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December

Emergency notification

Upcoming campus Internet service outage – Thursday, December 28

December 19, 2023

As part of Ontario Tech University’s commitment to maintaining optimal systems and operations, an outage of campus Internet service and related systems will occur on Thursday, December 28 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The outage will accommodate upgrades to the university’s IT network infrastructure. This upgrade has been scheduled to take place during the holiday break in order to minimize disruption and inconvenience to the campus community.

Over 500 students were able to try e-scooters during the event hosted by Brilliant Catalyst

Ontario Tech University promotes sustainable commuting solutions through scooter demonstration event

December 05, 2023

In September and October, Ontario Tech University witnessed a wave of green energy and sustainable commuting on campus. Students flocked to the gated parking lot adjacent to the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) to participate in an exciting pilot project featuring e-scooters provided by SCOOTY, a GTA-based micro-mobility company that provides the public with affordable, simple access to electric scooters

November

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

Campus winter weather procedures

November 07, 2023

Each winter in Ontario, weather conditions such as heavy snow, freezing rain and/or ice pellets can make basic travel difficult. During such situations, questions often arise about whether campus operations will change.

October

Ontario Tech students in the Dixon-Alger Fireside Reading Room in the Campus Library at the university's north Oshawa location.

Ontario Tech climbs again in annual Maclean’s university rankings

October 13, 2023

For one of Canada’s youngest research-intensive universities now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Ontario Tech University once again celebrates its remarkable trajectory in the 2024 Canadian post-secondary rankings published by Maclean’s magazine.

Ontario Tech University enjoys strong ties to University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE). In this image, Nuclear Engineering students speak with Sharman Perera, Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (right). UNENE has named Dr. Les Jacobs, Ontario Tech Vice-President of Research and Innovation (pictured below) to its Board of Directors.

Ontario Tech extends leadership role in nuclear engineering community

October 02, 2023

As Ontario Tech celebrates its 20th anniversary as an influential young Canadian research-intensive university, it contributes a fresh voice brimming with new ideas to help advance the energy industry into its next era, with a focus on net-zero carbon emission energy sources. Central to all of this activity is Ontario Tech’s longstanding role in the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE).

September

Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day.

Ontario Tech University to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

September 25, 2023

In 2021, responding to calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to advance reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada passed legislation to designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day of recognition, remembrance and respect for survivors of residential schools and a day to learn about the lasting impacts residential schools have had on Indigenous communities.

Ontario Tech University 20th anniversary confetti graphic

Ontario Tech University celebrates 20 years

September 04, 2023

Since first opening its doors on September 4, 2003, Ontario Tech University has grown into a highly sought-after post-secondary education institution for learning, teaching and working. With more than 11,000 students, 29,000 alumni and 2,500 employees, the university has an amazing story to tell—one that spans two decades of incredible milestones and accomplishments.

August

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Ontario Tech researcher exploring the next tech frontier for smart devices reappointed as Canada Research Chair

August 29, 2023

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The rapid expansion of wearable, embedded and ‘smart’ devices with wireless connectivity (through protocols such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) continues to revolutionize the way we work and live. Billions of devices or ‘things’, from electronics to pacemakers to our home appliances, can be programmed to operate autonomously or connect and exchange data device-to-device, often with minimal human involvement.

James Lisondra participated in the Amgen Symposium at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Ontario Tech University celebrates first Amgen Scholar

August 11, 2023

James Lisondra can add an impressive accolade to his resume: First Ontario Tech University student to participate in the Amgen scholarship, a prestigious program run by Harvard University and hosted by the University of Toronto.

July

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

Ontario Tech announces 2023 Joyce Family Foundation Success Award recipients

July 21, 2023

Over Ontario Tech’s first two decades, the university has established a culture of community support for student success through a growing base of philanthropic groups and individuals. Among these generous organizations is The Joyce Family Foundation, a private, family foundation created by the late Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce, whose philanthropy reflected a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to give back to his community.

Left: Bryan McLaughlin, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc) PhD candidate, and Garrett Blakey, FHSc PhD candidate, presented their research at the SPIN Summit in Vancouver, B.C.

Ontario Tech University PhD candidates advancing talent identification and mental performance research in sports

July 21, 2023

New research at Ontario Tech University has the potential to improve the way Canada’s top athletes are identified, selected, and supported to help them achieve their highest potential. Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc) PhD candidates Garrett Blakey and Bryan McLaughlin are leading innovative research in the fields of talent identification and mental-performance consulting that could improve sports organization practices and advance the playing field for elite athletes.

The all-Canadian Arrow prototype vehicle on display at the June 2023 Collision Conference (Enercare Centre, Toronto).

Getting up to speed: How Ontario Tech research development helped move Project Arrow forward

July 12, 2023

While the Arrow moves forward, there’s an important Ontario Tech University backstory to share. Back in 2021, APMA selected Ontario Tech to partner in Project Arrow as the lead academic institution, to complete the engineering design and build phase of the national project. The university’s team collaborated with APMA’s many partners, including industry leaders, startups and large Tier-1 suppliers across Canada.

June

Ontario Tech University's Regional Future Workforce project team, led by Dr. Mohamed El-Darieby (Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science; third from left) and Dr. Roland van Oostveen (Faculty of Education; fifth from left). Image taken at the entrance to Ontario Tech's ACE Core Research Facility.

How Ontario Tech is supporting Ontario’s innovative electric vehicle and mobility sector and developing the next generation of talent

June 29, 2023

Recognizing the need for greater diversity within the sector, OVIN’s Regional Future Workforce Program builds new bridges between industry and academia to equip the next generation of talent with the knowledge and skills required to support the evolution of the mobility and transportation sector. Ontario Tech University is a major part of the equation thanks to its institutional strength in automotive, energy, computer science, and educational research.

City of Oshawa's PulsePoint Respond app and AED registry.

Ontario Tech research project generates creation of life-saving PulsePoint Respond app

June 23, 2023

DRRRC sought active community engagement by incorporating the perspectives of patients, and experts from Ontario Tech University, pre-hospital care, emergency medicine, public health, the Durham District School Board, long-term care facilities and industry. One of the outcomes from the collaborative is PulsePoint Respond, a 911-connected app operated by the City of Oshawa that can immediately inform you of emergencies occurring in your community and request your help when CPR is needed nearby.

Ontario Tech Women for STEM program students gather in the Dixon/Alger Fireside Reading Room in the Campus Library at the university's north Oshawa location (March 2023).

Marking a special milestone on the journey to gender parity in STEM-based fields

June 13, 2023

To address the gender disparity in Canada and empower the next generation of women leaders in STEM, Ontario Tech introduced the Women for STEM program in 2019. Led by the university’s Women for STEM Council, the program’s goal is to provide 200 entrance scholarships and 600 in-course scholarships over a 10-year period.

From left: John Henry, Durham Regional Chair; James Barnett, Vice-President, Advancement, Ontario Tech University; Don Lovisa, President, Durham College; Colin O’Regan, Board Member, Ontario Shores Foundation; and Warren Anderson (Roger Anderson’s son). (June 8, 2023).

25th Regional Chair’s Classic honours legacy of Roger Anderson

June 12, 2023

Nearly 200 golfers and a long list of generous sponsors joined Durham Regional Chair John Henry on June 8 for the 25th Regional Chair's Classic tournament in support of students in financial need at Ontario Tech University and Durham College, as well as patient-focused programs at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s (FEAS) first-ever Demo Fest on March 20 showcased student innovations.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science holds first-annual Engineering Demo Fest

June 06, 2023

Solving problems through the application of science and mathematics, and finding innovative ways to make machines, devices and systems work to make life easier, are at the core of the discipline of engineering. Recently, Ontario Tech students presented their real-world engineering applications in a judged competition with a chance to win prize money and development support for their projects. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s (FEAS) first-ever Demo Fest on March 20 showcased student innovations.

The WHO’s resolution to ‘strengthen rehabilitation in health systems globally’ was formally adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on May 27, 2023 (courtesy: WHO/Pierre Albouy).

Ontario Tech researcher helping champion global access to rehabilitation services

June 01, 2023

Dr. Pierre Côté is a longtime advocate for the building and expansion of international rehabilitation services. He played an important role with the preparation of the WHO’s resolution to ‘strengthen rehabilitation in health systems globally’ which was formally adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on May 27.

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

Ontario Tech University marks National Indigenous History Month

June 01, 2023

Each June, Canada celebrates National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect upon and learn the history, cultures, sacrifices and strength of the First Peoples of this land and acknowledge their historic contributions to the development of Canada. June also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, held annually on June 21.

May

Ontario Tech honours pride month this June.

Ontario Tech marks Pride Month

May 31, 2023

Every June, Ontario Tech University celebrates Pride Month in recognition of the progress made to achieve equal rights and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) individuals, and to affirm and honour their lives.

Health Sciences PhD candidate Matthew McCue looks at a baseball while wearing a mobile eye-tracker.

Ontario Tech University Health Sciences PhD candidate helping Toronto Blue Jays keep their eye on the ball

May 25, 2023

Matthew McCue, who is completing his PhD in Health Sciences (Kinesiology), has hit a home run of sorts when it comes to high-level sports research. After starting his master’s degree research (also in Kinesiology) into the gaze behaviour of athletes, he was hired in 2020 by the Toronto Blue Jays as a Scouting Assistant, giving him access to evaluate major league Blue Jays batters and minor league prospects as part of his research.

Hunter Johnson

Ontario Tech Engineering Outreach instructor receives national award

May 15, 2023

The efforts of Hunter Johnson, Indigenous STEM Instructor with Engineering Outreach, recently garnered national recognition from Actua, Canada’s largest outreach network delivering educational STEM programs to young people. Johnson received the 2022 Actua Instructor Recognition Award for his commitment to teaching youth about STEM.

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Ontario Tech University recognizes Mental Health Week: May 1 to 7

May 01, 2023

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in any given year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness or mental health issue. We all have a part to play in sharing our stories to increase awareness of mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Everyone deserves to feel well.

April

From left: Dr. Peter Lewis, Associate Professor (Computer Science), Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Co-Principal Investigator; and Dr. Theresa Stotesbury, Assistant Professor (Forensic Science), Faculty of Science. Principal Investigator.

Two Ontario Tech researchers leading study to improve reliability of bloodstain analyses at crime scenes

April 25, 2023

Some branches of forensic science have modified existing schemes in response; but more recently, fundamental issues with the assumptions behind these classification schemes have been exposed. To address these issues, an Ontario Tech University-led research team has been awarded Government of Canada Interagency research funding through the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration stream in a project entitled ‘Reimagining forensic BPA from the bottom up’.

March

From left: Colin Elliott, Sarah Rijkenberg, and Bismark Addo-Binney were the winners of the Ontario Tech’s Three Minute Thesis competition on March 23.

Sarah Rijkenberg to represent Ontario Tech at provincial Three Minute Thesis competition

March 24, 2023

Explaining complicated research findings in a simple way is not an easy task. It becomes even more challenging if you have only three minutes to tell your story, with only one visual aid: a static image on a screen. The pressure ramps up if you are speaking in front a panel of judges and realize you cannot exceed the three-minute time limit under any circumstances.

Unveiling of the S.E. Lovell Family Nursing Innovation Laboratory in Shawenjigewining Hall, at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa location (March 1, 2023). From left: Dr. Janet McCabe, Associate Dean, Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University; with Lovell Family representatives Linda McGill, Arthur Lovell and Diana Kirk; and Clive Waugh, Director, Gift Planning, Office of Advancement, Ontario Tech University

Ontario Tech names Nursing laboratory to honour legacy of Lovell Family’s philanthropy

March 09, 2023

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Ontario Tech University held an official plaque unveiling at Shawenjigewining Hall on March 1 to recognize the generous, continued support of the Lovell Family. Ontario Tech’s nursing innovation suite now bears the name S.E. Lovell Family Simulation Laboratory, recognizing the Lovell Family’s legacy of supporting the university, and honouring the memory of Stanley Lovell, who was President of the Lovell Drugs pharmacy chain from 1971 to 2000.

February

Traders look at stock information.

Ontario Tech researcher co-authors study examining social connections and pandemic trading trends of institutional investors

February 10, 2023

In early 2020, Dr. Xinyao (Joseph) Zhou, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT) at Ontario Tech University, and two research partners observed a large amount of selling in the stock market. Dr. Zhou, along with Dr. Shiu-Yik Au, Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba, and Dr. Ming Dong, Professor, York University, set out to examine the performance of mutual fund managers based on their social connectedness to pandemic hot zones to determine what effect it may have had on their financial decision-making.

Ontario Tech University logo

Ontario Tech’s statement on the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

February 08, 2023

The devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria have shocked and saddened people around the world. Ontario Tech University expresses its deepest sympathy and concern for those affected by this tragedy, particularly members of our campus community who have lost loved ones, or family and friends responding to the aftermath.

Dr. Juuso Nieminen (left) and Dr. Jessica Wong are Ontario Tech University's latest recipients of Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Two Ontario Tech scholars awarded prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

February 06, 2023

Ontario Tech University’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is proud to be home to two scholars recently awarded the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, a prestigious Government of Canada award that funds the country’s top scholars to help them positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social and research-based growth.

Ontario Tech University's Peer Tutor program has received certification from the U.S.-based College Reading and Learning Association.

Ontario Tech’s Peer Tutor program achieves international certification

February 02, 2023

The Ontario Tech Peer Tutor program recently gained international attention after receiving certification from the U.S.-based College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) for meeting or exceeding all of the CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation.

Black History Month graphic

Ontario Tech marks Black History Month

February 01, 2023

February is Black History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the experiences, accomplishments, culture and rich history of Black Canadians. Black History Month also shines a spotlight on efforts to eliminate societal systemic anti-Black racism and provides opportunities to discuss how to advocate for and work toward change. This year, Ontario Tech will celebrate Black History Month by highlighting Black Canadian culture, promoting an awareness of history, and providing an open space for conversations.

January

Students at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa location.

Leading the pack again: Ontario Tech tops among province’s universities for year-over-year percentage growth in applications

January 18, 2023

For the second consecutive academic recruitment cycle, Ontario Tech University is posting province-leading numbers for growth in overall applications for Fall enrolment. Following the January 12 deadline for Ontario high school students to apply to an undergraduate program at an Ontario university, the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) says Ontario Tech again leads the province in a key metric.

From left: Jeno Eppel, Jill Eppel, Diane Eppel, and Jake Eppel in front of the Eppel Family Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio (Shawenjigewining Hall, at Ontario Tech University’s north Oshawa location).

The Eppel Family: Building innovation and boosting communities

January 17, 2023

Jeno Eppel, past President of EHC Global, and his family, made a generous gift in 2020 to support Ontario Tech University. In recognition of their significant contribution, valued at $540,000, the Eppel Family Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio in Shawenjigewining Hall was officially unveiled on January 16, 2023.

Ontario Tech University Project Arrow team celebrates the creation of the Arrow, the highly anticipated all-Canadian concept electric vehicle (inside the ACE Aerodynamic Climatic Wind Tunnel at Ontario Tech, December 2022, prior to the subsequent January 5, 2023 global unveiling in Las Vegas, Nevada).

Driving onto the world stage: The Ontario Tech Project Arrow story

January 05, 2023

Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) selected Ontario Tech as the lead academic institution for Phase 2 of Project Arrow, an all-Canadian engineered concept funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev). The Arrow’s ambitious deadline was met, and the APMA’s brainchild made its global debut January 5, 2023 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the world’s the most influential tech event.