Media
Contact
Communications Specialist
Faculty of Engineering
Spencer Engineering Building
Room 2072
Western University
Tel: 519-661-2111 ext. 87015
Email: contactwe@eng.uwo.ca
2023
Western team creates open-source medicine autoinjector
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , July 17, 2023
A team led by engineering and Ivey Business School professor Joshua Pearce has developed a new 3-D printed, completely open-source autoinjector – a device designed to deliver a single dose of medicine – for a tenth of the cost of a commercially purchased product.
Western startup’s adjustable socket aims to increase amputees’ comfort, quality of life
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , July 14, 2023
Western grads Oleksiy Zaika and Sydney Robinson, cofounders of Vessl Prosthetics, developed an automatically adjustable socket to increase amputees' comfort and quality of life.
Sergio Salinas receives inaugural Danny Ho Software Engineering Scholarship
July 13, 2023
Sergio Salinas is the inaugural recipient of the Danny Ho Software Engineering Graduate Scholarship. This annual scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to support international Software Engineering graduate students pursuing their Masters or PhD.
Alum helps filmmakers unleash their creativity with the power of AI
July 10, 2023
Russell Palmer, BESc’08, BS’08, had a strong conviction that he would establish an AI company. We caught up with the CyberFilm CEO to delve deeper into his passion for AI and film and to hear his career guidance for the next generation of Western Engineers.
Kelly Meighen named Western’s 24th Chancellor
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , July 06, 2023
Western University has announced Kelly Meighen as the university’s twenty-fourth Chancellor, effective July 1, 2023, for a four-year term. Meighen grew up in London, Ont., where her father, Richard Dillon, BA’48, LLD’79, was Western’s first dean of engineering.
Western researchers determine July 1 Alberta tornado was among most powerful ever seen in Canada
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , July 05, 2023
A tornado that sliced through a rural area south of Didsbury, AB on July 1 has been rated at EF4 by Western’s Northern Tornadoes Project, in collaboration with the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Prairie and Arctic Storm Prediction Centre.
Engineering alumni receive honorary degrees from Western
June 16, 2023
Catherine Karakatsanis, BESc'83, MESc'91, and Douglas Muzyka, BESc'77, MESc'78, PhD'85, were conferred with honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws at convocation ceremonies at Alumni Hall.
Western EngiQueers: Celebrating diversity and inclusion in engineering
June 15, 2023
To mark Pride Month, we caught up with Western EngiQueers co-presidents Siena Ianni-Palarchio and Josh Horkits. They shared their experiences with EngiQueers, the importance of finding your networks and building relationships at Western Engineering, and what they have planned for the year ahead.
Meet the new UES President: Jack Peplinski
June 15, 2023
Meet Jack Peplinski, fifth-year Software Engineering and Ivey HBA student and the new UES President, to learn about his student experiences, passion for engineering, and his new role as president.
Western students developing a low-cost, sustainable solution for diagnosing malaria
June 15, 2023
A team affiliated with Western’s Frugal Biomedical Innovations (FBI) Program is working on a low-cost microscope to make diagnosing malaria cheaper and more efficient.
Western Engineering celebrates engineering excellence
June 12, 2023
Earlier this month, Western Engineering came together to celebrate staff, faculty and alumni at the 2023 Engineering Awards of Excellence Gala.
Outside the comfort zone: Tony Xu embraced learning in and out of the classroom
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , June 09, 2023
Tony Xu kept his head in the books during his first year in a dual-degree program at Western Engineering. It paid off: far from just dedicating himself to his coursework, he also developed a tool to make scientific papers more accessible for the average student by trawling the internet for related discussion and context.
Two Western professors inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
June 05, 2023
Western Engineering professors Abdallah Shami and Elizabeth Gillies have been named among 55 new Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE).
Western mini-satellite to launch aboard SpaceX as second mission spreads its wings
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , June 05, 2023
The first ever miniature satellite, or CubeSat, built by a Western team is set for liftoff in Florida tomorrow and will provide students with an opportunity to learn first-hand about space mission development.
Steve Hartman: From plastics to success
June 05, 2023
Steve Hartman, BESc’78, has an impressive career history that spans multiple roles and industries. In this alumni feature, we learn more about his career and get advice for the next generation of engineers.
Michael Zawalsky named recipient of the Engineering Young Alumni Award
June 01, 2023
Western Engineering proudly announces Michael Zawalsky, BESc/HBA’14, as the recipient of the 2023 Engineering Young Alumni Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Zawalsky's exceptional contributions to his profession and community.
Jennifer Grant receives 2023 L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal
May 31, 2023
Western Engineering is proud to announce that Jennifer Grant, BESc’94, MESc’95, BEd’96, is the 2023 L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal recipient. Western Engineering presents the Medal to a worthy alum based on their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession, business leadership and community.
Gregory Kopp wins Davenport Medal for contributions to wind engineering
May 30, 2023
Gregory Kopp, Western Engineering professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering, has been awarded the International Association for Wind Engineering (IAWE) Senior Award with the Davenport Medal for his outstanding contributions to the field of wind engineering.
Western Baja SAE unveils new vehicle for Baja SAE Oregon 2023 competition
May 26, 2023
Western Baja SAE, a student-led engineering team from Western University, is excited to announce the completion of its 2023 off-road racing vehicle in preparation for the upcoming Baja SAE Oregon 2023 competition.
The research project trying to find every tornado in Canada
By
Alexandra Pope ,Canadian Geographic , May 23, 2023
Pioneering efforts are underway as the Northern Tornadoes Project, spearheaded by researchers at Western Engineering, seeks to uncover and document every tornado occurrence across Canada.
Abdallah Shami recognized by IEEE Canada for industry leadership
May 19, 2023
Western Engineering professor Abdallah Shami has received the 2023 R.H. Tanner Industry Leadership Award from IEEE Canada. Shami is being recognized for his leadership in technology transfer.
AISE celebrates first cohort of innovative artificial intelligence program
May 16, 2023
Last fall, Western Engineering launched the Artificial Intelligence Software Engineering (AISE) program, the first of its kind in North America. And now, more than 50 chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and mechatronic systems engineering students have completed their first year of the five-year concurrent degree program.
Duane Jacques honoured with Award of Recognition
May 15, 2023
Duane Jacques, student shops advisor and an assistant professor in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Center for Engineering Leadership and Innovation, is a recipient of this year’s Engineering Award of Recognition.
From Canadian Airlines to Remote Waterfalls: The Journey of McGhee-Krizsan Engineering Limited Founder
May 15, 2023
Karen McGhee, BESc’92, is an engineer and business owner who has spent 30 years in the Renewable Energy industry. In this Q&A feature, we learn about her career as the founder and president of McGhee-Krizsan Engineering Limited and get advice for women in engineering.
New hemp-based biomaterial may solve global microplastic pollution crisis
May 12, 2023
Western chemistry and engineering professor Elizabeth Gillies, mechanical and materials engineering professor Aaron Price and their research teams worked with CTK Bio Canada to develop a new biodegradable, hemp-based material that could serve as a sustainable substitute for packaging needs for a wide variety of products.
Western hosts 2023 Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge competitions
May 10, 2023
This week, Western will host the 2023 Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition and the Canadian National Steel Bridge Competition, annual competitions that bring together students from schools across Canada to share their engineering passion.
Western tops Canadian universities in global rating program
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , May 10, 2023
Western achieved top marks in the 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars University Ratings, becoming the only Canadian university to obtain the “five stars plus” status this year, and among just 20 institutions globally.
Christopher Power honoured for excellence in teaching
May 10, 2023
Christopher Power, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is the 2022 recipient of the R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Western Formula Racing team unveils new car
May 09, 2023
The Western Formula Racing (WFR) team is thrilled to unveil their latest creation, the result of eight months of hard work and dedication. This year’s car boasts an array of exciting features that are sure to provide a high-performance driving experience.
Samantha Roach receives Sharon A. Ling Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member
May 08, 2023
Samantha Roach, Western Engineering’s director of experiential learning and student support, is the 2022 recipient of the Sharon A. Ling Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member.
Western University supports Carbon Solutions to address climate change
May 05, 2023
This week, 12 Western University researchers presented their Carbon Solutions projects at an event held at the Amit Chakma Engineering Building. Carbon Solutions @ Western is a commitment from the University to fund research that aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and work towards a net-zero future.
Katarina Grolinger receives Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
May 03, 2023
Katarina Grolinger, an assistant professor in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the 2022 recipient of the Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.
Courtney Harper Honoured with Award of Recognition
May 01, 2023
Western Engineering awards of recognition have been designed to acknowledge exceptional commitment and contributions to Western Engineering by a faculty and/or staff member. Courtney Harper, graduate coordinator, department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), is an outstanding recipient of this year's award.
Engineering grad creates award-winning AI golf app
May 01, 2023
Eileen Jurczak, BESc’97, created the iTQ golf app as CEO of Xonic Golf, recently named one of the world’s top 10 most innovative companies in sports for 2023.
Expert insight: Shading crops with solar panels can improve farming, lower food costs and reduce emissions
By
Joshua M. Pearce ,Western News , April 28, 2023
This practice of growing crops in the protected shadows of solar panels is called agrivoltaic farming. And it is happening right here in Canada.
Western names Andy Sun as Distinguished University Professor
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 27, 2023
Andy Sun is one of the latest recipients of Distinguished University Professorships awards, joining a select group of faculty members recognized for exceptional scholarly careers.
Michael Boutilier receives Award of Recognition
April 26, 2023
Michael Boutilier, assistant professor, department of Chemical and biochemical engineering, Faculty of Engineering, is a recipient of the 2022 Engineering Award of Recognition.
Professor Han-Ping Hong honoured for excellence in research
April 24, 2023
The 2022 recipient of the Engineering Award for Excellence in Research is Civil and Environmental Engineering professor Han-Ping Hong.
Joshua Pearce: Solar panels get less efficient over time, don't worry about it
CNET , April 24, 2023
Western Engineering professor Joshua Pearce say you're unlikely to notice your solar panels degrading over the years, and it isn't worth waiting for more efficient panels.
O. Remus Tutunea-Fatan wins Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 20, 2023
O. Remus Tutunea-Fatan, a professor in the department of mechanical and materials engineering has been recognized with the Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching.
CBE students solve real-world and industrial problems
April 14, 2023
4th-year CBE students participated in the 17th Annual Capstone Design Project Presentation and Competition to present their Process Plant Design solutions.
Engage Western: Faculty of Engineering makes connections at community event
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , April 12, 2023
The Northern Tornadoes Project, Fraunhofer Innovation Platform, ICFAR and Frugal Biomedical Innovations were among the 50 projects, services and departments that took part in Engage Western this week.
MME Capstone Design Day: Engineering students display their problem-solving prowess
March 31, 2023
This month, Western Engineering hosted its Capstone Design Day for Mechanical and Materials Engineering. Design Day demonstrates the design abilities of graduating Western Engineering students. It’s the highlight of the fourth-year course MME4499, “Mechanical Engineering Design Project”.
Western Engineering alum harnesses the power of technology to nurture innovation
March 30, 2023
Chris Gilpin, BESc/HBA ’09, was always enamoured by the disruptive potential of technology. As the CEO of OrderUp and co-founder of Ascendant and Turnstyle Solutions, Gilpin knows a thing or two about using technology to foster innovation.
Western students land five of 23 Canada Space Fellowships
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , March 24, 2023
Five self-described Space nerds, now pursuing studies in engineering, medicine and business at Western, are looking to leave their mark on Canada’s Space industry.
2023 FIRST Robotics Competition comes to Western this weekend
March 17, 2023
Join us for the FIRST Robotics Competition at the Thompson Recreation Athletic Centre from Mar 18 – Mar 19, 2023. 33 teams and their robots, built and programmed by Ontario high school students, will compete in an epic battle that combines sport, science, and teamwork.
Western reimagines the future of batteries
March 17, 2023
Engineering researchers have been working to reimagine the future of “next-generation” batteries to solve current challenges related to energy storage.
Western Engineering students shine at Canadian Engineering Competition
March 15, 2023
At the Canadian Engineering Competition, Western Engineering’s Innovative Design team took home the Canadian Grand Challenges Award presented by Engineering Deans Canada while the Debate team finished as runners-up.
Northern Tornadoes Project is tornado-proofing Canadian communities
March 13, 2023
The Northern Tornadoes Project and the WindEEE Dome are leading research into extreme weather and wind engineering.
Western alum wants to break the mould
March 10, 2023
Western Engineering alum, Rebecca McKillican, BESc’/HBA’03, served as the distinguished guest speaker at Western Engineering’s 32nd Annual Lynda Shaw Memorial Lecture. In her talk, McKillican shared her personal journey from ‘imposter’ to finding and embracing her ‘whole self’ and doing things her way.
UES referendum paves the way for student space in new Engineering building
March 10, 2023
In February, the Undergraduate Engineering Society held a referendum on a student levy that would fund the creation of student space in Western Engineering’s new building. The vote passed with over 80% approval and nearly 30% voter turnout.
Meet the changemakers of Western’s Women in Engineering club
March 02, 2023
Student leaders of Women in Engineering fight for progress and advocate for female students, with a focus on building community
New 3D-printed, open-source walker breaks borders for life-long mobility
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 27, 2023
Western engineers have created a new static, four-legged walker that can be constructed from materials and fasteners commonly available from hardware stores like wooden dowels and screws. The joints are all 3D-printed and the entire design is completely open-source, meaning it is freely available online for possible modification and redistribution.
Alum seeks to inspire women in STEM
February 24, 2023
Tracey Peacock, BESc'94 is renowned for driving innovation, building commercial strategies, and growing businesses. We caught up with her to explore her strategic mind, her approach to leadership, discuss her Western student experience and get advice for women in STEM.
Western signs with national partners to advance collaborative research in clean energy
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , February 15, 2023
Western has signed a significant partnership agreement between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to advance collaborative research in health and environmental sciences, clean energy and nuclear safety.
Northern Tornadoes Project confirms 117 tornadoes for Canada in 2022
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 09, 2023
Western’s Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) recorded 117 tornadoes across Canada during the 2022 season, currently tying 2021 for Canada’s highest-ever single season on record.
Western Engineering Toboggan Team brings home top prize
February 07, 2023
The Western Engineering Toboggan Team (WETT) are this year’s champions of the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR). This year's GNCTR was hosted in Kelowna, British Columbia. 24 members of WETT were selected to travel to Kelowna for the multi-day event.
Faculty members earn senior awards and fellowships from the Engineering Institute of Canada
February 02, 2023
Western Engineering professors Jerzy M. Floryan, Jesse (Jingxu) Zhu, Abdallah Shami, Charles (Chunbao) Xu, and Ying Zheng have received top honours from the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC).
Western student-athlete among Top 8 Academic All-Canadians
Western Communications , February 02, 2023
Engineering student and Mustangs track and field and cross-country star Kate Current has been named one of Canada’s top student-athletes.
New Scholarships contribute to student success at Western Engineering
January 31, 2023
Enriching the student experience with scholarships and awards propels our students to financial stability and confidence while positioning them for success.
Innovative joint replacement research at Western Engineering receives funding from Arthritis Society Canada
January 20, 2023
Western Engineering professor Jim Johnson has received an Ignite Research Grant from Arthritis Society Canada (ASC) to rethink how we're replacing arthritic human joints with artificial implants and what can be done to reduce their stiffness.
Western hosts 44th Ontario Engineering Competition
January 19, 2023
This week, Western hosts the 44th Ontario Engineering Competition (OEC), with over 300 engineering students from universities across Ontario competing in a three-day event. Participating teams must first win their institution’s qualifying competitions to take part in OEC.
Remembering Jason Gerhard
January 06, 2023
On December 31, 2022, Western Engineering professor Jason Gerhard died peacefully surrounded by his family. Gerhard joined Western Engineering in 2007 as a Canada Research Chair in Geoenvironmental Restoration Engineering and is remembered as a passionate teacher and mentor, and leader in the field of environmental remediation.
Expert insight: How to prevent a potentially fatal blow to the heart in young athletes
By
James Dickey, Haojie Mao, Kewei Bian and Sakib Ul Islam ,Western News , January 05, 2023
A routine tackle in an NFL game on Jan. 2 almost turned fatal when Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills was injured during a play, leading to cardiac arrest.
Mayor’s Honour List recognizes Western community members
By
Siddhartha Sarma ,Western News , January 05, 2023
Western’s local community connections were highlighted with the announcement of the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, 2023. On Jan. 1, Mayor Josh Morgan announced the honour list in various categories of achievement to recognize the diversity of community work taking place in the city.
