Meet Miye Cox
“We love travelling and hiking so this was the best of both worlds… This is from the Top of Mount Snowdown in Wales (2023).”
Miye holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University and is currently a Senior Manager of Environmental Engineering at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC). Beyond her professional life, Miye is passionate about a variety of hobbies including traveling, hiking, downhill skiing, knitting, and playing the piano. Recently, she has also taken up gardening!
When did your love of STEM begin?
When I was in Engineering at Queen's, I was a co-founder of Science Quest. It is a camp for students in Kingston to encourage them with hands-on activities to enjoy engineering. It was also a great way for the students to feel comfortable on the Queen's Campus. It just celebrated its 36th anniversary! After the first year the Dean of Engineering created a video to encourage other universities to run similar programs. It is now a nationally recognized charitable organization (Actua) which reaches over 225,000 youth a year in 500 communities.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
I love the variety of opportunities that are available. Environmental Sustainability is a rapidly growing field. Toyota launched the Toyota 2050 Challenge which includes CO2 reduction, water reduction, materials (including waste) and biodiversity. The main objective is to create net positive impacts on the planet and society. Looking for opportunities inside the factory as well as looking for biodiversity activities has broadened our appreciation for how we impact our communities.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Be the best that you can be! I was fortunate that my dad was an engineer so I wanted to follow in his footsteps not really understanding what I would end up doing. It turned out better than I thought. I have 3 sons and they are all engineers!
Tell us a fun fact about you and your current role!
At our factory in Woodstock, ON we have created a walking trail that is available to the public. It is an extension of the Vansittart Woods Trails.