Black History Month: A journey from USask engineering student to educator

For University of Saskatchewan (USask) chemical engineering students, Majak Mapiour (BE'07, BSc'07, MSc'10, BusAdm'19) is a familiar and trusted face. As the Support Engineer and Lab Coordinator for the Department of Chemical Engineering, he plays a key role in supporting students and faculty. Originally from South Sudan, Mapiour has made Saskatoon his home for over 20 years.

He’s a proud graduate of USask, holding both undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemical engineering, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and a Certificate in Business Administration. After gaining valuable industry experience, Mapiour returned to USask, bringing his expertise and passion for engineering, where he has since become an invaluable staff member.

Join Majak Mapiour as he shares his journey and what Black History Month means to him.

From student to educator: My USask story

Professionally, I have had the privilege of experiencing the University of Saskatchewan from multiple perspectives. I started out as an undergraduate student in both the College of Arts and Science and the College of Engineering, then advanced to graduate studies. Over the years, I have taken on various roles, including summer student, research assistant, to research associate, and I now serve as instructional staff. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, enriched by the support of inspiring professors, mentors, and colleagues who made the experience both enjoyable and transformative.

 On a personal level, I fondly recall my time as a member of the African Students’ Association. We organized and participated in many engaging events, including African Night, which were well supported by the university. These experiences helped me forge lifelong friendships that I continue to cherish.

The meaning of Black History Month to you

To me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black communities and individuals, and to share those accomplishments with friends and allies from other communities. It is also a moment to reflect on how we can continue moving forward to create a more equitable world - one where everyone can realize their full potential and share their unique gifts and talents.

Black History Month at USask honours the legacy and contributions of members of the university’s Black community. It is a time to listen to and learn about the accomplishments and lived experiences of the Black community. For more information, visit https://spotlight.usask.ca/black-history-month/black-history-month.php

Article originally published at https://engineering.usask.ca