Tag: facultyofscienceengineeringandinformationtechnology

The ingenuity and dedication of Durham College (DC) students was on full display at the 2025 DC Innovation Showcase last week.

Organized by the DC Engineering Club and held in the Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR), the event challenged students to present innovative projects aimed at addressing climate change, while competing for over $5,000 in prizes.

Members of the DC community and industry professionals attended, engaging with students about their cutting-edge projects and the real-world applications they have.

“Events like these are my favourite because they are student-led. This showcase is a reflection of not only the passion and the dedication that our students bring to their studies here at DC, but live demonstrations of the solutions they envision and test for societal challenges,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “This powerful platform allows students to showcase their incredible work while cultivating meaningful connections and building on the knowledge they have learned in labs, classrooms and work placements.”

A panel of industry professionals evaluated the prototypes based on criteria such as creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.

The top prize in the individual category went to Mechanical Engineering Technology student Nathan Colburn for his full carbon fibre bike frame.

“A lot of us in the Mechanical Engineering program work on tons of different things outside of school. This is an opportunity to show off what we can do,” he said. “It’s fun being able to show everyone different concepts and ideas.”

In the group category, the team of Mechanical Engineering Technology students Douglas Aubrey-Sleeper, Joshua Dervent, and Wyatt Martorino took the gold for their ‘KERS Bike.’ By incorporating a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), it can operate like an electric bike without the use of a battery.

“We’re just happy that we showed up and got good feedback from everybody. We were really happy with the experience,” said Aubrey-Sleeper.

With so many creative and boundary-pushing projects on display, the event lived up to its name as a showcase for the talented future professionals at DC.

“It was inspiring to see innovative projects tackling real-world challenges, with valuable interdisciplinary collaborations that brought together diverse perspectives,” said Tania Clerac, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology. “Our students truly showcased the power of innovation and their potential to make a lasting impact on society. I’m proud of the amazing work and excited for what’s to come!”

Here are the complete results of the competition.

Individual Category

Gold Winner – “CFG-01” by Nathan Colburn, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Silver Winner – “Arduino Dual Plant Hydration System” by Jack Koebel, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Third-year Finalist – “CFG-01” by Nathan Colburn, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Second-year Finalist – “Roll Up Charger” by Braiden Daschuk, Mechanical Engineering Technology
First-year Finalist – “Thermal Battery Optimizer” by Thomas Heine, Electronics Engineering Technology

Group Category

Gold Winner – “KERS Bike” by Douglas Aubrey-Sleeper, Joshua Dervent, and Wyatt Martorino, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Silver Winner – “Fire Barrier” by Ridley Singh and Dash Darbyson, Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices
Bronze Winner – “Medical Robot” by Xie Zonghuo, Brendan Mcbride and Ryan Groskopf, Electronics Engineering Technology

More than 2,200 graduates were invited to cross the stage this week at Durham College’s (DC) Fall Convocation, making it the largest fall graduating cohort in DC’s history. Skilled, career-ready graduates, ready to thrive in in-demand industries received their credential, including:

Brittany Andrey from the Faculty of Social and Community Services, who is already applying her knowledge and skills from DC’s Autism and Behavioural Sciences program in a rewarding career.
Peyton DeGuilio from the General Arts & Science – General Certificate program who has taken the next step in her educational journey by enrolling in DC’s Child & Youth Care Advanced Diploma program.
Priyansh Maheshwari from the Biomedical Engineering Technology program, who credits hands- on learning through his field placement for helping him land a job with Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Mourin Moyen, who thrived in the Addictions and Mental Health program, and also took on global competency challenges by completing the Global Learner Recognition Program, earning her a badge at Convocation.

“Convocation is an incredible event that serves as a time to celebrate our graduates’ achievements and the commencement of their next chapter,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Whether they’re choosing to continue their studies, enter the workforce, or start their own business, the education they received is transformative and positively impacts their lives, their families, and our community.”

Guest speakers at the ceremonies included:

Adam Ruppel, 2024 Alumni of Distinction award recipient, President of Chico Racing, and Co-founder of Drive Festival
Rachael Wraith, DC Alumna, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications at Global Public Affairs

During the afternoon ceremony on October 29, the college also recognized Don Lovisa, past DC President, with the honorary designation of President Emeritus in recognition of his many years of outstanding service to DC students, employees, and the community.

For more information about Fall Convocation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

Engineering brilliance on display at DC Innovation Showcase

Durham College celebrates largest fall graduating cohort in school’s history