Meet Kelsey Malott
Kelsey Malott graduated with a Masters of Architecture from the University of Waterloo. She currently works as a Architectural Teaching Assistant and the University of Waterloo and as an Architectural Associate at Arquitectonica. In her spare time, Kelsey likes to work as the president of Society of Waterloo Architecture Graduates (SWAG), perform stand up comedy (as trained at Second City, Chicago) and tutor french for young children entering French Immersion programs.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My passion for STEM began as a young child, breaking into my father's household shop. I enjoyed working with new tools, new materials, and realizing my designs. I would do things like tear apart old board games like "Operation", and connect its cabling to light switches to resemble a make-shift home security system. As I entered high school, my interests shifted towards physics, calculus and architecture. I became interested in high-rise design, and soon accepted my offer from the University of Waterloo's School of Architecture.
I have recently received my Master of Architecture from the University of Waterloo, where I wrote my thesis dissertation on the importance of architecture of place, specifically in regard to Los Angeles' Sunset Strip and Rock 'n' Roll. Designing for a sense of place, is a fundamental reality that is all too often missing from our discussions when it comes to architecture and design.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
Working in the field of STEM has provided me the unique opportunity to participate in large scale architectural design across the world. I have had the amazing opportunity to work, learn and live not only all over Canada, but the United States, France, and Italy. I have made life-long friends with people from different communities, cultures and heritages. STEM has allowed me to experience first handedly just how small our world really is, by diving into the rich cultural history of many new places and people.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Whether it be during your studies, professional career, or licensure process, entering any male dominated field can and will be scary. Although it will present its own unique challenges, and at times you may experience self doubt, a career in STEM will also be highly rewarding and open many new doors. Stay determined, keep confident, be you. OH, and if you're specifically considering a career in architecture, especially don't let other members of STEM make you feel any less knowledgeable than you are. We're part of the faculty of engineering for a reason. Prove people wrong, you deserve to.