Get to Know: Our Winter Co-op Students 

February 21, 2024

Each term we are excited to have co-op students join our teams here at Hydro.

Read more about our winter 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.

Faysal is in a purple shirt and black suit jacket. He smile at the camera in front of a wall painted to look like the face of an elephant.

FAYSAL FAHIM, Electrical Engineering Services Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 6 (MUN)

Faysal has always been curious about how things work, especially when it comes to technology and unraveling the mysteries behind electrical systems. Originally from Bangladesh, Faysal came to Newfoundland for his studies almost five years ago. When he first arrived, it was a bit challenging to adjust to a new country and a completely different climate, but he says he quickly found solace in the warmth and hospitality of the people here. After graduation his goal is to remain in the province and contribute to serving its people.

As a part of the Electrical Engineering Services Team, Faysal often focuses on crucial elements of equipment replacement and a significant portion of his time is dedicated to reviewing electrical drawings. He enjoys collaborating with team members to discuss project requirements and progress, and learning the intricacies of circuit breaker operation.

This is Faysal’s second work term with us. His decision to return was driven by the positive work environment, enriching experiences and emphasis on professional growth that he encountered during his previous term.

Fun Fact: Beyond academics and work, Faysal enjoys exploring new cuisines, discovering hiking trails, and unwinding with a good Netflix series.

“There’s a sense of fulfillment in knowing that the work I do in electrical engineering can have a real impact on people’s lives. It’s not just about circuits and equations; it’s about solving problems and making a difference in the world. That’s what keeps me motivated in this career path.”

Ish and his small, white dog sit on the stairs together, smiling at the camera.

ISH CHAPLA, Long Term Asset Planning Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 6 (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.

To ensure we are producing energy safely and reliably, our LTAP Team creates and carries out maintenance, repair, and refurbishment plans, and monitors the condition of every piece of equipment to the end of its useful life. As a member of the LTAP group, Ish creates and updates the preventative maintenance check sheets – a job which requires him to communicate with contractors on a regular basis to ensure everyone is aligned on the work that has to be done. Ish loved his site visit to Bay d’Espoir to see some of the assets he’s reporting on, in action.

Ish believes that clean, renewable energy is the future. He very much enjoys the type of work he’s doing here at Hydro, a company he sees as a leader in this field. He hopes to find himself working in this industry after graduation.

Fun Fact: Ish grew up playing both basketball and volleyball and is a big time country music fan!

“I wanted to learn about the power generation industry and I thought, there is no better place than to do that than at one of the biggest organizations, Hydro, who I admired so much as a young kid.”

Katie is smiling at the camera in front of a neutral background.

KATIE GREENSLADE, Protection and Controls Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)

Katie was inspired to enter this field after seeing both her brothers excel in mechanical and naval engineering. Her high school physics teacher encouraged her love for the subject and helped instill the confidence to pursue her degree.

With the P&C Team, Katie works on a number of different projects, including designing Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) devices for transformers. So far she has visited Hardwoods and is looking forward to visiting Holyrood as well. For Katie, site visits give her a more comprehensive understanding of her projects, allowing her to physically see the assets she’s working on from the office.

Employees in the P&C department make every effort to ensure she’s getting the most from her work term. Katie is excited about the many useful skills she’s learned so far and to be contributing to our clean energy future. She loves getting to see firsthand how the many employees across Hydro work together to generate renewable energy for our province.

Fun Fact: Katie grew up playing soccer, representing our province in many tournaments. Katie also loves hiking and getting out in nature, whether it’s in Iceland, the UK or right here at home.

“As more of society transitions from fossil fuel to electricity, reliability on P&C will be more important than ever. Hydro’s system is constantly expanding and getting more complex, to meet the demands of electrification – which is exciting!”

Kyle is kneeling down in a grassy yard with his white dog, Hunter.

KYLE ROBERTS, Engineering Services, Dam Safety Team
Civil Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)

In middle school, Kyle fell in love with Product Design classes and joined numerous STEM clubs and competitions. It was after winning the 2018 and 2019 UAE F1 in Schools National Championships that he truly knew engineering was the right career for him.

As a part of the Dam Safety group, Kyle works with the team on Emergency Response Plans, Public Safety Plans, and Site Inspection Sheets, to ensure the safe operation and emergency preparedness of Hydro’s dams and reservoirs. For Kyle, this work term aligns with his interest for sustainable energy production and civil engineering. It’s helping to expose him to different elements of engineering projects while honing his skills in a friendly learning environment with people who are making his work term a truly informative experience.

Fun Fact: Kyle was born in Texas and lived in Rio de Janeiro and Dubai before settling down in Newfoundland. Kyle is a photographer, plays guitar and loves going on walks with his dog Hunter.

“Since working at Hydro, whenever I flick on a light switch, I have an improved appreciation for the people, processes, and infrastructure behind the electricity that powers my home. It’s been an incredible experience learning about what goes on in order to power our province and being able to play a role in it.”

Liam is wearing a burgundy collared shirt and smiling at the camera in front of a green and blue wall.

LIAM WHITEWAY, Project Execution Team
Mechanical Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)

As long as he can remember, Liam has always enjoyed building and designing things, which sparked his interest in mechanical engineering.

As a part of the Project Execution Team, Liam finds his work in project management and analysis very exciting. He’s gaining insight into the everyday roles and responsibilities of an engineer which will continue to help him throughout the rest of his studies and into his career.

This is his first work term and he’s happy to be here at Hydro. Due to his interest in hydroelectric generation he’s really looking forward to his site visit to Bay d’Espoir.

Fun Fact: Liam enjoys playing rugby and is on the Memorial Seahawks Rugby Team.

“There are many new innovations and steps into renewable, or green, energy which excite me.”

Noah is in a black suit and blue tie. He is holding a certificate and standing next to a purple and red pop up banner that says "Purpose #WorldReady"

NOAH COLLINS, Information Systems Team
Computer Engineering, Term 3 (MUN)

Noah has always had an interest in technology and how its use today influences every aspect of our lives. This interest, paired with his programming and problem solving skills, made for an easy decision to pursue a career in the field of Information Technology (IT).

As a part of our Information Systems Team, Noah is working with the Microsoft Power Apps Development Team and, through this experience, is developing/building a number of software applications. Noah has already learned so much from his supervisor and co-workers which he’s looking forward to transferring into his education, future work terms and career.

Fun Fact: Noah has been playing volleyball for seven years. He also plays drums and piano and can solve a Rubiks cube in under a minute.

“I’ve heard from many of my peers at MUN that Hydro is an excellent place to complete a work term – and it’s all true. I love being able to gain experience and help improve systems at a company that produces clean, renewable energy.”

Spencer is in a burgundy polo shirt, smiling at the camera in front of a window.

SPENCER MATTHEWS, Long Term Asset Planning Team
Electrical Engineering, Term 6 (MUN)

Spencer became interested in engineering due to his interest in renewable energy systems and technology.

As a member of the LTAP Team, Spencer works closely with his supervisor on projects that involve data management and analysis, especially around power transformers, and reviewing field reports/data that the LTAP team can use. Spencer enjoys work that gets him outside, so some highlights of his work term have been going out on site visits to terminal stations and our Holyrood Plant.

Spencer believes that Hydro is a leader in renewable energy production and appreciates making connections and getting first-hand experience that he knows will be an invaluable asset to his future.

Fun Fact: Spencer’s father and brother both work as electricians, so electrical work runs in the family.

“With the current climate crisis it is extremely important that the industry makes the shift to renewable energy sources becoming the majority of production, and I hope to take part in leading the industry towards that goal.”