From Classroom to Charge Lab: Powered by ENWIN Support (2022)

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For University of Windsor engineering student Huda Saleh, the road to a career in STEM is powered by passion, persistence, and strong family roots in science and technology. A recipient of the ENWIN Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Scholarship, Saleh is currently in her third year of Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Automotive.

“I’ve always loved working with physical systems and hardware,” she said. “Designing and building real products is something that motivates me.” That hands-on drive took shape early through her high school robotics team and has only grown since. Today, she works as a research assistant in the University of Windsor’s CHARGE lab, where she helps develop electric vehicle components, including electric motors.

The ENWIN EDIA Scholarship, valued at $1,000, supports four Grade 12 graduates from Windsor-Essex entering science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) programs at Ontario post-secondary institutions. Preference is given to students from equity-deserving groups — those historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

Saleh, who received the scholarship in 2022, says the scholarship gave her the confidence and financial support she needed to focus on her studies. “Coming from an immigrant household, the cost of engineering school can be daunting,” she said. “This kind of local support means a lot. It helped me settle into university without having to constantly worry about finances.”

Saleh’s passion for engineering is rooted in her family’s legacy. Her father was an automotive engineer in Iraq, though his credentials didn’t transfer when the family immigrated to Canada. Her mother also worked in STEM as a physics professor. “Both my parents really emphasized education and encouraged us to pursue what we love,” Saleh said. “My sister and I both followed STEM paths. She studied mechatronics at Waterloo, and I followed her lead into robotics and engineering.”

That early exposure led Saleh to co-op placements at companies like Schaeffler (formerly Tesco Technologies), where she worked on electric vehicle thermal management systems and experienced the complexity of designing components that power sustainable transportation.

Looking ahead, Saleh plans to pursue a master’s degree in automotive engineering and continue contributing to the research and development side of the industry. “I want to help build the next generation of electric vehicles—safer, faster and more sustainable,” she said.

She also hopes her story encourages other young students to apply. “The ENWIN scholarship helped me start strong. It’s an amazing opportunity for local students who want to make a difference through STEM.”

You can learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here.