Daniela Pistilli

Biography

Daniela is a Senior Ergonomics Inspector at the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation. As a regulator of BC's mining industry, Daniela conducts ergonomics inspections of all types of mining operations throughout the province, including hard rock, coal, aggregate and placer. Daniela is also a subject matter expert in ergonomics for emerging technology in mining, hours of work, mine development and Code Review.

QUESTIONS

1) What is your current position? What does a typical work day look like for you?  

Senior Ergonomics Inspector at BC Ministry of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation

2) How did your education in BPK influence your career?

In my first semester applying for co-op positions, I went out of my comfort zone to apply for a role as an Ergonomics Specialist with Alberta Health Services. I had never taken a course in ergonomics before this point, needless to say I was nervous about being called a specialist in the field! With the support of my supervisors Ken Page and Dora Hsiao, I fell in love with ergonomics and knew this was a career I wanted to pursue. When I returned SFU after my first co-op term, I got right to enrolling in courses to satisfy the requirements for the Occupational Ergonomics certificate and I completed additional co-op work terms in ergonomics and occupational rehabilitation.

3) Who in BPK had an impact on you and why?

Darleen Bemister, Anne-Kristina Arnold and Stephen Brown. Darleen and her team supported my confidence and professional development through 6 co-op terms! Anne-Kristina Arnold created an amazing ergonomics certificate program which ensured my success in satisfying the educational requirements for the Certified Canadian Professional Ergonomist designation. She fueled my passion for ergonomics, was an excellent mentor and supported me in networking with the professional ergonomists working in BC. Stephen Brown's course on occupational health hazards and his teaching style kept learning fun and reminded me to enjoy the journey.

4) What is your favourite memory of your time at SFU as an undergraduate?

The opportunity to be a Teacher's Assistant for BPK 180W. I enjoyed meeting other BPK students with a curiosity for ergonomics and I liked the challenge of teaching a group of students the ergonomics material I had learned.

5) What advice would you give to today’s BPK student? 

Participate in multiple co-op work terms and don't be afraid to apply for jobs in the variety of disciplines that BPK covers!