Meet Lyra Fletcher
Photo of Lyra Fletcher TIG Welding for UBC Thunderbikes Motorcycle.
Lyra, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, with an expected graduation year of 2028. As a dedicated student, she is actively involved in various extracurricular activities and projects.
Born and raised in rural Canada, Lyra's love for the outdoors is evident in her hobbies. During the summer months, she enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, and skiing in the winter. In addition to her outdoor pursuits, Lyra is deeply passionate about ballroom dancing, holding the position of External Vice President at the UBC Ballroom Dance Club. She also dedicates her time to engineering projects, including building an electric motorcycle for her design team, UBC Thunderbikes, at the Engineering Design Center.
A fun fact about Lyra is her involvement as a First Responder and president of an international medical relief club. Each summer, she travels to clinics abroad to provide assistance in communities in need, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of engineering. Last summer, she went to Costa Rica; this summer, she will go to Ecuador and Peru.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love of STEM began early on, working with my parents at their pharmacy. I loved spending time in the dispensary, learning about the various medicines and devices, and helping with compounding. In high school, I taught myself to program in Java and C++ for fun, which quickly developed into working on my Automated Naloxone Injector, a device I designed to help combat the opioid epidemic. Working on this project encouraged me to learn various skills, from CAD to 3D printing and building mechanical mechanisms. I enjoyed and wanted to continue on that path, which has led me to pursue engineering at UBC.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
To me, the best part about being in a STEM field is being at the forefront of innovation. 9/10 times you are not dealing with a problem that has already been solved, so it is up to you to come up with innovative solutions that solve the problem while prioritizing health, safety, and the environment. It is always a fun challenge and can have a lasting positive impact on the world.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Actively pursue your passion. STEM careers, but especially engineering, tend to be male-dominated, and most likely, you will have at least one person encouraging you not to go into STEM because of that. Do not listen to anyone who tells you you cannot do something; instead, try to prove that you can. Trying and falling short will always get you further than not trying at all, and you will likely accomplish things you never expected you would.