Media
Contact
Communications Specialist
Faculty of Engineering
Spencer Engineering Building
Room 2072
Western University
Tel: 519-661-2111 ext. 87015
Email: engineeringcomms@uwo.ca
2024
Two Western Engineering professors named IEEE Fellows
December 18, 2024
Abdallah Shami and Rajiv Varma, both Western Engineering professors in the department of electrical and computer engineering, have been named IEEE Fellows, the highest grade of IEEE membership.
‘We all have a part to play:’ Western remembers victims of École Polytechnique tragedy
December 03, 2024
Fifteen silhouettes were installed outside the Spencer Engineering Building at Western in a memorial to honour the 14 victims at École Polytechnique plus Lynda Shaw, a Western mechanical engineering student who was murdered in 1990.
Looking Backward - Looking Forward: Remembering December 6th
December 02, 2024
As a part of our commemoration for National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we reflect on the theme "Looking Backward - Looking Forward", honouring the lives lost and highlighting mother and daughter engineers who inspire progress and hope for the future.
Expert insight: World leaders must work to limit climate change related deaths
By
Joshua M. Pearce ,Western News , November 29, 2024
The COP29 climate change conference has come to a close – as per normal it looks like very little will be done.
Western Engineering Hosts National Conference on Diversity in Engineering
By
Omar Sayyed ,Western Engineering News , November 28, 2024
From November 22 to 25, 2024, Western University proudly welcomed 130 engineering students from over 30 educational institutions across Canada for the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students’ Conference on Diversity in Engineering.
Western Engineering research tackles football wrist injuries: A student’s journey in balancing academics, athletics and innovation
November 21, 2024
At Western University’s Faculty of Engineering, the student experience is more than academics—it’s about transforming knowledge into action and passion into research. For Riley Macleod, a dedicated student in the School of Biomedical Engineering and the department of mechanical and materials engineering, as well as a linebacker on Western’s football team, this means exploring the physical toll of the game he loves.
Advancing Water Research: Western Engineering’s Contributions to Global Water Solutions
November 20, 2024
The WesternWater Centre aims to advance research on sustainable water management, treatment technologies and environmental protection. Focusing on solving real-world problems, several researchers across Western, including three from Western Engineering, are at the forefront of innovative projects that have a tangible impact on public health and environmental management.
Western University Students’ Council launches new Peer AI Training Program
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , November 15, 2024
Western University Students’ Council (USC) is taking an active role in teaching students how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance their learning and increase their readiness for an AI-driven workplace.
Min Xia recognized by IEEE with Outstanding Young Engineer Award
November 08, 2024
Min Xia, a professor in the department of mechanical and materials engineering, has been awarded the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Outstanding Young Engineer Award.
Western launches Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , October 29, 2024
A global leader in wind engineering and climate resiliency for 60 years, Western University is changing the way Canadians think about the country’s most dangerous and damaging weather events.
Expert insight: Going off grid is a win for some, but a threat for others
By
Joshua M. Pearce ,Western News , October 16, 2024
A new study coauthored by Western Engineering's Joshua Pearce and energy researcher Seyyed Ali Sadat suggests that going off-grid could be financially beneficial for many families. However, this solution may not be ideal for everyone.
ACI Western shines at Big Beam Competition
October 11, 2024
The Western University Student Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI Western) made a strong showing at the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s (PCI) 2024 Engineering Design Competition, also known as the Big Beam competition. ACI Western ranked #1 in Canada in the competition and was the only team from an international university to be among the Top 8.
ES 1050 making an impact
October 09, 2024
Western Engineering, through the ES 1050 course offered by the John M. Thompson Centre for Engineering Leadership and Innovation, partnered with the George Bray Sports Association for an important project. ES1050 students applied design thinking practices to reduce barriers to playing hockey for children and youth with disabilities.
Eating asteroids? Western research team creates possible food for space travel
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , October 08, 2024
While Joshua Pearce has no plans to open a Michelin-starred restaurant any time soon, the Western researcher spends much of his free time thinking about feeding the world.
Western Engineering students build lifeline footbridge for rural Eswatini community
September 27, 2024
This past summer, three Western Engineering students traveled to Eswatini, contributing their skills to improve access for a rural community to schools, healthcare, farmland and employment. Their mission? To design and construct an 83-metre-long suspended footbridge that would change the lives of thousands.
Western Engineering unveils Indigenous Engineering logo to celebrate diversity and reconciliation
September 25, 2024
In a move toward inclusivity and cultural recognition, Western Engineering has introduced an Indigenous Engineering Logo, symbolizing the faculty's commitment to embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections with Indigenous communities.
Cancer screening to house hunting: Western engineering prof develops AI tools for real life
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , September 23, 2024
Engineering prof Yimin Yang sees the pursuit of artificial intelligence as a long-distance race that everyone is running. Yang lives and works in the middle ground: He worries about the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), especially without more education on how to use it effectively, but he also sees the immense value.
Building better batteries key to Western’s role in growing electric vehicle industry
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , September 19, 2024
Yang Zhao, a mechanical and materials engineering professor, develops next-generation EV batteries and nanomaterials that have enormous potential to solve challenges related to energy storage, conversion and environmental pollution.
Greg Yantz appointed Director, Operations and Strategy
September 19, 2024
The Faculty of Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Yantz as the new Director of Operations and Strategy, effective October 7, 2024. With over twenty years of experience in postsecondary education, Yantz brings a wealth of knowledge and a people-centred approach to this new role.
Western Research Excellence Awards recognize leading scholars
By
Western Communications ,Western News , September 13, 2024
From neuroscience to renewable energy, Western Engineering's Arghya Paul and Jing Jiang are among Western researchers being recognized for their scholarship and the solutions they’re developing to challenges around the world.
Western Engineering researchers improve strawberry cultivation with machine learning
By
Jeff Renaud , September 12, 2024
New research from Western Engineering professors Joshua Pearce and Soodeh Nikan has been published in the international journal Foods. The paper describes how a machine-learning approach with passive camera monitoring can enhance strawberry cultivation.
Engineering Outreach announces $250k in funding from Actua
September 11, 2024
Today, Engineering Outreach at Western University announced $248,500 in funding from Actua, one of Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organizations. As part of Actua’s national network, Western Engineering Outreach engages youth through STEM workshops, camps, clubs and special events.
Western welcomes 10 recipients of prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , September 06, 2024
Reuben DeBoer’s final years of high school held many highlights but receiving a $120,000 award was a “great honour” for incoming engineering student Reuben DeBoer.
NOVA Chemicals supports STEM outreach at Western
September 06, 2024
This summer, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park in Sarnia became the vibrant hub of curiosity and creativity with the launch of the Discovery Western Summer Camp sponsored by NOVA Chemicals. The camp provided a dynamic and enriching experience for over 40 students, focusing on hands-on STEM activities and engineering challenges.
UBC Student Katelin Fung Wins First Place at Western's Undergraduate Summer Research Three-Minute Presentation Competition
September 05, 2024
Katelin Fung, a Frugal Biomedical Innovations Summer Research student, has won first place at the Undergraduate Summer Research Three-Minute Presentation (3MT) Competition at Western University.
Business co-founded by Engineering and Ivey HBA student wins $500,000, heads to award finals
By
Dawn Milne ,Western News , August 12, 2024
When Software Engineering and Ivey student Shirley Zhong organized the 2024 Western Hult Prize Competition so her classmates and others could test their entrepreneurial mettle, she never imagined she’d later compete for the prestigious Hult Prize and other entrepreneurial awards herself.
High school students showcase entrepreneurial skills at Shad Western
By
Yuri Terra-Turgeon ,Western News , August 07, 2024
More than 100 of Canada’s brightest high school students converged for a transformative one-month retreat at Western during this year’s Shad summer program to build entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).
Western launches comprehensive digitized tornado archive
By
Emma Hyett ,Western News , August 02, 2024
A new comprehensive digitized tornado archive at Western provides a deep dive into severe weather events of the past including the 1979 Woodstock, Ont. tornado with news clippings, photographs, investigation reports and analyses dating back to 1792.
‘Four-year plan’ sends star runner, engineering grad Kate Current to Olympics
By
Western Mustangs Communications ,Western News , July 31, 2024
When middle-distance runner Kate Current, BESc’21, MESc’23, stands at the starting line of the women’s 1500-metre in Paris, France, she’ll be reaching the end of a careful path designed with her former Mustangs coach to realize her ultimate dream – competing at the Olympics.
Mini-University introduces Indigenous youth to campus life at Western
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , July 25, 2024
Western Engineering supported the Wampum Learning Lodge (WLL) which was a hub of excitement last week as 30 Indigenous youth sent racing robots towards stacks of paper cups as part of Western’s Mini-University program.
Eric Chung receives the 2024 L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal
June 27, 2024
Western Engineering is proud to announce Eric Chung, BESc’77, MEng’78, as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 L.S. Lauchland Engineering Alumni Medal. The Award recognizes alumni for their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession, business leadership and community service.
Jeff Westeinde recognized with honorary degree
June 26, 2024
Jeff Westeinde, BESc'89, was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at a convocation ceremony at Alumni Hall. Westeinde is an award-winning entrepreneur, active impact investor and visionary leader in sustainable engineering.
Paul Charpentier receives Engineering Award for Excellence in Research
June 25, 2024
Paul Charpentier, professor in the department of chemical and biochemical engineering, is the 2023 recipient of the Engineering Award for Excellence in Research. The Award is presented annually to an outstanding Western Engineering faculty member to recognize their outstanding research contributions.
Honouring Innovation and Excellence at Western Engineering
June 25, 2024
Earlier this month, Western Engineering gathered to honour its distinguished staff, faculty, and alumni at the 2024 Engineering Awards of Excellence Gala.
Carla Coveart receives 2024 Engineering Young Alumni Award
June 21, 2024
Western Engineering is proud to recognize Carla Coveart, BESc’13, as the recipient of the 2024 Engineering Young Alumni Award. This prestigious award celebrates alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and communities.
Three Western Engineering researchers receive NFRF grants
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , June 18, 2024
Western Engineering professors Reza Najafi, Elizabeth Gillies and Jin Zhang are among the seven Western faculty members with successful submissions to the NFRF grant competition, which recognizes researchers who bring various disciplines together in “new ways and from bold, innovative perspectives.”
Jon Southen recognized for excellence in teaching
June 18, 2024
Jon Southen, assistant professor and associate chair of undergraduate studies in the department of civil and environmental engineering, is the 2023 recipient of the R. Mohan Mathur Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Ayan Sadhu Honoured with Western Engineering Award of Recognition
June 17, 2024
Western Engineering is thrilled to announce that Ayan Sadhu, associate professor in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the Engineering Award of Recognition for his extraordinary contributions to establishing and developing the Smart Cities and Communities laboratory.
Yang Zhao receives Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research
June 13, 2024
Yang Zhao, an assistant professor in the department of mechanical and materials engineering, is the 2023 recipient of the Junior Faculty Award for Excellence in Research. The Award recognizes a junior faculty member who has demonstrated great potential in research scholarship.
Ayan Sadhu receives national honour for contributions to information technology in civil engineering
June 11, 2024
Western Engineering professor Ayan Sadhu is the 2024 recipient of the Whitman Wright Award for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the application of information technology in civil engineering through original research, significant development, innovative application and outstanding teaching.
Tara MacCrone receives Sharon A. Ling Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement
June 07, 2024
Tara MacCrone, Manager for the Research Office at Western Engineering, has been honoured with the 2023 Sharon A. Ling Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement by a Staff Member.
Civil and Environmental Engineering Technical Team receives Engineering Award of Recognition
June 04, 2024
The Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Technical Team at Western University, composed of Aiham Adawi, Melodie Richards, Caitlin Corcoran and Aly Ahmed, has been honoured with the prestigious Engineering Award of Recognition for 2023.
Sara Hanna receives Western Engineering Award of Recognition
May 30, 2024
Sara Hanna, Student Wellness Counsellor at Undergraduate Services in the Faculty of Engineering, has been honoured with the esteemed Western Engineering Award of Recognition for her outstanding dedication to student well-being.
Western Engineering postdoc receives Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
May 30, 2024
Jian Peng, a postdoctoral associate in the department of mechanical and materials engineering at Western University is one of 24 recipients of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
Western Engineering students receive Best Research Award at Global Carbon Removal Challenge
May 30, 2024
Western Engineering undergraduate students received the Best Research Award at the OpenAir Carbon Removal Challenge held recently in New York.
Western welcomes Canadian Academy of Engineering to campus for annual conference
May 27, 2024
Western Engineering is set to host the Canadian Academy of Engineering for its 2024 Conference and Induction Ceremony. This event will showcase the collaborative efforts of CAE Fellows in addressing some of the most critical issues facing Canada and the world.
Western Engineering champions innovations in healthcare research
May 21, 2024
In the pursuit of a healthier and more resilient society, Western Engineering faculty members are driving innovation to address critical healthcare challenges through cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Engineering Health Equity: Grant powers new frugal biomedical innovation training program
By
Emma Hyett ,Western News , May 16, 2024
A new program called “Engineering Health Equity,” dedicated to training the next generation of pioneers in frugal biomedical innovation, will launch at Western thanks to a $1.65-million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Every week is harvest season in Western-designed hybrid farm
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , May 15, 2024
Climate change and severe weather are the primary challenges facing year-round berry production in Canada. Western University professor Joshua Pearce and the Free Appropriate Sustainable Technology (FAST) research group have devised a food security solution to address these global threats by developing a net zero energy farm, which extends the growing season of berries and greatly exceeds average Canadian yields.
Greg Kopp receives Engineering Medal in Research and Development
May 13, 2024
Western Engineering professor Greg Kopp has been awarded the Engineering Medal in Research and Development by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. This medal recognizes professional engineers who have improved our quality of life through the ingenious application of their engineering skills.
Three Western Engineering professors inducted as CAE Fellows
May 08, 2024
Western Engineering professors Joshua Pearce, Tony Straatman and Maike Luiken have been named among 49 new Fellows inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering. This recognition is awarded to individuals who have made noteworthy and exceptional efforts in promoting Canadian solutions to urgent challenges related to social, environmental, economic and technical issues.
Martha Dagnew recognized as a trailblazer in environmental engineering
May 06, 2024
The Faculty of Engineering at Western University is proud to celebrate the recognition of Martha Dagnew, associate professor in the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as one of the inaugural Canadian recipients of the prestigious 3M 25 Women in Science Program.
Weather extremes and adapting to an increasingly dangerous world
By
Justin Zadorsky ,Western News , May 06, 2024
Greg Kopp, engineering professor and research lead of the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP), and Paul Kovacs, director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) are studying and seeing firsthand the increasingly disastrous impacts severe weather is having across the country.
Campus as a Living Lab program drives sustainability through active learning
By
Emma Hyett ,Western News , April 22, 2024
Transforming Western’s campus into a dynamic hub for sustainability research, the Campus as a Living Lab (CLL) program doesn’t just study sustainability—it embodies it. Western Engineering's Katarina Grolinger has one of the standout projects that combines physics-based models and AI to better understand the energy use of buildings on campus.
Lauren Tribe wins Edward G. Pleva for Excellence in Teaching
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 19, 2024
Lauren Tribe was among the recipients of the 2023-24 Western Awards for Excellence in Teaching, being honoured with the Edward G. Pleva for Excellence in Teaching.
John Makaran wins Mentor of the Year award
April 16, 2024
Western Engineering professor John Makaran has been named Mentor of the Year by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, South Western Ontario Board. The award recognizes excellence in supporting skills development and preparing individuals for careers in manufacturing.
Western Engineering PhD candidates win President’s Challenge with Mobile MRI
April 10, 2024
Western Engineering PhD candidates Riddhi Gadre and Glen DSouza and their team, Mobile Diagnostic Imaging, have been named winners of Western University’s inaugural President’s Challenge.
Western celebrates 2024 Green Award recipients
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , April 03, 2024
For championing sustainability in the classroom, the operating room and across campus, one faculty member and two students are receiving Western Green Awards at the Sustainability Impact Showcase, April 3.
Western Engineering Showcases Innovative Solutions at MME Capstone Design Day
April 01, 2024
Western University's Faculty of Engineering recently hosted its much-anticipated Capstone Design Day for Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME), spotlighting the culmination of months of intensive project work and ingenuity.
Western innovators receive Early Researcher Awards
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , March 28, 2024
Ten Western faculty members have been recognized with Early Researcher Awards (ERA), attracting grants from the provincial government.
Yimin Yang: Reimagining the house-hunting experience with AI
March 27, 2024
Western Engineering researchers have developed a new generative Artificial Intelligence model that has the potential to change the way people find their perfect home.
Western Engineering Duo Secures Second Place at Canadian Engineering Competition
March 26, 2024
Samuel Farnum and Robin Cunningham, fifth-year mechatronics engineering students at Western University, clinched second place in the Innovative Design Category at the Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC) held in early March at the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering in Alberta.
World Water Day: How Western is working to protect Earth’s precious resource
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , March 22, 2024
Friday, March 22 marks World Water Day, an annual United Nations Observance since 1999, focusing on the importance of fresh water.
Abdallah Shami receives international recognition for research contributions
March 21, 2024
Abdallah Shami, an electrical and computer engineering professor at Western Engineering, has been recognized for his research contributions with honours from the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
FrontLine innovator shares insights at Lynda Shaw Memorial Lecture
March 20, 2024
Asha Parekh, PhD’15 Biomedical, a distinguished alum of Western Engineering and co-founder and CEO of FrontLine Medical Technologies, delivered an inspiring talk at Western Engineering's Lynda Shaw Memorial Lecture on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Six new Canada Research Chairs named at Western
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , March 13, 2024
Six new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) were named at Western University. Research by new CRCs spans engineering, health sciences, music and science.
Empowering women in engineering: A closer look at the women-only machine training initiative
March 04, 2024
In a move towards equity and inclusion, the Faculty of Engineering at Western University has launched a women-only option for its Advanced Machine Shop Training course.
New study links placental oxygen levels to fetal brain development
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , March 01, 2024
A new study links placental oxygen levels to fetal brain development. The study, published in the high impact journal JAMA Network Open, was co-authored by researchers from Western Engineering, the Faculty of Education, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Lawson Health Research Institute.
Western Baja and Toboggan teams thrive in competition
February 22, 2024
February saw Western Engineering's Baja SAE and Toboggan teams thrive in competitions in Quebec and Newfoundland.
Engineering a path: From inspiration to innovation
February 20, 2024
Embarking on a journey through the lens of a seasoned engineer, we delve into the intricate tapestry of experiences that have shaped the career of Donna Padavan, BESc’01, MESc’04, PhD’10 in Biomedical Engineering.
Funding for Western nuclear energy projects fuels a safe future
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 16, 2024
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered the future of nuclear energy because they are smaller and more importantly, safer. Preserving that safety is a key priority for Western researchers Hamidreza Abdolvand and Samantha Gateman.
New sustainability projects secure seed money
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , February 16, 2024
The Western Sustainable Impact Fund has granted $406,000 this year to initiatives run by faculty, staff and students.
Margaret Mutumba turns advocacy into action
By
Keri Ferguson ,Western News , February 14, 2024
When Margaret Mutumba joined Western as the director of Frugal Biomedical Innovations, she brought a deep-rooted passion to address inequities in health care.
Western Engineering Triumphs: Two teams clinch first place, three secure third in Ontario Engineering Competition
February 09, 2024
Western Engineering congratulates 14 undergraduate students who secured top-three finishes at the 45th Ontario Engineering Competition (OEC) hosted January 26 to 28, 2024, at Queen’s University.
Western road salt research tackles ‘big interest’ challenge
By
Megan Stacey ,Western News , February 09, 2024
Western researchers are studying nine varieties of winter road salt and its corrosive effects on six different types of metals. They’ll investigate how the different salts help or harm icy roads, infrastructure and the environment.
Expert Insight: How better software could save money and improve Canada’s health-care system
By
Joshua M. Pearce ,Western News , February 07, 2024
Billions of Canadian tax dollars have been funnelled to private companies to develop proprietary medical software. More tax dollars were then paid to the same companies to use the software to run our medical system.
Northern Tornadoes Project finds 2023 had fewer and milder tornadoes in Canada
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , February 01, 2024
Western’s Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) recorded 86 tornadoes (including a fire-generated tornado) across Canada during the 2023 season, significantly less than the previous year’s 129 – a Canadian record for the most tornadoes in a year.
Western to introduce Canada’s first multi-disciplinary climate risk graduate program
By
Dan Haves ,Western News , January 29, 2024
Western is taking a leading role in the era of climate readiness with a new graduate diploma program. Launching in fall 2024, the GDip in Climate Risk Assessment and Opportunity is a collaboration among the faculties of Engineering, Science, Social Science and Ivey Business School.
A Journey Across Continents: Q&A with Mubina Merchant on her International Research Expedition
January 15, 2024
For her Undergraduate Summer Research Internship (USRI) program, Mubina Merchant, a dual degree Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering student, represented Western Engineering at the Translational Shoulder Research Lab at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. In this Q&A feature, Mubina takes us through her transformative research expedition.
