A role model for women entering non-traditional industries, Carina Butterworth has been paving the path for those pursuing careers in geomatics and environmental technology at SAIT since 2008.
While her original plan was to design body joints in biomechanics, and took one semester of kinesiology in pursuit of that career, Butterworth quickly realized engineering was a practice where she could truly make a difference.
She worked as a land surveyor’s assistant while earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, but a year abroad living in Austria as part of a joint study program in geomatics engineering, created an interest in environmental monitoring using satellite imaging. Later, through her master’s degree — also earned at the U of C — she focused on microwave imaging.
Even as she pursued her own studies, though, Butterworth tutored and worked as a teaching assistant, unearthing a true passion for teaching others.
Today, she is an instructor for the Geomatics Engineering Technology and Environmental Technology programs, while also volunteering for the Executive Council of the SAIT Academic Faculty Association.
Butterworth is currently working toward her doctoral degree in biomedical engineering.
Awards and achievements:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Southern Alberta Society (IEEE SAS) Leadership Award
- International Women’s Day Catalyst Award for being a role model for young women entering non-traditional industries
- Person’s Case Scholarship for academic achievement, community involvement and being a role model for women in engineering
- SAIT Student Association Teaching Excellence Award winner
- multiple nominations for SAIT Teaching Excellence Awards
If I wasn’t doing this: I’d be a professional student — I love taking courses and learning new things.
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