Emma Donnelly

IBET Momentum Fellow at Western University

Emma was born and raised in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario, and is pursuing her PhD studies at Western University in the School of Biomedical Engineering, where she also earned her master’s degree.

She completed an undergraduate degree in the same field at the University of Hartford in Connecticut, during which time she also played varsity soccer, a passion she continues to this day.

She spent a year after the completion of her undergraduate degree as a junior engineer for Novadaq (now part of Stryker), and a second working in public service at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Emma is nearly always listening to a podcast, and as a hobby has recently started practicing embroidery.


The Faculty of Engineering at Western University is committed to increasing the diversity of Canadian workforce in the engineering and technology sector, especially, the participation from Indigenous and Black communities.

As part of Western Engineering’s efforts to encourage, mentor, support and enhance the preparation of tomorrow’s diverse leaders in academia and industry, the Faculty is offering the Indigenous and Black Engineering/Technology (IBET) PhD Fellowship to attract and financially support highly qualified domestic applicants who identify as Indigenous or Black.