Maliha Ifikhar: Merging Art and Engineering in STEM

Introduction to Maliha Ifikhar

Maliha Ifikhar’s journey in STEM began at an early age when she built her first Lego Mindstorm in an engineering classroom at the University of Calgary. This formative experience ignited her passion for the intersection of creativity and technology. Currently, she is a second-year electrical engineering student at the same university, where she continues to explore innovative designs fueled by her natural curiosity.

Embracing Creativity in Engineering

Maliha views STEM not merely through a lens of logic but as a canvas for creativity. Her inventive spirit is reflected in her hobbies; her phone remains a collection of whimsical doodles, demonstrating the playful side of her mind. “Sometimes the silliest sketch sparks the smartest solution,” she observes, highlighting her belief that art and engineering are complementary disciplines.

Key Projects

One of her notable achievements includes developing a mental health companion robot during her first year. This project aimed to address panic attacks, focusing on self-regulation during critical moments. Through this undertaking, Maliha did not only enhance her technical skills but also built her confidence in applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

Navigating Challenges

Like many in her field, Maliha has faced challenges and moments of self-doubt. The competitive nature of engineering often leads her to question her sense of belonging. However, she has reframed these feelings, recognizing that discomfort is essential for personal growth. “Figuring things out” has become the defining mantra of her academic journey.

Looking to the Future

Maliha is passionate about pushing the boundaries of her knowledge and skills, particularly in space exploration. She aims to secure an internship within the aerospace sector, which she believes will further enhance her engineering abilities and nurture her endless curiosity. Ultimately, she sees engineering as a discipline rooted in inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving.

Fun Facts About Maliha

• Favorite Food: Tiramisu
• Favorite part of STEM: The incredible sense of achievement when solving complex problems.
• Favorite Movie/TV Show: Voltron, Legendary Defender
• Go-To Karaoke Song: “Anything but Ordinary” by Avril Lavigne
• Pets: While she loves cats, she currently cares for three budgies.
• A Guilty Pleasure: Almond butter on croissants dipped in tea.

Profile written by Alisha Anwar.