Faculty of Health Sciences

An Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men's soccer athlete in action during competition.

Penalty kicks, pressure and performance: The psychology of elite sport

July 15, 2026

Dr. Bryan McLaughlin, a postdoctoral fellow in Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, shares his thoughts about the psychology behind elite performance, why some athletes thrive under pressure, and what lessons from sport psychology can be applied beyond the playing field.

Ontario Tech University major entrance scholarship recipients for the 2026-2027 academic year (clockwise from upper left): Clara Capkun, Emily Rice, Arunraj Gnanaseelan, Kirill Kulaev, Zoha Naqvi and Joshua Kuchmak (Note: photo not available for international student and Global Leadership Award recipient Rittan Preet Kaur Chahal).

Meet Ontario Tech University's 2026-2027 major scholarship recipients

July 13, 2026

Each year, Ontario Tech University recognizes seven exceptional incoming students with its most prestigious entrance scholarships. Awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, leadership and community involvement, these scholarships celebrate the passion, dedication and potential that students have shown throughout their high school journey.

From left: Ontario Tech University's Krista Hester, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, and Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, with the Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, acting Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Durham, and Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and PA to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security.

Ontario Tech students to benefit from $91.9-million provincial investment

June 11, 2026

A $91.9-million investment from the Ontario government will help Ontario Tech University expand capacity in programs aligned with regional and provincial labour-market needs, creating more opportunities for students to pursue career-connected learning in high-demand fields.

Students at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus.

Ontario Tech sees record demand from Ontario high school students, with confirmations up 49.7 per cent since 2021

June 10, 2026

Ontario Tech University continues to see strong demand from Ontario high school students, with confirmed first-year enrolments for 2026-2027 reaching a record high. This achievement reinforces the university’s role in preparing graduates for rapidly evolving industries across all sectors.

2026 Spring Convocation on Polonsky Commons at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus.

Ontario Tech to celebrate future-ready graduates at Spring Convocation

May 20, 2026

Ontario Tech University will proudly recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during Spring Convocation. Set to run on the scenic Polonsky Commons at the north Oshawa campus, approximately 2,600 graduates will cross the stage from June 3 to 5.

Dr. Adam Dubrowski, Canada Research Chair in Health-Care Simulation and Professor in Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc) (centre left), and Bruce Karatzoglou, Manager of Educational and Technical Services, Laerdal Medical Canada (centre right), with FHSc students alongside the donated high-fidelity simulation mannequin.

Simulation technology donation supports Ontario Tech students in emerging health-care roles

May 13, 2026

Ontario Tech University has received a high-fidelity simulation mannequin from Laerdal Medical Canada to enhance experiential, work-integrated learning and support career preparation in health-care simulation and education.

Nursing students reciting the Nurses Pledge in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gym.

From student to nurse: A tradition of recognition

May 07, 2026

Graduates of Ontario Tech University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and Advanced Entry BScN programs marked the completion of their studies at the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, a tradition rooted in reflection, recognition and celebration.

From left: Attila Kovacs, graduate student, Faculty of Health Sciences and previous recipient of the Sienna Senior Living Nursing Scholarship; John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, The Regional Municipality of Durham; Nitin Jain, President and CEO, Sienna Senior Living; Dr. Winnie Sun, Research Excellence Chair in Healthy Aging and Dementia Care, Co-Research Director, Advancement in Dementia Care Centre, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Scientific Director, Wellness Innovations in NeuroAging Research Hub, and Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc), Ontario Tech University; The Honourable Raymond Cho, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility; Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech; and Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Director, Active Living and Longevity Lab, Founding Chair, Age-Friendly University Initiative and Professor, FHSc and Research Excellence Chair in Disrupting Human Mobility, Ontario Tech.

Sienna for Seniors Foundation $1 million gift advances healthy aging research at Ontario Tech

April 10, 2026

Ontario Tech University has received a transformational $1 million gift from the Sienna for Seniors Foundation, the charitable arm of Sienna Senior Living, to establish the Sienna Senior Living Research Centre for Healthy Aging and Happiness.

Carol Cancelliere, DC, MPH, MBA, PhD, serves as Senior Scientist in Knowledge Translation & Health Policy position for the 2026–2029 term. This new role was established by the Canadian Chiropractic Association, in partnership with Ontario Tech University.

Canadian Chiropractic Association and Ontario Tech University establish senior scientist role

April 01, 2026

The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), in partnership with Ontario Tech University, has established a new Senior Scientist in Knowledge Translation & Health Policy position for the 2026–2029 term.

Salma Bafagih, Ontario Tech University Master of Health Sciences student (Community, Public and Population Health) with her supervisor Dr. JoAnne Arcand, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the 3MT® National Showcase held during the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Conference in Ottawa, Ontario.

From the dinner table to the national stage: Salma Bafagih on research, resilience and food literacy

March 05, 2026

Ontario Tech University student Salma Bafagih’s work explores food literacy—the knowledge, skills and practices that influence food choices—and how it is shaped not only by individuals but also by broader social, industry and policy factors.

Overhead image of students sitting at a table with their study materials and laptops open.

Ontario Tech launches human-centred AI Learning Agent pilot

February 19, 2026

Through a new pilot program running during the Winter and Spring 2026 terms, students in 22 undergraduate and graduate courses across all Ontario Tech faculties are participating in early testing of an AI Learning Agent: an in-house course-based AI learning system designed around trust, accountability and academic integrity.

Students outside of the Campus Library, at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus.

Ontario Tech University hits record application high as demand continues to grow

January 26, 2026

Ontario Tech University continues to gain momentum with prospective students across Ontario and beyond. New data from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre shows undergraduate applications to Ontario Tech increased by 5.3 per cent year over year, more than twice the provincial average. This growth positions Ontario Tech among the fastest-growing universities in Ontario.

From left: Ontario Tech University 2025 Alumni Association Award recipients Julie Harris, Japnit Ahuja, Dr. Marco De Ciantis, and Michael Riseley.

Ontario Tech celebrates outstanding alumni who inspire change

January 08, 2026

At the recent 2025 Ontario Tech Alumni Association Awards ceremony, Ontario Tech University honoured the remarkable achievements of four alumni whose innovation, leadership and community involvement are making a lasting impact. Selected from a record 31 nominations, this year’s recipients exemplify the university’s values and the power of education to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Aaron Yurkewich, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, working on the HERO Glove.

Ontario Tech’s research strategy delivers No. 1 national ranking for the third year in a row

December 04, 2025

For the third year in a row, Ontario Tech has been named No. 1 Research University of the Year among Canada’s undergraduate universities by Research Infosource, Canada’s leading source of research intelligence for business and higher education.

Dr. Nick La Delfa is an Associate Professor in Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Principal Investigator at the university’s Occupational Neuromechanics and Ergonomics Lab.

From aspiring dentist to virtual reality ergonomics researcher: How Dr. Nick La Delfa is helping GM design safer, more productive work

October 30, 2025

When Dr. Nick La Delfa talks about ergonomics, his excitement often turns to the possibilities of virtual reality (VR). Dr. La Delfa is advancing the use of VR to make workplaces safer, long before injuries happen.

Ontario Tech University's School of Artificial Intelligence and Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute unite experts across all faculties to prepare future ethical leaders and explore how AI can make life better for people and communities.

Ontario Tech University answers the call to ensure AI serves humankind and the planet

October 29, 2025

Ontario Tech University is advancing initiatives that will establish the university, and Canada, as a global leader in ethically designed and executed AI. Through the launch of its School of Artificial Intelligence and Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, the university is setting the benchmark for human-centred innovation that’s anchored in values and guided by conscience.

Ontario Tech University, together with its partners, celebrates the official opening of the Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute and the leadership role it will take in advancing ethical, people-first AI. Also pictured: the Honourable Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement and Minister of Provincial Parliament (MPP) of Oakville; the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security and MPP of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry; and Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and MPP of Whitby.

New research institute asserts Ontario Tech’s international leadership in responsible AI innovation

October 17, 2025

Ontario Tech University announces the launch of the Mindful Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (MAIRI), a new, interdisciplinary hub that positions Canada at the forefront of ethical, people-first artificial intelligence (AI). MAIRI and the people leading it share a clear vision: a thoughtful, intentional and inclusive approach to AI research and innovation that supports humanity and global flourishing.

Graduates celebrating at Ontario Tech's 2023 Fall Convocation, outside the university's Regent Theatre in downtown Oshawa.

Ontario Tech to celebrate future leaders and changemakers at Fall Convocation

October 15, 2025

Ontario Tech University will proudly celebrate the achievements, resilience and growth of its newest alumni during Fall Convocation on Thursday, October 16.

Ontario Tech announces Canada’s first School of Artificial Intelligence (SAI). Pictured is the Software Informatics Research Centre at the university's north Oshawa campus.

Ontario Tech launches Canada’s first School of Artificial Intelligence

October 14, 2025

Ontario Tech University has launched Canada's first School of Artificial Intelligence (SEAI), focusing on AI governance and the responsible development of technology.

Ontario Tech University graduate students observe CNL reactor physicist Julian Atfield pointing a flashlight down into the ZED-2 reactor’s core during a tour of CNL’s Chalk River, Ontario facility, during CNL’s 2025 Immersive Experience Week program. (August 2025)

Ontario Tech grad students get a career-building experience at Canada’s top nuclear research lab

September 10, 2025

For the second year in a row, Ontario Tech’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies organized a visit for 16 Ontario Tech master’s and PhD students from a mix of academic programs spent a week at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River, Ontario.

Twin brothers Tyrus and Cyrus Tsui are two of this year's seven recipients of major incoming scholarships at Ontario Tech University (see gallery of recipients at end of story*). * Image of Global Leadership Award recipient Marie Ange Nishimwe Ingabire unavailable at time of publication.

Twin brothers headline Ontario Tech’s list of 2025-2026 major scholarship recipients

June 27, 2025

Ontario Tech University annually awards prestigious entrance scholarships to seven outstanding incoming students. The scholarship program’s five categories recognize secondary school students with exceptional achievements in academics, leadership and community involvement throughout their high school career.

Baby in foreground with parents in background

Ontario Tech researcher launches digital tool with Durham Region Health Department and Lakeridge Health to empower breastfeeding parents

June 10, 2025

Parents worldwide now have access to a new digital tool that makes it easier to understand, plan for and navigate breastfeeding, thanks to an Ontario Tech University researcher using technology to support infant health and community well-being.

Spring Convocation on Polonsky Commons at Ontario Tech University's north Oshawa campus.

Ontario Tech to celebrate more than 2,200 graduates and six distinguished honorary degree recipients at Spring Convocation

May 20, 2025

Ontario Tech University will proudly recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, set against the scenic backdrop of Polonsky Commons at the north Oshawa campus from Wednesday, June 4 to Friday, June 6.