The Journal spoke to the two candidates running for Engineering Society (EngSoc) junior senator to chat about their platforms. The election is happening between Jan. 30 to 31.
Bruce Cao, Sci ‘26
Bruce Cao, Sci ’26, seeks to encourage students to get involved with extracurriculars which distinguish the Queen’s Engineering from other universities.
He believes ion is the most important trait in a junior senator and wants to ensure both students and faculty are engaged at the local level.
Cao wants to focus on equity and diverge from Queen’s past.
“For equity, I would say that […] in the past, we’ve been involved in some controversies,” Cao said in an interview with The Journal. “I want to make sure that Queen’s university is a safe and inclusive space for everyone.”
Cao wants to encourage senators to engage in free speech and to voice their opinions.
“I would gather opinions by things like surveys, which I would run on a bi-weekly or monthly basis […] and propose motions to either fix or do something about it,” Cao said.
Having strong time management skills, Cao does not think tight deadlines or balancing his academic responsibilities will be an issue.
Students can learn more by following Cao on Instagram or checking out his posters in the Integrated Learning Centre (ILC).
Lucas Balog, Sci ‘26
EngSoc needs a new Junior Senator, and Lucas Balog, Sci ’26, thinks he has what it takes.
As a first-year student in the direct entry mechatronics program, Balog is excited to incorporate the views of EngSoc council and general students at the Senate level. Balog added he wishes to represent the entire student body.
An issue Balog is ionate about is finding the right balance between in-person and online academics.
“Students are busy; we’re noticing a decrease in volunteers. Making more online resources available [is important], whether it’s online summer courses, students can get ahead on their studies, take a course out, or be able to work and be more involved in their community,” Balog said in an interview with The Journal.
Integrating more online learning options in existing courses is something Balog cares about, and he wishes to work with senators and union regulations. His hope is to give individual professors more autonomy around the delivery of large courses.
Ensuring Engineering students feel heard and represented is paramount to Balog.
“I want to make sure that what I’m doing is public; I want students to know that their voice is heard, and their voice is represented,” Balog said.
“A lot of big decisions get made through the Senate. Having student representation and a student that’s used to sitting at the ‘grownup’ table […] Not gonna go out there and pick fights, but definitely stand up [and push dialogue],” he said.
Balog ended off saying he’s an optimist and looks forward to continuing the “legacy” of student leadership at Queen’s.
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