning Team work to create and carry out maintenance, repair, and refurbishment plans as well as keep an eye on the condition of every piece of equipment and maintain it to the end of its useful life. Most of Ish’s days consist of creating and updating preventative maintenance check sheets and developing capital work request forms.
Fun Fact: Ish grew up playing both basketball and volleyball. He can speak four languages and is a big time country music fan!
“I believe the energy industry is our future. Working in a field that can have such a direct impact on others makes me feel honoured to be able to positively contribute to this company. I really enjoy the work I’m doing here at Hydro.”
KATIE GREENSLADE, Protection, Controls and Communications Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Katie was inspired to enter this field after seeing both her brothers excel in mechanical and naval engineering. She chose electrical engineering because of its flexibility and she is motivated by the chance to have a career where she can make a positive impact on the world. After working with our Protection, Controls and Communications Team during her winter 2024 work term, Katie was excited to return this term for her second co-op placement with Hydro. She wanted to come back to take on more advanced work, further developing skills and contributing on different projects. Katie frequently works with electrical drawings and is currently working on creating demolition and construction drawings for her project. She is also applying important electrical concepts, such as three-phase power, wiring diagrams, and both AC and DC schematics, which are furthering her professional development. She’s looking forward to visiting the terminal station in Indian River, where she is working on a project.
Fun Fact: Katie grew up playing soccer, representing our province in many tournaments. Katie also loves hiking and getting out in nature.
“I chose to return to Hydro because my first work term here was an excellent learning experience. I really appreciated how knowledgeable everyone in my department was and how willing they were to teach. I also appreciate how the work in the PCC department is more independent which allows me to improve my problem solving skills.”
KYLE ROBERTS , Engineering Services, Dam Safety Team
Civil Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
In middle school, Kyle fell in love with his product design classes and joined numerous STEM clubs and competitions. He values being able to be a part of something that allows others to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. These concepts and experiences made him realize that engineering would be the right career choice. Kyle completed his first work term with Hydro in winter 2024 and knew he wanted to come back. As a member of the Dam Safety Team, Kyle assists with anything that involves ensuring and improving the safety of our hydroelectric structures – from working on Public Safety and Emergency Response Plans to documenting current safety/monitoring installations (i.e. signs, piezometers, fences, and weirs), and attending site inspections. Through his work, Kyle has gained a deeper appreciation for the people, processes, and infrastructure behind the simple act of flicking on a light switch, especially after visiting our Grand Falls and Goodyears structures and meeting the people who help keep them operating safely – an experience he says he won’t take for granted.
Fun Fact: Kyle has lived in Texas, Rio de Janeiro and Dubai and has been living in Newfoundland for three years now. He enjoys making movies and going for walks/hikes with his dog Hunter.
“I wanted to come back to Hydro mainly because of the people in my department. The Dam Safety Group is so friendly, supportive, and the team feels like a close-knit community that never shy away from helping me learn.”
LIAM WHITEWAY, Project Execution Team
Mechanical Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
As long as he can remember, Liam has always enjoyed building and designing things and learning how they work, which sparked his interest in mechanical engineering. This is Liam’s second work term with Hydro. After the valuable experience he gained during his last work term in winter 2024, he was eager to return to take part in more interesting projects. As part of the Project Execution Team Liam completes project documentation and analysis and regularly interacts with members of the project management and project engineering teams to complete his work. He’s very excited for his upcoming trips to the Holyrood Generating Facility and Soldiers Pond Terminal Station.
Fun Fact: Liam plays on the Memorial Seahawks Rugby Team and enjoys completing small design projects in his spare time.
“It is very rewarding to work towards providing clean energy in Newfoundland. There are also many innovations in the renewable energy industry, which I am happy to be a part of. The skills I have learned from this work term and the last, have proven, and will continue to prove valuable in school and into my career.”
MARIA NASH, Employee Development Team
Bachelor of Commerce, Term 5 (MUN)
Maria is from St. John’s and she has always aspired towards a career that has a positive impact on her province. Knowing that she is contributing to a larger effort to help others is what motivates her. She wants to be surrounded by individuals who share this same passion and motivation about the work they do and she feels she has found that fit here at Hydro. As part of our Employee Development Team, Maria works to update and revise training courses that are offered company-wide to our employees. She also conducts research to help improve current processes, and assists with various human resources responsibilities as they arise. Maria knows that her team plays a vital role at Hydro, supporting our commitment to provide safe, cost-effective and reliable electricity to customers as well as supporting the communities where we work and operate.
Fun Fact: Maria enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, exploring new hobbies and travelling. She is also pursuing a minor in psychology as she finds it fascinating to understand how people think, feel, and behave.
“I chose to work at Hydro because there are numerous opportunities for innovation and growth, creating a dynamic environment where I can learn and develop alongside passionate individuals who are equally dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.”
NICK ROWE-MAHON, Accounts Payable and General Ledger Team
Bachelor of Commerce, Term 5 (MUN)
Nick has always been detail oriented. As he learned more about the role accounting plays in a business, he has realized how critical it is to everything from managing budgets to making smart financial decisions. This is Nick’s second work term with Hydro – a big driver for his return was the welcoming environment the teams across our company provide. A routine day for Nick includes processing invoices, entering purchase card recodes, uploading journal entries, and completing monthly bank reconciliations. Nick is excited about how the energy industry is focusing more on sustainability and innovation and he loves being a part of an organization who is so entrenched in this work. He’s looking forward to touring our Soldiers Pond site to see our infrastructure and he enjoys working collaboratively with departments across our organization.
Fun Fact: Nick is from Torbay and he has three cats and one dog. He enjoys working out at the gym and hiking – for the past couple of months he has been hiking different portions of the East Coast Trail every single day.
“Everyone that you speak to at Hydro, no matter the team or department, is always willing to give a helping hand and to answer any questions that you have. I’m surrounded by inspiring teams that continue to motivate me to enhance the skills that I’ve acquired.”
NOAH COLLINS, Information Systems Team
Computer Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Noah has always had an interest in how the world functioned on a digital level, understanding how it all worked inspired and motivated him to become a computer engineer. Noah completed a work term with us in winter 2024 and loved his previous experience which led him to return this fall. As part of our Information Systems Team, Noah spends most of his time developing applications that will replace those in Lotus Notes, writing documentation for these applications, and attending meetings surrounding our Microsoft framework. He is excited to be learning new concepts about programming, becoming a more proficient developer, and he enjoys spending his lunches with other co-op students.
Fun Fact: Noah has been playing volleyball for seven years, he can play a variety of musical instruments like the drums and piano, and, if you’ve read his winter 2024 profile, he can still solve a Rubiks cube in under a minute.
“As I’ve progressed through my degree, my view on the world around us changes dramatically with the completion of each term. This has answered many questions I’ve had, but brings new ones too, which motivates me to learn more.”
QIYUN ZHENG, Engineering Services Team, Transmission and Distribution
Civil Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Qiyun’s father and grandfather are both engineers and since she was a kid she has wanted to follow in their footsteps. Growing up in, Guangzhou, China, a city with constant construction projects, sparked her interest in civil engineering – she moved to Canada as an international student to pursue her studies. For Qiyun, a typical day involves updating structure models and creating transmission line models. She collaborates with her supervisor and other engineers on projects such as system optimization and safety control. Qiyun enjoys working on modeling and data analysis for transmission lines and is looking forward to touring our Soldiers Pond site to see how this energy infrastructure operates in real life. She is passionate about creating sustainable and innovative solutions to help meet the growing demands of modern society and is excited to be part of a rapidly evolving field.
Fun Fact: Qiyun learned to swim at the age of six and, in middle school, she represented her school and won six gold medals in relay and individual races. Beyond academics, work, and sports, she enjoys reading and crafting.
“I chose to complete a work term with Hydro because of their leadership in the renewable energy sector and commitment to sustainability. I am excited to work with a team that is at the forefront of clean energy solutions and contribute to projects that will have a lasting impact on the province’s energy infrastructures.”
RAHUL SETHURAMAN, Transmission, Civil Engineering and Capital Planning Team (Non-Regulated)
Mechanical Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
Rahul has always been very interested in renewable and clean sources of energy. The broad aspect of mechanical engineering and his special interest in sustainability, motivated him to choose this career path. This is Rahul’s second work term with Hydro. In fall 2023, he was at Churchill Falls, where he witnessed the massive scale of energy production and worked with the Long Term Asset Planning Team, an experience which deepened his interest in the field and made him eager to return. He’s now part of the Transmission, Civil Engineering and Capital Planning Team (Non-Regulated) where he primarily reviews front-end engineering design (FEED) alignment documents and Capital budget applications. Rahul is looking forward to visiting our Soldiers Pond site where he’ll get an opportunity to see the day to day operations up close.
Fun Fact: Originally from Tamilnadu, India, Rahul moved to St. John’s in 2022. In his spare time he likes to watch movies and go for hikes.
“I believe that meeting energy needs sustainably is crucial for conserving our environment. I am excited to contribute to the growth of our society by being part of this industry and helping to deliver reliable and sustainable energy.”
SADIA BASHAR, Long Term Asset Planning Team, Terminals
Electrical Engineering, Term 5 (MUN)
As a kid, Sadia often took apart electronics/toys with friends and enjoyed reassembling them, learning something new each time. Then in high school, her interest in mathematics deepened, ultimately guiding her decision to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. She moved to St. John’s from Satkhira, Bangladesh, in 2022 to complete her studies. As part of the Long Term Asset Planning Team, Sadia works on many projects including reviewing power transformer oil samples to help identify and prevent potential faults, updating power transformer asset records, and assisting with the Terminal Station Firebreak Perimeter long-term plan project. She’s been on a few site visits – most recently to our Holyrood Thermal Generation Station to view the bushing retrofit on one of the power transformers. Sadia is excited about working with a company with a strong commitment to sustainability and she’s looking forward to being part of an industry that drives progress and sustainability, helping to create a cleaner, greener future.
Fun Fact: In her free time, Sadia enjoys watching anime and drawing her favorite characters as a creative outlet.
“Working in an organization that prioritizes environmentally responsible practices aligns with my passion for making a positive impact on our planet. Additionally, Hydro’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion resonates with my values, as I believe that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and a more inclusive workplace.”