Media
Contact
Communications Specialist
Faculty of Engineering
Spencer Engineering Building
Room 2072
Western University
Tel: 519-661-2111 ext. 87015
Email: engineeringcomms@uwo.ca
2022
Endnotes 2022: How Francis Lavigne-Theriault chased hailstone history
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , December 21, 2022
While not nearly the storm of the century, a severe weather event on Aug. 1 in central Alberta produced a Canadian record-breaking hailstone. And a field team from Western’s newly formed Northern Hail Project (NHP) chased it down and brought it home.
Engineering alum sets the entrepreneurship trail ablaze
December 16, 2022
Jennifer Grant, BESc’94, MESc’95, BEd’96, has always had a love for product development and walking the manufacturing floor. It is where she feels at home. Learn more about her career journey and get advice for the next generation of engineering entrepreneurs.
Western’s Northern Hail Project receives over $3M to boost severe weather research
December 16, 2022
The Northern Hail Project (NHP) – the latest severe storm investigation unit at Western University – has received over $3 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance-MITACS grant to further the understanding, prediction and mitigation of damaging hail events.
Solutions for a low-carbon future
Western News , December 14, 2022
“Agrivoltaics,” using solar panels to generate electricity on a farm still growing food, would not only contribute to more sustainable and cost-efficient farming operations, but potentially also create an additional revenue stream for farmers.
Summer Internship strengthens passion for research
November 30, 2022
Lauren Douglas has always had a passion for research. So when she was presented with the option to enjoy a well-deserved break or work full-time for 16 weeks in an Undergraduate Summer Research Internship, she chose the latter.
Jacqueline Le Feuvre receives two IEEE awards for undergraduate achievement
November 30, 2022
Jacqueline Le Feuvre is the recipient of not only one but two incredible achievements recognizing her outstanding work in undergraduate scholarship.
Western Engineering receives $4 million in funding to improve urban climates
By
Western Communications ,Western News , November 29, 2022
A new Western-led project, developing new tools and technologies to improve accuracy of building energy and climate models, was awarded $4 million by the Canadian government as part of efforts to achieve the country’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
Engineering alumnus on a journey driven by passion
November 24, 2022
If you are fortunate to connect with Western Engineering alumnus James Kempston, BESc’07, you will find he has a passion for excellence.
Sustaining WindEEE’s excellence entails digital transformation
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , November 16, 2022
Western University is at the forefront of international research into how to build structures and cities strong enough to withstand the blows.
Students develop solutions for sustainability problems
November 09, 2022
One-hundred and forty-four Western students were among thirty-six teams to participate in the annual How to Change the World challenge.
Chemical recycling program led by Paul Charpentier receives over $1.5M for NSERC Alliance-Mitacs Accelerate project
November 02, 2022
A research project led by Western Engineering professor Paul Charpentier has been awarded $1.15 million by the National Sciences and NSERC Alliance and Mitacs Accelerate Grants Program.
Student researchers selected for Global Undergraduate Awards
By
Crystal Lamb ,Western News , October 26, 2022
Seven Western undergraduate student researchers were named among the best in the world in the 2022 Global Undergraduate Awards.
Student’s journey shows aspiring entrepreneurs what’s possible
By
Mason Zimmer ,Western News , October 18, 2022
A fifth-year civil engineering and Ivey Business student who all but took on the world is now looking for others to share in one of his biggest opportunities.
How Machine Learning Can Improve Cybersecurity
October 18, 2022
In an increasingly connected and digital world, the internet has become an essential aspect of daily life. Unfortunately, the dependency on the internet leaves individuals and organizations exposed to hackers with malicious intentions.
Western expert says flooding in Pakistan is ‘a disaster not seen before’
By
Justin Zadorsky ,Western News , September 29, 2022
Civil and Environmental Engineering professor emeritus Slobodan Simonovic shares his thoughts on some of the contributing factors to the disaster and what can be done to prevent further flooding in the future.
Royal Society of Canada celebrates Western scholars
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , September 14, 2022
Seven Western faculty members are being honoured as part of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) class of 2022. Kim Baines, Aaron Fenster, William Fisher and Adrian Owen were recently announced as RSC Fellows and Arghya Paul as Western’s newest member of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists.
Research team investigating ‘forever chemicals’ in water systems
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , September 08, 2022
Researchers at Western’s Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) and collaborators from academia, government and industry are identifying and treating ‘forever chemicals’ in water systems.
Swimmer set to dive into Western with $100K Schulich Leaders award
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , August 29, 2022
Brent Davison is one of six incoming students to earn a prestigious Schulich Leaders Scholarship.
Expert insight: Canada is witnessing more thunderstorm impacts than ever before
By
Gregory Kopp, David Sills, Julian Brimelow ,Western News , August 24, 2022
Severe thunderstorms occur in Canada every year, bringing with them large hail, damaging downburst winds, intense rainfall and tornadoes. More rare and of even greater concern are extreme weather events — with their size, intensity or even time of year well beyond what is typically expected based on past observations.
Western receives critical investment through CFI’s Major Science Initiatives Fund
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , August 19, 2022
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, recognized the key role of research infrastructure in Canada’s research enterprise by announcing more than $628 million to support 19 research infrastructure projects at 14 institutions across the country.
Students’ field work takes them to tornado aftermath
By
Joshua Goeree ,Western News , August 15, 2022
This summer, student interns at Western’s Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) had the opportunity to gain a variety of experiences in studying and analyzing tornadoes from across the country.
Northern Hail Project recovers record-breaking hailstone
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , August 04, 2022A Canadian record-breaking hailstone weighing 292.71 grams was recovered by Western University’s Northern Hail Project (NHP) field team following a storm earlier this week near Markerville, Alta.
Western researchers are developing a tool to detect wrist injuries sooner to prevent wrist arthritis
August 03, 2022
Emily Lalone, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, and her team are developing a new tool to improve x-ray imaging of the wrist - the Technique for Effective Assessment in Radiographs of the Scapholunate Ligament (TEAR-SLL).
Western rocketry team soars at New Mexico competition
By
Joshua Goeree ,Western News , July 25, 2022
The Western Engineering Rocketry Team blasted off to success during its first appearance at the Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico last month.
Western alum’s tech at forefront of ‘waste-to-energy’ facility
By
Jordan Flemming ,Western News , July 20, 2022
Western Engineering alum Hisham Hafez, PhD’10, MBA’19, is taking his innovative ‘waste-to-energy’ process from the lab to market as the senior director in charge of renewable natural gas projects at Greenfield Global, a producer of high purity alcohols, solvents, biofuels and bio-processing materials.
Open-source tech enables 3D-printed surgical table
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , July 18, 2022
A collaborative project between Western Engineering and Michigan Tech University was successful in building a 3D-printed, functional surgical fracture table at a fraction of what it would normally cost.
Western Engineering research team takes part in asteroid-mining study
By
Joshua Goeree ,Western News , July 15, 2022
This summer, a group of student researchers and professors from Western University is taking part in a new project that will look at the future of asteroid mining in space.
Western researchers receive combined $2.8M NSERC Discovery grants
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , July 12, 2022
Western researchers will tackle novel approaches to science, medicine and engineering problems with new funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) worth $2.8 million.
Big step forward in researching knee pain
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , July 11, 2022
Western engineering professor part of $2.3M grant testing sensors to prevent repeat knee replacements.
Alumna builds positive environments for others to thrive and succeed
June 30, 2022
Every morning as Rebecca McKillican, BESc/HBA’03 starts the day, she asks herself if she’s making a difference in the areas that matter most. The McKesson Canada CEO has earned many accolades and successes over the years and believes in a people-first approach to positively transforming the lives of others.
Western board set to welcome new chair, vice-chair
By
Western News ,Western News , June 17, 2022
Western’s board of governors has selected Keith Gibbons as its new chair, and Sarah Shortreed as vice-chair. The seasoned board members, both Western alumni, officially assume their two-year terms on July 1.
Expert insight: The cheaper we build our buildings, the more they cost after a disaster
By
Keith Porter ,Western News , June 17, 2022
Engineers, architects and builders can design and construct affordable new buildings that can resist tornadoes, floods and wildfires without making the buildings into bunkers. We could also design earthquake-resilient buildings, but do not.
Meet the new UES President: Myeesha Siddique
June 15, 2022
Meet Myeesha Siddique, fourth-year Mechatronic Systems Engineering student and new UES President, to learn about her student experiences, passion for engineering, and her new role as president.
Nine faculty members elected into Canadian Academy of Engineering
June 13, 2022
A notable nine Western Engineering faculty members have been named among 54 new Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), effective June 13, 2022.
Alumni on the cusp of revolutionizing medical treatment to fight cancer
June 10, 2022
Western Engineering’s mission is to produce graduates who are global citizens whose education and leadership serve the public good. Dr. Fahar Merchant, PhD’ 87 and his wife Rosemina, MESc’85 have dedicated the last 30 years of their careers to making a positive impact in the world.
New research helps ‘customize’ cochlear implants to the individual
June 09, 2022
Individuals who suffer from profound hearing loss depend on cochlear implants to aid in having conversational speech or listening to music, and when it comes to the use of cochlear implants, there is no “one-size-fits-all” method.
Western community remembers Afzaal family one year later
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , June 03, 2022
Western PhD engineering student Sadaf Mehrabi is motivated by a passion to quell hatred with advocacy and humanity. As the inaugural recipient of the Madiha Salman Memorial Scholarship in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mehrabi is honouring Madiha Salman and her family members, who were struck and killed one year ago in what police have called an anti-Muslim hate crime.
Western engineering students compete in World’s Challenge Challenge global final
By
Crystal Lamb ,Western International , May 31, 2022
A group of engineering students will represent Western at a four-day global summit and competition this June, after successfully answering the call to address one of the world’s biggest problems in Western’s World’s Challenge Challenge competition.
Hui Zhang earns Engineering Award of Recognition
May 27, 2022
Hui Zhang, Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering is a recipient of this year’s Engineering Award of Recognition.
Michelle Wagler Receives Award of Recognition for Exceptional Contributions
By
Western Engineering ,Western Engineering , May 26, 2022
This year, Michelle Wagler, among many other accomplishments, took on an immense and challenging initiative with very little notice and achieved results beyond expectation.
Graduate Officer Kristen Edwards Honoured with Award of Recognition
By
Western Engineering ,Western Engineering , May 25, 2022
An outstanding recipient of this year’s award is Kristen Edwards, for her incredible contributions, but also for her compassion, selflessness, and her endless effort.
Karen Henry earns award for outstanding achievement
May 20, 2022
Karen Henry, Administrative Officer, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME), is the 2021 recipient of the Sharon A. Ling Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member.
New Western innovation gels engineering with medicine
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , May 20, 2022
Western biomaterials expert Kibret Mequanint – in partnership with Malcolm Xing from the University of Manitoba – has developed the first-ever hydrophobic (water-hating) fluid, which displaces body fluids surrounding an injury allowing for near-instantaneous gelling, sealing and healing of injured tissue.
Dr. Xianbin Wang receives award of excellence in research
By
Western Engineering ,Western Engineering , May 19, 2022
This year, Engineering is happy to award Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor and Director, Innovation Centre for Information Engineering, Xianbin Wang with his outstanding achievements in the frontiers of 5G, wireless security, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Lauren Briens honoured for excellence in teaching
May 18, 2022
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering associate professor, Lauren Briens is this year’s recipient of the R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Sadhu Awarded Inaugural Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
By
Western Engineering ,Western Engineering , May 16, 2022
Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Ayan Sadhu is the inaugural recipient of the Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research. This new award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated great potential in research scholarship by virtue of the exceptional quality of their contributions.
Lauren Lake named inaugural recipient of the Engineering Young Alumni Award
May 11, 2022
The 2022 Engineering Young Alumni Award recipient is Lauren Lake, BESc’13, Co-Founder and COO of Bridgit, a construction technology company focused on building software for large-scale general contractors.
Western Engineering unveils the Dr. John S. Sheasby Corrosion & Wear Laboratory, with microscopic metallurgy advancements
May 10, 2022
Western Engineering unveiled the Dr. John S. Sheasby Corrosion and Wear Laboratory in the Spencer Engineering Building on April 20 in honour of the late Professor John Seymour Sheasby who served the department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western from 1966 to 2005.
Scott Shawyer receives the 2022 L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal
May 06, 2022
The 2022 L.S. Lauchland Medal recipient is Scott Shawyer, BA’94, BESc’96, former President of JMP Solutions and Managing Partner at Collingwood Capital Partners.
Western Engineering launches artificial intelligence specialization
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , May 05, 2022
Western Engineering is launching a new artificial intelligence systems engineering (AISE) program, starting this fall, in response to growing industry demand for engineers with AI and machine learning skills.
Alumna is inspired to help the next generation of engineers
April 29, 2022
When Western Engineering alumna Monica Williams Ansah-Sam, MESc’04 was a little girl, she often visited her father at work. There, she interacted with several engineers, some of whom, were women. These female professionals inspired her to become an engineer and she hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers as well.
Western first in Canada, third in world in global impact, sustainability rankings
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 27, 2022
Western University has placed first in Canada and third in the world in a global ranking of universities working toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Western Engineering researcher and alumnus honoured with Ontario Professional Engineers Award
April 25, 2022
Western Engineering researcher, Kibret Mequanint, a professor in the department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering was awarded the Engineering Medal for Research and Development for developing applications that extend engineering or natural sciences. Alumnus and president of Neegan Burnside Ltd., Cory Jones, P.Eng., BESc’97, earned the Engineering Excellence Medal, recognizing overall excellence in the practice of engineering.
Engineering research projects among those receiving Western strategic grants
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , April 21, 2022
Western Engineering research projects are among the 24 change-making projects awarded grants totalling $13.3 million. It’s part of a unique $20-million strategic priorities fund Western announced in last year’s budget to support key areas of the university’s strategic plan —Towards Western at 150.
Western engineering partnership expands research in water treatment by freezing
April 14, 2022
Western Engineering researchers and the Core Geoscience Services Inc. (CoreGeo) team have strengthened their partnership in a project to investigate mine-impacted water treatment in the Yukon using cryopurification – water treatment by freezing.
Severe weather experts join Western’s Northern Hail Project
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , April 13, 2022
The Northern Hail Project (NHP) will begin researching the frozen thunderstorm-generated phenomenon this summer but work has already started for Western Engineering’s latest severe storm investigation unit with the selection of its leadership team.
Alumnus follows his passion to a “Wildly Delicious” life
By
Western Engineering , April 12, 2022
Western Engineering alumnus Austin Muscat, BESc’92, has always had a passion for excellence, a love for processes, machines, and food. Add determination and hard work to the mix and the result is Wildly Delicious - an award-winning specialty food company.
New book presents Western innovation that helps solar power work at night
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , April 08, 2022
A Western engineering professor has developed a way to ease stresses on the electric power system, with a smart inverter that allows solar farms to be put to work even at night.
Western Engineering Students Receive Hydro One Women In Engineering Scholarships
March 30, 2022
Each recipient receives $5,000 towards their studies and are offered a paid 12-16 month work-term at Hydro One.
Expert insight: How food waste can generate clean energy
March 29, 2022
Food waste is a growing problem in Canada and many other parts of the world — and it is only expected to get worse in the coming years. The world population is expected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, alongside global food demand.
Western Engineering Outreach hosts first Queering Engineering virtual conference
By
Samantha Fowler ,Western Engineering , March 15, 2022
Last month, Western Engineering and partner universities introduced Queering Engineering, a conference to promote and support 2SLGBTQIA+ diversity in engineering.
Charity Kabango: ‘Entrepreneur serving entrepreneurs’
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , March 15, 2022
Kabango, BESc’05, BA’05, leverages both backgrounds as co-founder and director of Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners, helping African entrepreneurs grow their businesses. She’ll share aspects of her journey Thursday, March 17, as guest speaker at the Lynda Shaw Memorial Lecture.
Western engineering professor and nuclear materials expert weighs in on Zaporizhzhia siege
By
Mari-Len De Guzman ,Western News , March 07, 2022
Ukraine has a total of 15 nuclear reactors, six of which are housed in the Zaporizhzhia power plant.
Western students named Cansbridge Fellows
By
Keru Ferguson ,Western News , March 01, 2022
Prestigious fellowship includes a $10,000 scholarship, summer internship in Asia.
Transforming clean technology, with an inclusive lens
By
Western Engineering , February 25, 2022
Progress toward a sustainable future requires innovation in clean technology, but more than that, it requires inclusive clean technology.
Western researchers receive $1.25M in federal funding
By
Mari-Len De Guzman ,Western News , February 24, 2022
Researchers from Engineering receive half a million dollars in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
Canadian Space Agency funds Western’s effort to get more youth into STEM
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , February 22, 2022
A multidisciplinary team at Western has received $400,000 from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop educational programming that aims to excite youth about space exploration and inspire them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Robotics researcher revolutionizes mushroom harvesting
By
Western News ,Western News , February 11, 2022
Whitecrest Mushrooms teams up with Mehrdad R. Kermani to pioneer automated picking system
Renewable energy generates payback: Western studies
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , February 02, 2022
In a northern landscape that’s often cold and dark, heat pumps can afford Ontarians one of the most environmentally friendly sources of warmth in winter and cooling in summer.
Western-led research team tracks 100 tornadoes in 2021
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 01, 2022
Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) investigated 400 severe weather events in 2021, verifying 100 tornadoes across the country in 2021.
Tornado researchers expand scope to study hail
By
Western News , January 25, 2022
The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) is changing the way researchers investigate and predict tornadoes and mitigate their damage in Canada. As its impact continues to grow, why stop with tornadoes?
Study aims to prevent deadly sport injury in young athletes
By
Western News , January 14, 2022
Grant Dickey's master’s research provides new metrics for testing baseball chest protectors and identifies the most vulnerable impact locations over the chest that may result in commotio cordis.
Transforming waste, industrial by-products to reduce environmental impact
January 11, 2022
The climate change crisis and the push for sustainable technologies are driving the work of five engineering professors and their research teams at Western’s Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR).
