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DC students win four medals at Ontario Technological Skills Competition

Durham College (DC) continued its remarkable streak of outstanding results at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), winning four provincial medals, including one gold, one silver and two bronze, at the 2014 OTSC which was hosted by Skills Canada – Ontario from May 5 to 7 at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ont.

First-year Culinary Skills student Sarah Lavergne won the gold medal in the Culinary Arts category and will represent DC in the Cooking category at the 20th annual Skills Canada National Competition taking place from Wednesday, June 7 to Saturday, June 10 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

Joe Dunn a Welding – Level 2 apprentice program student was also awarded a silver medal in the Welding category. Claiming a bronze medal were third-year Computer Systems Technology student Brent Shanks in the IT Network Support Administration competition and Gas Technician student Michael Schafranek in the Heating System Technician division.

“On behalf of the college I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our students who competed and achieved these well-deserved honours,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College.  “Our talented faculty members should also be congratulated for teaching and guiding these students. Well done everyone and good luck to Sarah as she represents Durham College at Skills Canada next month.” 

DC sent 15 students to compete in nine different categories to this year’s provincial event. The winners bring DC’s six-year totals to 23 OTSC awards and five Skills Canada medals including two national titles.

Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to Ontario youth. With the support of partners, it encourages young people to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies through programs and initiatives such as in-school presentations, qualifying and provincial skills competitions.

Students share their experiences with PC leader Tim Hudak

Students from Durham College’s (DC) School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship and Renewable Technology (START) had an opportunity to meet with Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak on May 6 when he visited the Whitby campus to speak with students from the one-year Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing program.

“It was a great experience; he’s a really nice and personable guy,” said Matt Murphy, a Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing student. “He wanted to know where we were from and got to know a little bit about our background and how we got into the program.”

Students were given an opportunity to share their experiences at the college so far including their thoughts on what the high-demand skilled trades field has to offer and why they chose plumbing as a future career.

With students hard at work to complete their program most are eager to acquire an apprenticeship after their studies to gain more hands-on experience.

“I did a lot of research before coming to Durham and choosing this program,” said Murphy. “Plumbing is listed as one of the top 10 trades in Canada right now. It came down to this program or welding and I chose plumbing because there is more room for growth. The amount of knowledge I learned in the first semester alone was exceptional.”

DC kicks off national Emergency Preparedness Week

Durham College (DC) helped the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services celebrate the start of Emergency Preparedness Week on May 6. The event, held at the Student Services building on the Oshawa campus, showcased work created by six students from the college’s School of Media, Art & Design (MAD) who have been working in conjunction with the ministry on video-based projects since January.

“We are honoured that the ministry has chosen Durham College’s Oshawa campus as the host site for this event,” said Greg Murphy, dean of the School of MAD. “We are also grateful for the opportunity it is providing us to showcase the creative talents and artistic skills of our amazing MAD students.”

DC faculty, staff and students were joined by Barney Owens, the director of Response with the Ontario Fire Marshal and Emergency Management office (OFMEM) and a number of emergency services officials from throughout the Durham Region, in viewing the videos created by students from the Contemporary Web Design, Contemporary Media Production and Multimedia Design programs.

The informative short features are being used as a promotional tool in raising awareness about Emergency Preparedness Week, with focus being placed on various topics including nuclear preparations, campus preparedness and weather radios. Students in the Contemporary Web Design program also developed a mobile-friendly website that highlights key features of the OFMEM’s emergency preparedness portal.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week, visit the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ specialized website.

DC hosts fourth-annual Research Day

Durham College faculty, staff, student researchers, industry collaborators and other guests joined the college’s Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI) on Thursday, May 1 for the fourth-annual Research Day on campus.

Designed to provide a first-hand look at the innovative applied research projects the college currently has underway, the event highlighted research in the areas of engineering technology, education, gaming, information technology, social innovation and agriculture.

With the college recently receiving funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada that will see ORSI develop new agricultural research projects that will assist local growers in tackling challenges related to pest management, crop integration and plant propagation, the event will feature a keynote presentation by Jim Sheehan, president, Durham Foods, who will discuss why the need to improve processes, create new systems and ultimately invest in research and development has never been so critical to small- and medium sized businesses.

“Since its inception, ORSI has created a strong applied research agenda for Durham College,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSI. “An agenda designed to respond to the significant business and industry need for practical solutions through applied research and innovation activities while remaining focused on providing unique and real-world experiences to students.”

The college also celebrated the success of ORSI; recognized all student and faculty researchers and its Research Advisory Committee and Research Ethics Board; and honoured the top student and faculty researchers of the academic year.

Philip Jarvis from the School of Science & Engineering Technology, was named the Top Faculty Researcher for 2013-2014 with Stephen Forbes from the School of Business, IT & Management, coming in second and Anna Rodrigues from the School of Media, Art & Design, finishing third.

In addition, Ryan King, a third-year Electronics Engineering Technology program student was named as the winner of the Top Student Researcher Award.

Steven Ruttle, a third-year student in the Electronics Engineering Technology program was named as the second place winner and Kenneth Gardner, a second-year Electronics Engineering Technology program student, finished third.

Providing an important link to the community through its support and advancement of institutional effectiveness and contribution to the economic performance of the region, ORSI offers a collaborative culture of engagement that is student-centered and community-focused.

DC/UOIT Collaborative Nursing professor wins prestigious educational award

Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today that Leslie Graham, a professor in the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours  program,  has been recognized with the 2014 Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education by the Council of Ontario University Programs in Nursing (COUPN).

The award is presented to a college faculty member teaching in a collaborative program who demonstrates excellence in teaching along with the ability to inspire creative and critical thinking in students. In addition, they must offer thoughtfulness toward student learning and well-being; motivation to exceed personal expectations; and the ability to further the growth of future nursing professionals. Graham received her award at the COUPN Awards reception in Toronto, Ontario on April 23.

“I am humbled to receive the 2014 Award for Excellence in Collaborative Education from COUPN,” said Graham. “It is such a privilege to teach and learn from the wonderful Collaborative BScN faculty and staff.  There is no greater joy than to see our Nursing students mature into novice registered nurses, contributing so richly to our health-care system.”

After 30 years of direct clinical practice in nursing in acute and critical care areas, Graham joined DC’s faculty as an instructor in the college’s Critical Care Nursing graduate certificate program in 2007. In 2008 she became a faculty member with the Collaborative BScN program, and has served as program co-ordinator of the collaborative program since 2012.

“I can’t think of a more worthy person to receive this distinguished award,” said Susan Sproul, dean, School of Health & Community Services, DC. “Professor Graham’s passion, vision and enthusiasm for moving nursing care forward in relation to current and emerging technologies can be felt through the entire BScN curriculum. She is able to motivate students to exceed their own expectations and pass along to faculty colleagues that same level of confidence.  Congratulations, Leslie!”

“This recognition is so highly deserved,” said Dr. Sue Coffey, director, collaborative BScN program, UOIT. “Leslie’s outstanding leadership in the area of nursing education, and particularly her visionary focus on simulation as a teaching-learning methodology will undoubtedly transform both nursing education and nursing practice.”

Graham has also taken part in a number of nursing research projects, including a variety of initiatives focused on the development, application and evaluation of using simulation and technology-enhanced learning in both nursing and critical care nursing curriculum.

The collaborative BScN is designed to graduate professional nurses committed to excellence and innovation in assessing and meeting the nursing needs of society. Students develop and transmit knowledge regarding nursing practice and the human experience of health, illness and healing. The fully integrated DC/UOIT partnership provides collaborative learning activities that enable students to take an active role in their own learning. This strategy, combined with traditional methods, prepares graduates for lifelong learning, research and teamwork and provides the leadership skills essential for nursing practice. State-of-the-art nursing labs also provide students with practical, hands-on experience in hospital and home-care settings and give them access to the latest technology, right at their fingertips.

COUPN is an organization of Ontario’s 20 publicly funded universities and one associate member institution that facilitates discussion between its members and advocates on a wide range of university issues and co-ordinates a number of shared services. The organization also works closely with the provincial and federal governments to develop and improve public policies that help universities deliver high-quality programs for students and research and innovation that positively impacts the social, cultural and economic well-being of Ontarians.

DC receives more than $400,000 in NSERC applied research funding

Durham College (DC) announced today that its Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI) has  been approved for more than $400,000 in applied research funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through the council’s College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program. 

In total, $443,168 of funding, being made available via three Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI)  grants will be used to acquire equipment to support applied research in three areas including microbrewing, agriculture and rapid prototyping.

“This most recent round of support from the federal government once again confirms that Durham College is a leading college in the field of applied research,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, DC. “On behalf of ORSI and the college, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to NSERC for its support of three of our newest applied research initiatives, which are enabling the college to assist local businesses with bringing their ideas to market and contribute to the economic prosperity of Durham Region and beyond.” 

The CCI Program, managed by NSERC in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, grants six different types of funding. The ARTI grant is designed to support the purchase of research equipment and installations to foster and enhance the ability of colleges to undertake applied research, innovation and training in collaboration with local companies.

“These ARTI grants will allow our researchers and industry partners to create and develop projects using state-of-the-art technology,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSI. “In addition, this funding will enable our students to gain valuable research and testing experience while making industry contacts and gaining marketing expertise. We are grateful for the opportunities now available to us through NSERC’s extensive funding program.”

With the intention of capitalizing on the growing craft beer brewing industry a new microbiology BrewLab will support projects that analyze and improve the microbial integrity of various beer products and evaluate the fermentation performance of yeast strains for Ontario craft breweries.

ORSI will also continue to develop agricultural research projects that will utilize new Growth Chambers, devices designed to assist local growers in tackling challenges related to pest management, crop integration and plant propagation. The project will allow DC partners to expand and diversify their product lines while exploring innovative plant propagation techniques and processes.

A third set of research projects will employ a new Rapid Prototyper to reproduce the dimensional properties of trial-ready prototypes in house and at a low cost for a variety of industries requiring advanced manufacturing. It will also allow students to work with industry during research capstone projects, providing them with additional skill sets.

ORSI provides an important link to the community through its support and advancement of institutional effectiveness and contribution to the economic performance of the region, using a collaborative culture of engagement that is student-centered and community-focused. ORSI is comprised of three teams – Applied Research; Institutional Research and Planning; and Program Development and Quality Initiatives.

NSERC is a Canadian government agency that provides grants for research in the natural sciences and engineering. The council promotes discovery by funding research conducted by post-secondary professors and students and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research and training. 

New pathway opportunities for DC graduates in Ireland

Durham College (DC) and the Irish Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT) have come to an agreement on an articulation agreement that will enable graduates of several of the college’s two- and three-year programs to enter ITT’s bachelor programs with advanced standing, allowing them to earn their degree in as little as two additional semesters of study.

The agreement will allow qualified graduates from the college’s schools of Business, IT & Management; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; and Science & Engineering Technology the opportunity to pursue degrees at ITT.

The opportunity will not only allow Durham College graduates to build on the knowledge and skills acquired through their diploma program but also gain an international experience while studying abroad in an English-speaking country. Located in the South West of Ireland in the county of Kerry, ITT is home to international students from over 140 countries and offers a dedicated international office and orientation program to help students easily transition into student life in Ireland.

“This new agreement is another example of how the student experience comes first at Durham College,” said Lovisa. “We’re very pleased to be able to present qualified graduates of our programs with international academic pathways, providing the best possible learning opportunities to students here on our campus and abroad.”

Academic pathway opportunities between DC and ITT are available to qualified DC graduates in the areas of study listed below.

Technology:

  • Computer Systems Technology program graduates are eligible to enter Year 4 of ITT’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Services Management program
  • Computer Systems Technician program graduates are eligible to enter Year 3 of ITT’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program
  • Computer Programmer Analyst program graduates are eligible to enter Year 3 of ITT’s Bachelor of Science in Computing with Software Development

Community Services:

  • Early Childhood Education program graduates are eligible to enter Semester 3 (September – January) and continue with Semester 6 (January – May) for ITT’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education

Science:

Business:

  • Office Administration – Executive program graduates are eligible to enter Year 3 of ITT’s Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems Management (Business Administration stream)

“We are delighted to enter a partnership with such a prestigious college,” said Murphy. “We have much in common with Durham College in terms of the programs we deliver and our educational ethos. Graduates of DC who transfer to ITT can be assured of a big Irish welcome.”

With the addition of this new agreement Durham College has academic pathways in place with universities in Ireland, Australia and the United States as part of the more than 450 academic pathways it offers via agreements with universities in Ontario, Canada and around the world. 

Habitat for Humanity and DC work together

The Durham College (DC) Leadership Team and students from the Construction Carpentry – Sustainable program have developed a strong relationship with Habitat for Humanity in the Durham Region assisting with the most recent building project located at 372 Centre Street South in Oshawa.

Habitat for Humanity works in more than 300 communities across Canada constructing affordable housing for families in need. This partnering between Habitat and DC has not only allowed students to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom but has also provided a way for DC to give back to its community.

“The first phase was four homes and the Durham College students were a valuable asset to have as they were able to do the trusses because they all have their fall-arrest certification,” said Habitat volunteer co-ordinator Patty Knight. Fall-arrest certification is training received through the Construction Carpentry – Sustainable program that allows individuals to work safely at a height of three metres or higher and is certification that typical volunteers rarely have.

So far, students have assisted with the first phase of the Centre Street build which included the construction of four homes at the project site, and on April 11, several DC staff members also made their way down to the project site to see the students’ incredible work. Staff members assisted with additional tasks such as drywalling, mudding and installation of electric boxes. DC president Don Lovisa was one of the many staff members on hand.

“It’s important for us to give back to the community,” said Lovisa. “We ask a lot of our community so we have to give back and this is an opportunity to do that. It also allows us to come out as a team, get away from our desks, have fun and share a few laughs.”

Despite a tougher than normal winter, the Centre Street project is set to be completed in August and the inclusion of DC students from more programs including Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing and Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control is currently being developed.

For information on how you can assist Habitat for Humanity in the Durham Region either through charitable donation or volunteer work, please visit www.habitatdurham.com. 

Student leadership survey winners announced

Full-time post-secondary students at Durham College recently had an opportunity to participate in a survey about student leadership designed to help add to our understanding of what students expect and are looking for from student leaders. 

The survey included an opportunity for participants to be entered into a draw to win one of three tuition waivers valued at $1000.

The winners are:

  • Alanna Morcos-Schroeder, School of Integrated Studies & Employment Services
  • Khalila De Grasse, School of Media, Art & Design
  • Brooke Risebrough, School of Health & Community Services

Congratulations to all three winners!

 

 

DC Paramedic students reach podium

Once again, Durham Colleges (DC) Paramedic students have demonstrated their exceptional skills as they placed second and sixth in the Student Division of The National Paramedic Competition, held at the college’s Whitby campus on April 5.

The annual event, held in the Durham Region, challenges paramedics from across the country in head-to-head simulated emergencies to prove who the best in Canada are. This prestigious competition found its origins as the Durham Paramedic Skills Competition before transitioning to the now national competition in 2008. In turn, this has allowed for the prestige of DC’s Paramedic program to increase as a recognized partner with the event.

Students from DC compete annually in the student division, placing them alongside their professional counterparts in search of the best in the country. This year two teams of second year students competed for DC, with Geoff Hooper and Andrew Mokedanz achieving a second place podium finish while Jamere Bembrisge and Stefano Marcelli finished sixth.

“It is fun for the students to be challenged in a unique way and this is a wonderful event for the college to be involved in,” said Paramedic professor Kevin Griffin.

Along with competing, DC also had a large number of students assist in the hosting of the event as volunteers, providing an opportunity to network and learn from the professional teams in attendance.

“This is an opportunity for the students to showcase what they have learned over their two years in a setting with working paramedics,” said Griffin. “It offers students a networking opportunity as many services send representatives and any level of involvement in the competition is seen as a plus by employers during hiring.”

Along with the college’s student success, Durham Region Emergency Medical Services (EMS) placed first in the Primary Care Paramedic division. For more information on the national competition including results, photos and competition history, please visit www.paramediccompetition.ca.