UOIT hosts second Energy and the Environment Day
October 25, 2006
Over 250 local students connect with their inner scientist and the planet
OSHAWA, Ont. - Ever wondered where to find the next Charles Darwin, Dr. Albert Einstein, Dr. Marie Curie, or Dr. David Suzuki? There's a good chance they're right in your own backyard. Today marks the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) second Energy and the Environment Day and over 250 Durham Region junior high and high school students are on campus - each ready and willing to explore what it means to be a scientist, engineer or environmentalist in the 21st century.With the provincial government's recent announcement of $3.9 million in funding to support over 30 community based projects aimed at inspiring youth to pursue careers in science and technology, the university is hosting the event to encourage students to discover the excitement of science and discovery through education and research.
"Energy and the Environment Day provides UOIT with an exceptional opportunity to directly link its world-class professors and researchers to some of the best and brightest young minds in the province," said Dr. William Smith, dean of the Faculty of Science at UOIT. "We are committed to providing young students with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge in a number of different science, engineering and environmental areas and encourage them to turn their own innovative ideas and concepts into real solutions."
With a focus on science and engineering, Energy and the Environment Day is a joint initiative between UOIT and Youth Science Foundation (YSF) Canada, and part of the university's commitment to the McGuinty government's three-year Youth Science and Technology Outreach Program (YSTOP). UOIT was awarded $126,655 for its YSTOP initiative earlier this year with funds matched by industry and community based sponsors through monetary and in-kind donations for a total of $253,300 over three years.
Working on the premise of Mentoring the Future by Highlighting the Present, students are hearing presentations from leading scientists and researchers in areas such as risk management, oil peaks, fuel cells and hydrogen, advanced energy systems, water pollution and aquatic ecosystems, YSF Canada's SMARTS network, and more. In addition, they are touring the university's science labs and Geothermal Well Field, seeing the UOIT and Durham College solar vehicle, and visiting Friends of the Second Marsh, the largest remaining urban wetland in the Greater Toronto Area.
"As a research-intensive university, we are thrilled to offer these young minds access to our leading-edge learning environment and expert professors who will challenge and inspire them in their pursuit of discovery," said Dr. Ron Bordessa, president of UOIT. "We applaud the provincial government's investment in encouraging youth to pursue careers in science and technology through events such as Energy and the Environment Day, and we thank Premier McGuinty for his support."
In addition to attending the second Energy and the Environment Day, students are being asked to submit a proposal that includes energy and environment-related questions based on their visit to the university. The 25 best proposals will be matched to a UOIT professor and mentor who will provide guidance on how to turn their questions into innovative projects.
Students along with their mentors will present their project findings at their individual schools in March 2007 as part of Youth Science Month. They will also conduct community presentations to highlight their experiences and the many opportunities available to youth within the community.
"As an organization, YSF Canada is committed to making science accessible to young Canadians," said Reni Barlow, executive director of YSF. "Thanks to the support of organizations such as UOIT, science-orientated youth in Durham Region will have increased access to the latest scientific research and discoveries including the chance to work with some of the best scientific minds in the country - helping them to make the transition from prodigy to professional."
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@uoit.ca
