At Home and Abroad

Newfoundland, Labrador Rose
Katie Hanlon-Wadman

My name is Katie Hanlon-Wadman, I am 19 years old, and I live in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. I am currently completing my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). I decided to pursue Engineering after participating in the 2014 Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador Student Summer Employment Program. This program places high-school girls in positions in Science and Engineering to promote women’s interest in this field.
During that Summer, I worked as a Wave Pump Research Assistant at the National Research Council of Canada. Since then I have worked in many engineering related positions through my co-op program at MUN. I am very determined and hard working, having earned seven scholarships for school. Life long learning is something that I am very passionate about. From tutoring high school students, to discovering something new each day, my love for learning and passing on knowledge is tremendous.

In my spare time, I love to swim, hike, camp, rock climb, cook, and volunteer. My love for camping and volunteering came from my nine years with Girl Guides of Canada. Most recently I have volunteered with GoodLife Spin4Kids, the Community Food Sharing Association, and the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. These organizations hold a special place in my heart.
My Irish Heritage originates from my father’s side of the family. My three times great grandfather Timothy O’Connor was born in Kilkenny, Ireland and settled in Placentia Bay, NL in the late 1800s. As well, my great grandmother Ellen Connors (Henry) was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland and came to Newfoundland as a war bride after marrying Thomas Connors in 1944. O’Connor eventually became Connors for sounding “too Irish”. I am very proud of my Irish and Newfoundland Heritage and the impact it has on my life everyday.