"When I was young, one of my favourite activities was going to get Dairy Queen with my dad and watching planes take off and land at YYC (Calgary International Airport)," recalls Teagan McKenzie. "Almost every pilot would wave as they taxied by, and from that moment I knew I wanted to fly someday."
McKenzie, a mechanical engineering student and member of the Varsity Blues swimming team, has maintained that passion even with some detours along the way. A part of two U SPORTS national championship teams with U of T in 2023 and 2024, McKenzie somehow also found time to take part in several on-campus clubs and activities. Beginning her academic career at U of T in the sciences, it was the exposure to these very things that drew her back to her love of aviation.
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"I developed a strong interest in biology and chemistry during high school, which led me to enter university initially considering a career in medicine," said McKenzie. "However, after spending time around campus and getting exposure to the design teams, engineering band, Cannon Guard, and various capstone projects, I found myself drawn to the innovation and hands-on nature of engineering. That's when I made the decision to switch paths and pursue a degree in engineering from life sciences."
The U SPORTS academic all-Canadian is now a member of both Blues in Engineering and UTWIND (Wind Turbine Design Team). With the Blues in Engineering club she assists as a tutor for first-year engineering and life science students meeting weekly to help with both studying mathematics and engineering course. And with UTWIND she has contributed to the design, prototyping, and assembly of a turbine for a mechanical sub, competing annually in international competitions in France and the Netherlands.
"One of the most unique and rewarding aspects of engineering is the strong, family-like bond that forms between classmates and across disciplines," explained McKenzie. "Through these experiences, I've met some of my closest friends, people who continually challenge and inspire me to grow, both personally and academically. Though it can be incredibly demanding at times, my passion for what I'm doing makes it manageable. Whether it's tackling homework problems, lab reports, or design team projects, I stay motivated knowing I'm working toward something I truly enjoy."
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Keeping an eye on the sky, McKenzie envisions a future that still maintains that very passion that began with friendly waves and miniature models.
"My future plans may involve pursuing further education in aeronautics, possibly through a Master's or PhD program. At the same time, there's another path I'm deeply passionate about: joining the Royal Canadian Air Force and serving my country for a period of time. Both of these paths align with my long-standing passion for aviation and my desire to contribute meaningfully, whether through leadership in the aerospace industry or service in the military."
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