Ontario Tech University establishes first-ever Engineer-in-Residence position

For the first time, Ontario Tech University will have an Engineer-in-Residence. Effective May 1, John Froats will join the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science (FESNS) as an associate professor.

During a distinguished career in the nuclear industry that spans 36 years, John Froats was chief nuclear engineer at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and until recently, president and chief executive officer of the CANDU Owners Group (COG), a private, not-for-profit company voluntarily funded by its members.

"John Froats was a member of the advisory committee that helped me in the initial formation of our nuclear programs and the establishing of internship programs for Ontario Tech University engineering students at OPG," said Dr. George Bereznai, founding dean, FESNS, and also dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. "John's knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our nuclear programs. This appointment underscores Ontario Tech University's commitment to have close alignment with industry. It will also provide Ontario Tech University students with access to a current field expert that will complement the theoretical content in their programs."

In addition to his teaching commitments at Ontario Tech University, 60 per cent of Mr. Froats' workload will be devoted to research, program development and program management. Among the many objectives for this position are:

• To assist with the development of a Nuclear Executive MBA program at Ontario Tech University;
• Explore potential relationships similar to the existing one with OPG with other industry partners;
• Help position Ontario Tech University as one of the primary research resource facilities for OPG where its engineers could oversee work being done in Ontario Tech University's labs, conduct research into potential challenges that are foreseen for the rehabilitation of the Darlington nuclear site and be a local readily-accessible facility to provide quick turnaround solutions to problems as they arise; and
• Help to identify and explore international student recruitment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate program offerings outside of Canada, such as in India, Vietnam, Korea and China.

John Froats received his Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, his reactor shift manager licence from the Atomic Energy Control Board (now the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission) and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.

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