IEEE Canadian Foundation

2015 in Review

In Dec. 2015, the ICF Board of Directors (BoD) approved $16k for eight McNaughton Learning Resource Centre Grants. One grant will be awarded to establish a new Center in Windsor, and seven grants to upgrade or expand existing Centres at Concordia University, University of Manitoba, Conestoga College, Simon Fraser University, University Of Ontario Institute of Technology, University of Victoria, and Dalhousie University.

The BoD approved $3.5k for three Special Grants. They go to the Ottawa Section for the Christie Lake Kids robotics competition, to the Concordia University engineering team for their UAV competition, and to the London ON Central Secondary School team for their FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science) robotics competition.

2015 has been a busy year for the IEEE Canadian Foundation. The following is a list of activities undertaken. The Foundation would like to thank all contributors, participants, and donors for their support. Here is a summary of the grants and awards awarded in 2015.

Dec 2015

ICF McNaughton Centre Grant Reports

IEEE Student Branch at University of Victoria

IEEE Student Branch at University of Victoria was awarded an ICF MLRC Grant for upgrading existing McNaughton Centre by getting a new power supply, function generator, and desktop computer to run engineering programs such as Altium and Matlab, send branch emails, and run their weekly meetings. The McNaughton Centre has become so popular work space for IEEE members that it often runs out of chairs and desk space during peak hours. The branch continues to maintain its vibrant operation by supporting students through skill development workshops, homework help and tutoring, as well as industry mentoring such as in their micro-processor group activities.

IEEE Student Branch at Concordia University

In Dec. 2014, ICF awarded an MLRC Grant to the IEEE Student Branch (SB) at Concordia University for upgrading their McNaughton Centre. The SB operates an open electronics lab and learning centre so that engineering students can practice and work on their own personal projects. The upgrade consisted in fully equipping a third workbench to accommodate more students and to replace some general tools in the lab. The SB volunteers secured discounted prices from a local store. To quantify the increased use of the MLRC, an attendance log book was introduced. It also helped ensure the centre is open and properly staffed when students want to use it. As the word spread, more first year students discovered the MLRC. In order to recognize students who use the lab for their projects or learning, Achievement Badges (2015 IEEE Student Enterprise Award) were introduced. The upgrade helped students to explore technology in a supplementary way to their academic courses. It also helped the SB volunteers gain experience in managing the finances and running their McNaughton Centre.

Concordia University IEEE Student Branch Chair, Nathaly Arraiz Matute, at the Concordia MLRC

ICF Special Grant Report

ICF awarded a Special Grant to UBC and SFU IEEE Branches for their South Korea Field Trip. Nineteen UBC students and five SFU students went on a 12-day trip which entailed Seoul, Daejeon and Busan. They toured a wide range of technology companies, Universities and one of the world's most advanced fusion reactors. They visited National University in Seoul and KAIST (formerly the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), a public research university in Daejeon. They met Korean students of the same age and fields of study, and had a chance to discuss leading edge engineering solutions that Korean companies use to excel in the global technology research and manufacturing. The UBC's Go Global Exchange Program and UBC and SFU Engineering Co-op Programs were promoted to the Korean Universities and companies, respectively. The trip participants were students who came from a variety of backgrounds and interests: open-source software, biomedical imaging devices, communications, electronics, nanotechnology and semiconductors. Some were interested in pursuing graduate studies abroad and some hoping to work in Asia after graduation. Each participant found networking opportunities and parts of the trip relevant to their personal goals and interests.

A link to the photos from the trip: http://www.ubcieee.org/fieldtrip/photos/

At ICF Sep. 2014 Board meeting, ICF awarded a grant to a non-IEEE entity, Simon Fraser University (SFU) Capstone Engineering Science Project ENSC 440 for a 'SimpleHome' Wireless Home Automation System. This is a group project that consists of researching, designing, building and testing the hardware implementation of a working system. The system entailed household fixtures, such as light switch, blinds and power outlet, added to them a Wi-Fi connectivity, and intelligently automated their functions, while keeping these simple, efficient, inexpensive and secure. This is important for an expanding smart-home market and in-home assistive devices for the aging population. The SimpleHome was successfully designed and tested to communicate, via Wi-Fi, with the selected home fixtures but also, via Zigbee, with other existing smart-home devices. The project thus provided the proof-of-concept. The students handled the financial aspects of the project as well. In addition to the ICF grant, the SFU provided funding for unforeseen costs.

A presentation with more details is available at here.

IEEE Canada Vehicular Technologies Travel Grant Report

Md Jahidur Rahman, graduate student from University of British Columbia, supported in part with the ICF grant awarded in April this year, attended and presented two technical papers at the IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2015 in London, UK, June 8-12, 2015. At the conference, he also attended several technical symposia, workshops and panel discussions on topics related to the filed of his research. He reported that the feedback received on his research and meeting leading researchers from Academia and communication companies are very valuable for his future work.

Nov 2015

IEEE Canadian Foundation McNaughton Learning Resource Centre (MLRC) Grant

ICF provided an MLRC Grant to the IEEE Student Branch of Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Kitchener, Ontario for upgrading their McNaughton Learning Resource Centre. The Student Branch reported that, with additional financial assistance from other sources, the upgrade has been successfully implemented. They managed to purchase a 3D printer, Dremel and Dremel Drill press, and additional Dremel accessories, which will allow them to finish and modify the printed parts. They also acquired a four-channel oscilloscope, a DC power supply, a hot-air gun, and a soldering station, which enable students to work on more complex projects in their IEEE Innovation Lab, a.k.a. IEEE Makerspace. This upgrade widens learning opportunities provided by the McNaughton Centre and has led to a significant increase in the IEEE student membership at the College.

IEEE PES Scholarship Plus

The IEEE Power and Energy Society Scholarship Plus initiative helps prepare the next generation of power and energy engineers. The IEEE Canadian Foundation welcomes your personal or corporate donations in support of this initiative, which are held and distributed in Canada for the full benefit of Canadian recipients.

2015-16 Canadian Recipients:

Lianne de la Salle, University of Ottawa, 2017 (new)
Yilin Zhao, University of Calgary, 2017 (new)
Aagnik Pant, McGill University, 2019 (new)

Andrew Bonnell, Memorial University, 2016 (renewal)
Stephanie Gerbeau, McGill University, 2015 (renewal)
William Skinner, University of Calgary, 2017 (renewal)

Oct 2015

Special Grant Reports

At its September meeting, the IEEE Canadian Foundation Board of Directors approved the following Special Grants:

• A team of engineering students at Simon Fraser University to design and build a Wireless Home Automation System
• The Carleton University IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Student Branch Chapter to support student paper competition prizes at the 2016 IEEE International EMBS Student Conference being hosted by the Student Branch
• The IEEE Carleton University Student Branch to continue their successful Stay Late and Make
• The IEEE Carleton University Student Branch for an international Freescale Cup Competition

Sept 2015

Special Grant Reports

In Dec. 2014, IEEE Canadian Foundation provided a grant to the University of Laval Racing Vehicle Project. The University of Laval initiative to design a race car started in 1989 with the first prototype and it continues to date. Its mandate is to provide students from different disciplines with stimulating opportunities to enhance their skills. Student engineering competitions known as Formula Student are held annually. Student teams from around the world design, build, test, and race a small-scale formula style racing car. The ULaval Racing participated in three Formula Student competitions in Europe this summer: Formula Student Germany - Hockenheimring in Stuttgart, Formula Student Austria - RedBull Ring in Spielberg, and Formula Student Hungary - Port of Györ-Gönyü. In Austria, the ULaval Racing team finished their second competition on the 12th place overall. They received two prizes, one for the most innovative cooling system and the second place for the efficiency event.

Aug 2015

McNaughton Learning Resource Centre (MLRC) Grant

University of Manitoba IEEE Student Branch

In Dec. 2014, ICF provided an MLRC Grant to the University of Manitoba IEEE Student Branch for upgrading their McNaughton Learning Resource Centre. The Student Branch reported that, with additional financial assistance from other sources, the upgrade has been successfully implemented. They managed to add another lab workstation complete with oscilloscope, multimeter, power supply, hand tools, and a new soldering station. They also tripled the available work bench space in the facility. This upgrade widens learning opportunities provided by the McNaughton Centre to the students.

Pictures of the University of Manitoba IEEE McNaughton Centre can be seen at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n4vs3mzeim1ttk0/AADuMQfwI3in7iCg1ONoEelUa?oref=e&n=15866308

Université de Moncton IEEE Student Branch

The IEEE Student Branch of the Université de Moncton reported that an IEEE McNaughton Learning Resource Centre was successfully established at the Faculty of Engineering. The acquisition of the necessary equipment was made with the financial help of the ICF MLRC Grant and of the Faculty of Engineering, and has been used by the students. The Centre supports the participation of the students in their projects and competitions. The main project of the Student Branch was to build an autonomous vehicle and participate in the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC). They participated for the first time in IGVC 2015, held on June 5-8, 2015 at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and did really well.

Special Grant Reports

IEEE Canada Humanitarian Technology Conference

In Dec. 2014, ICF awarded an ICF Special Grant to the IEEE Canada Humanitarian Technology Conference (IHTC 2015, http://ihtc.ieee.ca). The IHTC reported that the conference was successfully held in Ottawa on May 31 - June 4, 2015. The ICF Special Grant was used to support awards for the best student papers at the IHTC conference. This year students had 22 presentations in the poster and oral sessions, which is a large increase from the last year. Three student papers and one poster were awarded.

Pictures from the IHTC 2015 conference are available at:

Université Laval Racing team

The Université Laval Racing team, which was awarded an ICF Special Grant in Dec. 2014, provided an interim progress report. On July 12, they organized a networking event to allow the supporters of their project to meet with the team and to see their vehicle in action. Their electric car was on its wheels at a University parking lot and worked as well as they hoped for.

July 2015

Special Grant Reports

In Dec. 2014, ICF agreed to provide a one-time Special Grant to the University of Laval Racing Vehicle Project. With their work at University done for the semester, the ULaval Racing team members are now in accelerated mode working on the assembly of their car. Their interim report reveals the work is progressing well and they expect to be able to start a test drive of the car in a few weeks. The team is getting prepared for the static events which are part of the Formula SAE Competition (student design competition organized by SAE International (previously known as the Society of Automotive Engineers), which started in 1978). More details can be found in their June newsletter at: http://www.formulesae.ulaval.ca/en/news.php?newsId=0011#0011

June 2015

2015 IEEE Canada Women in Engineering Prize - Samira A. Rahimi, IEEE Quebec Section

IEEE Canada Women in Engineering Prize for 2015 was awarded to Samira Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi of the IEEE Quebec Section. This prize in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to a female IEEE Canada member who received her first professional degree within the last ten years and who is active in IEEE activities.

Samira Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Université Laval in Quebec City, expected to graduate in 2016. Her research work involves application of data-driven methodologies for evidence-based healthcare decisions under risk and uncertainty to improve quality of care. The goal is to reduce waiting times and risk of death and injuries for patients in surgery wards of hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Her research interests include risk analysis, operations research applied to healthcare, medical decision making, quality control and reliability engineering, and computer simulations. Samira has published several research papers in journals and international conferences. She received her B.Sc. Degree in Industrial Engineering from Tabriz University, Iran, in 2011, and was directly admitted to Ph.D. program at Université Laval in 2012.

Among recognitions and awards that Samira received are: Ph.D. scholarship for 2014-2016 from Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, Quality Management System Internal Audit from TÜV Rheinland Academy in 2009, and awards in the National/Provincial Chemistry Olympiad in Iran in 2006 and in the Iranian National Science and Innovation Competition "Khwarizmi" in the field of chemistry in 2005. In addition, she has been very active in IEEE since 2012, formed IEEE Quebec City Section Women In Engineering affinity group at Université Laval, and organized a number of WIE activities.

May 2015

2015 Annual General Meeting

IEEE Canadian Foundation (ICF) held its 2015 Annual General Meeting, at the Delta Airport West, Toronto, on April 15, 2015. The Board supported by the external auditors, recognized 2014 as another good year for philanthropic activities, exemplified by prudent financial management, rigorous review of applications and broadening of development activity.

Special Grants

At the ICF Board of Directors Meeting which followed, the Board approved six one-time Special Grants, in the total amount of $5500, to:

• Queens University Mars Rover project
• University of Toronto 2015 International Conference for Upcoming Engineers (ICUE)
• University of Calgary for students to attend the 5th International Youth Conference on Energy in Pisa, Italy
• A Victoria, BC professional individual for high school students to participate in FTC World Robotics Competition in Sydney, Australia
• University of Manitoba satellite design and build project
• University of Waterloo for a nanorobotics design and build project

Scholarships

The ICF Board approved five Scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each (total $25,000) for:

• Maytham Sabbagh of Carleton University, nominated by Dr. Calvin Plett, Student Branch Counselor (SBC)
• Nathaly Arraiz Matute of Concordia University, nominated by Dr. Glenn Cowan, SBC
• Samira El-Rayyes of University of Ottawa, nominated by Dr. Shervin Shirmohammadi, SBC
• Matthew Eisler of University of Saskatchewan, nominated by Dr. Francis Bui, SBC
• Samantha Chin of University of British Columbia, nominated by Dr. Ali Mesbah, SBC

Endowed Grants

WIE

IEEE Canada Women in Engineering Prize for 2015 in the amount of $1000 was awarded to Samira Rahimi of the Quebec City Section.

The WIE scholarship eligibility applies to "All female IEEE Canada members who received their first professional degree within the last fifteen years and who are active in IEEE activities."

Power Quality

The 2015 IEEE Power Quality Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Yida Xu of the University of Calgary.

IEEE Vehicular Technology (VT) Travel Award

IEEE VT Travel Grant for 2015 in the amount of $1200 was awarded to Jahidur Rahman of University of British Columbia.

Apr 2015

Special Grants Report

Hardware Hackathon

The University of Toronto IEEE Student Branch organized a Hardware Hackathon On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. The competition, initially called Reverse Engineering, was modeled after popular software hackathons and was designed to promote electronic circuit design, troubleshooting and testing. The competition was a full-day event where teams of two members were asked to solve interesting hardware challenges and build each circuit from the scratch. This was a good opportunity for students to show off their hardware knowledge and strengthen their hands-on skills. The organizers provided all necessary equipment and components. Since the aim was a fair competition regardless of the participants' academic experience, the challenges were divided in three difficulty levels. The competitors were assisted with design milestones and other guidance as needed. As the design problems did not have a single solution, creative thinking was encouraged. The competition had 70 participants and they found the competition interesting, practical, and complementary to their academic studies. Many said they were intrigued by what they learned during the competition, and were planning to venture further into the field of electronics. In addition to the ICF funding, the organizers found other sponsors, such as Altera and Analog Devices, which was important for the overall success of the event.

2015 DIY Showcase

The IEEE Student Branch (SB) at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) partnered with the Foundation for Building Sustainable Communities (FBSC), which hosts annual events to encourage Do It Yourself, conservation and sustainability. The UOIT IEEE SB goal was to showcase technology for the benefit of humanity and to engage high school students interested in electrical and software engineering. The 2015 DIY Showcase entailed diverse makers ranging from technology to crafting and sustainability. The Maker Spaces, computer clubs, Durham Mechanical Engineering Society and other entities came together on Feb. 16, 2015 to share their experience at the Showcase. This was a free event, open to the public to learn first hand about the IEEE and its mission. It was very useful for networking and building collaborations. In spite of the very cold weather of -35 C (with the windchill factored in), there were 70 participants, 9 organizers, 36 exhibitors with their booths, and over 200 attendees of the Showcase. Enthusiastic families with small children were fascinated in particular with the electronics woven throughout the event from Wearable Computing, Makie Makie, humanitarian technology demonstrations to mobile applications. Special recognition of the Durham College Mechanical Engineering Students and Maker Junior for having the most engaging exhibitors demonstrated the true spirit of sharing knowledge. The ICF grant was critical for the UOIT IEEE SB participation in the event and its success.

ICF links of interest

IEEE McNaughton Learning Resource Centres by Date of Formation

http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/cnt_yr.php

IEEE Canadian Foundation Special Grants Awarded by Year

http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/sp_yr.php

IEEE McNaughton Learning Resource Centre Grants Awarded by Year

http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/lrc_yr.php

IEEE Student Branches at Canadian Universities and Colleges

http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/branches.php

You Can Make a Difference - Donations to ICF by IEEE annual membership renewal

The IEEE Canadian Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the IEEE in Canada, is happy to accept your contributions when you renew your IEEE membership in the fall each year.

Just select the IEEE Canadian Foundation as your choice when you complete your annual IEEE membership renewal form (paper or web version).

Please note that this method enables you to make a contribution to the IEEE Canadian Foundation General Fund only. To make a contribution to one or more of our other funds, please consider donating online or donating by mail.

If you are a Canadian IEEE Life Member and wish to participate in our Canadian Life Member Fund "Thank You" program, please view this web page.

A Volunteer-Webmaster Needed for IEEE Canadian Foundation

The IEEE Canadian Foundation (ICF) is seeking a volunteer to maintain its bilingual website (http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org). He/she will be part of a small committee whose duties include posting ICF meeting information and other related material, and coordinating French translation with the volunteer(s) handling that task. Some proficiency in French would be helpful/of value.

Experienced/knowledgeable and interested volunteers, please contact: John Mowbray, ICF Nominations Committee, John.Mowbray@ieee.org

Webmestre bénévole recherché par la Fondation Canadienne de l'IEEE

La Fondation canadienne de l'IEEE est à la recherche d'un ou d'une bénévole pour maintenir son site Web bilingue (http://ieeecanadianfoundation.org). Cette personne fera partie d'un petit comité chargé notamment d'annoncer l'information sur les réunions de la Fondation, de diffuser les documents connexes et de coordonner les travaux de traduction vers le français auprès des traducteurs bénévoles. Une connaissance du français serait utile et appréciée.

Les bénévoles compétents et expérimentés qui désirent occuper cette fonction sont priés de communiquer avec: John Mowbray, Comité des nominations de la Fondation canadienne de l'IEEE, John.Mowbray@ieee.org