Meet Michael Kehinde, today’s Engineering valedictorian

Name: Michael Kehinde
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
What is the degree and subject you pursued? Mechatronics Engineering and Management 

Why did you choose to attend McMaster?

McMaster has an awesome engineering program. I also felt that the general first year curriculum would allow me to learn more about the different engineering disciplines before specializing. 

The most convincing factor for me was the community – there was a certain warmth and radiance about the people and the culture at McMaster that stood out to me when I attended Engineering Experience Weekend and May at Mac. I thought it was something special and wanted to be a part of it. Also – the campus is very beautiful!

What do you plan to do/see yourself doing after graduation?

After graduation, I see myself pursuing embedded systems engineering.

Any advice to your first-year self?

I am thankful to have a great sister who showed me the ropes and advised me about what to expect when I started first year. However, I think I would tell my first-year self to embrace mistakes more. I think making mistakes is a big part of learning and perfecting ourselves, and taking risks helps us to grow and expand our potential.

Any advice for current or future students?

A few things that have guided me over the years is to have fun and embrace the experiences that university has to offer. Challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone and be passionate. Connect with others, uplift them, share your skills and encourage the next generation of students to push our society forward. 

Most importantly: pursue understanding. Dig deep to understand different concepts, situations or perspectives that you encounter and strive to improve your understanding over time in order to get a definitive picture. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to cast judgment. Seeking understanding will enable us to navigate the complex realities of life with empathy, adaptability, confidence and character. 

How has McMaster shaped the person you are today?

McMaster has enabled me to have a solid foundation on engineering and education. Through networking opportunities and internships, McMaster has provided me with amazing experiences and opportunities to learn from subject matter experts. 

My experiences at McMaster has also reinforced a lot of great values, like compassion, understanding, respect of individuality and appreciation of diversity. And did I mention that McMaster has one of the largest number of student clubs ever? Through various student organizations, I’ve had the opportunity to develop new interests, meet different people, learn new things and gain a broader perspective. 

What events did you enjoy the most at McMaster or in Hamilton?

Welcome Week holds a special place in my heart. I’ve enjoyed creating engaging events for first year students and have gotten to build some of my most meaningful friendships through them. I’m always inspired year after year to see past first year students join the planning team and demonstrate exceptional leadership. It’s a special experience getting to rep with them. 

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is to take steps each day to realize the possibilities of one’s full potential through the attainment of knowledge and the perfecting of character. My definition of success also includes motivating others to discover their potential. Success is achieved each day through learning, serving others, building good relationships and experiences, and finding enjoyment in what we do. 

How has McMaster helped you to create a brighter world?

I am fortunate to be a founding member of Leading Edge. Leading Edge is a student team that solves problems in the broader McMaster community through project-based applications of engineering. I am proud of what we’re accomplishing in terms of building relationships with community leaders, and applying what we learn in class to tackle problems in our community. I am also pleased to have an opportunity to impact engineering students with experiential learning opportunities in a way that builds their confidence in pursuing career opportunities in engineering. 

I am thankful for my colleagues, professors and mentors at McMaster. They’ve inspired me to think outside the box, dream bigger, and to discover how I can contribute to society effectively. I am also grateful for the McMaster Engineering Society and the McMaster Office of Community Engagement for their support with getting our team established in the community. 

Who is your favourite professor?

This is a hard one – I’ve had so many great professors. I’ve always enjoyed Dr. Wassyng’s lectures. He’s a great speaker and professor. Outside of class, he’s also been a great mentor to me over the years and I’ve always enjoyed our conversations about music, software, safety, you name it! A special shoutout to Dr. Lawford as well – he’s championed me over the years. His courses were also some of my favourites in all of undergrad.

Notable mentions to Dr. Martin Von Mohrenschildt, Dr. DeBruine, Dr. Nedialkov, Dr. Farmer, Dr. Nejat, Professor Churchill, Dr. Soleimani, Professor Vilks and Dr. Novog. Thank you all for your passion and for inspiring me to do my best.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I would love to fly. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than flying over rush hour traffic at supersonic speeds! 

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

California – I hear the food there is remarkable and many areas look beautiful. It’s also a big hub like Toronto and is super diverse. I think it would be really cool to get to check it out some day. 

What have you been doing to self-care during the pandemic?

I’ve been playing the drums a lot more often. I’m always practising – especially when I’m not behind the kit. I think rhythm is such a profound concept. It exists everywhere – in the vibrations of atoms, the ticking of the clock, the cycles of the seasons and inside our bodies. It’s remarkable that the first sound we ever hear while still in our mother’s womb, is the beating of her heart, and the rhythm of her breath! To be in rhythm is a state of mind – rhythm synchronizes our brain (and body) to the beat. The stronger the rhythm is, the more strongly we connect with it and the stronger the groove is. I often find that the sounds and motions of drumming has a rather uplifting effect on me.

What’s the hardest part about working virtually for you? The easiest?

The hardest part about working virtually has been staying connected with my peers (and sometimes staying connected to my internet!). I miss having opportunities to connect with my peers on my walk to next class. I also miss the richness of face-to-face communication and the benefits of the live feedback that’s translated through our body language and facial expressions. The easiest part about working virtually has been the convenience of being able to attend any meeting practically instantaneously! 

I am so thankful for the McMaster administration for making tough calls to keep us safe and I am proud of how much we have all accomplished during these uncertain times. 

While at Mac, did you receive donor-funded financial assistance (e.g., a scholarship, award, bursary)? Any thoughts on the importance of giving back to your alma mater to support future generations?

I am fortunate to have received the University Senate Award, the President’s Award, the Dean’s Excellence Entrance Scholarship and the NSERC Undergraduate Student Award. Receiving these generous awards were meaningful to me, inspired me to work hard to pursue my dreams and helped to cover the cost of engineering education. It also allowed me to discover and pursue opportunities that have advanced my academic and career growth. 

I think it’s really important to give back and support the next generation of students, whether financially or through mentorship. You never know what kind of impact your support can have on students in terms of attaining opportunities that they may not have otherwise!