The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Ontario Tech University
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The Premiere Issue! WHAT’S INSIDE The Future of Energy Research Inspiring Girls in Engineering A New Hub for Hands-on Learning
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Look Inside
Contents A Message from the Dean 2 A Look at What’s New 3 Newly Appointed Canada Research Chair
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New Collaborators in Energy Research 7 The Effectiveness of Four-Legged Robot
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Student Innovation 11 The Future Looks Green 13 Making Nuclear Energy Safer 15 Engineering Outreach 17 The Next Generation of Girls in Engineering 19 Hard Work Recognized 21 Celebrating Student Success 23 A New Hub for Hands-on Learning 25 Thinking Ahead 27 Alumni Updates 29
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We’ve got a story to tell. A story about a remarkable Faculty full of exceptional students, devoted staff, innovative research, passionate professors and accomplished alumni. I want to thank you for picking up the premiere issue of the Ontario Tech Engineering Ignite Magazine, and I hope that reading it ignites a spark of interest in Ontario Tech Engineering. Like many institutions across the globe, 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the academic world. The COVID-19 pandemic thrust a wrench into the well-running machine of our Faculty. However, I am proud to say that our incredibly dedicated faculty, staff and students rose to the challenge and prevailed. As technical innovation and blended learning opportunities are the foundation on which our university was founded, we were able to quickly and effectively adapt to the new online learning environment. We were able to come together as a team, and ensure that our students were given the opportunity to complete their courses to the same high standard of education excellence that we’ve always provided. Through these difficult times, we not only survived, but we thrived. We were able to start a number of new initiatives, such as being designated the first North American collaborating centre with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Our renowned researchers in the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science are part of this initiative and are are exploring innovative approaches in Nuclear
Engineering and small modular reactors. We launched our very own podcast, The Research Rundown, which offers listeners a fun and accessible way to learn about and reflect on the practical applications of our latest research. Our Engineering Outreach program grew significantly, and we started a number of new programs to provide additional science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities to families and youth across the region. We hosted the second annual INSPIRE ENG Conference, which brought in girls from around the globe in grades 11 & 12, who are interested in pursuing higher education in Engineering. We hosted the Future City Experience in collaboration with Engineers Canada and Engineers of Tomorrow, where we hosted over 500 youth in grades 7 & 8 from across Canada who imagined, researched, designed, and built cities of the future. I invite you to read about our accomplishments. We are excited to see what is next for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied science.
Sincerely,
Dr. Hossam Kishawy Dean and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
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A Look at What’s New A look at new funding opportunities and new faculty members in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Canada Research Chair in Electric Energy Storage Systems for Transportation Electrification
New Innovations in Internet of Things (IoT) Dr. Elgazzar and his team build bridges to connect the physical infrastructure and digital world through unique technology innovations. His research aims to uncover new information on the expansion of Internet-enabled computing devices (things) and advancements in wireless technologies. His findings have wide applications for the seamless interaction of ‘smart’ services in the areas of smart health care, intelligent transportation, industrial automation, emergency response and law enforcement. He and his team are working to transform IoT into a critical planning tool to help people anticipate what will happen and prepare for it. This creates the real value proposition from IoT through transforming real-time sensor data into useful actions that help people make smarter decisions.
Dr. Sheldon Williamson, Ontario Tech’s CRC in Electric Energy Storage Systems for Transportation Electrification, explores promising interdisciplinary areas related to electric energy storage systems and charging technologies for future electric transportation vehicles and systems. He and his research group are world leaders in the design and development of smart power electronic converter solutions for electric vehicle battery energy storage systems/ energy management, fast-plugged/ wireless charging technologies, and high voltage management for ultracapacitor-powered mass transit vehicles, such as electric buses, trains and trams. Dr. Williamson has published more than 200 papers in leading journals and conferences, which collectively have more than 7,000 citations. He is one of Canada’s elite researchers in the areas of transportation electrification and autonomous e-mobility, as well as smart grid technologies, including energy
storage systems and renewable energy systems. He has secured research funding worth nearly $2.5 million, which has supported research collaborations with industry, knowledge transfer and the training of research personnel.
Objectives through 2025 Dr. Williamson will explore advanced power electronics solutions for energy storage and management systems, ultracapacitor power management, and plugged and wireless charging/wireless power transfer technologies. The CRC renewal program includes several new interdisciplinary initiatives in the areas of transportation electrification and autonomous e-mobility.
Stay Up to Date Visit us online and follow us on social media to stay up to date on everything we do at The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Ontario Tech. engineering@ontariotechu.ca 3
@OT_FEAS
@OTFEAS
@OntarioTechEngineering
Dr. Meaghan Charest-Finn
Dr. Sanaa Alwidian
Dr. Ramona Fayazfar
Assistant Professor, Automotive and Mechatronic Engineering
Assistant Professor, Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering
Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Dr. Charest-Finn’s research focuses on advanced controls of complex systems. She has developed model predictive control strategies and intelligent automation architectures. Her industry centric research aims to push the development and responsible integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods into autonomous and semi-autonomous systems such as manufacturing equipment and vehicles.
Dr. Sanaa Alwidian’s research are in the areas of software engineering, goaloriented requirements engineering and model-based system engineering. Her work focuses on developing solutions to software engineering problems through modelling and analysis. Her research draws from disciplines such as model-based engineering, model transformation, category theory, AI and Machine learning to create novel techniques that use formal abstractions supported by rigorous automation.
Dr Ramona (Haniyeh) Fayazfar’s main research concentrates on nanostructured composites/hybrid materials, advanced manufacturing (nanofabrication and additive manufacturing), electrochemical synthesis of nanostructured materials, surface treatment and advanced coatings, biosensors for point-ofcare diagnostics/health monitoring. She has worked extensively on the development/optimization of AMspecific categories of materials for biomedical, aerospace, and automotive applications.
Dr. Zeinab El-Sayegh
Dr. Dima Jawad
Assistant Professor, Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering
Associate Professor, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Dr. Zeinab El-Sayegh’s research is mainly related to on-road and offroad vehicle design, vehicle stability and control, and autonomous and hybrid electric vehicle simulation. Dr. El-Sayegh investigates tire-terrain interaction in cooperation with Volvo Group Truck Technology and The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
Dr Dima Jawad’s research concentrates on innovate approaches and recent trends in engineering management that enhance the sustainability and the resiliency of infrastructure systems including transportation and environmental management systems. Her research also covers the economic evaluation under uncertainty of engineering projects, the impact of the discount rate, developing framework for life cycle cost analysis and optimization models for life cycle costs.
Learn more about our Faculty Members engineering.ontariotechu.ca
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New Canada Research Chair Leading expert in adaptive aerodynamics joins Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science research team Ontario Tech University’s mandate to explore technology for greater societal good and nationally acclaimed research leadership is getting a major boost with the addition of a newly appointed Canada Research Chair (CRC).
Dr. Horia Hangan Tier 1 CRC in Adaptive Aerodynamics Dr. Horia Hangan’s research is mainly in Experimental Fluid Mechanics. He has worked extensively in bluff body aerodynamics, turbulent coherent structure dynamics and aerodynamic control with applications to aero structures, buildings and vehicles. Dr. Hangan developed the experimental simulation of three-dimensional, non-stationary and non-gaussian flows through the concept of the WindEEE Dome.
Dr. Hangan’s international expertise is in ‘bluff body’ aerodynamics: objects that because of their shape have separated airflow over substantial parts of their surface (such as generic cylinders, cubes, spheres or vehicles). This CRC will develop novel on-vehicle weatherdata collection systems to investigate the physics of the impact of weather stressors (wind, rain, snow and fog) on autonomous vehicles (AVs). He will collaborate extensively with Ontario Tech’s ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel as well as the university’s Environment Canada Meteorological Supersite at Windfields Farm.
“Through on-road testing and physical simulations in ACE, we will develop weather design cases to improve AV aerodynamics, safety, and sensor functionality,” says Dr. Hangan. “These design cases will inform the AV industry in Canada, elevate the safety of AVs, and accelerate AV implementation in regions with harsh weather conditions.”
Tier 1 Chairs are outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields. Valued at $1.4 million, appointments are for seven years and are renewable once.
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Learn more about Canada Research Chairs chairs-chaires.gc.ca
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New Collaborators in Energy Research International Atomic Energy Agency designates Ontario Tech as a Collaborating Centre University becomes first Canadian institution to receive international designation. Ontario Tech University’s strong reputation as a prominent centre of renewable and sustainable energy research and expertise is receiving a powerful new international endorsement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms Ontario Tech’s designation as an official Collaborating Centre in support of IAEA activities on integrated Energy Systems with advanced nuclear power reactors including small modular reactors as well as initiatives such as non‑electric applications of nuclear energy. The designation, formalized in a virtual signing ceremony in Vienna, Austria and Oshawa, Ontario by Ontario Tech President Dr. Steven Murphy, IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov and Canadian Ambassador Heidi Hulan makes Ontario Tech the first Canadian Collaborating Centre in the IAEA’s international network. This network opens up a world of partnership possibilities that will spur energy innovation. Through the Collaborating Centre at Ontario Tech, the IAEA
“These topics are very timely as we face the great challenge of producing enough energy to power global development, while ensuring we do no harm to our planet. Nuclear power, as a clean, reliable and sustainable source of energy can help us meet that challenge. And innovation, of course, is key to that success.” Mikhail Chudakov UN IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy
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Heidi Hulan, Ambassador of Canada to Austria, and Chair, IAEA Board of Governors (left) and Mikhail Chudakov, UN IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy hold plaque confirming Ontario Tech University’s designation as an IAEA Collaborating Centre (virtual ceremony in Vienna, Austria, April 22, 2021).
How Ontario Tech will contribute to the IAEA will tap into the deep international energy research expertise of the university’s faculties of Engineering and Applied Science, and Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. The partnership embodies the innovation needed to meet contemporary global energy challenges. Advances in sustainable energy have the potential to help Canada and the world respond to climate change, produce reliable, carbon-free electricity, create jobs, and move faster toward net zero emissions by 2050. The agreement will support research and development, and training and education on multi-purpose use of hybrid renewable
energy systems with advanced, small modular, and micro nuclear reactors. The multi-purpose applications of such sustainable energy systems include the production of electricity, hydrogen production, desalination and district heating as part of the overall contribution to climate-change mitigation. Ontario Tech will also support IAEA activities to attract more women to nuclear science and engineering, such as through the selection of an outstanding graduate student to apply for the IAEA Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Program.
About IAEA Collaborating Centres To promote the practical use of nuclear technologies, the IAEA collaborates with designated institutions around the world. Through the Collaborating Centres network, these organizations in United Nations member states can assist the IAEA by undertaking original research and development and training relating to
nuclear science, technologies and their safe and secure applications. With the added designation of Ontario Tech University, there are now 49 active Collaborating Centres worldwide.
Learn more about the IAEA iaea.org 8
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‘Spot’ on: investigating remote-inspection effectiveness of four-legged robot Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science partnering with OPG and RMUS Canada A remarkable four-legged machine is making a name for itself this on the Ontario Tech Campus. The robot’s name, ‘Spot’, is simple enough. But rest assured, Spot has a very complex task list to take care of over the next three years while making its rounds in Ontario Tech’s Mechatronic and Robotic Systems Laboratory (MARS Lab), led by Dr. Scott Nokleby. Spot, a creation of U.S. engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics, is the focal point of a three-year university research project in conjunction with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and ‘unmanned solutions provider’ RMUS Canada. Researchers will collectively test Spot’s ability to conduct remote inspection of OPG facilities in Pickering and Darlington, including industrial areas that may be hazardous or difficult for humans to access. The research project is one of the Electrical Power Research Institute’s four main innovative researchfocused initiatives for 2022.
Dr. Scott Nokleby Professor and Chair of the Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering Department
“Spot’s design allows it to traverse a wide range of indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of conditions, including the ability to negotiate stairs and step over piping. We will apply machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze the images and data gathered to alert personnel of potential safety issues and determine Spot’s capabilities and limitations for remote-inspection tasks.”
Learn more about SPOT at youtube.com/MARSLaboratory 10
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Student Innovation Capping off the year: Ontario Tech students showcase solutions to real-world engineering problems Retail occupancy tracking, AI-powered infant monitoring and a COVID-19 risk-alert system are among some amazing high-tech ideas our students showcased as part of their recent final-year capstone design projects in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering. A major component of the learning experience at Ontario Tech Engineering, fourth-year capstone projects provide students will opportunities to apply the knowledge they have gained throughout the entirety of their program. Through the academic year, students work in teams to design, develop and test creative solutions to real-world, industry-driven engineering problems. Every April, students show off their creative solutions and prototypes at the annual Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering Capstone Design Exhibition and Competition. In 2021, 10 teams of students entered the competition, participating in a virtual exhibition. A panel of judges comprising local industry leaders evaluated their projects and awarded prizes to the top three projects (all winning team members are students in the Software Engineering program). See the winning projects below.
Most Influential Project
Most Technical Proof of Concept
Recognizes the team that discovered ingenious ways to complete their project
Recognizes the team with the most elegant technical solution that is fully implemented and functional
Winning project: COVID Risk Aversion/Alert System: This app calculates the user’s risk level of COVID-19 exposure based on interaction with other app users and the places the user has visited.
Winning project: Design and Development of an AIPowered and Notification-Driven Baby-Monitoring System: The Serenity system uses computer vision, artificial intelligence and many other features to alert parents when their baby needs attention.
Team members:
Team members:
Ibrahim Noor-Mohammed
Peter Levine
Mohamed Ibrahim
Umar Qureshi
Brett Hausdorf
Daniel Silva
Hyon Lee
Kajan Ravindran
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Assistant Teaching Professor
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Faculty Advisor: Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Assistant Teaching Professor
Most Innovative Engineering Design Recognizes the team that designed the most creative solution to a problem along with effective implementation Winning project: OccuTracker: Occupancy Tracker Using IBM’s Open Liberty Framework: Software that enables retailers to track and enforce occupancy levels in their stores, and informs customers when stores are less crowded.
Designed by fourth-year Software Engineering students, the COVID Risk Aversion/Alert System calculates the user’s risk level of COVID-19 exposure based on interaction with other app users and the places the user has visited. This project won the Most Influential Project award in Ontario Tech’s Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering Capstone Design Exhibition and Competition.
Team members: Gabriel Gelgor
Aryan Kukreja
Emil Ilnicki
Pawan Patel
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Akramul Azim, Assistant Professor
For a full list of Capstone projects visit ontariotechu.ca/FEAScapstone
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The Future Looks Green Ontario Tech: A university in its element on hydrogen energy research
Ontario tech helping chart Canada’s path forward on clean and green energy alternatives. Canada is facing a watershed moment on its energy future. Ask Canadians what they think about the balance between traditional fossil fuels and the development of renewable energy sources, and you’re bound to get a variety of hard-held opinions. In the ‘Energy Crisis’ days nearly a half-century ago, Canada and much of the world faced a sudden shortage of petroleum and endured escalating energy prices. With economies, industries and consumers ever more reliant on uninterrupted sources of energy, efforts to conserve fossil fuels began. But securing supply and saving money wasn’t the only objective. The ongoing combustion of hydrocarbons still generates enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to poor air quality, environmental health issues and elevated global temperatures. This in turn has driven 13
glacial melting and rising sea levels. Yet, here we are in 2021. Canadian news is full of stories about the merits of oil pipelines, people arguing about climate change, and politicians debating how to put a price on carbon emissions.
Where do we go from here? According to a recent Senate Energy Committee report (‘Decarbonizing Transportation in Canada’), about 85 per cent of Canada’s 24 million road vehicles still run on gasoline or diesel. Government efforts to implement a carbon-pricing plan (opponents brand it a carbon ‘tax’) to subsidize the development of green energy solutions continue to face stiff headwinds from the oil and gas sector and many consumers. The world’s thirst for energy hasn’t changed after all these years. If anything, energy demand is still growing, especially in developing countries. The question is, will future energy supplies be able to meet global demand?
We know that fossil fuel supplies will ultimately be unsustainable at some point in the future. We know that hydrocarbon combustion contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and influences climate change. The logical next step to ensuring a sustainable future is the development of new options for low-cost renewable energy sources like hydrogen, nuclear, solar, wind and biomass. Hydrogen could also be used to reduce carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Ontario Tech University: At the forefront of clean energy research As it approaches its 20th anniversary as a vital central-Canadian hub of research excellence and innovation,
Learn more about Hydrogen Research at Ontario Tech engineering.ontariotechu.ca
Ontario Tech University has established a compelling portfolio of research leadership and expertise in clean and green energy. “Canada’s energy and environmental future is among our strategic research priority areas for the next five years,” says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University. “Energy systems, nuclear science, applied bioscience, mechanical engineering and environmental sustainability provide the research foundations at Ontario Tech to help unlock the potential of clean energy technologies. From small modular reactors to transportation electrification to hydrogen and fuel cells, advancing energy research is one of our strengths.”
Explore Ontario Tech University’s Strategic Research Plan 2020-2025 In early 2021, the Government of Canada announced details of a strengthened energy partnership with Germany. That agreement will explore the joint development of green hydrogen from Canadian hydroelectric power for export to Germany (Natural Resources Canada news release, March 16, 2021). Leading international energy researcher Dr. Ibrahim Dincer of Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, who has multiple ongoing hydrogen research projects at the university, will be among the contributors to future development of this international agreement.
Spotlight on hydrogen: Hydrogen is all about a sustainable energy economy Hydrogen (H2) offers enormous potential as a clean energy carrier for applications that include transportation and batteries. Whereas hydrocarbon (fossil fuel) combustion produces a byproduct of harmful CO2, the combustion of hydrogen molecules (with oxygen) produces a byproduct of water (H2O) or water vapour, which doesn’t harm the environment. Unfortunately, about 95 per cent of the world’s hydrogen is currently derived from hydrocarbons, by ‘cracking’ natural gas in a chemical process known as steam methane reforming. For every kilogram of hydrogen production in this process, 11 to 13 kilograms of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere. “What we need, to uncap hydrogen’s potential as a source of clean energy, is to eliminate the carbon footprint of traditional hydrogen production and replace it with new affordable green production processes,” says Dr. Jacobs. “Ontario Tech has been a pioneer in developing these processes and is poised to play a key role in Canada’s future global leadership in the promotion of energy applications of hydrogen.”
Hydrogen energy research at Ontario Tech Ontario Tech recently established its Brilliant Energy Institute, which is positioned to be a change agent leading Canada’s energy transition. This new research institute will harness the significant research and sectoral expertise at the university, in collaboration with other universities and industry partners, to mobilize Canada’s transition to a sustainable energy future and change how Canadians utilize energy for daily life. A key part of the university’s energy research ecosystem is the Clean Energy Research Laboratory (CERL), which opened in 2010. As the leading research university in Canada on hydrogen energy, Ontario Tech researchers are developing cost-effective and carbon-free methods for hydrogen production, including: The world’s first lab-scale demonstration of a four-step copper-chlorine thermochemical cycle for water (H2O) splitting using heat from nuclear, solar or other heat sources such as waste/process heat from industrial plan emissions. The net reaction produces hydrogen and oxygen. The ingredients in the process are water, a copper-chlorine compound, and heat with temperatures ranging from 70 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 530 degrees Celsius. Synthesizing and utilization of ammonia (NH3) as an energy source for fuel cells in transportation, marine, aviation, farming, pharmaceuticals and other applications.
“CERL is a vital centre of research, innovation and technology development where we are experimenting, modelling, simulating, prototyping, and scalingup for eventual clean-energy commercialization with our industry partners,” says Dr. Jacobs. “To date, CERL has attracted more than $20 million in research funding and filed nearly 20 patents and invention disclosures.” Ontario Tech has an impressive legacy of research leadership on hydrogen, including hosting a number of international conferences that assembled leading global hydrogen production experts in Oshawa.
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Nuclear engineering and nuclear safety is an area of research strongly aligned with the university’s academic programming and strategic research plan.
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Making Nuclear Energy Safer Improving the reliability and safety of nuclear power plant piping systems Nuclear power remains one of the biggest drivers of Ontario’s economy. The province’s 18 commercial reactors produce about 60 per cent of the province’s electricity. All nuclear power plants in Canada use the CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) design – pressurized heavy water reactors that utilize natural uranium to generate electricity. CANDU reactors are highly regarded worldwide for their safe and reliable technology. Dr. Mohany, Professor in the Mechanical and Manufacturing engineering department, is leading a research group to study the structural dynamics of CANDU fuel bundles to ensure their safe and reliable operations under different loading conditions and fluid excitation forces including acoustic pressure pulsations from the primary system heat transport pumps. In 1990, one of the fuel bundles in the Darlington nuclear power plant was damaged as a result of excessive vibration in the fuel channels, an incident that led to the replacement of the pump impellers to change the frequency of the pulsations they induce. Piping systems used in many industrial applications are liable to generate pressure pulsations, vibrations which need to be eliminated to maintain structural integrity. These unwanted pulsations arise from the use of reciprocating pumps and/or the dynamic instability of valves. But in nuclear power plants, if the
frequencies of other pulsating sources match the frequencies of the reactor’s piping system, this can produce an acoustic condition leading to excessive pressure fluctuation. Referred to as Acoustic Induced Vibrations (AIV), it can cause leakage due to gasket and seal ruptures, valve failure, and in serious cases, fatigue and fracture of the piping system as well as nuclear fuel bundles, affecting the reliability of the plant. Over the past few years, his research group has received over $900 thousand for two collaborative research and development projects to improve the safety and reliability of critical components in nuclear power plants using state-of-theart experimental and numerical techniques. The projects are supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in collaboration with CANDU Owners Group, University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering, and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.
Dr. Atef Mohany Professor and Chair of the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Department Before joining Ontario Tech in 2012, Dr. Mohany was a Nuclear R&D Scientist at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Chalk River Laboratories (now known as Canadian Nuclear Laboratories). During his tenure at AECL, Dr. Mohany was involved in several strategic projects related to the design of key components in the advanced CANDU reactor as well as the operation of nuclear power plants in Canada and around the world and is currently serving on the international standards organization –technical committees (ISO/TC) in Acoustics, Noise, and Boilers and Pressure Vessels. His research is interdisciplinary covering the areas of acoustics, vibrations, aeroacoustics, fluidstructure interaction, flow-induced vibration, structural dynamics, and noise and vibration control.
Learn more about Engineering Research engineering.ontariotechu.ca
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Engineering Outreach Engineering Outreach is sparking curiosity, inspiring youth to ask questions and empowering them to develop solutions to everyday problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math In our fast-changing world, one certainty is that jobs of the future will require foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Preparing today’s youth to pursue any possible career path requires a societal commitment to the development of STEM skills at an early age. As part of our commitment to preparing engineering graduates to excel and lead in the workplace, our multifaceted Engineering Outreach program works hard to introduce youth to STEM concepts including engineering design, scientific inquiry and coding. Aligned with the Ontario curriculum in the area of science, technology and mathematics, our programs aim to supplement what youth are learning in the classroom through hands-on,
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discovery based learning. Since its inception in 2014, Engineering Outreach has established an impressive series of events and programs to engage potential future engineering students, including: a variety of after school coding and STEM clubs, Engineering Summer Camps, Go ENG Girl, Go CODE Girl and the annual university Engineering Robotics Competition for students in elementary and high schools. Engineering Outreach offers free and low-cost programs throughout the Durham region, with a focus on bringing STEM learning to youth who otherwise don’t have access to stem programming. This year we have launched two new STEM clubs specifically for Indigenous youth and Black youth. It is clear there are additional barriers and struggles
that youth of colour face as they move through their educational pathway, and these programs have been developed by Black and Indigenous Ontario Tech Engineering Students to provide Black and Indigenous youth with role-models and a safe space to explore STEM concepts and develop skills critical for the future.
Learn more about Engineering Outreach at Ontario Tech engineering. ontariotechu.ca/outreach
2021 Numbers New programs include:
50%
STEM Learning at Home There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the education landscape. To keep up with these rapid changes, Engineering Outreach launched a new remote learning program, c_wonder: At Home. Geared to students in grades 1 to 12, the free program introduces STEM concepts, including the engineering design process, coding and more. The newest addition, Live Learning Sessions are live-streamed on the Engineering Outreach YouTube Channel. Each season explores a different theme and looks at how engineering can be applied to solve diverse and real-world issues. Students learn how to apply the Engineering Design Process to find practical solutions. From investigating how sports athletes interact with their equipment and environment, to understanding the complexities of sustainable energy.
Thriving in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
increase in students attending high school programs
20,000 total youth participated in our outreach programs
In 2020, Engineering Outreach launched a new four-week Artificial Intelligence (AI) Club, which proved to be very popular with students in grades 9 to 12. The program was designed to teach the fundamentals of AI & machine learning, and how to develop simple intelligent systems using Python. To further our footprint in this space, we have recently received funding through the eCampusOntario VLS (virtual learning strategy) to develop an online course ‘Thriving in the Age of AI’ -- as the title suggests the objective is to teach students to develop skills to survive the future of AI.
2,000 students participated in girls programs
Library STEM Clubs Developed in partnership with the Oshawa Public Library, the Ajax Public Library, and the Clarington Public Library, Engineering Outreach recently launched c_wonder: Community STEM Clubs for youth in grades one-four and five-eight who have a desire to explore STEM in challenging and creative ways. The programs were designed to introduce youth to concepts including engineering design, scientific inquiry and coding concepts such as inputs, outputs, if statements, loops, variables, and operators.
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high school & Ontario Tech engineering students hired by us 18
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The Next Generation of Girls in Engineering Ontario Tech’s INSPIRE ENG conference encourages girls in high school to explore engineering careers On Saturday, February 20, 2021, more than 50 girls in grades 9 and 10 from across the Greater Toronto Area and around the world joined the virtual INSPIRE ENG all-girl engineering conference to learn from industry experts and a high-profile young space enthusiast about what it takes to excel as an engineer. Made possible by Hydro One, INSPIRE ENG was designed to encourage girls who already have an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to pursue a postsecondary education in engineering. The conference is an extension of FUTURE ENG, last year’s successful all-girl event geared toward female students in grades 11 and 12. “We received a lot of positive feedback at our FUTURE ENG event last year,” says Ellen James, Supervisor, Engineering Outreach and Women in Engineering, Ontario Tech. “Participants were really excited to learn about diverse career paths available to engineers. However, we also heard
from many girls that they wished they had an opportunity to learn this information sooner so they could better plan which courses they should take in high school. We’ve launched INSPIRE ENG to get girls thinking about engineering earlier.” Highlighting this year’s virtual event is special guest speaker Alyssa Carson (pictured left), a 19-year-old American space enthusiast and astronaut-in-training. Carson addressed why we need more girls and women in STEM disciplines, and why it’s important to follow one’s passion. In this highly interactive event, students participated in hands-on workshops from home, met current Ontario Tech Engineering students, and heard from female engineering professionals and researchers about the many engineering career opportunities available to them.
Creating opportunities for girls and women in engineering The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, along with its Engineering Outreach team makes it a priority to provide support, role models, and opportunities to girls and women who are interested in entering the Engineering field.
20 girls in high school hired by Engineering Outreach to provide work experience
150 participants in our Women in Engineering programs and events
75 women working in industry supporting our girls and women in engineering programs
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Hard Work Recognized Engineering students earn prestigious Hydro One scholarships, awards illustrate impact of Women in Engineering Outreach Activities Established in 2014, the Hydro One WiE Scholarship drives Hydro One’s commitment to provide women with opportunities to develop satisfying and successful professional careers in the areas of engineering and other related fields. It follows the company’s work with the College Consortium, the University Partnership and its sponsorship of FUTURE ENG and INSPIRE ENG, two conferences that give high school girls and their parents the opportunity to learn from female professionals, academics and university students about engineering. This year, third-year University Ontario Tech Electrical Engineering students Reeda Awan and Kirti Godbole both received a Hydro One WiE Scholarship this year (among 10 presented across the province in that category for 2021). In addition to a financial award, each will have the option of pursuing a 15-month internship with Hydro One.
Scholarship winner and former Ontario Tech Women in Engineering Sub Society Co-President Reeda decided to take them up their offer and accepted the internship position at Hydro One. She started just a few months ago as a DX Asset Management Intern, some of her duties include software analysis and project coordination. The highlight of her experience thus far was going on-site to visit one of Hydro One’s transmission stations. “Going on a site visit and being able to see the immense physical presence of the transmission station, and get a sense of just how much power is distributed across Ontario was really inspiring”, says Awan. During her 15-months at Hydro One, Reeda hopes to achieve skills that she can apply in the workplace and out in the field as an eventual Engineering graduate.
“Working at Hydro One has been great, there’s so many opportunities to learn and grow as a professional, so I’m really grateful to have this opportunity.” Reeda Awan Electrical Engineering Student, Class of 2023
Hydro One WiE Scholarship Winner, Reeda Awan (pictured left), with Deborah Adebayo, Senior Co-op Student.
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Co-op and Internship Updates Other Women in Engineering Scholarship Award Winners Below is a list of Engineering students participating in the university’s Women for STEM program. Through this program selected students receive financial assistance ($5,000 entrance award, $2,000 in-course awards in Year 2, 3 and 4 – provided they continue to meet the GPA requirements) as well as valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. Casey Asselin, Mechatronics Engineering Marianna Correia, Mechatronics Engineering
285 students on co-op and internship as of September 2021
Jenani Nedumaran, Software Engineering Morgan Petrov, Manufacturing Engineering Sarah Wedge, Software Engineering
“The women that win these scholarships are truly remarkable. Once we go through the resumes, interviews, and select the winners, the final list of women prove that resiliency, tenacity, and passion pay off. I am so proud that Hydro One supports these outstanding awards, and provides such an amazing opportunity to women in Engineering.” Lorraine Gray, Director, Station Services at Hydro One
Our students have received co-op and internship placements at companies around the world, including: Celestica General Motors Google Honda Hydro One IBM Kinetrics Ontario Power Generation Siemens Shopify Uber
Learn more about Hydro One’s Support of Women in Engineering wemadeit.ca 22
“I am very proud of our Engineering students. To see them taking the knowledge they learned in class and apply it outside of the classroom to win a national competition is very inspiring. It shows the passion that they have for engineering.” Dr. Hossam Kishawy Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
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Celebrating Student Success Gold and silver for Ontario Tech Engineering students in National Designathon From placements to co-ops to internships, hands-on learning embedded in the curriculum at Ontario Tech University takes many forms. Experiential learning opportunities encourage students to show off their practical skills and academic knowledge in external environments to demonstrate their readiness for the workplace. Student competitions are another key venue for students to put their abilities to the test in front of a wide audience. And this spring, two teams of Ontario Tech Engineering students took the top-two spots in the National Design League’s first-ever National Designathon.
The National Designathon is a 36-hour, worldwide event that brings together the most creative design thinkers, innovators and future leaders to tackle some of society’s most-challenging problems. Teams that finished topthree in local (campus) Designathons during 2020-2021 were invited. Ontario Tech had two teams competing for the national title: the winning teams from both the 2020 and the 2021 Ontario Tech Design League competitions. This year’s Designathon challenge was to create a ‘blow-off-valve’ (BOV) for a hypothetical automotive startup company that’s launching a performance vehicle. BOVs are pressure-release systems present in
Learn more about the National Design League nationaldesignleague.com
most turbocharged engines that take the load off the turbocharger when the throttle is suddenly closed. Ontario Tech’s winning BOV design was inspired by a 2003 Ford World Rally Car that saved the excess turbocharged air from its BOV, creating an amazing antilag system. The team named its design The Hamburger, because of its shape. Aside from battling sleep deprivation during a 36-hour remote competition, other challenges included having to learn about BOVs from YouTube videos and learning how to CAD (computeraided design) drawing of a spring.
Ontario Tech’s first-place student team at the National Designathon (from top left): Derek Yeung, Autumn Lesco, Mark Rizk and Dharma Solaiman from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
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Ignite v01
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
A New Hub for Hands-On Learning Engineering opening new student facing machine shop to facilitate learning beyond the classroom Taking a visionary idea from concept to reality is what drives an engineering student. Engineering not only requires a great idea, it requires that students have access to the tools, materials, and equipment needed to prototype their ideas and make them come to life. To help ensure that our students have the resources they need to get hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, plans are well underway for the launch of a new Student Machine Shop, scheduled to open in January of 2022. Through the support of Ontario Tech University and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the new modern
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facility located in the Ontario Power Generation building will be equipped with a wide array of machining tools and large-scale equipment. Students are encouraged to utilize the space to design and build proof of concept prototypes for their ideas, and if an idea doesn’t work out, students are encouraged to regroup and retool, which helps them to keep pushing and thinking outside of the box. All Engineering students are encouraged to make use of the new facility, which will also be utilized by Engineering Design Teams and Clubs, and students taking part in their final-year Capstone projects.
The Engineering Machine Shop will provide machining and fabricating services, as well as design consultation, precision machining, fitting and assembly of prototypes and custom designed parts, and repair or modification of existing equipment. Totaling over 232 sq. meters, the Machine Shop will be a welcome addition to the overall Engineering Innovation Hub that includes the Jeffrey Boyce Innovation and Design Studio a collaborative design studio launched in 2018. The Machine Shop will be supervised by a team of engineering lab technicians and overseen by the Manager of Technical Services within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, who will help support the students with their projects. “When we give our students the tools and opportunities to broaden their education outside of the classroom, it is really inspiring to see the things they accomplish and the innovative ideas they come up with”, says Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, “and that really is our main goal, to give students the tools they need to achieve their aspirations”.
Plans for this space include: General machining and manufacturing Precision machining - computer numerically controlled (CNC) 3D modelling and computer assisted drafting (CAD) 3D printing (fused deposition modelling and stereolithography)
Learn more about experiential learning opportunities engineering.ontariotechu.ca
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Ignite v01
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Thinking Ahead From new programs to new courses, discover what’s to come for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Dr. Min Dong Associate Dean, Academic Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
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The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is currently comprised of three departments, including the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering, the Department of Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering, and the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, with offerings of engineering degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Over the last 19 years, our faculty has grown to 61 faculty, of which 48 are tenure track, including 2 cross-appointed with the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and 13 teaching faculty.
Dr. Min Dong received a PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, in 2004. From 2004 to 2008, she was with Qualcomm Research, Qualcomm Inc., San Diego, CA. Since 2008, she has been with Ontario Tech University. She received the Early Researcher Award from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation in 2012 and best paper awards in IEEE Transactions and conferences in signal processing and communications.
In view of the growing number of students in some of our programs, we have recently hired three new tenure-track faculty members, two in Software Engineering and one in Mechatronics Engineering, and one teaching faculty in Mechatronics Engineering. To address the market demands in several priority areas, Engineering at Ontario Tech is planning for expansion with three new programs to be launched in the 2022/2023 academic year. This includes two new undergraduate engineering programs, Energy Engineering and Industrial Engineering, and a new graduate program, the Software Engineering Master’s program.
Dr. Dong’s research interests include wireless communications, statistical signal processing, learning techniques, optimization and control applications in cyberphysical systems.
Given the fast-paced changes that we are seeing in industry, along with new trends relating to learning environments, we are actively seeking to modernize the curriculum of our existing programs. We will
use instructional technologies to enhance the students’ educational experience and allow them to customize their learning experience based on their interests and career desires. Over the past academic year, our Faculty has worked to enhance the operation of our engineering coop and internship program to give students improved experiential learning opportunities. The co-op program, as an option, is now to be recognized as part of the engineering degree. Our Faculty is continuing to engage in increasing enrollment of under represented groups among students, faculty, and staff. We have been providing a supportive environment for women in engineering, including providing scholarships, mentorship programs, social events, and outreach opportunities. Furthermore, our Faculty is actively working to integrate Indigenous content across the engineering curriculum, including adding indigenous content in the first-year Introduction to Engineering course and developing an engineering elective on Indigenous Design and Technologies. While the challenges we have faced over the past year due to the pandemic are unprecedented, we are working hard to continue to cultivate a learning environment that equips our engineering graduates with the necessary skills to excel in the evolving marketplace.
Our undergraduate programs: Automotive Engineering NEW! Energy Engineering* Electrical Engineering NEW! Industrial Engineering* Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Software Engineering
Our graduate programs: Automotive Engineering Masters Electrical and Computer Engineering Masters Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctoral Mechanical Engineering Masters Program Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Program NEW! Software Engineering Masters Program* *New programs coming in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Learn more about Engineering at Ontario Tech engineering.ontariotechu.ca
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Ignite v01
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Alumni Updates We would like to hear from you! We want to share your success stories. We invite you to keep in touch and share with us your successes so we can publish them in future editions of the Ontario Tech Engineering Ignite Magazine.
Spotlight on Ontario Tech Alumni Council
Ijal Gondal BEng, Mechanical, 2016
The highlights of Ijal’s Ontario Tech journey was interning at Suncor Energy and also being nominated for STAR award. He fell in love with Western Canada during his 1 year stay in Calgary. Fate meant that he worked on refurbishing GO trains and TTC street cars for couple of years before working at OPG Darlington. Finally, after graduating from an intensive coding bootcamp in Quebec City, he returned to Vancouver Island to work for a company that provides train electronics to largest transit authorities of US including Chicago and Boston.
Coming to Canada as an international student in 2012, Muhammad graduated from Ontario Tech in 2016 with a major in mechanical engineering. Working as a design engineer at Ontario Power Generation, Muhammad has been actively involved in providing engineering support for everyday Muhammad Mahad operations at the Darlington and Pickering BEng, Mechanical, 2016, MASc Nuclear Engineering, 2020 nuclear plant. He also had the chance to work on various innovative initiatives like the Darlington Nuclear Station refurbishment process and refueling nuclear reactors. These unique experiences ultimately led him back to Ontario Tech for completing a masters in Nuclear Engineering in 2020 to help progress further in his field. Muhammad was actively involved in on campus activities during his time at Ontario Tech, being the president for ASME at Ontario Tech, and working in the international office at Ontario Tech to help international students transition to Canada. After graduation, Muhammad has been working with the career center for various events, has been a part of the Ontario Tech Alumni Council for over 2 years now and was elected as Chair for the Alumni council for the 2021-2022 term.
Visit alumni.ontariotechu.ca/connect.ca to be featured. 29
Ahmad Nabulsi
Karan Chandwaney
Uni Lee
BEng, Manufacturing, 2018
BEng, Software, 2018
BEng, Mechanical, 2021
Being one of the wonder kids in my organization, I have participated in establishing the foundations of a special division that drove change and redefined the Facilities Management profession in Saudi Arabia; exporting talents to major national projects in a reforming economy.
I’m celebrating 1 year of starting a new position as an Associate Consultant at LifeWorks during the ongoing pandemic, having worked in a software development role previously. I also recently got my Private Pilot Licence, fulfilling a huge passion and one of my life goals.
I recently switched jobs. I now work as a Mechanical Design Engineer at SmartCone Technologies in Ottawa. A lot of the mechanical parts on prototypes need to be designed on SoldiWorks.
Michael Lescisin
Judy Afana
Stephanie Hill
BEng, Electrical, 2017, MASc Electrical/ Computer Engineering, 2019
BEng, Mechanical, 2020, MASc Candidate Mechanical Engineering
BEng, Mechanical, 2019
October 15th, 2021 will be my two year work anniversary of working as a software developer for University Health Network (UHN) DATA Team (https://uhndata.io/team). For the past two years, most of my efforts with the UHN DATA Team have been focused on the Clinical ARchive for Data Science (CARDS) project (https://cards.uhndata.io).
I recently celebrated my one year work anniversary employed as a Design Engineer at Ontario Power Generation. Throughout my time at Ontario Tech I completed three internships including General Motors and a Software Development internship in Tokyo, Japan.
My goal is to get my PEng Licence as soon as I qualify.
I got a new job! I am an assistant technical officer/engineer at OPG Nuclear plants supporting the relief valve program, ensuring the relief valve program is maintained to high standards and regulations.
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Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Ontario Tech University 2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5
Acknowledgements LAYOUT AND DESIGN:
Samantha Munro Communications, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University Engineering OT_FEAS OTFEAS OT_FEAS Ontario Tech Engineering
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