SPONSOR CONTENT

EXCELLENCE IN
ENGINEERING
THE 2016 ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AWARDS GALA

THE GLOBE AND MAIL F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6 SECTION OPEA

There are strong arguments to support public

procurement as a driver of innovation – so what
is required to convince governments
in Canada to buy more
groundbreaking
technologies from
domestic companies?

The call to reform procurement methods to support innovative sectors

E
nvironments that drive inno- ing a Swedish government study that that brings a high quality of life to its “The innovative outputs of these
vation are usually described looked at procurement practices in a citizens, while protecting the land on fledgling entrepreneurs are moving
as places that combine fiscal neighbouring country and uncovered which we live. faster than government decision-mak-
incentives with infrastructures and an intriguing fact: between 1948 and “Engineering has a very rich his- ing has been able to capitalize on
programs such as business incubators, 1998, public procurement accounted tory in this province, both in terms of it,” says Mr. Perruzza. “Government
technology clusters, leading-edge uni- for almost half of projects that led to innovation and the quality of work procurement is a clear opportunity to
versities, and robust communication successful innovation in Finland. that is done,” says George Comrie, signal to business that Ontario is the
and transportation networks. “Government procure- This issue is particularly important to M.Eng, P.Eng., CMC, FEC, president of place for innovative entrepreneurs,
But a key factor that’s often over- the engineering profession, because Professional Engineers Ontario, whose and it could spur the development of
looked is government procurement ment is a clear opportunity engineering and entrepreneurship mission is to regulate and advance the wholly new industries and the next ‘big
from domestic companies that pro- to signal to business that have always gone hand in hand. practice of engineering to protect the companies’ of this era to call Ontario
vide innovative products and services. Ontario is the place for Engineers have the trained ability public interest. home.”
“Simply put, procurement isn’t a to evaluate current trends and predict “Through their licence, professional Mr. Gill at ONEIA says governments’
hot or flashy topic, but it could be,” innovative entrepreneurs, future societal needs. They have the engineers make a commitment to role as market makers go beyond
says Sandro Perruzza, CEO of the and it could spur the de- technical expertise to develop new enhancing people’s quality of life, Procurement, Page OPEA 3
Ontario Society of Professional Engi- technologies and services to meet health, safety and well-being, and a
neers (OSPE). “Governments need to velopment of wholly new those needs, and the analytical mind- dedication to protecting the environ-
industries and the next ‘big ABOUT
put their money where their mouths set to continually make improvements, ment.”
are, so to speak, and start actively companies’ of this era to so that new ventures remain competi- Another study, conducted by Deloitte 2016 ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL
reforming procurement methods to tive and relevant. OSPE’s role involves about seven years ago for the Ontario
not only support innovative sectors call Ontario home.” consistently reminding government Environment Industry Association
ENGINEERS AWARDS GALA
and their broader innovation agen- that with over 200,000 engineers and (ONEIA), points to opportunities for Since 1947, the Ontario Professional
das and strategies, but also to deliver Sandro Perruzza engineering alumni in the province, the provincial government to lead in Engineers Awards have recognized
better value for money to taxpayers.” is CEO of the Ontario Society of Ontario has a lot to give. Ontario’s the adoption of new technologies and professional engineers in Ontario
Mr. Perruzza’s observations are Professional Engineers engineers are taking on today’s chal- set efficiency, waste and emissions who have made outstanding contri-
backed by numerous studies, includ- lenges to further a sustainable society targets for public contracts and public butions to their profession and their
buildings.
community. Professional Engineers
“We need to the get to the point
Ontario and the Ontario Society of
Online? Visit globeandmail.com/adv/opea where innovative and environmentally
Professional Engineers are proud to
progressive purchasing is the norm
and not something that’s considered co-host the awards gala in celebra-
novel,” says Alex Gill, ONEIA’s execu- tion of the very best of engineering.
COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING This year’s gala will feature keynote
tive director. “Governments are the
In Ontario, the engineering profession has two sister organizations that are strongly committed to the future of biggest procurer of services and goods, speaker John Molloy, managing
engineering, as well as celebrating engineering excellence. Although Professional Engineers Ontario and the Ontario but they still haven’t realized the full director of Southeastern Ontario
Society of Professional Engineers have different mandates, the organizations have been working in partnership to breadth of what they could be doing.” Angel Network (SOAN) and chair-
advance the profession for many years. The imperative to allocate more of man of the Regional Innovation
the public purse towards locally sup- Centre, Launch Lab. Awards will
plied innovative products and services be presented for young engineer,
is underpinned by two key issues, research and development, engi-
notes Mr. Perruzza. The first is the need neering excellence, in addition to
to fuel full-time job creation in the face the Citizenship Award and Gold
of declining foreign direct investments Medal.
from large international companies that
set up shop in Ontario or other parts of For more information, please visit
REGULATES ADVOCATES the country. www.ospe.on.ca/opea.
The second issue stems from the fact
The mission of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is to The Ontario Society of Professional Engi- that many of today’s innovations flow
regulate and advance the practice of engineering to protect the neers (OSPE) is the advocacy association from individual entrepreneurs or small This content was produced by Randall
public interest. and voice of the engineering profession in startups – and governments need to Anthony Communications, in partnership
• Licensing individuals who have met the rigorous qualifications Ontario, representing the entire engineering demonstrate that their jurisdictions are with The Globe and Mail’s advertising
• Disciplining licence holders who fail to maintain the community. where these successful businesses of department. The Globe’s editorial
department was not involved in its creation.
profession’s technical and ethical standards • Influencing public policy the future need to be today.
• Ensuring that only licence holders practise professional • Building awareness of the many ways
engineering engineering enhances Ontario’s economy
• Establishing and maintaining standards of practice and quality of life INSIDE
PEO and OSPE work together for the future of engineering in Ontario The innovation culture at McMaster Engineering. OPEA 2
OSPE and PEO partner to celebrate the engineering profession by participating in National Engineering Month activities Improving testing efficacy with the help of paper. OPEA 3
every March and by co-hosting the annual Ontario Professional Engineers Awards gala in November. The organiza-
tions also work together to promote engineering licensure as well as their respective programs to help international Meet the 2016 OPEA winners. OPEA 4
engineering graduates pursue licensure. A sustainable solution for the world’s water needs. OPEA 6
OPEA 2 • SPONSOR CONTENT T H E G LO B E A N D M A I L • F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6

ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AWARDS

THINKERS AND LEADERS

Engineers must be intellectually

and socially aware to be innovative
I
nnovation is embedded in the petent. However, if you don’t use
culture of McMaster University’s these skills, you lose them. They’re
Faculty of Engineering, says Dean perishable,” he says.
Ishwar K. Puri. Looking ahead, Dr. Puri says that his
The ability to anticipate, understand engineering faculty is strengthening
and innovate solutions to society’s its focus on durable skills. He defines
needs is inherent in the faculty’s ap- these as the transferable skills that
proach to education, where the focus is are necessary to move graduates into
on building thinkers and future leaders, leadership positions.
says Dr. Puri. “These are skills related to team-
While engineers require rigorous work, communication and presen-
technical capabilities, they must also tation. Through these, graduates
be intellectually and socially aware to improve their emotional IQ, how they
be innovative, says Dr. Puri. relate to other people, their empathy.
Developing these leaders to think This makes them into better citizens
creatively and strategically requires and better graduates,” he says.
that the process start early during their Meanwhile, Dr. Puri welcomed the
university education, he adds. Government of Canada’s and the
“We must ensure that our students Province of Ontario’s $43-million
are aware that important pathways investment in science and engineer-
exist for them to assume leadership, ing teaching and research labs at
not only in industry and in commerce, McMaster. The funding is part of a
but in the various facets of society, Throughout its 58-year history, McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering has constantly innovated its programs massive $75-million project that will
such as politics, non-governmental to prepare engineers for the diverse and complex challenges they will face. SUPPLIED support the repair and retrofit of exist-
organizations and policy think-tanks. ing labs in the Arthur Bourns Building,
“An educator who is truly vested in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering who participate fully in the knowledge the construction of a new addition
benefits for one’s region, province, and Health Sciences (IBEHS), a program society and also those who have been to that building, and improve energy
nation and world must think of today’s that integrates aspects of engineer- less fortunate in this context.” efficiency.
engineering education far differently ing and health sciences to provide Dr. Puri divides his faculty’s teaching “We’re going to build a world-class
than it was a few decades ago,” he an education in either biomedical into two distinct areas: providing per- space centred around student col-
says. engineering or health sciences and ishable and durable skills to graduates. laboration, student learning about
Throughout its 58-year history, the entrepreneurship. Perishable skills are highly technical, innovation and specifically on research
engineering faculty has constantly “An educator who is truly Dr. Puri also highlights the Engineer- rooted in mathematics, physics and into bio-innovation. We are aiming to
innovated its programs to prepare ing and Management program that chemistry. build one of the world’s premier bio-
engineers for the diverse and complex vested in benefits for one’s gives students the option to pursue “They are very important for a innovation hubs and clusters through
challenges they will face, ranging from region, province, nation any discipline of engineering and graduate to become technically com- McMaster Engineering,” says Dr. Puri.
equity for all populations and human and world must think of also take business courses. Students
rights to climate change. These are graduate with an engineering degree
today’s engineering educa- and a designation in business, and can
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN MCMASTER LABS
problems that can’t just be solved
with only an engineering solution, tion far differently than it continue with management courses at
says Dr. Puri. McMaster for a year to gain an MBA. The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario are investing $43-million
“Engineers have to work with people was a few decades ago.” But, he says, the faculty’s vision of in engineering and science teaching and research labs at McMaster as part
outside of their disciplines, adopting entrepreneurship is broader than sim- of a massive $75-million project.
different nomenclatures and lenses in Dr. Ishwar K. Puri ply business or startups that develop The funding will support the repair and retrofit of existing labs with a
order to look at the problem,” he adds. is dean of engineering at McMaster different processes and products. focus on bio-innovation, plus the construction of a new six-storey addition
The Engineering and Society pro- University “We also encourage our students to to that building.
gram, for example, has a foundation think about social entrepreneurship. As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers
in sustainability as a base from which Innovation, entrepreneurship and will work in state-of-the-art facilities advancing the world’s best research.
to explore grand challenges such as globalization can overlook a segment They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong
climate change, diminishing resources in our society, which has been unable learning and skills training.
and extraction efficiency, referred to to leverage and make use of the global
They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into
by Dr. Puri as the “wicked problems” knowledge society, he says. “By focus-
of the world. ing on both the business aspects of products or services. In the process, they will train for – and invent – the
Pending final approval is another entrepreneurship and exposing path- high-value jobs of the future. Their discoveries will plant the seeds for the
avenue of learning intended to position ways toward social entrepreneurship, next generation of innovators.
students to solve society’s challenges, we hope to improve the lives of those

At McMaster Engineering,
innovation is in our DNA.
It’s embedded in our bones.

Assistant professor Kathryn Grandfield uses high-powered microscopes and a

3-D imaging technique called electron tomography to look at how implants bond
Do you want to change
to bone at the nanoscale.
the world?
Soon, bio-innovation researchers like Kathryn will have more space to advance
the world’s best research.
Thanks to a recent $43 million investment from the government of Canada and
province of Ontario, McMaster University engineering and science researchers #ThinkEngineering
will have new state-of-the-art facilities.
This is the single largest government investment in laboratories and research
Think McMaster
capacity in the University’s history and part of a massive $75 million project. www.eng.mcmaster.ca/think
T H E G LO B E A N D M A I L • F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6 OPEA 3

Visit globeandmail.com/adv/opea

BY THE
NUMBERS
ENGINEERING
1922
Year Professional
Engineers
GRADUATES
Ontario was
established

1947
WITH A
COMPETITIVE
Year the Ontario
Professional
Engineers
Awards was

ADVANTAGE
established

2000
Year the Ontario
Society of
Professional
Engineers was
established Our graduates consistently find
Prof. Brendan MacDonald and his team have developed a pen-shaped device
80,000 employment in their field at a rate
Number of
that helps health care providers in Vietnam test for hepatitis B. SUPPLIED
P.Eng. licence higher than the Ontario system average.
FOCUS ON PAPER holders

UOIT team tackles 5,250

Number of
holders of a

testing efficacy, Certificate of

Authorization

affordability and 1,000

Number of
Professional

accessibility
Engineers
Ontario
volunteers

250,000
I
t’s not a stretch to view testing developed a T-shaped device that
as crucial to the advancement of was recently used to test for arsenic Number of
civilization: it identifies everything in groundwater in Bangladesh, where engineering
from water potability to contaminants the bedrock reportedly contains some graduates in
in our atmosphere, as well as diseases of the greatest concentrations of the Ontario
both airborne and within our bodies. poisonous substance in the world.
But testing efficacy, along with As for his lab’s focus on paper, he
affordability and accessibility, is an points out that the material has con-
ongoing challenge for both developed siderable historical precedent. “It’s the
and developing countries – which basis for the classic litmus test and
is why Brendan MacDonald and his for pregnancy and diabetes testing,”
six-member team of grad students he says. “We tell people we’re doing
at his lab at the University of Ontario the equivalent of pregnancy testing
Institute of Technology are relying on but for everything else – because
an unusual material to improve testing by infusing paper with the proper
capabilities: paper. chemicals, its testing capabilities seem
A mechanical engineer, Prof. Mac- to be limitless.”
Donald is quite at home amid test tubes The main benefit of paper compared
and beakers, researching paper-based to other delivery methods (such as
microfluidics that involves the analysis plastic syringe and pump devices) is
of fluid flows through paper fibres. that testing is achieved through the
“There’s considerable crossover in the simple wicking of liquid – no other
mechanical and chemical engineering manipulation is required; plus, paper
realms, and in my lab both are required is inexpensive, disposable, and made
to achieve our goal of solving large- from common materials.
scale sustainable energy and global In this regard, Prof. MacDonald’s
health challenges,” he says. paper research is very much in keeping
Prof. MacDonald and his team have with his and his colleagues’ propensity
already transformed their ideas into for taking inspiration from nature –
practical devices, case in point: a pen- which is also driving some of his other
shaped device that helped health care research such as the development
providers in Vietnam test for hepatitis of cooling systems based on the su-
B. “People in Vietnam need to be tested premely efficient evaporation system
without having to go through the time of the human body.
and cost of lab analysis,” he says. If all goes well, the lab’s work may
The device itself contains a sharp soon benefit allergy sufferers on a
point that delivers a finger prick; a wide scale. “A Waterloo-based start-
chemically infused paper membrane up company called ExVivo recently
collects the blood, and a simple change approached us with the intention of
of colour indicates whether or not the developing over-the-counter allergy
patient has the disease. tests using paper, so we’re working
Prof. MacDonald recalls how he with them to bring something to
and his colleagues came upon the
idea of the device: “There we were in
market,” says Prof. MacDonald.
When asked what inspired him
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND
the lab in 2012, brainstorming while
absent-mindedly clicking our pens and
to pursue a life in research, Prof.
MacDonald, 36, replies, “When I was APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS*
tapping them on tabletops – and we growing up, my parents, who were
suddenly saw what we were holding teachers, kept telling me, ‘It doesn’t
and realized it was the perfect vessel matter what you do in life as long as • Automotive Engineering
for field use.” you help people.’
With funding help from Grand Chal-
lenges Canada the team has also
“Today more than ever, I realize how
true that is.”
• Electrical Engineering
FROM PAGE OPEA 1
- Smart Grid specialization
Procurement: • Manufacturing Engineering
Make innovation a key metric • Mechanical Engineering
their own jurisdictions. Government says Mr. Gill. - Energy Engineering option
procurement and use of a product or Mr. Perruzza agrees. Innovative
service are, in essence, endorsements
that boost credibility among other
new technologies are, in general,
more efficient and robust than their
• Mechatronics Engineering
potential buyers, including those in conventional counterparts, he says.
other foreign markets.
“Within the environment industry,
So while they may come with a higher
price tag, they cost less to operate and
• Software Engineering
prospective buyers will typically ask maintain, and will also last longer.
about usability case studies for a par- With the Ontario and federal * Management, and Public Policy options available.
ticular technology,” says Mr. Gill. “To governments poised to stimulate
be able to say it’s been adopted by economic growth through massive
a government in Canada – that’s a infrastructure investments, public
big plus.” procurement policies should be
So given the solid arguments for reviewed – and adjusted – to ensure
public procurement as a driver of
innovation, why aren’t governments
purchase decisions are made with
innovation as a key metric as well as
Discover all bachelor’s, master’s and PhD
in Canada buying more groundbreak- an end-goal.
ing technologies from domestic com- “Ontario is home to many innova- programs at uoit.ca/engineering
panies? tive companies that have longer-last-
“The biggest barrier is the phrase ing, stronger, smarter and scalable,
‘but we’ve always done it this way,’” interchangeable technologies that
says Mr. Gill. “And one of the things won’t be used for our own invest-
governments have always done is ments unless government acts to
look at initial pricing, full stop, instead recognize their value-add and reform
of factoring in lifecycle and total own- the current lowest-bid procurement
ership costs to determine the best methodology,” says Mr. Perruzza. “It
value for taxpayer dollars.” takes a leap of faith for some, but for
As an example, he cites high-tech technical audiences like the engineer-
heating and lighting controls that ing community, the decision could
automatically adjust temperatures not be more clear: invest in what will
and switch lights on and off based on last, invest in what is equipped for
real-time usage. where technology is headed – not
“Those have higher upfront costs, just where it is now – and in doing so,
but over the lifetime of that facility you will build a showcase to the world
will result in significant savings,” for our home-grown businesses.”
OPEA 4 • SPONSOR CONTENT T H E G LO B E A N D M A I L • F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6

ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AWARDS

Award winners boost Ontario’s

developing successful mining and facility for the mining industry with Throughout these endeavours, Dr.
The Ontario metallurgical processes, and profitable Canadian and international opera- Seeley has maintained a keen interest
Canadian businesses. tions, serving nearly 50 per cent of all in mentoring young engineers and
Professional In 1971, Dr. Seeley began a 24-year projects relating to the development of developing the profession through
career with Falconbridge Ltd. in Sud- metal and mineral extraction processes his volunteer and financial support of
Engineers Awards bury, taking on several research and
operational roles to enhance the
worldwide. This, in part, led to his selec-
tion as a recipient of an Engineering
numerous cultural, professional and
educational institutions. These include
recovery of nickel, copper and cobalt, Medal in the Entrepreneurship category the Canadian Metallurgical Society, the
(OPEA) celebrate the and to improve the environmental at the 2003 Ontario Professional Engi- Canadian Society of Chemical Engineer-
impact of these operations by reducing neers Awards gala. ing, the University of Toronto, Trent
accomplishments emissions and restoring mining sites Dr. Seeley and management sold University, the University of Ontario
to greenfield conditions. Lakefield Research to SGS in 2002 Institute of Technology, Cambrian Col-
of the province’s In 1992, he took on the newly created and, two years later, he left to become lege and Science North.
role of vice president of environmental president of startup company Recap- Dr. Seeley has received numerous
engineers. The awards services, where he developed and ture Metals Ltd., which would become other awards such as Fellow and Past
implemented both environmental a significant producer and recycler of President’s Memorial Medal of the
recognize engineers’ and safety accountability frameworks gallium, a rare metal used in electron- Canadian Institute of Mining, Metal-
for every role within the organization. ics, with facilities in Ontario, the United lurgy and Petroleum; Honoree Life
LARRY SEELEY He also fostered remediation of ap- States and Germany. Member of Science North; Silver Medal
contributions to the proximately 100 Falconbridge proper- In 2009, Dr. Seeley negotiated its of the Canadian Metallurgical Society;
M.A.Sc., PhD, P.Eng. ties across Canada and oversaw the sale to Neo Material Technologies Inc., Industrial Practice Award of the Cana-
well-being of the Chair and CEO, Seeley Group creation of the company’s first annual where he became vice president of dian Society of Chemical Engineers;
GOLD MEDAL Public Environmental Report. corporate development. induction into the Engineering Hall of
profession, and honour In 1995, he facilitated the manage- In 2012, Dr. Seeley formed Seeley Distinction at the University of Toronto;
Through a spectacular commitment to ment buyout of Lakefield Research Ltd. Group Ltd., which facilitates invest- International Award of the Society of
their commitment research, pursuit of innovative tech- from Falconbridge and led its growth ments and development in commercial Chemical Industry; Governor Emeritus
nologies and strong entrepreneurial from 120 employees to more than 1,000 real estate, solar energy production, of Trent University; and Fellow of the
skills, Larry Seeley has become an employees, and its evolution into the mining exploration and protein produc- Canadian Academy of Engineering and
to innovation and internationally recognized leader in premier research and development tion from canola. the Engineering Institute of Canada.
excellence. The
recipients of these
awards will be
honoured at the OPEA
Gala in Mississauga on
November 19. Here,
they share their views
of the profession GEORGE J. ANDERS VAUGHN BETZ JOHN T.W. YEOW J. STEWART AITCHISON
PhD, P.Eng. B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, P.Eng. PhD, P.Eng. B.Sc., PhD, P.Eng.
and its role in solving President, Anders Consulting; Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Professor, Systems Design Engineer- Professor, Department of Electrical and
Professor, Department of Electrical Electrical and Computer Engineering, ing; Canada Research Chair in Micro/ Computer Engineering, University of
the wide-ranging and Computer Engineering, University University of Toronto Nano Devices, University of Waterloo; Toronto
of Toronto President, ArtSensing Inc.
ENGINEERING MEDAL – ENGINEERING MEDAL –
challenges facing ENGINEERING MEDAL – ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE ENGINEERING MEDAL – RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
communities in Canada The contributions of Dr. George Anders
Already a pioneer in the modernization
As one of Canada’s foremost research-
Dr. Stewart Aitchison has earned a
of programmable chip technologies remarkable reputation as an innovative
and around the world. to power engineering are recognized in his early career, Dr. Vaughn Betz ers in microsystems and nanodevices, researcher and entrepreneur through
worldwide, with the results of his has since revolutionized their use to Dr. John Yeow is pioneering miniature his internationally recognized work in
work influencing today’s standards allow engineers to rapidly create new devices and sensors that serve as non-linear optics, nano-photonics and
and applied in practical applications hardware systems and realize their building blocks for powerful medical lab-on-a-chip technology.

“
in industry. design visions. instruments in the early diagnosis and

“
Engineering has broad impacts for

“
Engineers solve problems and treatment of disease.

“
I think engineers have had and communities. I’m most interested
provide solutions. Take the cell continue to have a huge impact I saw the impact engineering has in sustainable development and
phone. Engineers from many on the world. We take for granted on society through my father’s particularly the United Nations Sus-
disciplines were involved in develop- the huge amount of change that en- work. He was a civil engineer tainable Development Goals that are
ing this technology: somebody had gineering has produced: worldwide who worked around the world on seeking solutions around clean water,
to figure out how to convert voice to ubiquitous communications; medical different construction projects in both safe infrastructure and ending poverty. I
electrical signal, another to figure out imaging; the ability to travel immense the developed and developing world. think in every one of those development
how to transmit the signal over long distances very quickly. The world has He built hospitals and schools in goals, engineers have a role to play.
distances; another team designed its been changed profoundly by engi- developing countries, and I saw the I grew up in a rural community and
functionality and how to interact with it. neers. But we still face huge challenges effects these structures have on local saw first-hand the need for better water
This is engineering. We’re very creative with problems like efficiently using communities. systems, better infrastructure and better
people, but society doesn’t value our resources, providing food and shelter In my own research, we are trying access to primary health care. Engineers
creativity as much as artists. for all, and treating disease. However, to develop low-cost medical imag- are critical to developing these kinds of
Engineering permeates every aspect engineers are natural problem solvers, ing machines for use in developing solutions. For example, if you can de-
of our life. We design, build and test and we’re well positioned to tackle countries where health care is harder velop lab-quality tests [for use] in a rural
things, and we also advance knowl- these issues. We understand how to to access than it is in Canada. My goal or remote setting, it can deliver better
edge. The majority of great recent apply the science and technology that as an engineer is to make effective water systems and better infrastructure.
developments are built on addressing surrounds us and are trained to be and economical imaging devices for What fires me is the ability to take
human needs. It is great work for those analytical, to look at a problem and developing countries that lets them engineering principles and techniques
with curiosity and who want to try to find a solution.” provide quality health care for their and develop products and ideas that
different things.” citizens.” will help society.”

As Canada’s engaged university, we’re

At SFU, redefining fuel cell development.

We’re using robotics to help

wheelchair users walk again. We’re

working with NASA to reduce our

we prefer our water footprint around the globe.

VentureLabs®, Innovation Boulevard,

wisdom
and RADIUS are just some of the

drivers of real innovation at SFU.

Where real-world challenges become

opportunities for substantial impact.

slightly
What’s next? What’s not?

unconventional. www.sfu.ca/innovates
T H E G LO B E A N D M A I L • F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6 SPONSOR CONTENT • OPEA 5

Visit globeandmail.com/adv/opea

economic growth

SUSAN LOUISE TIGHE EBRAHIM BAGHERI LIN TAN EDUARDO (TED) MAULUCCI VALERIE DAVIDSON
B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, P.Eng. PhD, P.Eng. PhD, P.Eng. B.Sc., MBA, P.Eng. B.Eng., M.Sc., PhD, P.Eng.
Norman W. McLeod Professor of Associate Professor, Department Associate Professor, Department of Chief Information Officer, Tridel University Professor Emerita, School
Sustainable Pavement Engineering, of Electrical Engineering, Ryerson Electrical and Computer Engineering, Corporation of Engineering, University of Guelph
Director of the Centre for Pavement University University of Waterloo
and Transportation Technology, and
CITIZENSHIP AWARD CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Professor of Civil and Environmental
ENGINEERING MEDAL – ENGINEERING MEDAL – Leadership, innovation and a commit- For more than three decades, Dr. Valerie
Engineering, University of Waterloo
YOUNG ENGINEER YOUNG ENGINEER ment to giving back to society have Davidson has been an exceptional citi-
Dr. Ebrahim Bagheri is revolutionizing In six short years, Dr. Lin Tan has been the backbone of Ted Maulucci’s zen within the engineering community
ENGINEERING MEDAL – the way computers interpret user- already proven herself an ingenious re- distinguished career. and a dedicated champion of diversity

“
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT generated content and how information searcher poised to rank among the elite in the profession.
Engineers are builders, designers

“
Recognized globally as a leading au- is shared and interpreted. in the field of software engineering. and problem solvers. The world

“ “
There are clearly complex prob-
thority on pavement composition and My inspiration for going into The impact of my research is has a never-ending supply of lems such as global warming
performance, Dr. Susan Tighe has made engineering happened when I very broad. For the research problems, and I think engineers are and energy resources that will
profound contributions to both funda- was in high school and we did community, our innovations well suited to make the world a bet- require the technical expertise of engi-
mental research and industry practice. pasta bridge competitions with a visiting have advanced the state-of-the-art ter place. neers from many different disciplines.

“
I think, globally, engineers have engineer. That’s where I really became for software dependability. But for The world is fundamentally chang- However, I think engineers need to
a really important role to play. interested in engineering – seeing how people generally, my research impacts ing: we have self-driving cars; IBM Wat- understand the broader dimensions
We’re currently facing a lot of you can apply science to build simple people’s daily lives. Because software son has created the ability to replace of these problems – the social, politi-
challenges in both the developed and things that actually work. My inspiration is everywhere and embedded in our a call centre agent; there has been a cal and economic factors – in order to
developing world related to water: has always been to build things based on lives and work, by improving software shift where technology is wiping out effectively contribute to solutions at a
clean water and water resources that science that solve real-world problems. dependability, we’re making software jobs that used to be done by humans. global level. I think that’s something
are safe and efficient. I am most proud of my students – much more reliable and fun to use Now, some people look at that and most engineers need to develop be-
Globally we want to provide com- both current and graduates. We have for everyone. Our work has helped see the sky falling, but generally that’s cause their first inclination is to focus
munities where people can live safely accomplished so much based on their to detect hundreds of bugs, and our not what happens. The standard of on the technical issues and try to solve
and securely. In terms of transporta- expertise, brilliance and ideas. I am very technology has been integrated into living has improved globally, and it’s specific technical problems. But it’s
tion, we want to build infrastructure excited that my graduates have gone on software that’s been used by millions generally improved because of all the important, when you’re talking about
that is all-season. In many parts of to successful positions in industry and across the globe. efficiency that’s being delivered by solutions that are going to impact a
the world, during certain parts of the academia and we still collaborate with I would recommend an engineering technology advancements. And when community, that you understand the
year, we lose infrastructure – due to them on a regular basis. career because it is exciting. There are you look at these new technologies social implications for that community.
monsoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, I think we should encourage more always new problems to address. I like and processes, that’s exactly what A career in engineering can mean so
flooding. Engineers have a key role women and more diversity within en- it because it’s challenging and interest- engineers do.” many exciting things in terms of the
to play in society because we’re the gineering. Diversity is what gives you ing and it often leads to well-paid jobs. type of work that you do and the proj-
ones that keep the lights on and keep multiple perspectives. In our research, Engineering can have very broad ects that you work on. There are new
society functioning. We manage the we analyze and crunch social data, which impacts. Consider software: it is now areas of engineering such as biomedical
infrastructure – whether that’s com- is itself generated by a diverse range pervasive in everything we use – cars, and nano engineering that didn’t even
munications, transportation, hygiene of people. Having a diverse team that medical devices, phones. It’s hard to exist when I was an undergraduate.”
or agriculture. understands this diversity gives us a bet- imagine a day without software, so
Canadian engineers are well respect- ter method to understand the data, not it’s highly important that we make
ed internationally, and I feel we have an only from a technology perspective, but it dependable to make everyone’s
important role to play in keeping society also about the society and community life better.”
safe, functioning and well managed.” that we live and engage in.”
OPEA 6 • SPONSOR CONTENT T H E G LO B E A N D M A I L • F R I D AY , N O V E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 6

ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AWARDS Visit globeandmail.com/adv/opea

ADSORPTION TECHNOLOGY

Focusing on the world’s growing

water needs
A
t one time, Majid Bahrami, P.Eng, “[the Hybrid Atmospheric growing water needs three years ago use in the City of Surrey’s BioPod for that project, and we’re confident of
may have been regarded as a in his Laboratory for Alternative Energy Initiative, a lab for researchers to test the outcome,” he says.
magician: with a simple-looking Water Generator (HAWgen)] Conservation (LAEC) at the SFU Surrey vertical growing systems, self-watering In the meantime, HAWgen is enjoy-
device and a few procedures, he can can be used in food produc- campus. machines and robotic fruit pickers. ing a high profile on the awards circuit,
conjure water out of thin air. tion and industrial settings, The major benefit of HAWgen, which “We’re building a model that will pro- with a 2017 Canada Clean50 award for
But, as the Simon Fraser University would be marketed through Prof. Bah- duce up to 200 litres of water per day research in September.
(SFU) engineering professor points and it’s useful for emergen- rami’s company Watergenics Inc., is that
out, our atmosphere is anything but cy services in remote loca- even if the technology were applied
LEADING-EDGE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH
thin: it contains 13 trillion cubic metres on a huge scale, it wouldn’t upset the
of water that is constantly replenished tions. We’re even hoping to replenishment of atmospheric moisture
due to ocean evaporation. build a system that grows or the rate of ocean evaporation; but the
And Prof. Bahrami’s device, which food as well as generates million-dollar question is, will HAWgen
measures roughly one metre by two be commercially viable?
metres by one metre, is firmly ground- water for drought-stricken Prof. Bahrami, believes it will be. “Yes:
ed in science: the Hybrid Atmospheric countries.” it can be used in food production and
Water Generator (HAWgen) uses ad- industrial settings, and it’s useful for
sorption technology to collect and Prof. Majid Bahrami emergency services in remote locations.
extract moisture from the air, even is an engineering professor at Simon We’re even hoping to build a system
in desert conditions, and filters it for Fraser University that grows food as well as generates
potable use – up to 38 litres per day. water for drought-stricken countries.”
Prof. Bahrami and his PhD student The professor’s goals may be
Farshid Bagheri began working on a achieved sooner than expected de-
sustainable solution to the world’s pending on the success of HAWgen’s

U of T Engineering’s newest building, the Centre for Engineering

Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CEIE), seen looking southwest over the
University of Toronto’s Front Campus field. The CEIE is currently under
construction on the last buildable footprint on U of T’s St. George
Campus in downtown Toronto. RENDERING COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY
SISAM ARCHITECTS INC. AND FEILDEN CLEGG BRADLEY STUDIOS

The Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CEIE) at the

University of Toronto will set a new standard for engineering education
and research at the premier engineering school in Canada and one of the
world’s best.
“Multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation are at the heart of the
engineering profession. When the Centre for Engineering Innovation &
Entrepreneurship opens, it will catalyze diverse partnerships among our
faculty, students and industry partners, working across disciplines to ad-
dress pressing global challenges,” says Dr. Cristina Amon, P.Eng., dean of
the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
The CEIE will be a lively hub featuring unique collaborative learning and
design spaces, as well as space for multidisciplinary research centres, includ-
ing the Centre for Global Engineering and Institute for Sustainable Energy.
The CEIE boasts advanced sustainable design strategies and smart technolo-
gies. It will be one of the most efficient buildings at the University of Toronto,
collecting rainwater for landscape irrigation and maximizing air conditioning
distribution and heat recovery. Rooftop photovoltaic cells will harness the
sun’s energy to power the building, and passive solar shading on the build-
ing’s exterior will minimize solar gain in summer and maximize in winter.
Prof. Majid Bahrami with the Hybrid Atmospheric Water Generator (HAWgen). SUPPLIED

Regulating Professional Engineering

Serving and Protecting the Public

We:
• license professional To practise
engineers (P.Eng.) professional
engineering,
• grant temporary, limited
you must
and provisional licences
be licensed.
• authorize companies to It’s the law!
provide engineering
services

Through complaints and discipline,

We set we hold licence holders accountable
standards for their engineering work
of practice

Visit us at www.peo.on.ca