An Ontario Tech engineering advisory board will bring leaders from energy, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology into the university’s planning for engineering education.
Ontario Tech University announced the 12-member inaugural board on October 9. The group will advise the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science as it responds to changing workforce needs and emerging developments in the profession.
Board links education with industry needs
The university says members will provide outside perspectives to help align teaching, research and talent development with economic priorities. The board is also expected to strengthen connections between the faculty and the sectors employing its graduates and working with its researchers.
Ontario Tech identified major investments in energy, transit, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing as important drivers of demand for engineering talent. Future board expansion is expected to include expertise in sustainability, defence, technology and organizational transformation.
Twelve leaders form the inaugural group
The first members come from Bruce Power, Cameco Fuel Manufacturing, Metrolinx, AECOM, Candu Energy, Magna International, General Dynamics Land Systems, Arcadis Canada, Ontario Power Generation, AtkinsRéalis, Kinectrics and the Centre for Designing Change.
The members are Marek Derewonko, Colin Dhillon, Doug Jensen, Rodney Jones, Joanna Kervin, Aiman Khan, Julian Knutzen, Richard Lee, Michael Paczkowski, David Rogalski, Mohamed “Moody” Saad and Julie West.
The organizations represented on the board span several industries with a strong presence in Durham Region and across Ontario. They include nuclear power and fuel manufacturing, public transit, major infrastructure, automotive technology, defence and engineering services.
Faculty plans for future engineering work
Faculty dean Hossam Kishawy said the university views its relationship with industry as a partnership. He said members’ experience will help connect academic excellence and research impact with the opportunities and challenges shaping engineering.
The Ontario Tech engineering advisory board is intended to inform the faculty’s strategic direction rather than replace its academic governance. The university did not announce meeting dates or fixed terms for members in the release.
Ontario Tech’s north Oshawa campus houses much of its engineering teaching and research. The new group gives the local university a formal channel for advice from employers and project leaders working in sectors expected to need more engineers.
