I’m Simon Hathout Willard, a fourth year Engineering Physics student at UBC. I’m interested in how we can tackle the growing energy demands of the future while reducing harmful emissions and pollutants.

My primary interest is in the field of nuclear energy generation. It’s a super interesting field, where I can combine my passion for learning advanced physics concepts with practical engineering knowledge. I’m super excited to see that Canada has announced further commitment to developing our fission power sector including both the CANDU models, as well as Small Modular Reactors.

In my free time, I love cross stitching – it’s a nice way to unwind with some music and a nice drink, and I get some decor to put up on my dorm walls. I also like playing rhythm games (Right now mostly Project Sekai, but I also enjoy Phigros, Arcaea, Osu!Mania, Maimai, and Chunithm), and have recently been trying to get into dance.

I’ve been learning German for the past 6 years. I started learning the language in grade 7, and found it very interesting. I reached my B1 proficency level in grade 11, and have since taken a month long exchange trip to germany sponsored through Germany’s PAD program. At UBC, I took an intermediate German course, where I got to learn the formal grammar rules rather than relying just on intuition. I’m also taking an exchange semester at ETH Zurich, where I am taking a German language course, as well as devloping my skills in daily life.

I’d like to thank the organizations and donors whose scholarships have helped fund my studies at UBC, including the Carl and Elsie Halterman Scholarship, Thomas Beeching Scholarship, Eric P. Newell Leadership Award in Engineering, BC Hydro - Engineers and Geoscientists BC Scholarships, Trek Excellence Scholarship, and Embark Student Award. Their support has allowed me to focus on my coursework and community involvement, as well as making learning opportunities like my exchange semester in Zurich possible.