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December

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Ontario Tech hosts 17th annual Engineering Robotics Competition

December 09, 2024

Hundreds of Ontario high school and intermediate students gathered November 30 at Ontario Tech University for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s (FEAS) 17th annual Engineering Robotics Competition, an event designed to spark student’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

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Ontario Tech marks National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 06, 2024

December 6 is the annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by Parliament, the day commemorates the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique de Montréal Massacre, in which 14 women were murdered in a tragic and senseless act of gender-based violence.

Research in action at Ontario Tech: Dr. Sheldon Williamson (front right), Canada Research Chair in Electric Energy Storage Systems for Transportation Electrification, and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (in the Smart Transportation Electrification and Energy Research (STEER) Laboratory).

Ontario Tech named Canada’s Research University of the Year—again!

December 05, 2024

For the second consecutive year, Ontario Tech is Canada’s Research University of the Year, as designated by Research Infosource (RI), Canada’s premier research ranking organization and leading provider of research intelligence for business and higher education.

November

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

Campus winter weather procedures

November 18, 2024

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.

Virtual reality devices have the potential to support reminiscence therapy, offering new hope for people living with dementia to recall previous memories.

Ontario Tech-driven research exploring the promise of virtual reality (VR) in dementia care

November 07, 2024

While emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) tend to be embraced first by society’s younger generations, new research at Ontario Tech University shows new tech can play a major role in ‘reminiscence therapy’ – a type of psychotherapy involving the recollection of past events to help people feel pleasure and an improved sense of well-being.

October

Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Electrification, gave a keynote address at the Hydrogen Business Council of Canada conference held at Ontario Tech University.

Tech with a Conscience: Ontario Tech showcases national leadership in hydrogen energy innovation

October 28, 2024

As Canada continues to support international efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions, Ontario Tech University has established itself as a research leader in clean, reliable and sustainable energy. The country’s energy and environmental future is a strategic priority for the university, as it focuses on developing new options for low-cost renewable energy sources like hydrogen.

From left: Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer, Lakeridge Health; Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University; Cynthia Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lakeridge Health; Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University (at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, October 10, 2024).

Lakeridge Health harnessing the power of AI through transformative partnership with Ontario Tech University

October 10, 2024

In a groundbreaking new initiative, Lakeridge Health has teamed with Ontario Tech University to drive health-care innovation and address Durham Region’s evolving health needs using artificial intelligence (AI). The Partnership for Advanced Technology in Health Care (PATH) seeks to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes for the community through the sharing of cutting-edge research with practical applications.

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Ontario Tech University exploring academic opportunities to support the rail industry’s need for skilled talent

October 04, 2024

Canada’s rail sector faces an urgent challenge: the need for skilled professionals to support its rapid growth and transition toward sustainable transportation. As rail projects continue to expand across the country, so does the demand for engineers and skilled professionals. Ontario Tech University is exploring ways to enhance its educational offerings to prepare students for successful careers in this critical field.

September

Ontario Tech University students in a Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science laboratory.

Federal funding announced for 32 new Ontario Tech-led research projects

September 13, 2024

Ontario Tech’s powerful upward research trajectory continues after Canada’s research funding Tri-agencies announced new grants valued at nearly $4.5 million for 32 new projects across multiple research disciplines being led by dozens of the university’s faculty experts.

August

From left: Eunice Caputolan, second-year Mechanical Engineering – Energy Engineering specialization student, Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Ontario Tech University, Greg Tanzola, Sorbara Group of Companies, Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University, Dr. Edward Sorbara, Principal at Sorbara Group of Companies, Dr. Christina Sorbara, Vice-President, Corporate Knowledge, Sorbara Group of Companies, James Barnett, Vice-President, Advancement, Ontario Tech University, Massimo Sorbara, and Jackson Barker, second-year Networking and Information Technology Security student.

Sorbara Family donates more than $1 million to enhance Ontario Tech’s modern facilities and empower students with new scholarships

August 28, 2024

In recognition of the Sorbara Family’s generosity and dedication to philanthropy, Ontario Tech University has named the lobby in the Software Informatics Research Centre (SIR) the Sorbara Family Lobby. SIR houses the university’s Office of the Registrar, serves as a hub for campus tours, and features several labs and flexible learning spaces equipped with the latest technology.

Aneta Stolba, Doctor of Education candidate, Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University.

Ontario Tech doctoral degree candidate recognized for helping advance key research on autism in Canada

August 27, 2024

Ontario Tech Doctor of Education candidate Aneta Stolba’s research recently earned major recognition from the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), in the form of an Autism Scholars Award. Her prize was one of just five presented by the COU to a doctoral or master’s-level researcher at an Ontario university for research that will positively impact individuals with autism and their families.

The Honeycomb Archway architectural placemaking structure was unvieled at a thank you ceremony held at Windfields Farm Lands on August 6.

Honeycomb Archway architectural placemaking structure unveiled at Ontario Tech

August 19, 2024

An innovative architectural placemaking project at Ontario Tech University's Windfields Farm Lands is using architectural design to reimagine an outdoor space into a gathering area and garden. The Honeycomb Archway project is an endeavour of Ontario Tech’s Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability (OCIS), symbolizing the university’s ongoing commitments to innovative learning and reimagined teaching.

Patient receiving rehabilitation care and treatment at a health-care centre in Norway (photo credit: WHO).

Ontario Tech rehabilitation research hub designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre

August 19, 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) says nearly one-third of the planet’s 8.1-billion people live with a health condition that could benefit from rehabilitation, such as back pain and arthritis. Yet, in many instances they are unable to access the essential health interventions they require. As part of the global response to this issue, the WHO recently designated the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research at Ontario Tech University as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health.

Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS), Dr. Mohsen Tayefeh, FEAS Research Associate and Industrial Engineering Supervisor at Ontario Tech, Dylan Bender, FEAS PhD candidate, and Dr. Ahmad Barari, Professor, FEAS, using a precise measuring tool on a prototype.

Ontario Tech lab wins Engineering Research Project of the Year Award for work on Project Arrow

August 01, 2024

Ontario Tech University’s Advanced Digital Design, Manufacturing, and Metrology Laboratories (AD2MLabs) have won the prestigious Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) (York Chapter) Engineering Research Project of the Year award for its work on Project Arrow. The award recognizes the remarkable technical achievements of the AD2MLabs team in developing the design prototype for the first Canadian zero-emission electric vehicle.

July

Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS), Dr. Mohsen Tayefeh, FEAS Research Associate and Industrial Engineering Supervisor at Ontario Tech, Dylan Bender, FEAS PhD candidate, and Dr. Ahmad Barari, Professor, FEAS, using a precise measuring tool on a prototype.

Ontario Tech researcher looking to create national Safe Sport handbook

July 26, 2024

Ontario Tech’s Dr. Joseph Gurgis says one of the reasons safe sport goals have not been reached is due the development of dozens of safeguarding initiatives that are intended to support a safe environment, but are not empirically or theoretically driven. Dr. Gurgis is addressing this gap through new research leading to the development of a resource that will provide coherent, effective and proven safe-sport guidelines.

Fifteen master’s and PhD students from Ontario Tech University went on a week-long trip from June 24 to 28 to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ontario.

Ontario Tech students explore advanced fusion research at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

July 23, 2024

Fifteen master’s and PhD students from Ontario Tech University gained invaluable experience and insight into fusion research and the nuclear industry during a recent week-long trip to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ontario. The opportunity for Ontario Tech students to explore CNL’s advanced energy facility is the first initiative of a new three-year partnership between the university’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) and CNL.

June

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Ontario Tech marks Pride Month

June 03, 2024

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. Pride Month takes place in June, commemorating the social activism resulting from June 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement and 2SLGBTQIA+ activism. Pride Month honours 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and experiences while drawing attention to issues members of the community still face, and highlights the continued importance of resisting various forms of transphobia, biphobia and homophobia.

May

Taylor Flood received the Ridgeback Award at the Annual Employee Awards Celebration event on May 7.

Ontario Tech University honours faculty and staff for their exemplary service

May 22, 2024

Over the last 20 years, Ontario Tech University’s reputation for high-quality teaching, student services, work-integrated learning opportunities and overall student satisfaction has grown steadily. This success hinges on the contributions and dedication of a diverse and collaborative community of faculty and staff members.

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science research laboratory at Ontario Tech University.

Ontario Tech ranks among the world’s top young universities

May 16, 2024

As Ontario Tech begins its third decade as a young university of rising influence, it does so with a strong foundation and a well-established tradition of research excellence. Further evidence of Ontario Tech’s research ascendency comes in the form of the latest survey of the youngest global universities (founded within the past 50 years) by the international rankings organization Times Higher Education.

Ontario Tech Nuclear Engineering students in an Energy Research Centre laboratory at the university's north Oshawa location.

Ontario Tech University joins Canadians for CANDU campaign

May 01, 2024

Ontario Tech University announces its support for Canadians for CANDU, a campaign promoting the deployment of CANDU nuclear technology at home and abroad to achieve Canadian and global efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

April

Ontario Tech students and staff volunteer at the Perfect Slice of Downtown Pizza Party held at Charles Hall, downtown Oshawa campus location (March 2023).

Celebrating our volunteers this National Volunteer Week

April 15, 2024

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Sunday, April 14 through Saturday, April 20, Ontario Tech University proudly acknowledges the tremendous impact volunteers have on our community. Embracing this year's theme, Every Moment Matters, the university recognizes the important role volunteers hold in every corner of our university, offering their time and expertise and actively contributing to Ontario Tech’s success.

From left to right: Max Mercer, belairdirect gold sponsor representative, Michelle Way, 3MT® judge, Bria Hughes-Small, 3MT® winner, Jacques Plourde, 3MT® judge, and James Lant, 3MT® judge.

Bria Hughes-Small to represent Ontario Tech University at provincial Three Minute Thesis competition

April 09, 2024

Bria Hughes-Small, a first-year Master's student in Forensic Psychology at Ontario Tech University, clinched the top spot at the university's annual Three Minute Thesis competition on March 21. This victory advances her to the provincial competition at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus on Wednesday, May 8, where she will represent Ontario Tech and put her thesis pitch to the test again against the winners from other universities.

March

Dementia Village partnership celebration event on March 22, 2024 included members of the Alzheimer Society Durham Region's (ASDR) Board of Directors, members of the Ontario Tech University Brilliant Catalyst team, along with Whitby MPP Lorne Coe (second from left), and ASDR CEO Gillian Barrie (second from right).

‘It takes a village’: New community partnership exploring ways to help those with dementia to live well

March 25, 2024

Through a new partnership agreement with Ontario Tech University, Alzheimer Society Durham Region envisions the creation of a ‘Dementia Village’. The idea calls for a unique, dementia-friendly community space that is accessible, safe, inclusive, and promotes activity, socialization, research initiatives, and training programs to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners.

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Ontario Tech celebrates International Women’s Day

March 08, 2024

International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8) is a time to acknowledge, celebrate and empower women at Ontario Tech University, and to amplify the critical roles allies play in elevating women’s voices and aspirations. It’s also a day to reflect on and commit to the International Women’s Day 2024 theme of 'Inspire Inclusion' and to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality, and the work that remains to be done.

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Advances in sustainable development highlight Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s 2024 Research Day

March 06, 2024

Advancing environmental sustainability and building pathways toward net-zero emissions are key research priorities at Ontario Tech University. At its second-annual Research Day on February 20, Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS) explored some of the latest innovative sustainability solutions and practices, and their role in building a greener future for Canadians.

February

An Ontario Tech Engineering Outreach instructor setting up a ZUMI robot.

How Ontario Tech University and OVIN are inspiring youth in the autonomous vehicle sector

February 29, 2024

In 2023, Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education, in conjunction with the university’s Engineering Outreach program joined forces with the Ontario Vehicle Innovative Network (OVIN), the Ontario Government’s flagship initiative for the automotive and mobility sector, through the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program.

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Ontario Tech marks Black History Month

February 01, 2024

February marks Black History Month: a time for acknowledgement, celebration and empowerment of Black community members in Canada, and around the world.

January

Panel discussion at the Student Enrichment Program launch event at Ontario Tech University (January 30, 2024).

Ontario Tech Engineering students in energy to benefit from new RBC Foundation support

January 31, 2024

A new gift to Ontario Tech University from the RBC Foundation will help Engineering students make a major impact in the field of low-emission energy. The Foundation’s $750,000 grant directed to the university’s new Student Enrichment Program (SEP) will help fulfil the demand for specific ‘green skills’ as Canada’s economy continues to transition towards a net-zero future.

Example of drone swarm flying over an agricultural area in an unspecified location.

Ontario Tech researcher investigating the opportunities and risks associated with drone swarms

January 04, 2024

Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems networking and information technology expert Dr. Khalil El-Khatib of Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology recently received new research funding from Canada’s National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) to investigate a ‘Trustworthy AI-based framework for self-aware drone-based swarm technologies’.