Ref. No.: 30

Student entrepreneurs to compete for $40,000 at the 2023 Mel Woodward Cup finals

The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) will host its premier event, the 2023 Mel Woodward Cup finals, on Thursday, March 23, from 4-6 p.m. at Memorial’s Signal Hill Campus.
 
The seventh annual pitch competition awards a top prize of $25,000 and a runner-up prize of $15,000 to the most innovative and high-potential, student-led startups at Memorial University.
 
In-person space is limited, but a live stream is available via Hopin. In-person and online registration for both members of the media and the public is available here.
 
The five finalists include the following:

• AbbaTek Group Inc.: a software company that aims to increase capacity to collect and analyze certain environmental data, starting with microplastics;
• Bonocle: a platform that makes braille education and entertainment accessible, portable, affordable and fun to reduce braille illiteracy and empower persons who are blind;
• Notch Embedded: makes software tools for engineers that allow them to quickly support new chips in electronics designs;
• SmartBin: a tech solution that helps waste management companies reduce costs and improve efficiency while decreasing environmental impact; and
• Songflow: a software-as-a-service platform for songwriters to collaboratively create and manage songs. 

The top two teams will receive in-kind prizes from Altitude Media, Gardiner Centre, Genesis, HeyOrca!, KMPG, McInnes Cooper, Perfect Day and TechNL.
 
The winners of two additional awards will also be revealed. The Fry Family Foundation Entrepreneurship Award for an Early-stage Idea and the Fry Family Foundation Entrepreneurship Award for Women and Non-binary Leadership are valued at $2,500 each.
 
The winners are expected to be announced at 5:45 p.m.
 
Based at St. John’s campus, the MCE aims to inspire and support aspiring student entrepreneurs by offering foundational training, guidance and access to funding and connections to create high-growth businesses.

The Mel Woodward Cup was created through a donation to the Faculty of Business Administration in 2017 from the family of the late Dr. Mel Woodward, founder of the Woodward Group of Companies. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency also provides support for the competition.

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For more information, please contact Susan White, communications advisor, Faculty of Business Administration, Memorial University, at (709) 689-7988 or susanwhite@mun.ca.

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How new AI and Software Engineering Programs will Impact NL's growing technology Sectors

Memorial University master’s programs in artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering will help meet Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing demand across technology sectors. Dr. Lourdes Pena-Castillo, Faculty of Science, and Dr. Stephen Czarnuch, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, will share their expertise on why these fields are so important, how Memorial graduates will be trained to apply their skills in the real world and the latest on Memorial’s new Centre for Artificial Intelligence. Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, this hybrid event for Research Week 2022 will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. (Newfoundland time) at Memorial St. John’s campus in the S.J. Carew (Engineering) Bldg., rm. EN2006, or join via Webex here. All are welcome. Free parking in lot 60. Reception to follow the talk.

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For further information, please contact Kelly Foss, communications advisor, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-2019, Cell here, or kfoss@mun.ca 

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How the exciting field of mechatronics will impact the future

A new mechatronics engineering undergraduate program in Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science will provide students with an opportunity to meet the demands of the growing tech sector in careers such as advanced manufacturing systems, robotics, autonomous driving, remotely operated underwater and aerial vehicles, and artificial intelligence, among others. Join us for this public lecture as our panel of professors share their expertise in this field that will be critical in a future digital economy. Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, the event will be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. (NST). Please visit here to join the free public event via Webex on the evening of Feb. 23. All are welcome.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca 

Ref. No.:
Engineering is a caring profession, and engineers have always been connected to the
communities they serve.
To build these types of connections and learn about the communities in which they will
practice, engineering students have been completing work terms with community
groups and not-for-profit organizations. These experiences have been helping
engineering students gain technical skills while learning to appreciate the role that
engineers play in the protection of the public and the environment.
Join the faculty for a free virtual public lecture on Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. (NDT) as
Prof. Darlene Spracklin-Reid talks about how engineering students learn that
engineering is a caring profession through community-based work terms.
To join the free event via WebEx, visit www.mun.ca/engineering or visit here. All
are welcome.
This lecture is being hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at
Memorial and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty
of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027
or jackey.locke@mun.ca 

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Oct. 14, 2021

Public lecture: How the pandemic has transformed the workplace

The abrupt closure of offices and workplaces worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional work methods. Many workers were required to adapt quickly to this new era of remote work; some thrived, while others struggled. Numerous companies transformed their ways of achieving their goals. During this Speaking of Engineering public lecture, a panel of young engineering alumni will discuss their personal experiences from the past 18 months and how the engineering field and their respective workplaces have changed. Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, the event will be held virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. (NT). Please visit here to join the event via Webex on the evening of Oct. 19. All are welcome.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca 

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How brain-machine interfaces can improve the lives of persons with disabilities*
                                                                                                                        
Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) are technologies that provide direct communication through the pathway between the brain and an external device, and could greatly improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and have shown promise in many applications.
These could range from controlling computers and wheelchairs using thoughts alone to helping to recover lost hand function following a stroke. Beyond this, researchers are looking into potential uses for BMIs in various non-medical applications, from human performance augmentation to neuromarketing. In an upcoming public lecture, Memorial University’s Dr. Sarah Power will dive deeper into what brain-machine interfaces are, how they work, the current state-of-the-art and the potential applications for persons with disabilities and the general population. She will also discuss some important ethical issues involved in these technologies. Hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists N.L., the event will be held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. (NST). This event is part of Research Week 2021. For this and other events, please visit here. To join the event via Webex on the evening of Nov. 24, please visit here. All are welcome.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca 

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Nov. 23, 2020

Public lecture about how Memorial engineers supported N.L. COVID-19 pandemic response

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a virtual public lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 25. From using robots to designing, fabricating and testing critical personal protective equipment (PPE), to consulting and advising on chemical compatibilities of soaps and disinfectants, to working with local manufacturers to produce PPE locally and aiding in the search for therapies and vaccines, Memorial engineers put their expertise – and time – to work when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. There will be a panel discussion about how Memorial engineers supported front-line workers and helped keep our population safe. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, will be held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. To join the event via Webex on the evening of Nov. 25, please visit here. All are welcome. For more information, please go here.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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April 22, 2021

Public lecture to focus on N.L.’s technology sector and why engineers make great entrepreneurs

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a virtual public lecture on Tuesday, April 27. Today’s economic activity has shifted to a greater dependence on knowledge production and utilization. Since knowledge and innovation play increasing roles in fostering economic competitiveness, universities have become essential players in the knowledge economy, acting as catalysts for socioeconomic development. Join Dr. Carlos Bazan, Memorial University’s Engineering Chair in Entrepreneurship, as he highlights Memorial University’s contributions to the local innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and engineering entrepreneurship and why engineers make great entrepreneurs. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 27, at 7 p.m. NDT. 

To join the event via Webex on the evening of April 27, please visit here.
All are welcome.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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Nov. 18, 2019

Public lecture about how road conditions in N.L. can be improved

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 20. In this presentation, Dr. Kamal Hossain, a civil engineering professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, will provide an overview of the province’s road conditions, pavement maintenance and the challenges and opportunities for improving road and highway conditions. Dr. Hossain will also discuss how climate change will affect our roads’ performance in the future and share his thoughts on how pavement stakeholders, including government; municipalities; contractors; and Memorial University, can work together to tackle these challenges to improve road conditions and safety. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., in the S.J. Carew (Engineering) Building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s Campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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April 23, 2019

Public lecture about how a hydro plant in rural Newfoundland has provided reliable electricity for the island of Newfoundland for over 50 years.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Thursday, April 25. In this presentation, Jennifer Williams, president of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, will explain how the Bay d'Espoir plant – located 170 kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway in Central Newfoundland – helped pave the way for the electrification of the island over 50 years ago and uses water, rain and snow to provide a highly reliable electricity supply to this day. Ms. Williams will discuss how the utility managed some significant repairs and upgrades at the plant in the past few years and how this critical electricity generator will continue to play a big role as the system drastically change in the coming years. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m., in the S.J. Carew (Engineering) Building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN 2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s Campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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Feb. 26, 2019

Public lecture about mining in N.L.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 27. In this presentation, Memorial University process engineering professor Dr. Stephen Butt will provide an overview of the history of mining in N.L. starting around the mid-1800s with the start of the industrial mining operations to present time. Dr. Butt will examine the influence of key significant discoveries, wartime demands, 20th-century industrialization and mining mechanization. The talk will close with the future direction of mining in the province in terms of technology development, innovation and environmental sustainability. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers & Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., in the S.J. Carew (Engineering) Building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s Campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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February 5, 2018

Public lecture about how a country’s electricity is restored after a devastating hurricane

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 7, about how a country’s electricity is restored after a devastating hurricane. Sean LaCour, director of operations at Newfoundland Power, has nearly 35 years of experience working in the electrical utility business. He helped lead the Fortis team in the Turks and Caicos Islands after Hurricane Irma caused much destruction in September 2017. Join Mr. LaCour as he describes their mission and the challenges they faced as they worked to restore power to the people of the Turks and Caicos. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 22. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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April 9, 2018

Public lecture about the impact of climate change on local infrastructure

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, April 11. Dr. Joseph Daraio, assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Memorial University, will discuss the potential impact of climate change on Newfoundland and Labrador’s infrastructure, such as drainage infrastructure (flooding), transportation (culvert washout) and building design. He will also discuss what the provincial government and Memorial University are doing to protect communities. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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Oct. 25, 2018

Public lecture about what industry disruptions in mining might look like

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will
host a public lecture on Monday, Oct. 29. Disruption has become the most important economic phenomenon of the 21st century. Innovation creates new jobs and industries, but sometimes it also means the destruction of existing businesses. The mining industry has largely been the same for decades, but what might disruption look like in mining? Join Dr. John Steen, discipline leader in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the University of Queensland’s Business School in Brisbane, as he explores some of the trends in the mining industry and what form this disruption might take. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Monday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 60. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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January 30, 2017

Public lecture about how the role of engineering promotes gender equality in international development

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 1, about the role of engineering in promoting gender equality in international development. Dr. Suzanne Hurley, visiting assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University; Florian Villaumé, director, Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship, Memorial University; and Ama Asubonteng, Kumvana Fellow, will explore the importance of integrating gender considerations into project planning and implementation for the enhancement of global co-operation, project sustainability, gender equality and human rights. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Angus BruneauEngineering Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 22. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications co-ordinator, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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October 16, 2017

Public lecture about how engineering has revolutionized brain imaging

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 17, about how engineering has revolutionized brain imaging. Dr. Bruce Pike, head of Image Science at the University of Calgary, will review some of the major developments to date in this field and look forward and muse about what the future may hold. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 22. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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December 11, 2017

Public lecture about engineering’s role in process safety management

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Wednesday, Dec. 13, about engineering’s role in process safety management.
Dan Harris, refinery manager of North Atlantic Refinery Limited, will share his vast knowledge of process safety management and its connection to the Swiss cheese analogy. He will discuss building safety into a project to reduce the likelihood of incidents and their consequences – a concept known as inherently safer design. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Fortis Angus Bruneau lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 22. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

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April 27, 2021

Engineering research report celebrates innovation and excellence

Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science released its 2020 research report today, featuring the impactful and significant research of engineering professors and their students. The research stories included in the report highlight the collaborations and
diversity of our innovative researchers, many of which were made possible through valuable partnerships and funding initiatives. The report also features the efforts engineering researchers made to combat the ongoing global health pandemic. In 2020 researchers in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science received $9.4 million in research funding. This funding and other funding-related figures, including the number of grant applications submitted by researchers, are available in this report. “The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial offers an exceptional research environment, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent staff support,” said Dr. Octavia Dobre, associate dean (research), Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “The achievements of our faculty members in research funding, awards, service and publications are featured in the 2020 report. These accomplishments confirm the culture of strong community, discovery and innovation in Engineering, which helps our members reach their research ambitions.” The report can be viewed here.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

Ref.:

Memorial University’s research capacity in areas relevant to the Arctic is expanding. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s Dr. Bing Chen has been appointed as the UArctic Chair in Marine and Coastal Environmental Engineering (Arctic-MCEE). UArctic chairs are internationally leading scientists and engineers who act as drivers for academic development in content areas relevant to the Arctic. Positions are selected globally and collaboratively appointed by UArctic and its nominating institutions. “Our future is very much in the ocean, and on the coast, we live with the ocean,” said Lars Kullerud, President of UArctic. “I look forward to having a new UArctic Chair who will specifically address wise management and good practical solutions to secure future livelihood and a healthy coast.”
As one of the newest UArctic chairs, Dr. Chen will establish and sustain a world-leading research program dedicated to marine and coastal environmental sustainability and community resilience in the Arctic and other cold regions by targeting two challenging and critical areas over the next five years. The first area, preventing and responding to oil/chemical spills, will advance knowledge of the risks and impacts of oil and chemicals released from operational leakages or accidental spills. It will develop green cleanup technologies and effective emergency response methods by integrating environmental engineering with bio/nano-technologies and artificial intelligence. The second area, managing and mitigating non-regulated persistent and emerging contaminants – including petroleum hydrocarbons, micro/nano-plastics, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, flame retardants, pesticides, etc. – will help Arctic communities better understand how to prevent and/or remove them from natural and human environments under climate change.

“I feel very grateful and honoured to be selected as a UArctic research chair,” said Dr. Chen. “I will avail of this great opportunity to be an academic champion for the benefits of Memorial, UArctic and northern communities based on my expertise, experience and global connections.

“I will help strengthen the leading position of Memorial in the field, grow our research and educational collaboration with UArctic and build our partnerships with the broader Arctic community. My chair program will also promote inclusive training of next-generation professionals, knowledge transfer and public awareness dedicated to sustainable development under a changing climate.”

Dr. Chen’s research will also seek scientific contributions and transformative impacts on understanding and managing the environmental issues caused by the above pollutants under climate change and support Arctic sustainability. Dr. Neil Bose, vice president (research) of Memorial University, nominated Dr. Chen for the award.

“Memorial is globally recognized as one of the best universities in the world for marine and ocean engineering, and our teams have specialized capacity for northern- and Arctic-related research,” said Dr. Bose.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Dr. Chen to work with UArctic members and partners to better understand critical issues facing the Arctic and advance knowledge in key areas. I wish him much success in his research program.”

Dr. Greg Naterer, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, is pleased to see
Dr. Chen receive this recognition. “Congratulations to Dr. Chen on this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Naterer. “Dr. Chen has made significant breakthroughs in the areas of importance to the UArctic program, including oil spill response, water and wastewater treatment and emerging pollution modelling and remediation, especially for oceans and cold regions. I look forward to the outcomes of Dr. Chen’s research under the UArctic chair program.”

Dr. Bing Chen joined Memorial in 2006. He is currently a full civil (environmental) engineering professor and acting associate dean (graduate studies). He is also the director of the Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control Laboratory (NRPOP Lab) and former department head (civil engineering). He serves as the founding director of a global Network on the Persistent, Emerging, and Organic Pollution in the Environment (PEOPLE Network) and the NSERC PEOPLE CREATE program.

A world-renowned researcher in marine and cold region environmental engineering
research, Dr. Chen has extensive expertise, experience and leadership in developing
and managing collaborative programs and initiatives at national and international scales. He has (co)-authored more than 460 publications and eight disclosures/patents and (co)-led more than 50 research projects with a total value of over $23 million (CDN). He is a fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, a fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and a member of the Royal Society of Canada (College). As a registered professional engineer in Canada, he has the extensive practical experience and provides consulting services to government, industry, non-governmental organizations and communities in Canada and worldwide. Dr. Chen’s UArctic appointment began on Jan. 1.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027
or jackey.locke@mun.ca. 

 

Ref. No.: 56

Memorial University receives federal and provincial funding for the new Centre for Artificial Intelligence.

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Andrew Furey, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced funding for a new Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Memorial University that will serve as a collaborative teaching, outreach and continuing education space for the province's growing sector in information and communications technologies sector.

The total project cost is $1,925,000, with $995,000 from the Government of Canada, through ACOA; $432,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Industry Energy and Technology; and $498,000 from Memorial University.

Additional money is expected from revenues generated by three new course-based graduate programs in software engineering, artificial intelligence and data science, as well as continuing education via short courses, to sustain the long-term activities of the centre.  

"Newfoundland and Labrador's tech sector punches above its weight. With the support of
Memorial University, we're thriving," said Minister O'Regan. "A new Centre for Artificial
Intelligence will help us take on the world."

"Collaboration across the industry, government, community and post-secondary institutions, combined with strategic investments, are critical in driving greater innovation and technology development," said Premier Furey. "Supporting Memorial University's new master's programs builds on that spirit of collaboration and will contribute to developing a highly educated and skilled workforce for this expanding industry."

"Memorial University has a critical role to play in developing the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, and the province's emerging tech sector is anticipated to be at the forefront of future growth," said Dr. Vianne Timmons, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University. "The new Memorial Centre for Artificial Intelligence will provide the highly skilled people needed to move this field forward and address the demands of a sector that will increasingly impact our daily lives."

The centre will build partnerships with industry and the province's entrepreneurial ecosystem through collaborative projects, outreach and continuing education, particularly in AI and computer-related courses. It will also serve as a collaborative space for seminars that bring together AI-related researchers and students across campus for teamwork. 

The funding will enable the hiring of four new term faculty positions and the completion of a
1,500 square foot classroom and active learning space on the fifth floor of the new state-of-the-art Core Science Facility. It will be shared with other universities' AI- and computing-related groups, creating a vibrant collaboration hub where partnerships can flourish and expand. 

Quick facts

• Government forecasts show the tech sector will be one of the highest areas of employment growth potential in Newfoundland and Labrador over the next decade, with upwards of 5,000 jobs forecasted to be created.
  
  
• Approximately 90 percent of tech firms anticipate significant growth in the next five years, but 86 percent say it is challenging, or very difficult, to find talent. According to the industry, software development is one of the critical areas of shortage.
  
  
• For every international student studying at Memorial, the economic spinoff to the province is estimated at $22,000. Only 17 percent of those students stay in Newfoundland and Labrador, and one of the key reasons is the lack of meaningful employment.
  
  
• Memorial graduates are founding startup companies, growing and driving the provincial tech sector. They gain real-world experience from best-in-class cooperative education programs and are supported by the university's extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For more information about the Department of Industry Energy and Technology, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/iet/. For more information about ACOA, visit www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-Canada-opportunities.html.

Memorial Centre for Artificial Intelligence Backgrounder

The Memorial Centre for Artificial Intelligence will serve as a collaborative teaching, outreach and continuing education space for three new graduate programs in artificial intelligence, software engineering and data science. These programs and outreach activities will help address the demand for highly educated and skilled workers in the province's growing information and communications technologies sector.

The 1,500-square-foot space will be located in the new, state-of-the-art Core Science Facility. It will serve three primary functions: a multifunctional and versatile classroom for the new programs; a creative space for outreach and professional development through courses, particularly in AI- and computer-related courses; and a collaborative space for seminars that bring together AI- and computer-related researchers and students across campus and beyond for teamwork.

Memorial also contributes significantly to these activities through an entrepreneurial  ecosystem that includes the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office, Genesis, the
Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Memorial Centre for Social Enterprise, Bounce and Navigate at Grenfell Campus.

The centre will be used for current and expanded community outreach, allowing Memorial and its students to interact and partner with members of the local technology sector. It will connect Memorial to prospective students through secondary school programs while also serving as a home for micro-credential programs for industry.

Funding support is being provided by the provincial Department of Industry, Energy and
Technology (IET) and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The funding will enable the hiring of four new faculty positions and the completion of a classroom and active learning space on the fifth floor of the new Core Science Facility. The space will be shared with other universities' AI- and computing-related groups, creating a vibrant collaboration hub where partnerships can flourish and expand.

The total project cost is $1,925,000, with $995,000 being contributed by ACOA, $432,000 from IET, and $498,000 from Memorial University. Objectives To supply highly educated and qualified personnel across several disciplines related to the tech sector. To contribute to job growth with Memorial students who are founding startup companies and growing and driving the provincial tech sector. To demonstrate that these programs align with key provincial priorities, including diversifying the economy, supporting the local tech sector, decreasing the reliance on resource industries and creating immigration incentives via well-paid tech jobs.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, at jackey.locke@mun.ca  or (709) 691-5027.

Ref. No.: 61

Director of Memorial University's centre for entrepreneurship appointed

A Memorial alumnus with a diverse background in educational technology, television
production and international development is the new director of the Memorial Centre for
Entrepreneurship (MCE).

Ed Martin (B.Eng. '06) begins in the role on Aug. 15.

Entrepreneurial Journey

"I've been an admirer of the work the MCE team has been doing since its inception and
couldn't be more excited to jump in and help it continue to grow," said Mr. Martin. "I'm
delighted to join the broader Memorial University community, which is where it all
began for me."

Mr. Martin is an entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in the technological and creative industries. Most recently, he was the chief executive officer of Carnegie Learning Zorbit's, based in St. John's, N.L. Carnegie Learning Zorbit's, formerly called Clockwork Fox Studios, is an educational technology startup acquired by Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Learning in April of 2021. At the time of its acquisition, Clockwork Fox had raised multiple rounds of private and public funding and grown to a team of 33. Its marquee product, Zorbit's Math Adventure, is a teaching and learning platform for K-3 that helps students develop a deep understanding and love of math. It is used by hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across Canada.

Prior to Carnegie Learning Zorbit, Mr. Martin was president/producer at Best Boy Entertainment, where he wrote and produced multiple kids' and documentary series, including Soccer Shrines, which saw him lead a small production crew to 13 cities around the globe.

Closet Monster, a feature film he produced, won Best Canadian Feature at the Toronto International Film Festival. Mr. Martin's entrepreneurial journey began when he founded Memorial's chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). His work with EWB ultimately brought him to Zambia, where he worked for a year on several projects to support poverty alleviation in the country. He holds a bachelor of engineering degree in mechanical engineering from Memorial, a master of business administration degree from Queen's University and a graduate diploma in communication studies from Concordia University.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem

"I think my diverse work experience has served me well as an entrepreneur and will continue to do so in this new role," he said. "I look forward to bringing people from different faculties and backgrounds into the centre and introducing them to the world of entrepreneurship."

"The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship has become an integral part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Dr. Vianne Timmons, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University. "I'm certain that Mr. Martin's diverse background and passion for learner success will help student entrepreneurs at Memorial University discover their passions and how to apply this to successful careers in entrepreneurship."

Find more information about the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca.

Copyright © 2022 Memorial University of Newfoundland, All rights reserved.

Ref. No.: 53

Provincial students win at world remotely operated vehicle championship.

Newfoundland and Labrador teams captured major awards this past weekend at the 2022 MATE ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) World Championship in Long Beach, California.

Memorial University’s Eastern Edge Robotics team placed third overall and was awarded Best Engineering presentation in the Explorer category for post-secondary students. The team is
comprised of more than 30 students from the Marine Institute and the faculties of Science and
Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial.

Mount Pearl Senior High’s Husky Explorer team received the Best Engineering presentation in the Ranger class, the Guts and Glory Award and a Most Valuable Player honours for team member Eric Goulding.

Twenty international teams competed in the Explorer class, while there were 25 team  in the
Ranger class this year. 

Twentieth year of competition

The MATE Center’s annual ROV competition, now in its 20th year, challenges international high
school and post-secondary students to learn and creatively apply STEM skills to solve real-world problems using ROVs, as well as strengthen their critical thinking, collaboration,
entrepreneurship and innovation.

Memorial’s Marine Institute has held MATE regional ROV competitions since 2003 and successfully hosted the world championships in 2007 and 2015.

Provincial high school and post-secondary teams excelled in the competition during the last two decades. Eastern Edge Robotics placed in the top three spots nine times, taking first place four times.

“It’s very encouraging to see our youth actively engaged in learning about ocean technology
and the opportunities it offers globally," said Paul Brett, associate vice president (research and strategic partnership) at Marine Institute and one of the Eastern Edge Robotics team's mentors."These educational experiences can only enhance the growth of the ocean technology sector in our province and attract the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.”

This year’s competition highlighted the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and urged participants to embrace environmental, social and governance efforts.

Students were challenged to design and build an ROV and the necessary sensors and tooling to
support work to combat climate change, provide clean energy, and feed the growing global
population, monitor ocean health and preserve maritime history.

Educational partnership

The MATE Center is a partnership of educational institutions and organizations working to
improve marine technical education, provide participating students opportunities to learn skills
used in marine and ocean technology jobs and encourage them to become involved in research
and development.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities have supported the provincial MATE competitions Agency, the Department of Energy, Technology and Innovation, Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd., Equinor, Kraken, Seamor Marine, Fugro, Subsea 7, Suncor, Chevron, Cenovus Energy, GRi Simulations, Pangeo Subsea, SubC Imaging, Ocean Quest, Crosbie Group Ltd., Cooke Aquaculture, Marine Institute and Memorial University. This year, Eastern Edge Robotics was supported by Colab, Mysa, Pennecon, Rally and SubSea 7.

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For more information, please contact Joe Singleton, interim head of the School of Ocean Technology, Marine Institute of Memorial University, at (709) 778-0604 or (709) 697-7773.

Copyright © 2022 Memorial University of Newfoundland, All rights reserved.

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April 18, 2017

Public lecture about hydraulic fracturing and its implications for Western Newfoundland

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University will host a public lecture on Thursday, April 20, about hydraulic fracturing and its implications for Western Newfoundland. Dr. Ray Gosine, chair of the Independent Public Panel and vice-president (research) pro tempore, Memorial University, provides an overview of hydraulic fracturing operations in the context of Western Newfoundland, discusses the review process developed by the panel and presents the 2016 findings of the panel and its recommendations to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This Speaking of Engineering lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m., in the Engineering building’s Angus Bruneau Engineering Lecture Theatre, room EN-2006, on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Admission is free. Free parking is available in lot 22. All are welcome. Reception to follow.

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For further information, please contact Jackey Locke, communications advisor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University, at (709) 864-8287, 691-5027 or jackey.locke@mun.ca.