People of McMaster celebrates the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and conduct research. Click here for the rest of the series.
In an age of 5G and artificial intelligence, Wayde Nie is just as comfortable tapping out Morse code as he is managing a data centre.
A lifelong learner, hands-on builder and problem solver at heart, he troubleshoots complex IT systems at McMaster by day.
By night, he’s tuning into the world – literally – through a radio receiver he built.
Nie brings curiosity and creativity to everything he does, whether he’s streamlining university systems, mentoring students, or cycling across the province to raise funds for kids’ cancer research.
What is your official role at McMaster, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the senior manager of enterprise architecture and I’ve been working in technology at McMaster for 26 years.
My job has always been about applying technology to solve problems, primarily for administrative functions, but also for research and academic areas.
Day-to-day, you’ll find me collaborating with different groups across campus to figure out the best tech solutions for their unique challenges.
What do you enjoy most about working at McMaster?
I love being part of an environment where learning never stops. Working at a university means I’m constantly surrounded by opportunities to grow and discover new things.
Plus, I’ve had the chance to dive into things beyond my day job. For example, a few years ago, I taught scuba diving lessons in the university’s swimming pool.
Scuba diving sounds amazing! What other hobbies keep you busy?
Amateur radio is a big one for me. It’s such a broad hobby – there’s always something new to learn. I love “parks on the air,” where operators set up radios in parks and try to make as many contacts as possible with other enthusiasts around the world.
Another fascinating area is Earth-Moon-Earth communication, where you bounce radio signals off the moon and back to Earth.
At McMaster, I’ve also teamed up with engineering students who use amateur radio for satellite telemetry and other projects. It’s a perfect blend of technical skills and my passion for teaching and learning.
I’m also dedicated to the Great Cycle Challenge, which raises funds for kids’ cancer research. My family has been personally affected by cancer, so this cause is close to my heart.
Last year, I rode 1,710 kilometers in August, and I’m excited to take on the challenge again this year. It keeps me active and connects me with others who share similar experiences.
What’s a quote that inspires you?
Lately, I’ve been inspired by some lyrics from the Canadian band Rush. They’re full of great wisdom.
One line I love is, “He knows changes aren’t permanent, but change is,” from Tom Sawyer.
Another favorite is, “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice,” from Freewill. These remind me that technology – and the world around us – is always changing. The key is to embrace change, adapt and stay resilient.