Nuclear engineering grad vies for Miss India-Canada title

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Garg_Aditi.jpg” caption=”Aditi Garg graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in engineering physics, specializing in nuclear engineering in April 2006. She will compete in the Miss India-Canada pageant on Saturday, June 30 in Toronto. Photo courtesy of Faculty of Engineering.”]Pageant contestant. Dance instructor. Lifeguard. Nuclear engineer.

Most people would be satisfied with any one of those pursuits. But not Aditi Garg. She's looking to add role model to that list by competing in the 17th annual Miss India-Canada pageant this Saturday, June 30 in Toronto.

The 24-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in engineering physics from McMaster University in April 2006, specializing in nuclear engineering. She started working for Ontario Power Generation at the Pickering Nuclear Power Station in the fall of that year.

“I entered the competition because I felt it would allow me to be a role model for other young women,” explains Garg. “Engineering and technology can open the doors to many different fields and I don't believe you should ever limit yourself.”

Garg became aware of the Miss India-Canada competition from several of the teenaged girls she teaches modern and classical dances, and also from her Indo-Jazz dance team. But it was when she met the winner of the 2002 competition, Shivani Singh, that she decided to enter.

“I thought I was too old to enter and that a pageant wasn't really right for me,” said Garg. “But when I met Shivani and she told me that she was 25 when she won and had her university degree, it inspired me to enter as an example to others.”

Garg is one of 16 applicants selected for this year's Miss India-Canada final from 60 entries across Canada. The Miss India-Canada pageant is designed to showcase Indian culture and the talents of young Indo-Canadian women.

To enter, a contestant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, 18 to 28 years of age, single, and of Indian origin. Finalists are judged on Indian dress, evening gown, talent, and question and answer.

“This pageant is different,” says Garg. “There is no swimsuit competition. It is based on talent and ability. As a proud Canadian with an Indian heritage, I would love to apply the vast resources from our developed nation to different areas in India, such as increasing accessibility to better education systems for low income families.”

Born in Libya, Aditi moved to Kincardine, Ont. with her parents and younger brother when she was nine years old. Her parents, both PhDs in chemistry from India, worked at the nearby Bruce Power Station.

She attended Kincardine District Secondary School until Grade 10 when her family moved to Whitby, Ont., completing her studies at Sinclair High School. Her family moved once more, this time to Toronto.

Active with the Parliament Society in high school, and spending her summers as a lifeguard on the beach and poolside, Garg knew that she wanted to enroll in nuclear engineering.

“Nuclear is the cleanest way to generate a steady supply of power for large urban areas right now,” explains Garg. “It's a better option than the pollution generated by coal, and we're looking for ways to deal with waste product.”

While at university, Aditi continued to be active in extracurricular activities that would build on her goal of being a role model.

During her first two years at McMaster, she was involved with the Fireball Show, an interactive multimedia demonstration that highlights careers in engineering. She was also an active member of the Women in Engineering program, sitting on the planning committee and helping to organize events.

Garg is also planning to continue her education. She will be applying to study for a Master's degree through the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), an alliance of 10 universities, industry partners and government agencies. UNENE is administered from McMaster University under executive director Bill Garland, also a professor of nuclear engineering.

“Professor Garland and other professors in engineering physics inspired me to pursue nuclear engineering,” says Aditi. “They pointed out the growing demand for nuclear power as a source of clean, sustainable energy, and the shortage of talented people to develop this technology.”

When asked about the perceived difficulty in pursuing an education in her field, Aditi's response would inspire anyone to follow in her footsteps.

“Everything can be difficult at times,” reflects Garg. “But after you've done it, it's no longer difficult. I live by three letters P. H.D — Patience, Hardwork, and Determination. Nothing is too difficult if you put your mind to it.