Meet Lina Qamar
Lina Qamar earned a Bachelor of Engineering, Materials Engineering from McMaster University in 2018. She currently works at Linamar as a Manufacturing Engineer, she has also been a part of Linamar's LEAP program. In her spare time, Lina likes to read, go climbing, hike, music, salsa and bachata.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I was always a naturally curious person; I like to understand how things work the way they do, and why. I am also the youngest of four, and my siblings were all enthusiastic about math and science. My parents did a wonderful job in encouraging our curiosities, never providing the answers, but buying the appropriate encyclopedias so that my siblings and I can look for them ourselves. Chemistry was always my favorite of the sciences, and as I grew older and learned more advanced topics, I found that my curiosities and interests were most satisfied by the studies of physical chemistry and materials science and engineering. The real, "secret" answer is a fascination with potion brewing, which naturally led to a love of chemistry.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The pace and phenomenal growth opportunities, as well as the exposure to all the newest, cutting edge technologies and developments in the industry. I work in a very competitive automotive field, and there are always companies and individuals pushing to produce the highest quality product faster and more cost-effective than the others. One must always be innovative, entrepreneurial, and a little aggressive in order to have the edge over the competition.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Your quality of work, ability to advocate yourself, and tenacity are your greatest assets. On your path, you will encounter many allies, and you'll also meet some that will do their best to create obstacles in your way. Words come and go, allies and adversaries do as well, but if you produce high quality work time and time again, in spite of what stands in your way, you will succeed and thrive.