Nataliia Bon

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is proud to welcome a new wave of diversity, talent, and determination to our community. This year, we are excited to highlight three first-year Engineering One students from Ukraine: Matvii Mechanik, Ivan Haievyi, and Nikolas Al-Deir.

All three arrived in Canada just three years ago. Each brings a different story, a different path, and a different spark that led them here — yet all are united by a shared love for engineering and a drive to build meaningful futures in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Matvii Mechanik: driven by curiosity

Matvii moved to St. John’s in 2023 and began attending St. Bonaventure’s College, where motivated classmates and a supportive environment encouraged him to explore post-secondary opportunities at Memorial University.

Outside academics, he plays violin, enjoys chess, and has a strong passion for math and physics.

His interest in engineering started long before university — at home.
“My dad is a mechanical engineer. He could fix anything, especially cars. I was always amazed by how things worked,” he says. After researching Canadian universities, Matvii discovered Memorial’s co-op program, which solidified his decision: “I wanted real practical experience.”

His advice for future students:
“Be active. Join activities and competitions. Take every opportunity — and stay on top of your courses!”

Ivan Haievyi: from airshows to engineering classrooms

Ivan arrived in Canada three years ago and continued high school at Holy Heart and later Mount Pearl Senior High. In his free time, he’s often on the basketball court or out running.

Before moving to Canada, he spent years competing in robotics and aeromodelling — experiences that shaped his love for building and designing.
“My grandparents were engineers. I always knew engineering was my future,” he says.

He was especially drawn to MUN’s co-op program: “It’s an outstanding opportunity to study, work, and grow into a real engineer.”

What motivates him most is the reward of seeing his work come to life:
“Results drive me — when the final outcome is what you expected, or even better.”

Nikolas Al-Deir: a builder at heart

Nikolas also moved to Canada three years ago and completed grade 10 at Gonzaga High School. There, he discovered a new passion: playing piano, thanks to a music course he enrolled in.

He chose Memorial after researching engineering as a strong career path and hearing encouragement from his older sister, a current MUN student.
“I always liked working with computers, figuring out how they work, and fixing things. Even as a kid, I was always trying to repair something.”

Nikolas describes St. John’s as “very welcoming” and even reminds him of home.

Engineering that unites

Though Matvii, Ivan, and Nikolas came from different cities, schools, and life experiences, their paths now cross in the same classrooms, labs, and hallways at Memorial University.

Each has a unique story, but together they share:

• A deep passion for engineering
• A drive to take on challenges
• A desire to contribute to their new community
• And gratitude for the support they’ve found in St. John’s

Their journeys remind us that engineering doesn’t just build structures — it builds futures, opportunities, and connections across borders.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is proud to have them as part of our growing, diverse community, and we can’t wait to see where their ambition takes them next.