Abigail's Co-op Journey to Marine Innovation
Abigail Sparrow on site on a class tour, exploring Newdock Shipyard.
From the shores of Newfoundland to the design offices of Vard Marine Inc., Abigail Sparrow, a Marine Engineering co-op student, is navigating the complexities of ship design and the challenges of the marine industry. As a final-year Mechanical Engineering student at Memorial University, she has spent the last few years blending classroom theory with real-world experience, refining her skills in hydrodynamics, stability, and marine systems. In this Q&A, Abigail shares elements of her journey, from growing up near the ocean to tackling cutting-edge projects in marine engineering.
Q: Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Growing up with my family just a short drive away made it a special place to call home, and being away in Ottawa has really highlighted how much I value having family close by. I’ve always had a deep love for the ocean and miss the freedom of seeing it whenever I want—one of the perks of living on an island. I pursued my education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, where I’m completing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. Currently in my final year, I’ve also completed five work term placements. During my studies, I explored many different fields, but over time, my work terms steered me toward marine engineering. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and solving problems. Growing up, I loved going cod fishing—being on a boat, catching my own cod, and eating it fresh that same day was a fantastic experience. Living near the ocean and engaging in those activities helped shape my path and sparked my interest in the marine industry.
Q: Can you share your journey into marine engineering?
Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to understanding how things work, which naturally led me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. This field gave me a strong foundation in design principles, thermodynamics, and materials science—skills that are essential across many industries. However, my true interest in marine engineering was sparked by my fascination with the ocean and the complexity and scale of ships. Over the past four years, I’ve become increasingly interested in applying my mechanical engineering knowledge to the marine environment. The idea of working on projects that interact with the ocean, combined with the unique challenges posed by the harsh marine environment, motivated me to dive deeper into this field.
My mechanical engineering background played a key role in my decision to pursue a co-op in marine engineering. I saw it as a chance to apply my existing skills in a specialized field that involves mechanical systems I’m familiar with, such as a ship’s cooling water system, ship navigation, and sustainability. The hands-on experience I’ve gained during these co-op placements has only reinforced my decision to pursue a career in marine engineering.
My mechanical engineering background played a key role in my decision to pursue a co-op in marine engineering. I saw it as a chance to apply my existing skills in a specialized field that involves mechanical systems I’m familiar with, such as a ship’s cooling water system, ship navigation, and sustainability. The hands-on experience I’ve gained during these co-op placements has only reinforced my decision to pursue a career in marine engineering.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you at Vard Marine Inc.?
As an intern at Vard Marine Inc., every day offers a valuable opportunity to learn and contribute to real-world projects in the marine industry. My responsibilities are varied, giving me a well-rounded experience in ship design and marine engineering. A key aspect of my role involves supporting senior engineers with ship design projects, including assisting with technical drawings for the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) project. Throughout the day, I participate in meetings with different teams—such as naval architects, mechanical engineers, and project managers—which helps me understand how various departments collaborate to deliver a project.
I’m fortunate to have mentors at Vard Marine Inc. who guide me through complex tasks and help me develop both my technical and problem-solving skills. Each day presents a new learning experience, whether it’s understanding how a specific ship component functions or receiving feedback from senior engineers, and I’m continually expanding my knowledge of the marine industry.
Q: As someone new to the marine industry, what have you learned about the design process of vessels during your time on the OOSV project?
As someone new to the marine industry, working on the Offshore Oceanographic Support Vessel (OOSV) project has been an invaluable learning experience. It has provided me with firsthand insight into the complexities of ship design, deepening my understanding of several key areas. One of the most fascinating aspects has been seeing how various systems—such as propulsion, electrical, and mechanical—must be seamlessly integrated into the vessel’s overall design. Each system is interdependent and ensuring that they work together efficiently to meet the ship’s operational needs has proven to be a challenging part of the design process. The OOSV project has also highlighted the critical importance of communication and teamwork in solving complex design problems.
Q: How do the roles and responsibilities of a marine engineer differ when working in an office environment versus being on a vessel?
In the office, the focus is primarily on design, analysis, and project management. This role requires a strong emphasis on precision, foresight, and collaboration with other departments, such as naval architecture and systems engineering, to ensure the vessel will function optimally once built. Working in the office provides a solid understanding of the theoretical aspects of marine engineering, where attention to detail and technical problem-solving are essential. However, being on a vessel offers a completely different perspective. Onboard, the role of a marine engineer is more hands-on and operational, involving the monitoring and maintenance of systems and machinery to ensure everything runs smoothly. A significant part of this role is troubleshooting, where engineers must quickly address issues as they arise—whether it's dealing with mechanical failures or adjusting systems to handle real-world conditions like rough seas or extreme temperatures.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a co-op student in a field where you are relatively new?
I’ve encountered a variety of challenges and rewarding experiences that have significantly shaped my career perspective. One of the biggest challenges has been the steep learning curve, as marine engineering is a specialized field that requires a deep understanding of technical areas ranging from ship design to mechanical systems. Coming from a more general mechanical engineering background, I had to quickly adapt to the unique demands of marine projects. Despite these challenges, the rewards have been immense.
Q: What rewards have you experienced so far?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my co-op experience has been the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. It’s rewarding to know that the projects I work on have tangible, impactful outcomes. I’ve also experienced significant personal and professional growth. The collaborative nature of the industry has underscored the importance of teamwork, and I’ve gained greater confidence in my ability to tackle complex engineering challenges. These experiences have solidified my passion for marine engineering and shaped my long-term career goals. The challenges have honed my critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential skills for a successful career in this field. Ultimately, the rewards have only deepened my desire to pursue a career in ship design.
Q: What role do you see technology, such as AutoCAD, playing in the future of marine engineering?
I have come to realize how essential technology is to the future of all engineering fields. AutoCAD has opened my eyes to the importance of precision and detail in ship design and enhanced the learning and design process. The software visualizes components and layouts in 2D and 3D, which allows me to better understand the scale and complexity of marine systems. These kinds of tools are extremely useful for problem solving. I have been able to grasp the iterative nature of engineering and how small adjustments can make such a large difference in a ship’s performance.
Q: What advice would you offer to fellow mechanical engineering students who are considering a transition into marine engineering?
For mechanical engineering students considering a transition into marine engineering, my advice would be to focus on building both foundational skills and gaining relevant experience that will help you succeed. I’ve always had an interest in marine engineering, but initially hesitated to pursue it as I thought career options might be limited. I knew mechanical engineering was broad, offering opportunities to enter the marine industry and other fields. I believe it's important to use work term placements to explore different industries and discover what you’re truly passionate about. My third work term placement was my first in marine engineering, where I worked as a marine engineering consultant and gained exposure to various aspects of ship design and the industry. Since then, I’ve continued to seek marine roles and am now on my third marine engineering work term.
While the courses in marine engineering are different from those in mechanical engineering, I was fortunate that my favorite subjects—thermodynamics and fluid dynamics—are directly applicable to the marine field. These concepts are essential when addressing challenges related to hydrodynamics, buoyancy, and stability in marine environments. I would recommend focusing on these courses, as they form the foundation for ship design and propulsion systems. I would also advise pursuing a marine engineering internship as early as possible—at this stage in your career, naval architects and mechanical engineers often have similar levels of experience, making it an ideal time to get your foot in the door. By honing specific skills and gaining knowledge unique to the marine industry, you’ll be well prepared to make a successful transition. Keep an open mind, be willing to learn, and actively seek hands-on experiences that will help you thrive in this field.
While the courses in marine engineering are different from those in mechanical engineering, I was fortunate that my favorite subjects—thermodynamics and fluid dynamics—are directly applicable to the marine field. These concepts are essential when addressing challenges related to hydrodynamics, buoyancy, and stability in marine environments. I would recommend focusing on these courses, as they form the foundation for ship design and propulsion systems. I would also advise pursuing a marine engineering internship as early as possible—at this stage in your career, naval architects and mechanical engineers often have similar levels of experience, making it an ideal time to get your foot in the door. By honing specific skills and gaining knowledge unique to the marine industry, you’ll be well prepared to make a successful transition. Keep an open mind, be willing to learn, and actively seek hands-on experiences that will help you thrive in this field.
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