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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. 

 

Durham College KPI scores increase across four benchmark areas

The results of the 2013-2014 provincial government’s Key Performance Indicators (KPI) surveys have been released. Our efforts to ensure the student experience continues to come first at Durham College have translated into increases in four of five areas as measured by the KPIs. Our student satisfaction; graduate employment; graduate satisfaction; and graduation rates have all improved, some by two to three percentage points.

In addition, 92.2 per cent of employers are satisfied with their hiring of a Durham College graduate.

Collaborative Nursing students honoured with prestigious awards

Four students in Nursing programs offered collaboratively by Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have received prestigious scholarships from the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO). The awards recognize the students’ academic achievements and positive contributions to the nursing field.

“On behalf of Durham College I extend my sincere congratulations to each of our students for this wonderful accomplishment,” said Susan Sproul, Dean, DC School of Health & Community Services. “These awards demonstrate their commitment to hard work, dedication and academic excellence and the college and university’s dedication to providing high-quality nursing training designed to prepare students to play a leading role in the health-care sector come graduation.”

Recipients include:

  • Nicole Deziel, UOIT-DC Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program, class of 2016: RNFOO Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides assistance to first- or second-year undergraduate nursing students who demonstrate high academic standing and outstanding potential in their chosen career, – $1,500
  • Karen Foell, UOIT-DC Collaborative Registered Practical Nursing (RPN)-to-BScN program, class of 2016: Regina Borowska Scholarship, which is awarded to individuals who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with preference given to post-diploma RNs, RPNs and applicants whose professional career goals enable them to contribute to the advancement of nursing, – $2,000
  • Egers Metaj, UOIT-DC Collaborative RPN-to-BScN program, class of 2016: Regina Borowska Scholarship – $1,000
  • Grace Wilson, UOIT-DC Collaborative BScN program, class of 2015: Dorothy Ferguson Scholarship, awarded to a nursing student pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree who demonstrates outstanding leadership potential,  – $2,000

“Congratulations to Nicole, Karen, Egers and Grace on their exciting achievements,” said Dr. Sue Coffey, director, Nursing, UOIT. “These awards are a testament of their hard work and commitment to their studies, as well as the success of the Collaborative Nursing program in producing nurses committed to professionalism and quality care.”

DC professor looks to inspire through documentary film

Kevin Fraser, a professor with Durham College’s (DC) School of Media, Art & Design (MAD), recently won the Making A Difference Award (MADA) for his documentary film, Living As Brothers, at the 2013 Toronto Global Community Film Festival (COMMFFEST). Fraser’s film has also been selected as one of only 29 films to be screened around the world as a representative of the Africa World Documentary Film Festival (AWDFF).

The feature-length documentary delves into the lives of Jamaican migrant workers making the long journey to labour in the fruit orchards of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Most of these men are skilled workers such as mechanics, electricians and farmers but because of poor employment situations in Jamaica, the migrant work in Canada becomes the only plausible option to support their large families. Several of the men have turned this into an annual means of employment having made the trip for more than 20 years, spending up to nine months of the year away from their families.

“I grew up in Niagara and worked on the farm where I filmed over a summer and returned 20 years later to find some of the same men still working there,” said Fraser. “When I shared this experience with friends in Toronto, I was surprised to find so few people knew Canada brings in thousands of migrant workers each year, mostly to do work that we are not willing to do ourselves  and that began the film for me.”

Fraser pursued the close to home subject matter with fervour and completely self-funded the documentary, purchasing his own camera and calling in favours from friends within the industry for help and additional equipment. After spending countless hours back on the farm and in Jamaica learning about the migrant worker experience, Fraser took on the additional work of editing and distributing to ensure the self-made film could have the appropriate impact.

“Living as Brothers is a very simple film, I allowed my subjects to tell their stories in their own words,” said Fraser. “I hope my students find it inspiring and see that they can create their own media projects and if they bring their passion to it, they can get their work seen and hopefully inspire others.”

Fraser, like many DC faculty members, continues to pursue his passion outside the classroom to ensure what he provides in the classroom remains relevant and beneficial to his students.

“The reality is that the media landscape that students are now venturing into is changing rapidly,” said Fraser. “Working on my own projects keeps me involved in the industry, hones my technical skills and feeds my passion and I think it’s one way I can help my students succeed when they go off to work on their own projects by sharing my technical skills, creative skills and real-world experience.”

DC students find their niche with capstone projects

The final year of several Durham College (DC) programs require students to complete an extensive capstone project. As part of this assignment, students must research their desired field of interest and develop a product using the skills they have learned through their program to fill a niche within the market. On April 7, students in the final year of the Electronics Engineering Technology program had the opportunity to show off their capstone creations.

“We expect our students to go out and find an opportunity or a problem to solve,” said Electronics Engineering Technology Professor Louis Bertrand. “We are trying to make them go out of the classroom and find something relevant to the real world and address that opportunity with what they have learned over the last three years with software, hardware, system design, analog hardware, transistors and chips.”

Ryan King, a third-year student in the program, excelled at this specific curriculum requirement. Combining a passion for cars with what he had learned through his program, King developed an aftermarket device allowing for electronic vehicle automation (EVA) in older vehicles. The device, which is installed into an older vehicle, allows use of modern features such as interactive voice commands, Bluetooth control through a smartphone or tablet and live engine telemetry readouts via duel LCD screens to a not-so-modern vehicle.

“I thought about what’s something all cars except those built in the last two or three years lacks, that automation, that voice control,” said King. “It would be really cool to bring that into the car scene as an aftermarket feature so with EVA you can now keep your hands on the wheel, keep your eyes on the road, talk to the car to turn different things on and start it with your phone from a distance.”

During the fall semester students spent one hour a week in class dedicated to learning project requirements such as patent searching, project management and mechanical technology as well as hearing from previous graduates who provide insight from their own capstone experiences.

“It’s a challenge,” said Bertrand. “We try and make sure the challenge isn’t so insane they just give up but challenging enough that it really stretches their capabilities and because it’s something generated by the students themselves, they are a lot more enthusiastic about the capstone assignment then us coming along with a single project designed for everyone.”

Lauren Toyota highlights 14th annual Reel Music Festival

The Durham College (DC) campus was alive with the sound of music last week as students in the Music Business Management (MBM) program held their annual Reel Music Festival from April 2 to 5. The festival, in its fourteenth year, is organized entirely by students as part of their curriculum and features a song writing competition, educational conference, film showcase and several artist performances throughout the three days.

The festival was developed for MBM students to assist with providing hands-on experience in event planning along with giving insight into the music industry. As well, students are offered opportunities to engage in networking opportunities through the various events.

 This year saw a number of music industry professionals making appearances at the event, highlighted by MBM graduate and MTV Canada host Lauren Toyota who returned to DC to moderate Songs Revealed, the annual song writing competition developed to showcase local talent to a panel of industry professionals. Durham College president Don Lovisa and Oshawa mayor John Henry were also in attendance for the song writing event.

“Just as DC showcases its art students, this event is a showcase for MBM students,” said MBM student Danielle Feraday. “It’s showcasing everything we’ve learned in our classes this year and helping teach us real world aspects along the way.”

Additional highlights from this year’s festival included live performances throughout the Oshawa region at local establishments including The Hub, Wasted Space and EP Taylor’s; Prescription 2 Rock, a clinic on the music business hosted by Dale Russell from Canadian rock band the Guess Who; and several seminars such as The Power of Branding, Planning Live Music, The Current State of the Music Industry and DIY Musicians.