News

By Sophie Webb

Some people are drawn to engineering by theory. For Caleb Hominick, it started with something simpler: taking things apart, figuring out how they work, and putting them back together better than before.

That curiosity has grown into a clear path forward. Graduating with a Diploma of Engineering from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture, Caleb is now preparing to continue into a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, carrying with him a passion for hands-on problem solving and real-world impact.

“What really drew me to engineering was the hands-on aspect of things,” he said. “It’s not just applied theory. It’s figuring out how things work, coming up with problems, and fixing them.”

Choosing Dal AC was both a practical and personal decision. The Truro campus allowed him to stay closer to home while saving money, and the smaller engineering program appealed to him immediately. It was also a place deeply connected to his family history. His sister completed the Truro Start program here, his father graduated from the aquaculture program in the 1990s, and his grandfather attended the former Nova Scotia Agricultural College in the early 1970s.

Caleb received an entrance scholarship to attend Dalhousie as well as support from the Cobequid Salmon Association, athletic scholarships both years as well as the Paul Babineau Memorial Scholarship which is based on academic performance and given to s student who has demonstrated potential for a career in the mechanization of agriculture.

Whether in the classroom or the lab, Caleb has been motivated by the satisfaction of seeing a solution come to life. “I get a lot of satisfaction in seeing something fixed and working,” he said. “Just going out, doing things, and working with my hands – I like that a lot.”

His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dr. Travis Esau highlights Caleb’s impact within the program, noting his “professionalism, leadership, and dedication” as well as his “strong hands-on abilities and exceptional teamwork.” Esau added that Caleb consistently played a key role in group success while maintaining a high standard of work, describing him as a reliable and collaborative student who represents the best of the Faculty of Agriculture.

Caleb’s academic achievements are only matched by his extracurricular commitments. As a member of the Dalhousie Tigers Track and Field team and competing in hammer throw, he has balanced the demands of varsity athletics with a rigorous engineering schedule. He also represented the Faculty of Agriculture in engineering design competitions, where his team won the Atlantic competition and went on to place second nationally, an accomplishment he considers a highlight of his university experience.

He also attended the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s Newfoundland competing in hammer throw. “My competition wasn't as good as I hoped and I ended up finishing 8^th,” he said. “It was an unforgettable experience, and It was very nice to see some of Newfoundland for the first time.” 

Beyond competitions and coursework, Caleb values the learning environment that shaped him. He describes the Truro campus as a place where connections matter and where support is always within reach. “It’s a very close-knit community,” he said. “You know your professors, you can talk to them before, during, and after class easily. There’s so much support here, and I’m really going to miss that.”

Like many students, his time in Truro also came with growth and adjustment. Learning to manage time and stay ahead of demanding projects was a key lesson. “I definitely learned quickly that you can’t leave everything to the last minute,” he said, reflecting on how his approach evolved over his studies.

Outside of campus, Caleb has also applied his skills in meaningful ways, including working with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. In his role, he supported operations work including maintaining work trucks, managing inventory, and assisting with building maintenance. He has also had opportunities to assist the Department of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Management with field work focused on ocean sciences, climate change, Mi’kmaq stewardship and kinship, Indigenous fisheries, freshwater ecosystems, and coastal projects, work he describes as especially rewarding.

Looking ahead, he is eager to continue building his path through co-op experiences as he completes his mechanical engineering degree on the Halifax campus. While he’s still exploring exactly where that path will lead, his goal is clear: to find work that allows him to keep solving problems and working hands-on.

“I’m excited to get into more specific courses and start a new chapter of my life,” he said. “I’m looking forward to finding something I enjoy and building from there.”

With a strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for problem-solving, Caleb leaves the Faculty of Agriculture well-prepared for what comes next, ready to keep building, fixing and figuring out the challenges ahead.