From March 12 to 14, high school robotics teams from across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and New York State descended on Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Oshawa campus for the 2015 FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC) Greater Toronto East Regional competition. FIRST is an acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

The event, a last stop before the FRC World Championship taking place in St. Louis, Mo. in late April, was free to the public and saw more than 1,000 student participants compete on more than 45 teams, as they demonstrated their engineering skills and knowledge using the Recycle Rush^SM program.

The fierce three-day robotics showdown concluded with the alliance of team 2056 (Orchard Park Secondary School), team 2852 (Denis Morris Catholic High School) and team 3710 (Frontenac Secondary School) being crowned champions and earning a coveted spot at the world championship.

“At DC we celebrate the spirit of innovation fostered by these FIRST^® Robotics competitions and look forward to hosting this exciting event on our joint campus every year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Competing in the FRC is a great way to prepare students for a post-secondary education in science and technology.”

Competing in head-to-head challenges, teams guided their robots through a recycling-themed game in an attempt to dispose the “litter” and collect as many points as possible during the two-minute-and-30-second match. Within the first 15 seconds, robots operated independently from their drivers to earn points by moving themselves. Competitors were also recognized for robot design excellence, sportsmanship and teamwork.

Competitors also had the opportunity to fine-tune their robots in the Durham College Machine Shop, where DC students and staff were on-hand to assist with the repairs.

“The teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves, their cheers definitely made that obvious,” said Nisarg Sanchela, co-chair for the Greater Toronto East Regional planning committee. “The event was a great success and we look forward for many more to come.”   

The full list of Greater Toronto East Regional winners and special award recipients can be found on the FRC website.

 FIRST^® Robotics Canada is an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

For more information about FRC, please visit http://www.firstroboticscanada.org/main/frc/.

The Engineering Quality Control Department (DEPT. 3822) in Plant 22 (Plt. 22) at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) in Mississauga, has supported Durham College’s (DC) Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation program over the last seven years with its student internship program.

The partnership began about eight years ago, when David Craig, fellow inspection engineer and NDT manager, visited a lunch and learn at the college where he was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by students.

“The internship spawned from this initial interaction,” said Katy Zaidman, program co-ordinator for the Mechanical Engineering – Non-Destructive Evaluation program at DC. “As an advocate for the future NDT workforce, David and the Plt. 22 NDT department established year-long internships that allow students to experience first-hand the heightened technology demands of the aerospace industry.”

The partnership, which includes Plt. 22, DC and Mohawk College has benefitted 11 students to date.

“When Plt. 22 took over the placement program from its initial Montreal location, students gained technical knowledge while also getting the opportunity to process and inspect a wide variety of parts – from nuts and bolts to more critical aspects,” said Craig.

He added that over the years the program has evolved, and students now have the opportunity to work for a one-year term in Plt. 22, which aligns with the college curriculum.

“I am a different person today,” said Jenifer King an intern from DC. “At P&WC I have acquired knowledge of how to apply the theory learned in class to real inspection situations.”

She added that the internship is an invaluable opportunity to work with one of the most reputable companies in Canada and train with people who have decades of experience in NDT.

“The experience of learning and working with the P&WC NDT team will stay with me for a very long time,” said King.

“We would also like to recognize Karen Zwara, supervisor of Dept. 3822 as well as the Plt. 22 NDT team for their support of the program” said Craig. “In addition to mentoring and providing technical support to the students, Karen’s team participates in the interview and selection process with both DC and Mohawk College to ensure the internship is offered to suitable candidates.”

The process is now established and well positioned to continue offering NDT students much needed practical experience, hours and access to NDT lines, equipment and certified inspectors.

If you’re interested in DC’s Mechanical Engineering – Non-Destructive Evaluation program or any other programs the college has to offer, drop by our Open House on Saturday, March 21.

 

After two days of fierce competition, the judges have made their ruling and awarded this year’s Paralegal Mock Trial Cup to Sheridan College, with Durham College (DC) weighing in at a close second.

Taking place over March 6 and 7, paralegal students from colleges across Ontario including DC, Centennial, Algonquin, Seneca, Fleming, Sheridan and Loyalist descended on the Oshawa Court House to showcase their advocacy skills as well as their abilities to argue the law.

“This event is not only a practical, but also a fun way to introduce students to a courtroom setting,” said Ana Bernal, professor, School of Justice & Emergency Services. “We would like to thank the professionals who volunteer their time in order to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience.”

Students participated in teams of six in front of a panel of real judges and justices in a competition designed to help develop their public speaking and legal research skills while also helping them build self-confidence.

The annual event is organized by DC’s School of Justice & Emergency Services in conjunction with the Paralegal program and puts students at the forefront of who is up-and-coming in the legal field.

If you’re interested in DC’s Paralegal program, or any other programs the college has to offer, drop by our Open House on Saturday, March 21.

Between February 25 and February 27, more than 100 high school students from across Durham Region had the opportunity to showcase their abilities at a Regional Skills Competition hosted by Durham College (DC).

At the Oshawa campus, DC’s School of Media, Art & Design hosted the photography, television and video production, 2D and 3D animation and graphic design competitions. The School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology and the Centre for Food at DC’s Whitby campus were home to the auto service technology, welding, and culinary arts and baking competitions.

“Durham College is pleased to host this important event on an annual basis” said Charlotte Hale, associate dean, School of Media, Art & Design. “This competition gives top local students an opportunity to compete for a spot in the regional skills competition in May.  We are always impressed with the talent we see!”

Marco Cinello, layout supervisor for the SpongeBob movie was in town from Los Angeles, Calif. and agreed to act as a special guest judge for the 2D and 3D animation competition. The competition was also an opportunity for senior students and faculty to act as judges, while providing a great introduction to the learning environment at Durham College for visitors attending this event.

“It was a unique experience because I’ve never worked under such a time limit, it was really nerve wracking,” said Mackenzie Graham, a Grade 11 student at R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I. “I finished and I was really happy and surprised by the work I’d accomplished.”

Congratulations to:

• Noah Carr and Steven Taylor, Ajax High School, 2D animation;
• William Robertson and Alex Bakogeorge, Ajax High School, 3D animation;
• Melosha Ratnasingham, Pickering High School, graphic design;
• Mitchell Badgley, Maxwell Heights Secondary School, photography;
• Sam Huard and Devin Marino, Anderson CVI, TV & video production;
• Luke Marshall, Port Perry HS, auto service technology;
• Victoria Ruffle, Pine Ridge Secondary School, culinary arts;
• Samantha Crosby, Pine Ridge Secondary School, baking; and
• Glen Thompson, Anderson CVI,

 

From February 18 to February 20, 11 students from Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) travelled to the Starting Point Student Entrepreneurship Conference at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. The theme of this year’s conference was “Revolutionary Ideas Change the World.”

 The students attended the conference after entering and winning a contest sponsored by the DC and UOIT Student Association (SA), in partnership with FastStart DC. Entrants had to creatively demonstrate a desire to learn about entrepreneurship or share how they aspired to start their own business. Winners were selected to attend the conference by a panel of experts.

 The winners were:

• Vicky Bolduc, Entrepreneurship, DC
• Jeremy Coulis, Entrepreneurship, DC
• Andrea Di Nardo Sports Business Management, DC
• Jordan Ella, Biotechnology, DC
• Manija Farhat, Business Administration, DC
• Marco Lo, Commerce (Marketing), UOIT
• Faisal Mirza, Electrical Engineering, UOIT
• Ivanko Nimtsiv, Human Resources Management, DC
• Andrew Eric Prandovszky, Electro-mechanical Engineering Technology, DC
• Christian Schortemeyer, Business Administration Marketing, DC
• Hatim Yousef, Mechanical Engineering, UOIT

 While in Halifax DC’s students made a big impact, with attendee Christian Schortemeyer winning $1,000 total; $500 for best entrepreneurial idea at the conference and $500 for being part of a winning team who presented the best idea for solving student debt. DC’s Jordan Ella also won $500 for being part of that team.

“It was truly an inspirational and life changing experience,” said Ella. “The conference opened my eyes to a world of opportunity that I had never considered. My plans for the future have been dramatically challenged after being so inspired during my time in Halifax.”

FastStart is designed to increase entrepreneurial skills and awareness while also helping students create solid business plans that take their products and services to market – quickly and successfully. It offers progressive programs and provides the tools and resources to connect students with industry leaders and mentors to help them succeed.

On February 10, four Durham College (DC) students stepped up to the challenge at Vanier College in Montreal. The team of students were chosen to compete in the 10^th annual BDC Case Challenge, a marketing case competition involving colleges from across the country.

The team placed fourth out of 33 teams, the first time DC has made it into the finals for this annual competition. Marketing students Christian Schortemeyer, Madelaine Cox, and Michelle Lavender joined by Dan Cole, a student from the Entrepreneurship program, worked together to analyze a business problem and create an innovative marketing plan. After three hours, and no internet access, the teams were required to share their plan with a panel of judges and an audience in a 20-minute presentation.

“It was an amazing opportunity to finally put my knowledge and creativity to the test. It was so interesting to hear the ideas of other students from all across Canada,” said Lavender. “The BDC Case Challenge was the highlight of my schooling. It was challenging but also a lot of fun and I am so honoured to have helped Durham position in fourth for the first time ever.”

This weekend-long event, sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), gives students an opportunity to apply the skills they have developed in the classroom to a real-world situation. Professors from the School of Business, IT & Management handpicked the students based on their performance in their Case Analysis course.

“When you strive to do your best in any course, there can be unexpected bonuses,” said Schortemeyer. “The extra experiences that you can say you’ve been a part of make college fun and make DC a place to remember!”