Get to Know: Our Spring Co-op Students
July 30, 2024
Each term we are excited to have co-op students join our teams here at Hydro. Read more about our spring 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.
CLAIRE WINSOR, Menihek Operations Team
Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
Claire has always been drawn to math and science and loves figuring out how things work, making engineering a clear choice as a creative outlet for her passion for problem solving. Claire works closely with our Menihek Operations Team and site project managers. Day to day she focuses on project update meetings, contract proposals, logging general maintenance data, updating emergency response plans and scheduling workers on site. After all she’s learned about the different pieces of equipment that keep this plant running, she’s looking forward to her site visit to see Menihek operations in action. This may be her first work term, but Claire is already becoming more comfortable making decisions, as well as gaining an in-depth understanding of hydro turbines, which she is excited about.
Fun Fact: Claire is a goalkeeper with the MUN Seahawks women’s soccer team. She’s also an avid rock climber and coaches both sports in her spare time.
“Hydro puts a lot of time into its co-op program. The increased demand for clean energy, means more room for improvement and innovation, making Hydro a very exciting place to learn and work, especially as a young engineer.”
DAISY FAKROGHA, Engineering Services Team
Civil Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
With an interest in the construction industry, Daisy was drawn to the field of civil engineering. Daisy works with our Engineering Services Team on civil and dam engineering projects. She spends her time reviewing engineering drawings, assisting in developing contract documents, conducting data analysis for dam instrumentation, partaking in site inspections and preparing technical reports. She’s looking forward to seeing the projects she’s working on take shape and developing the skills that will help her become a well-rounded engineer. Her excitement for the energy industry is inspired by the fact that people around the world are coming together to share a common goal – to support a greener future through sources of renewable energy.
Fun Fact: Daisy is an international student from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She enjoys reading African literature, Bible studies, writing poems, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
“One of the reasons why I chose to complete my work term here is because Hydro’s vision resonates with my own passion for engineering and promoting clean energy for our future.”
DANIEL WARREN, Transmission and Distribution Team
Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
Daniel has always been interested in structures – towers, bridges, stadiums – and this interest led to him pursuing a career in engineering. Working with our Transmission and Distribution Team, as part of our broader Engineering Services Team, Daniel often works with PLS-CADD to model, plan and profile drawings of transmission lines, which helps him complete analysis of conductors in different weather scenarios. Daniel is looking forward to visiting Soldiers Pond to gain a better understanding of the systems that directly relate to the work he’s doing. Daniel is enthusiastic about the future of electrification and hopes his career will help play a part as industries continue down the path to net-zero over the next decade.
Fun Fact: Daniel is very involved in the provincial rugby scene and has even represented Newfoundland on many occasions.
“Hydro is a leader across the country, and around the world, in hydroelectricity. I knew I would get a first class experience and gain skills that I would not get anywhere else.”
FRANCIS GRIFFIN, Churchill Falls Water Resources Team
Civil Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
Physics, chemistry and the practical sciences have always interested Francis, leading him to see civil engineering as a fitting career choice. Francis works with the Water Resources Team in Churchill Falls taking water flow readings from the local dykes, collecting readings for other aspects of the reservoir and completing maintenance work. Working in the underground generating station and completing flight inspections by helicopter have been highlights for Francis.
Fun Fact: Francis is from Torbay and enjoys playing hockey, fishing, hunting and driving his dirt bike.
“The main thing that interests me is the sheer scale of the operations here in Churchill Falls. The monumental size of the reservoir and its hydraulic structures give me a chance to learn a lot about their design and maintenance. I’d say out of all of my friends, my work term is definitely the coolest.”
JANE WILLIAMS, Project Management Team
Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
Throughout high school Jane enjoyed math and physics, so a career in STEM has always felt fitting. Growing up with a mom who is an engineer and an older sister who is studying engineering, helped motivate Jane to also enter this field.
Jane works with our Project Management Team, assisting on various projects for both Churchill Falls and Menihek, including general maintenance and reviewing project bids. Jane is excited to visit both sites in person to help her get a more comprehensive understanding of these projects. She’s grateful for the support this team as shown her as she learns how important teamwork is to ensuring project management runs effectively. Getting an in-depth look at how utilities work and how they are critical assets to our province has Jane looking forward to her future career, hopefully in the energy sector.
Fun Fact: Jane’s family is happily centered around their two dogs, Dexter and Bridget. She loves travelling, reading, and going on hikes with her friends on a nice day.
“Growing up and watching the transition to clean, renewable energy helps me realize the crucial role companies like Hydro play in this transition. The province is relying on Hydro to provide sustainable energy for our future, and seeing that firsthand is very exciting.”
JULIA MILLS, Grand Falls Work Execution Team
Process Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)
Julia has enjoyed designing and creating for as long as she can remember, and has always had a curiosity for how the world works. When she discovered her love for science and math, her parents encouraged her to pursue a STEM degree – just as they both had – and engineering felt like the right choice. Her days are mostly filled helping to plan and schedule work for the Exploits Generation work crews. She also conducts daily site visits to check on work progress and to ensure the safety of the site. Her favourite experience so far has been helping with a WRDC STEM for Girls Club tour of our Exploits Generation facilities for a local high school. Julia knows that helping open their eyes to the world of STEM with a real-world experience and showing young girls that they can do whatever they put their minds to is so important in shaping the next generation of women in STEM.
Fun Fact: Originally from Botwood, most of Julia’s free time is spent baking, reading and singing – she often performs live around her community.
“Having the opportunity to learn how energy is generated – especially in my own community – makes me think more about how much time and effort is put into ensuring people have clean, reliable electricity.”
KYLE RAYMOND, Human Resources Team
Bachelor of Commerce, Term 6 (MUN)
Kyle has always known that he wanted to work in a collaborative environment along with people who are motivated and passionate about the work they do. Pursuing a career in human resources also provides him with the opportunity to focus on a company’s most vital asset – it’s people. This is Kyle’s third work term with our Human Resources Team. He has worked within various HR functions including employee engagement and recognition, compensation, recruitment, and labour relations. Since his first work term with us, Kyle’s interest in the generation of renewable energy has grown significantly. He emphasizes that it’s an exciting time in the energy industry and it’s been incredible to see how employees across Hydro work together to deliver safe, reliable electricity for our province.
Fun Fact: Kyle has lived in Goulds his whole life and has been involved with numerous sports associations in the community for as long as he can remember – he loves giving back every chance he gets.
“The variety of work, along with the mentoring I have received from different members of our Human Resources team has, without a doubt, been the most beneficial and rewarding aspect of my academic career.”
LIAM SMITH, Electrical Engineering Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 6 (MUN)
Liam choose to go into electrical engineering because it reminds him of puzzles – he loves the sequence of picking off one item at a time and working down the list until a problem is solved. Working with our Electrical Engineering Team, Liam is spending most of his time learning about terminal stations, including working to replace disconnect switches. He’s looking forward to visiting one of our many terminal stations during his work term to help enrich his experience and understanding of our provincial electricity system. Liam grew up in Corner Brook and is hoping to continue working in Newfoundland once he graduates.
Fun Fact: Liam enjoys golfing and playing hockey – he took three years off before university to play in the Maritime Hockey League for teams in Amherst, Fredericton and St. Stephen.
“With renewable energy in growing demand there are many possibilities for electrical engineers in this sector. Hydro has a strong foothold on keeping our energy clean which is important to me.”
MUHAMMAD MUNNA, Project Management Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 8 (MUN)
Munna’s journey into Electrical Engineering stems from a deep-seated curiosity about how electricity powers our modern world. He’s always been fascinated by the intricate systems behind power generation, distribution and utilization as well as learning about the pivotal role of electrical engineers in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, through renewable energy solutions. A typical day for Munna involves immersing himself in different facets of electrical engineering. He works closely with the Project Management Team on project development, learning about industry best practices and emerging technologies. He also spends time in Bay d’Espoir, expanding his understanding of protection and control systems through theoretical study and hands-on experience. Munna is thrilled about the hands-on learning opportunities he’s had, witnessing firsthand how power is generated and gaining insights into the operational aspects of the industry.
Fun Fact: Munna is originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh and relocated to St. John’s in 2018 to attend university. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, cooking, and exploring new places.
“I chose to complete a work term with Hydro because I’m passionate about sustainability and innovation in the energy sector. My work here enables me to make a tangible difference in building a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
TARIKHUSAIN BODA, Protection and Control Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 6 (MUN)
Seeing his father working as an engineer inspired Tarikhusain to get into the field of engineering, which was even further encouraged by the current trend towards electrification. Working with our Protection and Controls Team, Tarikhusain works on commissioning manuals, completing work packages and reviewing draft drawings. He has also completed replacement projects – including two Disconnect Replacement Projects. Since the beginning of his studies, Tarikhusain has wanted to work with a utility provider and he looks forward to further establishing his career in this industry.
Fun Fact: Originally from Tankaria, India, after completing a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Tarikhusain spent six years in New Zealand before pursuing his life-long dream of getting his Bachelor’s Degree.
“Knowing that I am contributing towards providing the essential need of electricity, especially in a province that experiences such extreme weather conditions, is so rewarding.”