Professor Stewart Aitchison (ECE) has been elected a Corresponding Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). Originally established in 1783, the RSE is Scotland’s national academy of science and letters. Benjamin Franklin and economist Adam Smith were among its Founding Fellows. Of the more than 1500 RSE Fellows, there are only 62 Corresponding Fellows (Fellows who are not resident in the UK).
Professor Aitchison is one of the world’s most prominent researchers in the field of nonlinear optics, particularly the area of spatial optical solitons. His pioneering work in this area has led to the creation of new all-optical devices for signal processing applications, the demonstration of “the world’s fastest switch” in 1991, and the development of new types of light sources. In parallel, his work on optical biosensors has resulted in a lab-on-a-chip device that enables accurate monitoring of HIV in remote communities. His 250 journal publications have been cited over 9,850 times. He also holds eight patents, which have led to the creation of four new companies.
Professor Aitchison served as Vice Dean, Research for the Faculty from 2007-2012. During his term he oversaw a 45 per cent increase in federal funding and a 75 per cent increase in major partnership funding in the Faculty. He also supported the creation of a Faculty-wide energy initiative and helped initiate major projects on sustainable cities and research collaborations with India. He is currently the U of T Associate Scientific Director for the Network Centre of Excellence, IC-IMPACTS, which funds collaborative research between Canada and India in the areas of safe infrastructure, clean water and public health.
“We are delighted that this prestigious academy has recognized Professor Aitchison’s world-leading research achievements,” said Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “His election confirms the global impact of the research being conducted at the Faculty and the outstanding international reputation our professors have earned.”
Professor Aitchison will be formally inducted into the RSE in a ceremony in Edinburgh on May 19, 2014.
What do more sustainable steel mills, a flow sensor capable of working at harsh temperatures and new engineering leaders have in common? They are part of the dynamic partnership between Tenova Goodfellow Inc. (TGI) and U of T Engineering that has reached its 20-year anniversary.
TGI is a global leader in process optimization for steelmaking operations. They provide advanced industrial equipment that greatly improves the efficiency and sustainability of steel mills in many areas of the world.
For the last two decades, TGI has engaged in research collaborations with U of T engineers at Professor Murray Thomson’s (MIE) Combustion Research Laboratory. Here, researchers are developing new sensor technology, computer modeling and optical spectroscopy to help TGI stay ahead.
“We are excited to celebrate a landmark 20 years with Tenova Goodfellow,” said Professor Ted Sargent (ECE), Vice Dean, Research. “Partnerships with leaders in industry enable us to work on important problems whose solutions have major societal and economic impacts. They can help us to transfer the fruits of basic and applied research into commercial implementations.“
Commercialization
In 2011, Professor Thomson’s group developed a cross-correlation passive optical flow rate sensor that measures the rate of gases passing through various stages of the manufacturing process.
With its ability to operate in harsh, high-temperature environments, TGI purchased the sensor’s patent, and in 2012, they incorporated the real time data it supplied into process models and control algorithms at three of their customers’ steel mills.
This sensor and others developed through the U of T collaboration have been integrated into TGI’s award-winning systems, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200,000 tonnes and electricity consumption by over 300 gigawatt-hours, as well as reducing operating costs in the electric arc furnace market by as much as $90 million.
Training Engineering Leadership
This successful partnership also continues to train the next generation of engineering leaders. Currently, three masters students and one post-doctoral fellow from Professor Thomson’s group are actively engaged in novel sensor development and combustion modeling projects with TGI.
To date, more than ten U of T graduates have joined TGI’s ranks, including Nick Kournetas (MIE MASc 9T8), Mohamed Boutazakhti (MIE PhD 0T4), and Salvador Rego (MIE PhD 0T8).
Continuing Impact
This unique exchange of research and commercialization expertise has also been validated through outside investment from the federal government, specifically the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).
And it isn’t stopping there. With boundless possibility, researchers will continue to apply their findings across more and more intensive combustion processes – from biomass and coal-fired boilers to cement and oils sands applications.
Together U of T and TGI will continue training new engineering leaders and raising the bar of sustainability and efficiency in steelmaking and beyond.
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Awards and Recognition for the Tenova Goodfellow EFSOP Technology:
- 2011 Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award of Excellence for the installation and commissioning of the Slop Detection System (SDS) Technology on five BOF vessels in Italy.
- 2009 Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award of Excellence for achieving EAF control at TenarisDalmine, Italy, using EFSOP® Technology.
- 2009 Tenova Goodfelow identified as a Cleantech company engaged in world-class research and environmentally friendly product innovation through the proprietary EFSOP® technology.
This September, U of T Engineering, in collaboration with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), launches Canada’s first master and PhD-level program in engineering education – the EngEd.
EngEd gives students and faculty the opportunity to explore learning concepts at the nexus between engineering and education, from the engineer’s perspective. Research will focus on many of the distinct aspects of training engineers, such as the inherent emphasis on design, quantification, application, systems, constraints and problem solving.
“The EngEd program brings together a long legacy of innovative research and education at U of T Engineering,” said Greg Evans, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, who chaired the task force that proposed the initiative. “By focusing on cross-disciplinary collaboration, we look forward to wonderful new ideas and insights that enhance engineering education for generations to come.”
Through their coursework, students will acquire expertise in the application of educational theories within the context of engineering, and apply the use of engineering methodologies towards the promotion of learning.
Approved by U of T Engineering Faculty Council in December 2013 and by the U of T Committee on Academic Policy and Programs – the highest level of university approval – on February 25, 2014. The master and PhD in EngEd will be offered through the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE), the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry (ChemE) and the Department of Civil Engineering (CivE) as well as OISE’s Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL)*.
*No offer of admissions will be made to the program pending final approval by the Quality Council.
Although he doesn’t have an engineering degree and admits to being hopeless at constructing IKEA furniture, Andy Byford, head of Canada’s largest transit system, knows that engineers with savvy leadership skills are a force to be reckoned with.
“Engineering as a discipline is amazing,” say Byford, TTC CEO, who joined over 80 University of Toronto students on campus last week, “because [they] have to have an ability to think under pressure… think logically… see the bigger picture and be able to grapple with complex equations.”
Students with an engineering degree can aspire to the top career positions, Byford told students, but only if they “can combine the fantastic skillset engineers have with the softer skills.” He focused heavily on people management and customer service abilities.
Hosted by U of T’s Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering (ILead) as part of National Engineering Month, Byford brought some of the TTC’s biggest challenges with him. In small groups, students debated solutions to popular transit topics, like: ‘Subways, streetcars or buses?’ to ‘How do you best allocate the TTC’s limited funding?’
They also engaged Byford through an informal question period, where they could ask questions about his leadership and experiences at the helm of the TTC. They also explored his rise through the ranks of transit authorities in the United Kingdom and Australia.
“I think where the [London] Tube, and definitely the TTC, went wrong in the past was there was an absolute focus on engineering and on the disciplines of engineering – so actually just looking at the way the machines worked, and not paying enough attention to the softer side.”
Working closely with Byford, the goal was to have students see beyond the technical specifics of running the TTC, and critically understand the many aspects of leadership in large, complex organizations.
“It wasn’t what I expected. He was really down to earth,“ said Master of Engineering student David King (CivE), who had a chance to share his recent research with Byford. King is using pedestrian microsimulation to examine how slight changes in pedestrian behaviour – like moving people to the back of a bus – can have greatly limit transit delays.
”You expect CEOs to have a stiff upper lip, but that’s not what you get with [Byford],” he said. “It’s a refreshing take, and I think it bodes well for a future vision for the TTC and our city.”
Slogging through the snow this winter has been tough. It’s blocked roads and highways, buried entire cities and left Canadians to dream of palm trees as they frantically scrape ice off their windshields.
But in some regions, where the snow can strand people for weeks and months, the situation used to be a whole lot worse. That is, until Canadian engineer Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented the first machine that could ‘float on snow’ and connect northern communities far and wide: the snowmobile.
This March, U of T Engineering joins Canadians from across the country to celebrate the impact of engineers, who – like Bombardier and many of our Faculty’s researchers – are changing the world with their ideas, skills and action.
We invite you to explore and discover the impact of engineering for this year’s National Engineering Month: Making a World of Difference.
Our Events
- TTC’s Andy Byford on leading Canada’s largest transit system: To kick off NEM, the TTC CEO spent some quality time on campus with U of T Engineering students on February 26. Hosted by the Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering (ILead), Byford shared his leadership experiences, and then collaborated with students on solutions to some of the TTC’s greatest challenges. The Toronto Star participated in the event to profile three big transit ideas from U of T students. Read now.
- Purple Power at the CN Tower: On the evening of March 26, U of T’s Engineering Society will participate in building and setting off an intricate Rube Goldberg machine that will light the CN Tower purple – the colour traditionally associated with the engineering profession. Find out more.
- David Miller on Engineering Leaders: David Miller, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada, and former Toronto mayor, comes to U of T Engineering on March 5 to share his journey and discuss how engineers can bring effective leadership skills to the non-profit and political arenas. Learn more on the ILead website.
- WISE National Conference: The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) chapter at U of T will host the second WISE National Conference in Toronto from March 22 – 23. The event brings together women with different backgrounds from across Canada to explore issues in their fields, build a greater community and inspire each other. Learn more.
- Chem Week: From March 24–28, the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry (ChemE) hosts the annual Chem Week. The festivities include the annual Troost Cup and ChemAzing Race on March 24, a Chem Town Hall on March 25 and a karaoke night on March 25 and talent show on March 26.
- MIE Speakers: Dive into the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering with several informative talks and presentations, including: Professor Tzyh Jong Tarn on the next big things in robotics and automation (March 7) and Professor Goldie Nejat (MIE) on how to engineer robots to be effective human assistants (March 20). Read more on the MIE website.
- IBBME Lectures: Join the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) for a Shoichet Lab Special Seminar with Zhanfeng Cui (University of Oxford), founding director of the Ocford Centre for Tissue Engineering and Bioprocessing; a Special Lecture on March 5 from Professor Steven Prescott (University of Toronto); and, a Distinguished Lecture on March 17 from Professor Stephen F. Badylak (University of Pittsburgh).
- Engineering Happiness and Wellness: During NEM, two events will focus on the mental health and well being of engineers. The U of T Engineering Happiness club is hosting Dan Dolderman, an Environmental Psychologist from the Department of Psychology, on March 10 for a fun and informative talk on happiness. The Undergraduate Engineering Wellness Group also invites students to join a supportive group session on March 26 to learn how to cope with stress and change.
Our People
Here’s a snapshot of how some U of T engineers are making a world of difference.
Big Impact From Small-scale Robots
Professor Yu Sun‘s (MIE, IBBME) pioneering work in microtechnology and nanotechnology could greatly improve our future: less invasive surgery, cheaper disease diagnostics, safer transportation with micro-sensors, better product quality and the list goes on.
Professor Sun is an international leader in developing robotic and automation technology for researching biomaterials, such as creating precision instruments that help researchers understand and manipulate the world at the nano-scale.
For example, Professor Sun and his team use a robotic microscope to, in essence, inject diseases or genetic variations into mouse cardiac cells. This gives collaborators at Sick Kids Hospital the crucial cells to develop and test new medicines.
Read more in a recent Globe and Mail article: How tiny robots could help make babies.
Understanding What Goes Wrong
When an outdoor stage collapses at a Radiohead concert, or ceramic cookware spontaneously explodes on the kitchen stove, who do you call to find out why?
Meet U of T forensics engineer Professor Doug Perovic (MSE), who teaches Canada’s only forensics engineering course. Professor Perovic challenges students to apply engineering design concepts to real-world problems, learning the tools they need for high-level sleuthing.
He pulls on his experience testifying at dozens of legal trials. Recently, he set up experiments to demonstrate that the margin of safety was too low on certain glass-ceramic cookware, following the spontaneous explosion and injury of a Canadian man.
Reducing Air Pollution Caused by Airplanes
Air travel is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, but Assistant Professor Adam Steinberg (UTIAS) plans to change that.
Through partnerships with Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls Royce Canada and the German Aerospace Centre, Professor Steinberg and his team are developing more efficient aircraft engines.
To do this, they’re using ‘high-repetition-rate’ laser-based measurement techniques, which allow them to determine the exact areas within a combustion system that are causing problems, as well as the underlying physical mechanisms.
By improving combustion in the aircraft engine, the amount of emitted air pollution is reduced, like nitrogen oxides (NOx), that contribute to smog, acid rain and climate change.
Toronto Star: Women Engineers, Invisibility Cloaks and More
U of T Engineering was recently featured in a special NEM supplement in the Toronto Star. Highlights include:
- An article on page N7 that shares the invisibility-cloaking device from Professor George Eleftheriades (ECE) and PhD student Michael Selvanayagam (ECE).
- An exploration of the current state of women in engineering on page N6, with commentary from Professor Susan McCahan, Vice-Dean, Undergraduate in the Faculty.
- A preview of what’s new at U of T Engineering, such as a new Master of Engineering in Cities Engineering and Management in CivE, a new Masters area of emphasis in ‘Sustainable Aviation’ at UTIAS, and The Entrepreneurship Hatchery accepting nearly double the number of student entrepreneur groups over last year.
Our Programs
Interested in learning more about our programs at U of T Engineering? Visit our undergraduate or graduate websites.
More About NEM
To learn more about National Engineering Month, visit NEM Ontario and NEM Canada.
As cities around the world grow in size and influence, there is one word that increasingly irritates politicians, city workers and daily commuters – it’s one word that blocks traffic, jams crowds and stops public transit in its tracks.
Congestion.
And a new transportation research hub at the University of Toronto – led by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – wants to break the bottleneck.
Earlier this week, the Engineering Faculty Council formally established the University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute (UTTRI). The new centre brings together experts from engineering, economics, policy, urban geography and planning, computer science and more from across campus.
Collaborators will engage in projects directly with industry and government organizations. Their research will address practical problems in transportation policy and decision-making, using research-based evidence. The Institute will also train highly qualified transportation personnel ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
“Considerable expertise exists across U of T’s three campuses with respect to transportation, urban planning and design, urban economics and finances,” said Eric Miller (CivE), Director of the new Institute and former Director of the Cities Centre at U of T. “This expertise will be tapped as UTTRI expands beyond the Department of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering to become a university-wide research centre.”
UTTRI is the latest in a series of cross-disciplinary, cross-University research and education initiatives. Housed within U of T Engineering, the centre involves researchers from Engineering, the Department of Geography and Program in Planning, the Department of Computer Science, the Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Management, the Munk School of Global Affairs and the School of Public Policy and Governance.
Interest in transportation and infrastructure research has been growing steadily across many academic disciplines in recent years, and the centralization and coordination of research from disparate areas is one major area of future opportunity.
The Institute’s formation enables the Department of Civil Engineering to expand and manage transportation-related research in a number of key areas, for example:
- The Data Management Group, which provides transportation data management services to Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) transportation planning agencies, as well as to university transportation researchers.
- The Transportation Tomorrow Survey, the largest on-going urban travel survey in the world.
- The Travel Modelling Group, which undertakes applied research and development work to support on-going improvement in regional travel demand forecasting by GTHA transportation planning agencies.
- The Intelligent Transportation Systems Centre and Testbed, a major computer lab supporting advanced transportation system analysis and modeling.
UTTRI builds on a 40-year history at U of T Engineering in conducting research on significant Canadian transportation issues. It began with the Joint Program in Transportation, and its successor, the Urban Transportation Research and Advancement Centre.
With the University’s unrivaled facilities and vibrant transportation research community – combined with the City of Toronto’s ability to provide a unique urban laboratory – the University of Toronto Transportation Research Institute has the talent and collaborative opportunity to become the premier transportation research centre in Canada.