Attend a NEM Ontario Event

March is National Engineering Month. With 5 weeks of premium content designed specifically for the engineering community, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn, grow & thrive – together.

All NEM Ontario events are free to attend and this year’s events are a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid. Show your support and attend as many events as you can. Sign up for a panel discussion, skill-building workshop or networking event by clicking on a date below.

Filter Events

Legend

In Person
Online
Hybrid

Week 1

The P.Eng. Designation

Wed

01

The Future of the Engineering Degree
Event Details +

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

The Future of the Engineering Degree

Join Ontario’s Engineering Community at the National Engineering Month kick-off event! This event, hosted live at the Ontario Science Centre, will gather senior faculty from leading colleges and universities to discuss the future of the engineering degree. How are engineering educators are preparing the next generation of engineering leaders? How are academic institutions future-proofing engineering degrees to ensure the degree remains relevant, respected, and valued? What are they doing to create more opportunities for future generations to become Professional Engineers? Find out at this exciting event.

View the Livestream 

Hybrid
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 180 minutes
Event Leader OSPE
Theme The P.Eng. Designation

Thu

02

Signed, Sealed & Delivered – The Front Lines of Engineering Practice
Path to Licensure in Ontario
Event Details +

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Signed, Sealed & Delivered – The Front Lines of Engineering Practice

This is a panel session that will provide insight into the world of consulting engineering – the activities of professional engineers who accept accountability by signing and applying their professional engineering seals to their work. Consulting engineering firms work at arm’s length from their clients and provide advice, design services, review of construction, contract administration, and other engineering services. Consulting engineers operate at the leading edge of engineering practice – they are the most visible of engineering practitioners and are responsible for the planning and design of much of the infrastructure in the province – from highways and bridges, to water supply and wastewater treatment, to schools and hospitals, consulting engineering work cuts across all engineering disciplines. The intent is to provide engineering students and engineering graduates with a glimpse into this world and the career opportunities that exist within consulting engineering firms. Panelists will include representatives from three consulting engineering firms – from small, local service providers to large multinational firms. There is significant demand for professional engineers within consulting engineering firms and it is hoped that the panel session will spark interest in consulting engineering as a career.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Bruce Matthews
Theme Lifelong Learning

Path to Licensure in Ontario

This 60-minute session is designed to empower and inspire the next generation of Black engineers by addressing roadblocks to licensure for internationally trained immigrants, black engineering graduates, and professionals. Our speakers are well-equipped to address all concerns about becoming a licensed Engineer. This session will cover questions relating to:

  • How to apply to become a Professional Engineer in Ontario?
  • How PEO evaluates international engineering education?
  • What is the NPPE (National Professional Practice Exam)?
  • What related engineering experience PEO is looking for?
  • How to prepare an Experience Record?
  • What is the EIT Program? Participants can also look forward to having their questions answered by the speakers in a Q&A session that will take place during the event.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Iretomiwa Olukiyesi
Theme Lifelong Learning

Sun

05

Canada’s Nuclear Story
Event Details +

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Canada’s Nuclear Story

My PowerPoint presentation, which has evolved over 10+ years, introduces the history of Canada’s nuclear science and technology, as well as the current status and where we are headed. It begins by asking why we should study nuclear (or technical) history, and then covers Canada’s history from Ernest Rutherford, through the founding years of the “Tube Alloys” project and the Montreal laboratory, through the development of research and CANDU power reactors, to the current refurbishments and future Small Modular Reactors. Not only is Canada’s nuclear story fascinating, but it also provides examples of why we should study history; As my final slide states, “Welcome to the future … while learning from the past”.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Morgan Brown
Theme Lifelong Learning

Week 2

Lifelong Learning

Mon

06

Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng, Climate Crisis Chair Shares How Engineers Fight the Climate Crisis
ROOT & STEM
Event Details +

Monday, March 6, 2023

Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng, Climate Crisis Chair Shares How Engineers Fight the Climate Crisis

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has a network of engineers that have solutions to global issues and the climate crisis is one of them. The affects of the climate crisis is seen globally, through natural disasters, ecosystem disruptions and more. The members of our Climate Crisis task force, formed in 2022, volunteer their engineering talents to collaborate on multiple initiatives that aim to create more sustainable practices within the province. Join OSPE President, Dr. Marilyn Powers, and our Climate Crisis Chair, Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng, in a conversation on what the task force is doing and how you can be involved.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader OPSE

The event focuses on a paradigm shift from traditional engineering practices to nature-inclusive climate adaptive ones. We introduce the concept and its place within engineering profession. We will also be talking about the importance of including nature-based STEM in early education through a transdisciplinary decentralize approach.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Negin Ficzkowski
Theme Lifelong Learning

Tue

07

Lifelong Learning in an Engineer’s Career
Peterborough Bridge to Engineering
Leading Transformation through Learning
Creativity in Design – Understanding 3D Printing
Event Details +

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Lifelong Learning in an Engineer’s Career

Our event will be a panel discussion followed by a networking session. The panel discussion will consist of McMaster community leaders and industry professionals discussing a wide variety of topics with particular emphasis on how students can create local and global impacts in their communities through engineering. There will be a particular focus with regards to discussion of the theme of “Lifelong Learning”, as this is a popular topic within the McMaster Engineering community. Leading up to the event, there will be a coordinated social media campaign spotlighting engineering projects from students within the faculty.

In Person
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Isra Zahid
Theme Lifelong Learning

Peterborough Bridge to Engineering

High school students in from Peterborough County will meet at the Healthy Planet Building and compete to design, budget, build and test a real world problem of creating a span bridge

In Person
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Diane Northey
Theme Lifelong Learning

Leading Transformation through Learning

Learning can be a way to enhance your career, but it can also help to change the culture of an organization. Join panelists from Canada Post’s Engineering and Health & Safety teams as they discuss the impact of lifelong learning on building their careers, modifying their mindsets, and leading transformation at Canada’s largest Crown corporation.

Online
Time 3:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Hannah Keating
Theme Lifelong Learning

Creativity in Design – Understanding 3D Printing

The course content will delve into the practical application of design thinking skills around additive manufacturing. Course participants will take a 3d design from virtual stages to practical while being exposed to 3d printing, Cricut and other manufacturing engineering advanced technologies.

In Person
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Stephanie Thompson
Theme Lifelong Learning

Wed

08

Beyond Engineering – The skills needed to navigate technical change
International Women’s Day Panel Luncheon
Integration of internationally trained engineering professionals into the local labour market
Camp Engies Cyber Edition
Explore Career in STEM Night
Recognizing Excellence
Humber College Champions Women in STEM
Event Details +

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Beyond Engineering – The skills needed to navigate technical change

In our rapidly changing world, technical innovation and solutions play a critical role and while technical expertise is important, it is not enough. To help organizations navigate this transition engineers need to develop skills that will complement and support their engineering knowledge including sales techniques, stakeholder management, presentation and story-telling, and strategies for effective change management.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Jay Mullin
Theme The P.Eng. Designation

International Women’s Day Panel Luncheon

The Association for Women in the Metals Industries Toronto Chapter is hosting a Panel Luncheon with women who are leaders in their field. The panel will focus on the Leaders’ education and early careers (including engineering), how they navigated their way to the success they’ve achieved, and how the audience can support each other in their own journeys.

In Person
Time 11:30 am ET
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Event Leader Stephanie Holko
Theme 2 - Lifelong Learning

Integration of internationally trained engineering professionals into the local labour market

Job searching for internationally trained engineering professionals is always a multifaceted challenge: foreign credential recognition, knowledge of the local codes & standards, career road maps, industry connections, and above all the professional licensing process. The best way to encounter these challenges is to be aware of them and have a work plan. Getting a job is the number one priority for newcomers, which is why familiarizing themselves with various job search techniques, local engineering standards, labour market trends, and connecting with prospective employers and professionals could produce a meaningful outcome faster.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Rezaul Helali
Theme Lifelong Learning

Camp Engies Cyber Edition

The Camp Engies Team wants all Canadian girls to know there is a place for them in engineering, whether they are creative, curious, math-inclined, tech-savvy, problem-solvers, or dreamers! As our world becomes digitalized and computer-powered, we require our children, our future workforce, to be educated and trained. Whether you are in Baker Lake, Nunavut or Toronto, Ontario, there is a place for you in engineering in our rapidly changing world!

Online
Time 5:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Cassondra Fonesca
Theme Lifelong Learning

Explore Career in STEM Night

Explore Career in STEM Night is an event focusing on current and prospective applicants to the Engineering programs at Centennial College. The event will focus on exploring opportunities in STEM, discuss eligibility and pathways and inform about the support we have in place to ensure student success. We will have a keynote message from the Dean of the School and the opportunity to allow the applicants to network.

In Person
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Alex Araujo
Theme Lifelong Learning

Recognizing Excellence

The Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education is a registered charity that provides 106 scholarships annually ($159,000 in funding) to engineering undergraduates at the 16 accredited engineering schools in the province. 

Please join us on March 8 as we bring to the virtual stage our 2022-2023 scholarship recipients AND five panelists who will share where their engineering degrees have taken them and how they embrace lifelong learning.

Panelists include:

Lisa De Angelis, RPP, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering & Asset Management of Civil Infrastructure, Metrolinx

Cory Jones, P.Eng., President, Neegan Burside

Kibret Mequanint Ph.D, P.Eng., FEAS, FCAE, FAIMBE, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Western Ontario

Emily Pepper, BASc., MA, Consultant, Arup

Anik Masfiqur Rahman, P.Eng., PMP®, Energy Markets Coordinator, Ontario Power Generation

To find out more about the Foundation or to donate to Ontario’s future engineers, please visit our website – www.engineersfoundation.ca

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Saskia Martini-Wong
Theme Lifelong Learning

Humber College Champions Women in STEM

A panel of fearless women and supportive men will share their authentic stories and how there is strength in our differences to bring innovation, productivity, and pride to a more elastic workforce. Join us as we inspire, connect and empower participants to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day.

Panelists include:

Dr. Gina Antonacci
Senior Vice President, Academic, Humber College

Dr. Shaun Ghafari, P.Eng.
Associate Dean, Advanced Manufacturing, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), Humber College

Corey Meunier
Chair, Technology & Skilled Trades, Sault College

Firoozeh Khalily
Vice President, National Field Operations, Rogers Communications

Muktha Tumkur, P.Eng.
Executive Director, Technology Accreditation Canada

Dr. Martine Spinks, MSc, BA
Associate Dean, Design & Built Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), Humber College (moderator)

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Jennifer
Theme Lifelong Learning

Thu

09

Operating Ontario’s Power System Today and Tomorrow
Extracting EV Battery Minerals from Mine Waste by Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, Interim Executive Director, Goodman School of Mines, Laurentian University
Meet the TELUS engineers and technology professionals that are envisioning what the future holds, and building technologies that enhance their customers’ lives
Earthbag home design workshop
Imposter Syndrome Workshop
Event Details +

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Operating Ontario’s Power System Today and Tomorrow

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the heart of Ontario’s power system. The IESO delivers key services across the electricity sector including: managing the power system in real-time, planning for the province’s future energy needs, enabling conservation and designing a more efficient electricity marketplace to support sector evolution. This session will provide insight into what goes into planning and operating the Ontario’s power system behind the scene. It will give the participants an opportunity to understand the generation resources in Ontario.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Muhammad Idrees
Theme Lifelong Learning

Extracting EV Battery Minerals from Mine Waste by Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, Interim Executive Director, Goodman School of Mines, Laurentian University

We will hold a mini-conference to inform post-secondary students, the community, and youth about research, careers and associated post-secondary programs that contribute to the development of batteries for electric vehicles. The 1/2 day event is hybrid (in-person and virtual) and will be open to interested high-school classes and the public. Speakers will include professionals from the exploration and mining industry as well as researchers and professors from the local university & colleges.

Hybrid
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Nicole Tardif
Theme Lifelong Learning

Meet the TELUS engineers and technology professionals that are envisioning what the future holds, and building technologies that enhance their customers’ lives

Join this virtual fireside chat featuring some of TELUS’ superstar technology and engineering talent who will be discussing their engineering journeys, and the innovative work they are engaged in to build remarkable outcomes for Canadians. This all-female panel will also share their perspectives as women in technology, highlighting inspirations, opportunities and challenges. 

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Niketa Saini
Theme Lifelong Learning

Earthbag home design workshop

Our event is an educational session and design workshop for earthbag housing, an affordable and sustainable building method with many applications. The event will begin with an introduction to humanitarian engineering and how the attendees can hone their technical expertise to benefit problems they are passionate about. Students and young professionals are encouraged to lifelong learning by considering their own lived experience, values, and real world problems they want to get more familiar with.

Online
Time 3:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Scarlett Minshull
Theme Lifelong Learning

Imposter Syndrome Workshop

This event will be a workshop on overcoming imposter syndrome. It is intended to educate engineering students on what imposter syndrome is, and provide some strategies and tools for overcoming it. We will have guided, open discussions among peers, as well as advice from engineering graduates and mental health professionals. It will be an interactive and informative session, likely taking place over a total of 3 hours. Imposter syndrome can affect young engineers in both professional and academic situations, and learning effective strategies for coping with it is beneficial to all.

Hybrid
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Gavin O'Connor
Theme Lifelong Learning

Fri

10

Pitch Perfect: Refining Your Interview Skills
Diriger la transformation par l’apprentissage
Peterborough Bridge to Engineering – Second
Managing Digital Transformation – Become a Leader in Digital Change
Event Details +

Friday, March 10, 2023

Pitch Perfect: Refining Your Interview Skills

So, you’re ready to break into the working world. You have your degree/diploma in hand, your theories mastered, and foundational knowledge of industry tools. There’s just one problem – in a sea of qualified candidates, you want to stand out. In this virtual panel, you’ll hear from experienced recruitment and engineering professionals as they explore what makes a great interview, common taboos, and tips and tricks to help you make your pitch perfect. The panel will be followed by an open Q and A period where you can pose your burning questions about the consulting industry and how to make your mark. Participants will also receive exclusive access to register for a post-event, real-time resume review session with a Human Resources or engineering professional.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Aurrey Drake
Theme Lifelong Learning

Diriger la transformation par l’apprentissage

L’apprentissage peut vous permettre d’avancer votre carrière, mais il peut également vous aider à changer la culture d’une organisation. Joignez-vous à nos panélistes des équipes d’ingénierie et santé & sécurité de Postes Canada pour discuter de l’impact de l’apprentissage continu sur l’évolution de leur carrière, la modification de leur perspective et l’entreprise de transformation au sein de la plus grande société d’État du Canada.

Online
Time 10:30 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Virginie Tremblay
Theme Lifelong Learning

Peterborough Bridge to Engineering – Second

High school students in from Peterborough County will meet at the Healthy Planet Building and compete to design, budget, build and test a real world problem of creating a span bridge

In Person
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Diane Northey
Theme Lifelong Learning

Managing Digital Transformation – Become a Leader in Digital Change

Join Peter Carr (PhD, PL. Eng) to learn about the impact of digital transformation in organizations today. This session is designed for individuals who influence, lead, or practice digital transformation in their workplace, including project managers and business leaders. In this free info session on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 12 – 1 p.m. ET, you’ll learn about: -The impact of industry 4.0 technologies in various industries.

  • How companies are adopting new technologies.
  • The challenges organizations face while implementing digital transformation.
  • How to manage successful digital transformation in your company. You’ll also learn about WatSPEED’s Digital Transformation certificate program, created in partnership with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). Plus, at the end of the session, ask questions and speak directly with Peter Carr, PhD. This event is hosted in collaboration with OSPE.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader WatSPEED
Theme Lifelong Learning

Sat

11

Finding ways to reduce hunger in the city
Event Details +

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Finding ways to reduce hunger in the city

This event, aims to help connect students with the two important challenges of hunger and food wastage in urban cities in Canada. The aim is to introduce engineers with the type of challenges they could face outside of the ordinary field of engineering and learn how this discipline could allow them to use transferable skills to tackle social and economical challenges outside of their field of work. Through this challenge, participants would first receive a briefing on the problem of hunger among the people in need, and be familiarized with the wastage of food that takes place in grocery store. They will be later invited to identify major stakeholders in these field of work and brainstorm ideas for identifying solutions around this problem. At the final stage of the challenge, a practical solution would be chosen and carried forward as a group.

In Person
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Amin Azad
Theme Lifelong Learning

Week 3

Spotlight on the Engineering Student Challenge

Mon

13

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 1
Research and Innovation Task Force (RITF) Chair, Beatrice Sze, P.Eng, Shares the Latest and Greatest From the Task Force
Event Details +

Monday, March 13, 2023

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 1

During the week of March Break, OSPE will be in attendance at the CN Tower hosting a booth with engineering activities for kids. This is a great opportunity to utilize your March Break and see the fun activities we have to offer

In Person
Time 12:00 am ET
Duration All Day minutes
Event Leader OSPE
Theme Lifelong Learning

Research and Innovation Task Force (RITF) Chair, Beatrice Sze, P.Eng, Shares the Latest and Greatest From the Task Force

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has a network of engineers that are the minds behind impressive concepts and innovations. Research and innovation is vital in every engineering discipline; innovation is what powers our daily lives and thoughtful research drives brilliance. Our Research and Innovation Task Force (RITF) focuses their volunteered time on initiatives that research regulations, national innovations and other concepts that support provincial economic and environmental goals. Join OSPE CEO, Sandro Perruzza and our RITF Chair, Beatrice Sze, P.Eng, in a conversation on what the task force is focusing on and how you can be involved.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader OPSE

Tue

14

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 2
Event Details +

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 2

During the week of March Break, OSPE will be in attendance at the CN Tower hosting a booth with engineering activities for kids. This is a great opportunity to utilize your March Break and see the fun activities we have to offer

In Person
Time 12:00 am ET
Duration All Day minutes
Event Leader OSPE
Theme Lifelong Learning

Wed

15

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 3
Engineering the Future
Event Details +

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 3

During the week of March Break, OSPE will be in attendance at the CN Tower hosting a booth with engineering activities for kids. This is a great opportunity to utilize your March Break and see the fun activities we have to offer

In Person
Time 12:00 am ET
Duration All Day minutes
Event Leader OSPE
Theme Lifelong Learning

Engineering the Future

hEr VOLUTION will host a virtual speed networking event where participants from across Ontario will have the opportunity to meet professionals with various engineering backgrounds such as forensics engineers, mechanical engineers, engineers from mining industries to name a few. hEr VOLUTION will host this event starting with a panel where the speakers have the opportunity to introduce themselves. After the panel we will host virtual breakout rooms for each speaker and will rotate participants giving them the opportunity to ask each professional more questions about their careers and the journey that they took to get them there.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Doina Oncel
Theme Student Spotlight Challenge

Thu

16

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 4
A Head Start for International Students in Engineering 
Event Details +

Thursday, March 16, 2023

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 4

During the week of March Break, OSPE will be in attendance at the CN Tower hosting a booth with engineering activities for kids. This is a great opportunity to utilize your March Break and see the fun activities we have to offer

In Person
Time 12:00 am ET
Duration All Day minutes
Event Leader OSPE

A Head Start for International Students in Engineering 

My event will focus on international students in engineering. It will address blind spots they face in learning and career advancements due to change in culture and environment. This event will focus on highlighting issues they might face during and after their engineering program and how they can tackle it. It will focus on giving them the tools and ideas on how they can put their best foot forward to give themselves a head start to their engineering profession. It will also address the importance of co-op and internships, the effects of immigration on their engineering study and career and answer their pressing questions they currently face. At this event, I would like to bring in 1 or 2 successful engineering professionals who were international students and spark further dialogue on the topics raised.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Vanessa Takim-Ndifon
Theme Student Spotlight Challenge

Fri

17

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 5
Event Details +

Friday, March 17, 2023

OSPE at CN Tower – Day 5

During the week of March Break, OSPE will be in attendance at the CN Tower hosting a booth with engineering activities for kids. This is a great opportunity to utilize your March Break and see the fun activities we have to offer

In Person
Time 12:00 am ET
Duration All Day minutes
Event Leader OSPE
Theme Lifelong Learning

Sat

18

Transportation Engineering Consulting Challenge
Event Details +

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Transportation Engineering Consulting Challenge

Our event will be a design-a-thon in the style of a consulting challenge. Competitors will be able to register in teams for the event, finding out about the specific details of the challenge on the day of. It will be a one-day challenge, focusing on a prompt related to the in-progress Hamilton LRT and its integration with the rest of the HSR (Hamilton Street Rail) network. The start of the event will go over the topic, resources available (specifically GIS data available from the Open Data Hamilton website), and expectations for final deliverables. There will then be a tutorial session for all relevant software (very likely QGIS among others). The lessons will be beginner friendly to encourage participation from competitors of all academic backgrounds and abilities. Following that, several hours will be made available for competitors to complete the consulting challenge, presentations and judging taking place afterwards. With help from local engineering chapters, we hope to have working professionals on our judging panel. Top ranked teams will be given prize money and certificates.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Olivia Wiper
Theme Student Spotlight Challenge

Sun

19

Green Solutions To Urban and Rural Agricultural Farming
Event Details +

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Green Solutions To Urban and Rural Agricultural Farming

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is the only characteristic that is not changing. For this event, our goal is to invite speakers to educate students/faculty, and esteemed professionals about the social and environmental benefits of city farming. The importance of city farming is becoming more apparent, as food sovereignty is becoming more of a necessity in dense urban areas. Speakers from environmental, engineering, NGOs, businesses and city farmers will be invited to present and discuss their experience and knowledge of city farming and tackling the issue of food sovereignty from different fields.

Hybrid
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Syed Rizvi
Theme EDI

Week 4

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Mon

20

Building Sustainably: Sustainable Cities Task Force Chair, Carl Bodimeade, P.Eng, Shares On The Latest Task Force Projects
Up4 The Challenge – STEM Design Challenge for Educators
Event Details +

Monday, March 20, 2023

Building Sustainably: Sustainable Cities Task Force Chair, Carl Bodimeade, P.Eng, Shares On The Latest Task Force Projects

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has a network of engineers that explore the intersections of environment and infrastructure. There are lucrative and life sustaining opportunities within the province that must be explored in order to create the best possible circumstance for Ontarians. Our Sustainable Cities Task Force members volunteer their time to explore various possibilities that aim to protect our resources while elevating our economic portfolio. Join OSPE CEO, Sandro Perruzza and our Sustainable Cities Chair, Carl Bodimeade, P.Eng, in a conversation on what the task force is focusing on and how you can be involved.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
Theme OSPE

Up4 The Challenge – STEM Design Challenge for Educators

We will provide attendees an opportunity to participate in an interactive Life Centred Design workshop that puts humans and the natural world at the centre of design. We will encourage collaborative and creative problem-solving, connecting solutions to the engineering principles that are needed to implement them. Participants will be challenged to address a specific social issue related to climate change. The event will not only foster empathy, which is a skill needed to help individuals navigate a rapidly changing world, but will also highlight how engineering can solve problems that may not necessarily appear to have a technological solution or be ‘engineering problems’ in nature. Our event will be designed as a 90-minute workshop for up to 40 participants. The session will be led by several experienced facilitators and our participants will be encouraged to contribute to discussions and activities using Google Slides and other interactive online tools.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Andrea Hemmerich
Theme EDI

Tue

21

EDI in Research and Education
The Transformational Power of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Event Details +

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

EDI in Research and Education

This event will be a panel of experts from uOttawa and guests on EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) in Research and Education. Students, alumni and industry partners will learn more about some challenges, initiatives and best practices regarding EDI applied to Research and Education.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Eliyane Cayen
Theme EDI

The Transformational Power of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This interactive event on ‘Transformational power of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’ with dynamic speakers will be led by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT) at Durham College. The event will boost awareness among event attendees in terms of being informed about the benefits of practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in a workplace as speakers will include those who will share insights through a lived experience lens. Furthermore, the session will allow the event attendees an excellent opportunity to deepen knowledge and skills as discussions are pivotal to learning about a topic from various perspectives. Expert speakers will share insights and professional perspectives on the vital topic of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to a range of audience. Attending the interactive session with experts in the field will be of great help to the audience in their careers and to enable them to reinvent themselves in a rapidly changing milieu.

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Maryam Irshad
Theme EDI

Wed

22

The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors
Visit WindEEE Research Facility
Women Impact in Technology and Innovation
Event Details +

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors

WinSETT Centre will host and facilitate a virtual community learning event marketed to the engineering community in Ontario. The event will provide a chance for women in engineering to connect with other women in engineering across the province, as well as some allies, reflect on their shared experiences, give each other a little well-deserved encouragement and support and grow their understanding of the importance of mentors and sponsors. Women can often find themselves as ‘others’ in predominantly male-led workforces, affecting everything from morale to career advancement. This session will discuss the practices of mentorship and sponsorship and how participant’s careers can benefit. WinSETT will help participants develop an understanding of difference between mentorship and sponsorship and how to connect and build a network of professional support.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Carrie Vos
Theme EDI

Visit WindEEE Research Facility

The Wind Engineering, Energy and Environment Research Facility (WindEEE RF) is a specialized suite of infrastructure comprised of: the WindEEE Dome, the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory and the Three Little Pigs; Industry Serviced: Civil engineering and architecture; Insurance; Utilities; Environmental technologies; Policy and governance; Aerospace; Automotive; Forestry and forest-based industries; Manufacturing and processing. With an extensive user base averaging 300 annually across Canada and 150 internationally, the distributed facility helps users experiment in all research areas of wind engineering, energy, and the environment. Our Mission: Make global contributions to building resilience and sustainable communities through multidisciplinary research, innovation, and education of highly qualified personnel.

Location & Direction: Contact – WindEEE Research Facility

2535 Advanced Avenue, London, Ontario, N6M 0E2
Tel: (519) 661-2111 ext. 89143

Event Leaders: Dr. Girma Bitsuamlak & Tristan Cormier, R&D Engineer; Tel: (519) 661-2111 ext. 89143 & NEM OSPE-PEO London Chapter contact: George Biljan, P. Eng., (gjbiljan@gmail.com); phone: 519-518-4388. 

In Person
Time 3:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Dr. Girma Bitsuamlak & Tristan Cormier, R&D Engineer

Women Impact in Technology and Innovation

This event is welcoming attendees from diverse backgrounds, diverse interests, and diverse careers to engage and inspire them towards building a narrative of the future together. Our student chapter is a branch of the Women division of Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), which is mandated to engage, inspire and connect women and underrepresented communities in computing science as well as other engineering and tech-related fields. We are driven to promote EDI values in the University and in the community, supporting women and underrepresented groups in their learning, networking, and career development needs. Students, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, or people who seek to reskill themselves are welcome to this event since they will find a great range of learning opportunities. There will be invited speakers who will present topics on women entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in tech, health since, autonomous vehicles and rising tech ecosystem in Kanata North, Ontario. There will also be a panel with women PhD students from our university in technology related fields sharing their experiences as women in tech and sharing their goals for after graduation.

In Person
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Cicek Simsek Didem
Theme EDI

Thu

23

I belong, sense of belonging in engineering students with a focus on women and visible minorities
5-Minute Thesis: What Inspired You?
Visit Steelway Building Systems
NEM: Connecting and Creating Community
Event Details +

Thursday, March 23, 2023

I belong, sense of belonging in engineering students with a focus on women and visible minorities

The event will focus on the results from a survey of uOttawa engineering students which investigates students sense of belonging (There are ~ 30 questions which focus on how factors like gender, cultural background and discipline of study impact students feeling of belonging in engineering). The survey was developed by Leah Kristufek with support from Dr. Mavriplis who previously held the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering from 2011 to 2021. This event would expand on the results presenting a more nuanced discussion. The focus is on education about factors which influence success of students from different groups and to have discussion which will lead to a more inclusive educational environment that will hopefully carry through into industry.

Hybrid
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Leah Kristufek
Theme Engineers & Politics

5-Minute Thesis: What Inspired You?

In partnership with National Engineering Month, the CNSC WISTEM Initiative presents the speed networking event: “WISTEM 5MT (5 Minute Thesis) – What inspired you? Five incredible women in science and engineering offer a glimpse into the rewarding, challenging, and often times unconventional career paths that brought them to where they are today. It is an opportunity for students, professionals, and anyone reflecting on their career to see the potential that exists when you pursue STEM.



Online
Time 1:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Diana Moscu and the WISTEM Network
Theme EDI

Visit Steelway Building Systems

Steelway is the Leading Canadian Manufacturer of Steel Building Systems. Founded in 1976, Steelway is the manufacturer of customized steel building solutions. Our primary focus is fostering & maintaining positive long-term relationships with our clients, employees, suppliers, and the community where we work and live. With customizable solutions and in-depth knowledge of industry standards, Steelway’s full-service design and manufacturing facilities have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life.

Located at: 7825 Springwater Road, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R4

Steelway Contact:    Ahmad Mazed / ahmad.mazed@steelway.com / 

OSPE/PEO Contact: Amer Sabsabi amer.sabsabi12@gmail.com/

or George Biljan, P. Eng., London gjbiljan@gmail.com; phone: 519-518-4388

In Person
Time 2:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Steelway Building Systems
Led by Amer Sabsabi
Theme OSPE

NEM: Connecting and Creating Community

At SWE Toronto, we know that when it comes to challenges and obstacles one of the greatest tools that we have is knowing we are not alone and finding connections that can help us face them. SWEsters and non-SWEsters, come join us for an evening of connecting, networking, and learning at our National Engineering Month Event on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023.

SWE Toronto is partnering with OSPE for National Engineering Month and we are excited to return IN-PERSON.

Join us for another Q&A Style event at the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management with speakers joining us to discuss the topics:

  • Careers you haven’t thought of,
  • Mentorship
  • Managing conflicts in the workplace
  • Work-Life Balance
  • MBAs – Is it worth it? Should we do it?

At SWE Toronto’s NEM 2023, you will have the opportunity to engage in two sessions on two different topics. Followed by a networking session with food and beverages. 

See our linked in page for information on the panelists! (1) Society of Women Engineers Toronto: Posts | LinkedIn

In Person
Time 6:30 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Amanda Rochon
Theme EDI

Fri

24

Facilitating risk-based decisions on projects: Considering a project risk management career path
NEM Engineering Competition
Bridge Building Competition
Event Details +

Friday, March 24, 2023

Facilitating risk-based decisions on projects: Considering a project risk management career path

The risk management field is fast-growing, and is a rewarding and engaging career path. Risk managers play a variety of roles within an organization, helping businesses to identify, address and mitigate opportunities and threats that affect their objectives. One of the most common role is project risk manager. The duties of this role focus on modelling project cost and schedule risk, assessing how changes in market conditions, regulations and other factors might affect project decisions, and developing mitigation plans to increase the likelihood of project success. Join Camelia Bucur, Global Director of Risk Management at Hatch for a conversation on the role project risk management and how it can be a career path for you.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Hatch
Led by Camelia Bucur & Hatch HR staff
Theme EDI

NEM Engineering Competition

We are planning to run a month-long engineering competition for engineering students to compete in. This is similar to OEC and CEC but over a longer period of time with fewer restrictions. The competitors will be given access to the problem statement at the beginning of the month and they will be given 4 weeks to come up with a solution. In these 4 weeks, they must build a physical prototype of their solution and create a well-rounded presentation explaining it. Competitors will be provided with a real physical budget to purchase materials to build their design which they will be reimbursed for provided they keep the receipts. At the end of the month, the presentations will all be held on the same day and judges will decide the winner. That evening we will hold a showcase event where competitors can show off their designs to the public and connect with industry professionals. The focus of this event is to give students an opportunity to gain experience similar to what it would be like working in the industry and give them valuable experience to add to their resumes. We are hoping to partner with local engineering firms to provide competitors with more resources and better feedback after the competition.

In Person
Time 2:00 pm ET
Duration 240 minutes
Event Leader Ahmad Obeid
Theme Spotlight on University Challenge

Bridge Building Competition

We are planning to host a bridge-building competition with Earl Haig Secondary School to promote inclusive engineering to grade 9-12 students. Earl Haig is the biggest secondary school in the TDSB and we want to demonstrate the diversity in engineering through team-work. This event will bring life-long learning skills as students will be requested to problem solve with one-another and consult with PEO Willowdale/Thornhill volunteers if they have any questions. The PEO Willowdale/Thornhill members will include EITs, females, minority group engineers, and be representative of our community, so that we put an image to show how race or class or background does not inhibit one from being engineers. We want our grade 9 and 12 students to know there are other professional engineers who look like them. We hope that this bridge-building event will help them navigate their careers as we will have a question-and-answer period with multiple disciplines from civil, biomed, electrical, industrial, mechanical, robotics, geotechnical, and other fields. This question and answer period will also be adjusted for those students who are shy as we will provide the email addresses of our volunteers for the students to ask questions. As well, we hope the bridge-building competition helps the students to reinvent themselves by learning new de-escalation techniques when they encounter problems with the structure. We hope this applied session will translate to how team-work can help stabilize engineering scenarios and help identify potential errors to mitigate any harm to public safety.

Located at Thornhill Community Centre & Library – 7755 Bayview Avenue, Markham, ON, L3T 4P1

In Person
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Karen Natalie Penaranda
Theme Lifelong Learning

Sat

25

Engineering might be a career path for you — let’s try it at Brock
Bridging the Gap Between Inequality
Event Details +

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Engineering might be a career path for you — let’s try it at Brock

Come to join us! Listen to diverse background speakers talk about Engineering, various career paths, and tips to be successful. Most importantly, let us play with Robots, make new friends, and have fun. 

In Person
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Shengrong Bu
Theme Spotlight on University Challenge

Bridging the Gap Between Inequality

Attendees will be randomly assigned a group corresponding to a box of building materials. They will be challenged to build a bridge, meeting certain criteria, with the materials given but each box will contain different materials. Some materials will be more challenging to use than others and this will represent inequalities. A brief presentation will be given to highlight the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Overall, the event will aim to educate and remind attendees of the importance of EDI.

In Person
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Gabrielle Ngyuen
Theme Lifelong Learning

Sun

26

An Elected Professional Engineers’ Perspective; why being in the room matters
Event Details +

Sunday, March 26, 2023

An Elected Professional Engineers’ Perspective; why being in the room matters

My event for week 5 is about Engineers in Politics. Often the importance of STEM educations is discussed but so very few enter politics or even stay politically engaged. As Professional Engineer, with experience in consulting I can see how important it is to get involved and stay involved. Mayor decisions at the political level are not necessarily calculated and bounded the way an “engineer” might necessarily set out to solve them. Thus taking the technical knowledge, problem solving approaches and moving them into the political arena is needed now more than ever. This is not with out challenges, as the softer skills to win over others and explain things in a manor that others will be able to grasp to make difficult decisions is not easy.

Online
Time 10:00 am ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Ian McDougall
Theme Engineers and Politics

Week 5

Engineers & Politics

Mon

27

Energy Task Force Chair, Steve Pepper, P.Eng, Shares How the Task Force Members Engineers Energy
Bringing Engineering into Politics
Event Details +

Monday, March 27, 2023

Energy Task Force Chair, Steve Pepper, P.Eng, Shares How the Task Force Members Engineers Energy

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has a network of engineers that specialize in all things in energy. Energy is a sector is plays in a role is all our daily lives; from the source to the cost of energy, our engineers know how it works. Our Energy Task Force members volunteers their time to decipher how the province can better their energy systems to provide a cleaner and more cost-effective service. Join OSPE CEO, Sandro Perruzza and our Energy Chair, Steve Pepper, P.Eng, in a conversation on what the task force is focusing on and how you can be involved.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)

Bringing Engineering into Politics

Engineering touches all levels of government and policy, yet politics is not a standard career path for most engineers. In this panel, we explore the journeys of several politicians who got their start in engineering. We unpack topics like how they leverage their engineering expertise in decision-making, the importance of having engineering representation at all levels of politics, and how to transition from the engineering to political world. Join us for a panel discussion that will provide you with the insights and inspiration to embark on your own journey into politics.

  • Hear from the following inspirational engineer-politicians:
    • The Honourable Omar Alghabra, P.Eng.: MP – Mississauga-Centre and Minister of Transport, Liberal Party of Canada
    • Deepak Anand: MPP – Mississauga-Malton, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
    • Dirka Prout, P.Eng: MP Candidate – London North Centre (2019, 2021), New Democratic Party of Canada
    • Dr. Shefaza Esmail, EIT: MPP Candidate – Waterloo (2022), Green Party of Ontario
    • Gabrielle Bouchard, P.Eng.: Civil engineer, STEM educator, Action Canada Fellow, and host of the “Gabby on Government” YouTube channel

The panel will be moderated by Jasmine Shaw, P.Eng., an engineer turned project manager and entrepreneur, and champion for diversity in engineering

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Jasmine Shaw
Theme Engineers and Politics

Tue

28

Build a Space Habitat Lego Challenge
Event Details +

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Build a Space Habitat Lego Challenge

They call this generation the Mars generation… these children could be among the future explorers and Engineers that will fulfill that interplanetary destiny. Yet there will also be some that would like to improve life here on earth. This will be an opportunity for students to work in small teams and use their design skills to build a model of choice – 1) Lego Space Race or 2) Lego Treehouse. We will focus on the United Nations Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and United Nations Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. Participants will be learning about the fundamentals of construction engineering and how to apply them structurally to design stable buildings. There will be specific design criteria, for example that it must have a mechanical device to move (or launch) a load 30 cm, or have a tree-like structure (elevated base) and other functions like a slide or swing or tear-away roof.

In Person
Time 6:30 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Led by Deborah Tang
Theme Engineers and Politics

Wed

29

STEMPowered – Day 1
Event Details +

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

STEMPowered – Day 1

The Biotechnology Student Society (BioSS) of Centennial College has put together an engaging and informative 3-day virtual event that will give students a better understanding of the STEM fields STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and inspire them to pursue their passions. Over the course of three days, we will cover the basics of biotechnology, from its history to current trends in the industry. On March 29 & 30th: we will be hosting guest speakers and interesting seminars for high school students. On March 31st: we are hosting a fun STEM-based workshop targeted to middle school students. This 3-day virtual seminar is packed with learning opportunities and fun activities, perfect for students. Not only will they have the chance to learn more about biotechnology, but they will also have the chance to win prizes!”

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Ashna Makhija
Theme Engineers and Politics

Thu

30

Visit Forest City Casting Inc (FCC)
STEMPowered – Day 2
Event Details +

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Visit Forest City Casting Inc (FCC)

Forest City Castings (FCC) specializes in quality aluminum and zinc castings, in house mold making and custom CNC machining, providing our customers with turnkey service. FCC maintains an industry-recognized reputation for quality, service, and on-time delivery. FCC offers a full spectrum of capabilities for cast, machined parts, CAM engineering services, moulds, casting, custom machining, and machine fixtures. Forest City Castings Inc. is committed to providing turnkey premium quality castings with superior customer focus and minimal environmental impact for all types of industries. With accelerated lead times, FCC can provide a production-ready graphite mould in as little as four weeks.

Company address & direction: Contact Us | Forest City Castings 10 Highbury Avenue, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 4C7 

Event Leaders:

Devin McRae: 519-633-2999/Ext. 236; Email: DevinM@fccastings.com

NEM-TVP OSPE-PEO London Chapter contact: George Biljan, P. Eng., (gjbiljan@gmail.com); phone: 519-518-4388. 

In Person
Time 4:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Event Leader Devin McRae
Theme OSPE

STEMPowered – Day 2

The Biotechnology Student Society (BioSS) of Centennial College has put together an engaging and informative 3-day virtual event that will give students a better understanding of the STEM fields STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and inspire them to pursue their passions. Over the course of three days, we will cover the basics of biotechnology, from its history to current trends in the industry. On March 29 & 30th: we will be hosting guest speakers and interesting seminars for high school students. On March 31st: we are hosting a fun STEM-based workshop targeted to middle school students. This 3-day virtual seminar is packed with learning opportunities and fun activities, perfect for students. Not only will they have the chance to learn more about biotechnology, but they will also have the chance to win prizes!”

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Ashna Makhija
Theme Engineering and Politics

Fri

31

From P. Eng to Politics – Making the Transition
STEMPowered – Day 3
Event Details +

Friday, March 31, 2023

From P. Eng to Politics – Making the Transition

During this fireside chat we will delve into a conversation with Andrew Dowie, P. Eng., who will share his journey from a professional engineer to the Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh. Doug DeRabbie, ACEC-Ontario’s Director of Government and Stakeholder Relations, will uncover Mr. Dowie’s impressions of going through an election campaign, being part of the government caucus, and his role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Finally, audience members will have the opportunity to ask Mr. Dowie questions about his career, the value of engineering, and his government’s mandate.

Online
Time 12:00 pm ET
Duration 60 minutes
Theme Engineering and Politics

STEMPowered – Day 3

The Biotechnology Student Society (BioSS) of Centennial College has put together an engaging and informative 3-day virtual event that will give students a better understanding of the STEM fields STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and inspire them to pursue their passions. Over the course of three days, we will cover the basics of biotechnology, from its history to current trends in the industry. On March 29 & 30th: we will be hosting guest speakers and interesting seminars for high school students. On March 31st: we are hosting a fun STEM-based workshop targeted to middle school students. This 3-day virtual seminar is packed with learning opportunities and fun activities, perfect for students. Not only will they have the chance to learn more about biotechnology, but they will also have the chance to win prizes!”

Online
Time 6:00 pm ET
Duration 90 minutes
Event Leader Ashna Makhija
Theme Engineering and Politics

Terms & Conditions: All virtual NEM events will be recorded. All recordings will be owned by NEM Ontario and posted publicly on YouTube. If you RSVP you agree to be recorded.