Meet Brittany MacDonald MacAulay
Brittany MacDonald MacAulay, PhD, P.Eng, BSc, MES.
Brittany has her PhD in Chemical Engineering (2023), MES (2017), Bachleors in Engineering (2015), and a combined BSc (Chemistry) and (Chemical) Engineering Diploma from Cape Breton University (2013).
A fun fact about Brittany is her love for chemistry, evident in her collection of chemistry-themed decor, including a full-size periodic table in her home and a periodic table shower curtain. With her enthusiasm for STEM and dedication to community engagement, Brittany finds excitement in every day's work, interacting with diverse groups and industries.
In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball competitively, attending concerts and square dances, and participating in car shows.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love of STEM began in junior high where I transitioned from my original job pursuit of being an English teacher, to wanting to teach Engineering. My father was always heavily involved in technology, engineering, and safety which gave me many opportunities to experience aspects I could work with in the future as an engineer. Early on I developed an interest in power generation. As I progressed into high school my love of chemistry grew and that became my favorite class. This, coupled with my enjoyment of math lead to me to pursue engineering. I initially chose chemical engineering because I assumed it was chemistry (which I already loved). I was the first person at my university to take the combined BSc in Chemistry with an engineering diploma and quickly found out that chemical engineering is not chemistry! BUT, I loved it, I did not want to change my discipline and looking back, I made the right decision.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part of working in STEM is being able to affect change in society, and in engineering, to be able to advance with the changing landscape in industry. With sustainability in the forefront it has been immensely rewarding to move my focus into waste management and valorization of waste materials. Every day is different.
Where my role currently is teaching engineering at the university level I get to take my work experience and incorporate it into the classroom. This is something I wish I saw more of as a student and I hope it has a positive effect on students moving forward and creates a love for the engineering profession.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
I would suggest that confidence is key... unfortunately those old fashioned views still exist, but we can rise above that. I would also however ask that you give everyone a chance, regardless of gender. I've been fortunate in having many strong male role models and supporters, in fact, more than I've had with females. Stereotypical female cattiness can occur, but we can rise above that and be supporters of everyone! Be the role model you wish you had!