Engineering and Lifelong Learning: An Interview with Dean Larry Kostiuk

As part of National Engineering Month, Dean Larry Kostiuk was interviewed by Engineers Canada to provide valuable insights into his journey, reflections on engineering, and Carleton’s pivotal role in shaping the profession’s future. From early inspirations to the changing landscape of engineering education, Dean Kostiuk shares his profound perspectives and experiences.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I first became aware of engineering around 1976 when my older brother enrolled as an engineering student at the University of Calgary. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I’ve always been intrigued by how things work, so I followed in my brother’s footsteps, partly encouraged by my mother as she strongly suggested I pursue mechanical engineering, and so I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. It felt like a natural fit, emphasizing math, physics, and chemistry. I thrived in that environment, always hungry for more knowledge.

Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Larry Kostiuk

After graduation, I struggled to find a job due to the downturn in the Alberta economy. Instead, I pursued a master’s degree at the University of Alberta, focusing on heating, ventilation, and making spaces comfortable. When the job market still hadn’t improved I discovered my passion for research at the intersection of science and engineering. This led me to pursue a PhD at Cambridge University in the UK, where my love for learning and sharing ideas blossomed.

Along the way, my wife and I  started a family and I started working at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs in California, contributing to projects for NASA. Eventually, my family decided to return to Canada, where I spent 26 years at the University of Alberta before embarking on a new adventure as the Dean of Engineering and Design at Carleton University.

Despite the challenges, I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for engineering and the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and its practical applications. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I feel fortunate to have enjoyed almost every moment of it.

Why is National Engineering Month important to you and the engineering profession overall?

Historically, the public has seen engineering as a behind-the-scenes job. But there are many enjoyable aspects, such as working with math and science and doing a lot of thinking, understanding, and problem-solving. Although many engineers, myself included, tend to work quietly in the background, we’re seeing more public representation in the profession as a whole.

I believe it’s important to take time to celebrate the achievements and the process behind them. Initiatives like National Engineering Month bring people in the engineering community closer together, recognizing the countless small decisions that collectively shape our society for the better. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that it’s essential to set aside time during the year to acknowledge everyone’s efforts in this field.

Engineers don’t work in isolation; we collaborate with various professionals.