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December

Shawenjigewining Hall at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa location opened in 2021.

In retrospect: Ontario Tech University in 2021

December 17, 2021

As Ontario Tech looks ahead to new opportunities and innovative approaches in the discovery and application of knowledge in 2022, the university reflects on moments and milestones from the past year.

From left: Dr. Marc Rosen and Dr. Ibrahim Dincer, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University.

Two Ontario Tech professors among the top one per cent of the world’s most-cited researchers

December 09, 2021

Ontario Tech University proudly shares news that two of its researchers in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) have earned the mark of exceptional impact for making the 2021 exclusive list of Highly Cited Researchers (HCR), ranking in the top one per cent of citations by international peers for field and year of publication in the Web of Science.

November

Phone It Forward thumbnail.

Ontario Tech, CNIB Foundation partner to put accessible technology in the hands of those who need it

November 30, 2021

For an estimated 1.5 million Canadians with sight loss, a smartphone can revolutionize daily life by providing vital interpretational tools and accessible apps that can reduce barriers and increase independence. While mobile technology ownership is increasing among Canadians with sight loss, there is still a significant access gap; according to CNIB Foundation (a non-profit organization that assists Canadians living with vision loss), almost half say they own neither a smartphone nor a tablet.

Scarborough Charter

Ontario Tech University signs Scarborough Charter to address anti-Black racism

November 18, 2021

Ontario Tech is proud to join Canada’s post-secondary community in committing to the principles and objectives of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The Scarborough Charter outlines principles, actions and accountabilities to build practices of ongoing dialogue and action that remove structural barriers to equity, to yield inclusion, substantive equality, and social transformation.

Winter weather at Polonsky Commons, Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus location.

Campus winter weather procedures

November 18, 2021

During most winter weather, the campus remains open and activities remain unaffected. It’s important to keep in mind that different organizations—public and private—follow their own protocols and best practices. When they make the decision to cancel operations or to close, please keep in mind that university operations and activities may remain scheduled as normal.

The various research and collaboration facilities at Ontario Tech will contribute to the university's role as the International Atomic Energy Agency's first Collaborating Centre in Canada, as part of Ontario Tech's Brilliant Energy Institute.

Ontario Tech launches Canada’s International Atomic Energy Agency Collaborating Centre

November 09, 2021

Recognizing the university’s strong reputation as a prominent centre of innovation, in Spring 2021 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) designated Ontario Tech as the first Collaborating Centre in Canada to support IAEA activities on advanced nuclear power technology. The Collaborating Centre, formally launched during a virtual event November 2 and 3, 2021, is part of the university’s Brilliant Energy Institute.

Fraser Dunn, Chief Engineer, Project Arrow (centre), with Paula Ambra, ACE Project Manager (left) at the ACE Innovation Garage, Ontario Tech University.

Pointing Canada’s Project Arrow zero-emissions concept vehicle forward at Ontario Tech

November 05, 2021

Behind the walls of the five-storey Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ontario, a visionary and ambitious automotive project of national interest is moving into high gear. The mission inside the ACE Innovation Garage: build an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, electric prototype vehicle by the end of 2022.

Aerodynamic testing of a vehicle in front of the nozzle of the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel at Ontario Tech University.

Ontario Tech University partnering with the University of Miami on high-performance computing research

November 04, 2021

One-quadrillion measurements per second represents the scale of what scientists call ‘Big Data’. And it’s a term that goes a long way toward explaining the scale of a Big Data research project involving ACE (Automotive Centre of Excellence) at Ontario Tech University, the University of Miami’s Institute for Data Science and Computing, and high-performance computing (HPC) leader GlassHouse Systems.

Solar panels cover the west-side promenade at Polonsky Commons at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa location.

Ontario Tech University part of global effort to take climate action connected with COP26

November 02, 2021

Ontario Tech University is one of more than a thousand universities and colleges from 68 countries that have pledged to half their emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest. This global effort impacting more than 10 million students worldwide was announced October 28 at the Times Higher Education Climate Impact Forum, showing the education sector’s leadership ahead of the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK.

October

September

Orange light illuminated Ontario Tech University's Software and Informatics Research Centre to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2021).

Ontario Tech University observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30

September 30, 2021

On September 30, Ontario Tech University observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of recognition, remembrance and respect for survivors of residential schools, and a day to learn about the intergenerational impacts residential schools have had on Indigenous communities. The university will annually observe this day.

Digital micro-credential badges with trackable metadata are awarded to learners for each completion of an accredited online micro-credential program at Ontario Tech University.

Micro-credentials: Your competitive advantage as modern workplaces evolve

September 27, 2021

Ontario Tech University offers a wide suite of micro-credentials that are flexible to meet the time demands of learners, and ‘stackable’ in that multiple micro-credentials can be combined into larger credentials. One such Ontario Tech offering is the Core Success Skills micro-credential, with support from TD Group’s Ready Commitment.

Rania Llewellyn, President and CEO, Laurentian Bank of Canada, will be the keynote speaker at Ontario Tech University's Women for STEM Summit on Thursday, October 14.

Ontario Tech University researcher sets the record straight on vaccine facts and myths

September 09, 2021

While a small percentage of immunocompromised patients may not be eligible for the shots, vaccine hesitancy or refusal threatens to limit the overall effectiveness of vaccination programs. Competing opinions over the merits, and even safety of, vaccines continue to swirl in social media channels. Dr. Wally Bartfay of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University looks to break down the facts in a myth-busting discussion.

August

Ontario Tech University announces the Dr. George Bereznai Nuclear Engineering Fund.

Colleagues, alumni and the university celebrate Dr. George Bereznai

August 30, 2021

As one of the university’s first faculty hires by founding president Dr. Gary Polonsky, Dr. George Bereznai played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s culture for innovation and collaboration, and building its reputation as a technology-focused and distinctly modern university.

July

Ontario Tech University 2021-2022 Founder's Scholarship recipient Hana Haytaoglu (Trenton, Ontario). Note: Available photos of other award recipients can be found below in the gallery section of the story.

2021-2022 Ontario Tech University major scholarship recipients

July 28, 2021

Each year, seven outstanding incoming students are awarded to Ontario Tech University’s most prestigious entrance scholarships. The university’s scholarship program recognizes secondary school students for exceptional achievements in academics, leadership and community involvement throughout their high school career.

From left: Ontario Tech University students Rob Savaglio and Jessica Le took home first place in their categories at this year’s Ubisoft Toronto NEXT competition.

Ontario Tech Nursing grad Rachel Radyk’s inspiring academic journey

July 22, 2021

It is often said that no two students take the same academic journey. When Rachel Radyk earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Ontario Tech University in June 2021, it was a moment of both celebration and of deep reflection on where her journey began and where it has taken her.

Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques tries the Bio-Monitor, a new Canadian technology, for the first time in space. The innovative smart shirt system is designed to measure and record astronauts’ vital signs. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency/NASA).

Reaching for the stars: New Ontario Tech research on the health of astronauts in space

July 22, 2021

For more than 20 consecutive years, there’s been an uninterrupted human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). This year, the orbiting living lab will get an important new research boost from Canada’s space science community—research closely tied to Ontario Tech University computer science and health analytics expert Dr. Carolyn McGregor AM.

Dynamic testing of the three-wheel Electra Meccanica Solo EV in the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel at Ontario Tech University. The one-person electric vehicle has two front wheels and one rear wheel.

All for one: ACE at Ontario Tech University helps test a single-person electric vehicle

July 19, 2021

Electra Meccanica (EM) will roll out its Solo EV, a vehicle with just three wheels, and about half the cost of an average passenger car. But before hitting select North American markets, the company had some final testing to do. And for that work, EM looked across the country to ACE, Ontario Tech University’s world-class solutions provider for product development, research and testing.

From left: Don Lovisa, President, Durham College; Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University; John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Region of Durham; and and Karim Mamdani, President and CEO, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Another successful Regional Chair’s Classic in memory of Roger Anderson

July 16, 2021

Thanks to the generous donations from sponsors, donors and proceeds from the auction, more than $150,000 was raised in support of students in financial need at Ontario Tech University and Durham College, as well as programs at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Mitch Frazer, Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

Mitch Frazer: In the running as Canada’s hardest-working university Chancellor

July 12, 2021

Recognizing that many Ontario Tech students rely on financial aid, and that the past year has been a particularly difficult time, Ontario Tech University's Chancellor Mitch Frazer created the Chancellor’s Challenge during the late part of winter to help raise funds for student bursaries and scholarships through the Ontario Tech Student Success Fund.

From left: Eric Agius and Carla Carmichael are the two most-recent appointees to the Board of Governors at Ontario Tech University.

Teaching and learning with technology: What’s next?

July 05, 2021

From Monday, August 16 through Thursday, August 19, Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Education will host its Teaching and Learning with Technology conference, featuring dozens of 60-to-90-minute highly supportive workshops that focus on the most current, evidence-based use of technology in online, blended learning and in-person environments.

June

Candlelight vigil

Community message: Marieval Indian Residential School burial site

June 24, 2021

Today we learned about the appalling discovery of 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. This is another painful and shameful reminder of the long road ahead as we take crucial steps forward towards reconciliation. Ontario Tech University supports all efforts to unearth these horrors and more accurately account a cruel history.

Polonsky Commons at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa location.

ACE in the race: Ontario Tech announces partnership with FEL Motorsports

June 21, 2021

Through the Automotive Centre of Excellence, Ontario Tech is a major sponsor of the FEL Cup Canada (FCC) presented by Michelin for Radical racecars. ACE will also play a role in the FEL Sports Car Championship Canada by offering R&D vehicle-testing time for the series champions in its renowned Climatic Wind Tunnel.

From left: Ontario Tech's Scott Barker, Director, Athletics, with university mascot Hunter the Ridgeback and Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor.

Ontario Tech President appointed to U SPORTS Board of Directors

June 17, 2021

Dr. Steven Murphy, Ontario Tech’s University's President and Vice-Chancellor, has been involved with return to sport at the provincial level, and he’ll now add the national university sport profile to his priorities. Dr. Murphy has joined the U SPORTS Board of Directors as the representative for Ontario University Athletics (OUA). He has served as OUA Vice-Chair since November 2020.

From left: Dr. Horia Hangan, Canada Research Chair in Adaptive Aerodynamics, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science; and Dr. Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Business and Information Technology.

Ontario Tech entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators win national awards

June 11, 2021

A key component of experiential learning opportunities at Ontario Tech is the campus community group Enactus (derived from ‘Entrepreneurial, Action, Us’), which rallies the energy, ideas and passion of the best and brightest students to create and implement local empowerment projects and business ventures.

Code Jumper setup in the Faculty of Business and Information Technology Human Machine Laboratory at Ontario Tech University. Code Jumper retails for about C$1,300. Ontario Tech researchers are developing prototypes of new paper models for visually impaired youth to learn coding at home in an affordable way, with considerations of different paper textures (feel) and perfume (smell) for visually impaired students to bring back home after a summer coding camp at the university.

New technologies will expand coding camp accessibility for youth with vision loss

June 09, 2021

Ontario Tech University researchers Dr. Patrick Hung, Dr. Alvaro Quevedo, and Dr. Miguel Vargas Martin of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT) explore ways to provide accessible technology such as haptic technology and Code Jumper for visually impaired youth to learn visual programming.

Image of Candlelight vigil

Community message: London tragedy

June 08, 2021

Ontario Tech University is immensely saddened by the recent act of violence toward a Muslim family in London, Ontario. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who were killed and injured, and to the Muslim community affected by this tragedy.

SmartCone COVID-19 SYMP2PASS Smart Kiosk outside the main entrance to the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel at Ontario Tech University.

New high-tech health screening technology to detect COVID-19 symptoms

June 07, 2021

As a research leader in the ethical deployment of new technologies, Ontario Tech University is working with data sensory and ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) company SmartCone Technologies to test a high-tech system capable of real-time multi-symptom screening for COVID-19.

Students sitting outside the Software and Informatics Research Centre at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus location (Note: Image taken prior to physical-distancing and mask protocols).

Introducing Ontario Tech’s renewed Integrated Academic-Research Plan

June 02, 2021

To help share its story with the world and support future planning, Ontario Tech University has unveiled two important documents: a recently renewed 2021-2023 Integrated Academic-Research Plan, and a new Vision, Mission and Values. Both publications are now available for download on the university’s Planning office website.

Students sitting outside the Software and Informatics Research Centre at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus location (Note: Image taken prior to physical-distancing and mask protocols).

Ontario Tech recognizes Seniors Month

June 02, 2021

Each June during Seniors Month, Canadians celebrate and honour the immense contributions of older adults who have shaped our communities. Seniors are our friends and family, neighbours, coworkers and role models, and they have laid the foundation for a better life for all of us.

Baagwating Indigenous Student Centre at Ontario Tech University's downtown Oshawa campus location.

Ontario Tech honours National Indigenous History Month

June 01, 2021

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the diverse heritages, languages, cultural practices, and worldview of the First Peoples of this land, and acknowledge their historic contributions to the development of Canada. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually on June 21.

Ontario Tech honours pride month this June.

Celebrating Pride Month at Ontario Tech

June 01, 2021

Every June, Ontario Tech University celebrates Pride Month in recognition of the progress made to achieve equal rights and inclusion for LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer or Questioning, and Two-Spirit) individuals, and to affirm and honour their lives.

May

Ontario Tech University’s honorary doctorate recipients (top row, from left): Rt. Hon. David Johnston, Mrs. Sharon Johnston, Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, Mrs. Mila Mulroney; (bottom row, from left): Ms. Tanya Talaga, Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, Mr. Paul Ralph, Mr. Andreas Apostolopoulos, Ms. Noreen Taylor.

Community message: Kamloops Indian Residential School burial site

May 31, 2021

The recent news of the 215 children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops residential school is heartbreaking. It’s a tragic reminder of the terrible and reprehensible legacy of residential schools and the shameful acts that occurred.

Heidi Hulan, Ambassador of Canada to Austria, and Chair, IAEA Board of Governors (left) and Mikhail Chudakov, 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).

International Atomic Energy Agency designates Ontario Tech as a Collaborating Centre

May 06, 2021

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 (SMRs) as well as initiatives such as non electric applications of nuclear energy.

April

Dr. Akira Tokuhiro (speaking), Dean, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, Ontario Tech University.

Small modular reactors: The dawn of a new era of Canadian nuclear energy

April 16, 2021

Small modular reactors (SMR) aim to renew the way Ontario, and Canada, produces nuclear energy in the longer term. In 2019, Ontario signed an inter-provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to SMR development, an agreement that connects provincial governments and power utilities in New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. Alberta has now joined the MOU, further solidifying Canada as a global leader in this emerging technology.

March

Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision recipient Dr. Brad Easton, Professor, Faculty of Science (second from left), with graduate students in his Materials Chemistry research group (photo taken in May 2019).

Ontario Tech celebrates research and graduate education achievements

March 26, 2021

Every year, the university’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) holds the Graduate Excellence Awards to recognize and celebrate the wide array of inspiring and engaged individuals who support graduate students and colleagues in becoming successful scholars.

Screen image from a 2020 Open House session at Ontario Tech University.

Come see what Ontario Tech University is all about on March 27

March 22, 2021

As physical-distancing protocols continue, Ontario Tech University is driving high-tech ways to digitally take its campus… off campus. On Saturday, March 27, students and families interested in the university will be able to visit Ontario Tech at its next Virtual Open House.

Clean Energy Research Laboratory, Ontario Tech University.

Virtual three-day event reveals that the future of autonomous tech is already here

March 17, 2021

The latest ideas on the autonomous front were explored March 2 to 4 at the Third Annual Future Transportation and Mobility Series Event. The virtual event drew close to 400 attendees spanning 25 different countries and featured leading experts on the progression and future of connected and autonomous technology (C/AV), revealing to a global audience that it is no longer simply an idea of the future.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science students took part in the Student Insights on Remote Learning Experience webinar in February 2021.

Ontario Tech Engineering students share insights on how to maximize the remote-learning experience

March 01, 2021

A panel comprising students across the university’s different Engineering programs and spanning different years of study, answered questions from Engineering faculty members as they reflected on their remote-learning experiences over the past two semesters. The feedback will help gain a better understanding of the successes and challenges students face with the switch to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February

Aerial view of the Campus Ice Centre.

Campus Ice Centre to become COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

February 23, 2021

As part of its COVID-19 vaccination rollout plan, the Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Region Public Health have selected the Campus Ice Centre (CIC) at Ontario Tech University and Durham College as the Region’s Oshawa COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic location.

Testing wastewater samples in a Faculty of Science laboratory at Ontario Tech University (September 2020).

Ontario Tech’s COVID-19 wastewater surveillance initiative welcomes next research partner

February 22, 2021

Since November, tracked information has been shared weekly with Durham Region Health Department officials to help health experts determine appropriate steps to limit or prevent further infection in the community. The early success of the program has now led to the City of Barrie, and Towns of Orillia, Midland and Collingwood to get samples tested three times per week at Ontario Tech.

Black History Month graphic

Ontario Tech University marks Black History Month

February 10, 2021

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are fundamental values for Ontario Tech University. This year, the university will celebrate Black History Month in a variety of ways, including virtual programs, events, initiatives and resources that celebrate Black Canadian culture, promote an awareness of history, and provide an open space for conversations about EDI:

Ontario Tech's North Oshawa Campus Library in the winter

Start earning micro-credentials today at Ontario Tech University

February 05, 2021

As labour markets adjust, displaced workers and people looking to shift career paths seek quick ways to update their skills and knowledge to expand their employability. Ontario Tech University is answering this demand through a series of micro-credentials: short, competency-based learning opportunities focusing on specific skill sets based on criteria defined on approved industry.

Giulia Santin is a fourth-year student in the Game Development and Entrepreneurship specialization of Ontario Tech University’s Bachelor of Information Technology degree program.

At the top of her game: Ontario Tech student wins game-dev competition

February 03, 2021

On January 26, Giulia Santin learned she won first place in the Game Design Challenge in the first edition of the Womxn Develop at Ubisoft mentorship competition. The award includes a paid apprenticeship at the Ubisoft Toronto studio, to work on the company’s leading games and to learn from experienced teams as they start their careers in game development.

January

Vic Beaumont, Bachelor of Education, class of 2020, recipient of Ontario Tech University's President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership.

From a distance, Ontario Tech celebrates student leadership

January 26, 2021

Ontario Tech University is proud of its many student leaders who not only excel academically, but also contribute their time, skills, experience and passion to improve the university experience for their peers as well as the broader campus community.