Winners of the newly revamped Connaught New Researcher Awards, fostering excellence in research and innovation by assistant professors, include five researchers from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. They are:
- Professor Jason Anderson (ECE, MASc 9T7, PhD 0T5) – A self-accelerating adaptive processor: automatic software-to-hardware synthesis
- Professor Timothy Bender (ChemE) – Integration of the Nocel F5BsubPc into organic solar cells
- Professor Birsen Donmez (MIE) – Assessing feedback effects on driver attitudes and behaviors through the analysis of on-road driving data
- Professor Natalie Enright Jerger (ECE) – On-chip networks to enable exascale computing
- Professor Karl Peterson (CivE) – Investigation of applications of x-ray milli/micro-fluorescence (MXRF) technology to concrete.
Find out more about the Connaught Program and see the list of all winners on the UofT Research & Innovation website.
From lectures, to lunches, to receptions and dinners, a number of exciting events await Faculty alumni at this year’s Spring Reunion, happening May 25–28.
To celebrate Spring Reunion – hosted by the Engineering Alumni Association – five U of T Engineering graduates share their reasons to go back to Skule™.
1. Reconnect and reminisce with former classmates
“It doesn’t seem like we left Skule™ 45 years ago. At a recent reunion, we reconnected with Bill Carrigan (ChemE 6T6), and I hope to see him again. I sometimes wonder what ever happened to my old Skule™ buddy Jeff Davis (ChemE 6T5) who disappeared after graduation.
Our reunion brings with it the possibility of learning more about the old gang and how they got on. It seems that these friendships are even more important to us now. I always look forward to seeing those faces again.”
– John Q. Adam, ChemE 6T6
2. Visit your old stomping ground
“Skule™ was a formative era for me, so when I make my way back to U of T Engineering, it always brings a smile to my face. Sure, there were midterms and labs, but I look back at the camaraderie that we had and how it helped to get us through one of the toughest programs on campus.
Besides the studies, we had some laughs and I can’t help but remember the time we, I mean, “someone,” turned Philosopher’s Walk into Philosopher’s Highway, complete with roads signs and lanes painted on it.”
– Franco Minatel, MechE 8T6
3. Create new memories
“It’s been 15 years since graduation, and the wonderful memories that were created are still strongly rooted in my mind. Engineering Skule™ was not about the hours spent in classes or working on what felt like an infinite amount of problem sets, but the time spent with the dearest of friends.
These people innocently and unknowingly created memories that are ecstatically talked about whenever we get together. Spring reunion is just around the corner, and spending time reconnecting with Skule™ friends is just what we need to rekindle old memories and create even more.”
– Rana Sayegh, CivE 9T6
4. Expand your network
“I am very proud to be a U of T Engineering graduate. My networking in industry was a successful experience. And, as an active 5T1 Class Leader, the opportunity to also network with fellow proud graduates and class leaders is, and has been, a great honour.
What I’ve taken away from my experience as an engineer is that it is never too late to expand your network and to learn more about industry.”
– Nick Monsour, MechE 5T1
5. Learn something new
“The reunion is a good time to learn about the intriguing projects our faculty and students are involved in – from healing spinal cord injuries, to contributions to global development through the use of both proven and new technologies.
For example, you can find out how research in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry – where I am a Professor – has made a significant impact internationally, such as in India, and soon, in parts of Africa.
You could find out how iron fortification of salt cured a million kids from anemia. Also, you can find out about BioZone – the Department’s initiative to expand the impact of chemical engineering through biochemical research. Last but not least, you can meet recent graduates from all over the world, and find out where the Engineering profession is heading.”
– Professor Levente Diosady,
ChemE 6T6, MASc 6T8, PhD 7T2
Lectures not to be missed
May 28, 2011 | 11 am – Noon | Sidney Smith Hall
Professor Brendan Frey | The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering | Relax, Don’t Worry, Change Fields
Professor Goldie Nejat | Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering | Robots Among Us: The Next Generation of Robotic Helpers
Professor Doug Reeve | Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry | Engineers Leading Change to Build a Better World
Professor Cristina Amon (MIE), Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering was awarded, May 18, the prestigious YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award.
The annual award honours recipients who work to improve the lives of girls and women in their community. Dean Amon was being acknowledged in the science and engineering category.
Over the years, she has been a tireless advocate for increasing diversity in the engineering profession and developing engineering outreach programs for under-represented groups.
“In my Faculty, we pride ourselves on our inclusiveness and diversity,” she said at the ceremony. “I believe engineering can be a turning point for young women as well. Too many, too soon lose their love of invention, of understanding how things work and how they can innovate and offer solutions to a world in need.”
As the first female Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto, she has worked to close the gender gap, among faculty and students.
Dean Amon has recognized mentorship as a valuable tool for motivating young women. She has created numerous mentoring initiatives, like the popular “Skule ™ Sisters” program between the University of Toronto engineering students and high school girls. While at Carnegie Mellon University she also developed two major engineering outreach programs: “Moving 4th Into Engineering,” a program for minority fourth-grade students, and “Engineering Your Future,” a program for female students from Pittsburgh’s inner city high schools.
“She’s a real trailblazer,” said Sarah Blackstock, YWCA Toronto’s Director of Advocacy and Communication. “She encourages women in engineering inside and outside the University of Toronto.”
Her past achievements stretch far beyond her time at U of T Engineering and include being twice named one of America’s most important Hispanics in technology. She was also recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education and the Canadian National Academy of Engineering.
“We are proud of this outstanding recognition,” said David Naylor, President of the University of Toronto. “It is a tribute to the innovative and passionate leadership Dean Amon has brought to the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.”
Follow the link to learn more about this year’s YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award.
Professor Cristina Amon (MIE), Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering was awarded on May 18, the prestigious YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award.
The annual award honours recipients who work to improve the lives of girls and women in their community. Dean Amon was being acknowledged in the science and engineering category.
Over the years, Dean Amon has been a tireless advocate for increasing diversity in the engineering profession and developing engineering outreach programs for under-represented groups.
“In my Faculty, we pride ourselves on our inclusiveness and diversity,” she said at the ceremony. “I believe engineering can be a turning point for young women as well. Too many, too soon lose their love of invention, of understanding how things work and how they can innovate and offer solutions to a world in need.”
Watch Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, accept her YWCA Women of Distinction Award:
As the first female Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto, she has worked to close the gender gap among faculty and students.
Dean Amon has recognized mentorship as a valuable tool for motivating young women. She has created numerous mentoring initiatives, like the popular “Skule ™ Sisters” program between the University of Toronto engineering students and high school girls. While at Carnegie Mellon University she also developed two major engineering outreach programs: “Moving 4th Into Engineering,” a program for minority fourth-grade students, and “Engineering Your Future,” a program for female students from Pittsburgh’s inner city high schools.
“She’s a real trailblazer,” said Sarah Blackstock, YWCA Toronto’s Director of Advocacy and Communication. “She encourages women in engineering inside and outside the University of Toronto.”
Her past achievements stretch far beyond her time at U of T Engineering and include being twice named one of America’s most important Hispanics in technology. She was also recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education and the Canadian National Academy of Engineering.
“We are proud of this outstanding recognition,” said David Naylor, President of the University of Toronto. “It is a tribute to the innovative and passionate leadership Dean Amon has brought to the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.”
Follow the link to learn more about this year’s YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award.
Designing a speedy aerodynamic human-powered vehicle is one thing. But, building one that will also hold the groceries, tackle speed bumps and quickly stop and start at intersections requires a whole new approach to engineering.
That’s what a team of U of T Engineering students was able to accomplish in early May, earning first place overall at the Human Powered Vehicle Challenge at the Indianapolis Speedway in Indiana. The event was sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and attracted competitors from the U.S., Canada, Colombia, India and Venezuela.
The goal of the Challenge is to “design and build aerodynamic, highly engineered vehicles that can be used for everyday activities — from commuting to and from work, to going to the grocery store.” This was the second year a U of T Engineering team competed, and it was up against two strong teams from Indiana and Missouri that have dominated the competition for more than a decade.
In deciding to enter the ‘unrestricted’ class – think of it as an obstacle course – the Toronto team had to look at more than speed and endurance. “We had to make a lot of not-so-subtle changes to our main monocoque (shell) design,” says Todd Reichert (EngSci OT5, UTIAS PhD candidate), a member of the team and one of its pilots. “The custom components needed to be smaller, and the vehicle had to be as light and compact as possible without sacrificing the aerodynamics.”
The changes paid off. The team, captained by Dan Zolyniak (ChemE 1T1), won five trophies, coming in first overall, as well as in the endurance and women’s sprint categories. Their recumbent vehicle, named Vortex, placed second in men’s sprints, third in design and was also the fastest monocoque vehicle in the unrestricted category.
“In the sprint event, our female pilot, Amanda Chu (ChemE 1T1+PEY), beat all but one male,” says Reichert. Another team member, first-year student Trefor Evans (CivE 1T4) outpaced a seasoned Missouri pilot by about seven seconds a lap. The team’s effort was also impressive in the two-and-a-half-hour 90-km endurance race, with a different pilot taking over every 20 km.
The group is looking forward to taking its leaner, faster vehicle to Battle Mountain, Nevada, in September. “We set the collegiate speed records there last year when the men came in at 102 km/hr and the women at around 92,” notes Reichert. “And this year’s bike is so much faster.”
Find out more about the Challenge at Wired Autopia.
Todd Reichert and Cameron Robertson are the recepients of this year’s Trans-Canada (McKee) Trophy.
The Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry (ChemE) was honoured last week with two 2011 Hermes Creative Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
The Department’s weekly e-newsletter – CHEM ENG NEWS – (CEN) – won a Platinum Award in the e-newsletter category, while a series of promotional videos for its graduate program won Gold in the web video category.
CEN was created by Business Officer Arlene Smith over 25 years ago as a collection of ChemE notices and announcements. In 2010, CEN moved to a new web-based platform and now features news stories, photographs and a summary of recent research published by faculty members. The newsletter is currently edited by Liam Mitchell with the support of contributing editors Joan Chen and Sabrin Mohamed.
Also recognized were five videos promoting ChemE graduate studies. They were directed by Mike MacMillan of Lithium Studios and produced by Liam Mitchell with the guidance of Professor Vladimiros Papangelakis, the Department’s Associate Chair and Graduate Coordinator.
The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies.