“The world increasingly needs scientists and engineers who are familiar with governments and regulations,” says Tim Poon in an e-mail from the UK. “This program helps provide a policy framework for an engineer like me.”

The 26-year-old is enjoying Cambridge, describing the renowned institute as “a neat place to study” and the city as “a lovely, magical place.” He adds that alumni Nobel Prize winners like Newton and Rutherford, as well as Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne, steep the city in a rich historical flavour.

Poon was born and raised in Edmonton, but his area of expertise has led him all over the world. He is currently studying science and technology policy in a post-graduate program at the University of Cambridge in England. He’s there on a scholarship from the Edmonton Sir Winston Churchill Society and the University of Alberta engineering faculty.

“Whenever I choose a job or an academic program, I try to find something that fits with my view of the world around me.” Poon admits, “I’ve always been a ‘gadget guy.’ But, we shouldn’t appreciate gadgets for the gadget’s sake. We should implement science and technology in ways that improve society at large.”

Poon earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering with a major in electrical and computer engineering. He worked his way up the engineering ladder, as an assistant, with companies like Shell Canada, Telus Mobility and the U of A’s iCORE Wireless Communications Laboratory. He gained international experience with the aerospace program in Strasbourg, France and at a broadband Internet project in Adelaide, Australia. His hope is that he’ll find a position with an Edmonton firm after he has concluded his studies.

For Poon, the Cambridge program bridges the gap between scientists and society’s policy makers.

“I guess that I’ve always had a passion for the role of science in society. I’d like to see science and technology have a larger role in the decisions, ideas, and processes in today’s world.”