Matthew Thurston's path to success exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on experience and mentorship in education. A graduate of Centennial College's Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design program, Matthew faced challenges early in his academic journey. After starting his studies in Physics at Trent University, he discovered that his true passion lay in practical, hands-on work rather than theoretical concepts. “I did one year, dropped out, went back for another year, finished [the year], dropped out again…the theoretical side of things wasn’t working, but I was really good at labs.” Matthew shared. “I spoke to an astronomer at one point and they suggested I do hands-on instrumental stuff…That helped me find Centennial’s Mechanical Engineering Technology - Design, and it went from there.”
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Discovering Innovation at Centennial College
Matthew's transition to Centennial College marked a pivotal turn in his academic career. Thanks to the guidance of his professors, his interest in design and innovation soon led him to Centennial Innovates, the college's Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department. “I don’t think I would have known about [the student researcher opportunity] if it wasn’t for some of my teachers.” He recalled. “Elvira Nijloveanu was my CAD teacher in first or second semester.”Through that course, Matthew participated in an Ontario skills competition for CAD design. “She pulled me out of the class, and then…convinced me to apply for the [Centennial Innovates] program.”
At Centennial Innovates, Matthew thrived as a student researcher, where he engaged in meaningful projects that aligned with his interests. “My very first job was redesigning an outflow valve muffler for Bombardier.” He recalled his research experience specializing in design, 3D printing the prototypes, and working with topology optimization software.
He also reminisced on his experience working with Marsh Brothers Aviation and Safran Landing Systems, where he worked on a test rig to conduct testing polymeric bushings used in landing gear systems using various equipment such as hydraulic presses. The project aimed to replace metal bushings with a self-lubricating polymer to reduce aircraft maintenance time, costs and eliminate bushing corrosion. “That was one of the most enjoyable projects I had here…We did the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and programming, and circuitry to have a motor rotate the bushing at the same time.” Matthew spoke fondly about the time spent with his fellow researchers. “The most enjoyable part was working with Florin and [my coworker],” recounted Matthew. Professor Florin Nijloveanu was the Principal Investigator in the Marsh Brothers Aviation project and worked closely with Matthew. “We were in this [Material Testing Lab] until 5AM some nights,” Matthew laughed. “It was really fun.” Matthew graduated before the project’s completion, but his research testing the bushings set the groundwork for the research teams to come.
He also shared about the friendships he made during the research projects. “I worked with [someone who became] a good friend, even now four years later.” Other projects Matthew worked on included a feedback sensor for landing gear steering, and a project with Promation involving compression and tensile testing for 3D printed metal.
Building Confidence and Skills for the Future
Through his work at Centennial Innovates, Matthew honed both technical and soft skills essential for his career. He gained hands-on experience in machine assembly, programming, and design optimization. “Lots of times behind the computer, you don’t actually get to see the physical changes and what you need to do to accomplish the end goal of project, but when you’re actually building it, it’s kind of proactive learning as you go.”
Through weekly meetings and presentations with industry partners to share project progress and outcomes, Matthew effectively honed his various soft skills such as speaking with customers and critically thinking about how to solve any problems that arise. Importantly, he also developed his communication skills, which would prove invaluable in his professional life. “I had a good reputation of being able to present slides [and] discuss with the customers…It’s helped me [advance] in my career now. I learned a lot about presenting to customers and just working with a larger company. I can’t say how much it helped me in my career…it was just an unbelievable time.”
After graduation, Matthew continued to work as a student researcher part-time. Soon after, he secured a position in the nuclear industry as a Mechanical Technician at BWXT Technologies Inc. “The experience of assembling that test rig [for the Marsh Brothers Aviation project] really helped with the career I was able to get right after school.” Matthew shared, relating his experience at Centennial Innovates to his role assembling large components at BWXT. “If I didn’t work with the Centennial Innovates program, I don’t know if I’d be able to get the job that I have today.” He expressed. “Working with the customers [and] having the confidence to speak was one of the biggest things.”
A Launchpad for Career Advancement
Building on the foundation laid at Centennial, Matthew advanced a year later to his current role at BWXT as a Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, where he manages multiple projects and collaborates with vendors to deliver high-quality components to clients. “[It’s] kind of like a mini project manager…I have 15 or 18 projects on the go at one time,” he explained. He attributes much of his success to the practical knowledge and experience gained during his time at Centennial Innovates. "I entered Centennial thinking, ‘Okay, I just want some piece of paper showing I finished something’, but in the end, it changed my life for sure,” Matthew reflected. “I really appreciate all the time that I’ve had here at Centennial Innovates.”
Matthew’s journey serves as an inspiration for current and prospective students at Centennial College. His advice is simple yet profound: get involved. "If you’re at Centennial and you have not applied to [Centennial Innovates], you have to do that right now,” he expressed. “Working for the innovation team…it changed my career and the future. So I would recommend any student, and want any student, to follow that path.”
He also shared some advice for how students can get the most out of their experience. “When you work with the innovation team, really get involved. With your projects, try to learn as much as you can.” He encourages students to not only do the research and what the project entails, but to also use the opportunity to communicate with and learn from the research team and industry partners. “It’s really important for not only getting a job right after college, but advancing – getting to the next level [beyond] the position you did get initially.”
When asked if there’s anything else he’d like to share, he expressed the opportunities that exist for graduate employment outside the Greater Toronto Area. “Please apply to companies outside of the GTA, [like] BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada in Peterborough,” he encouraged. “I’ve never seen as many people hired as we’ve been hiring in the last half a year. There’s been tremendous hiring sprees. BWXT has locations in Oakville, Cambridge, Toronto, Brampton, we’re all over…I really recommend people to come.” For Matthew, there was a lot of benefit in applying outside the GTA. “You can make a lot more money, develop your career a lot faster, in a less competitive environment.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Matthew Thurston's success story is a testament to the impact of applied research and innovation in education. “I really loved my time at Centennial and I attribute my current success to everything I learned here,” he concludes. His journey from a hesitant student to a confident professional highlights the importance of experiential learning and mentorship in shaping careers. With a solid foundation from Centennial College, Matthew is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the engineering and nuclear industry, making meaningful contributions to his field and inspiring future generations.