Winter Spring 2014
ECE
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING NEWSLETTER
ECE Class of 2013
Message from the Department Head Dear Alumni and Friends, It's an exciting time to be part of higher education in ECE. For one thing, the job market is strong and our undergraduates are getting positions in their fields right after graduation. In fact, this year, some of our third year students where recruited straight out of their summer jobs. On the research side, our faculty and graduate students continue to build on our strengths, as the technology that underpins ECE has an increasing impact on our lives. One indicator of our strength is the size of our graduate program, which at 143 students remains the largest in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s. This past year has seen a number of successful initiatives within the department. We have completely renovated the research labs on the 5th to 7th floor of Walter Light Hall, into modern open concept spaces. Our undergraduate enrolment has continued to rise for the third consecutive year. This coming summer, we're launching an Internship option to our MEng degree, which will provide our students with funded summer industrial placements. And last but not least, our own Prof. Praveen Jain was inducted this past year into the Royal Society of Canada. Read more about these stories in the pages that follow. We look forward to continued growth and strength in ECE. I invite you to browse through this newsletter, and keep in touch with us through our active Facebook page. We maintain an active alumni site on our newly revised website and welcome your photographs, profiles, and any information you would like to share with us. Wishing you all the very best in 2014. Sincerely, Michael Greenspan Department Head, ECE
AT A GLANCE Undergraduate Degrees (BSc): Electrical Engineering Streams of Specialization: Biomedical Engineering Communications & Signal Processing Communication Systems & Networks Electronic & Photonics Mechatronics Power Electronics & Systems Robotics & Control
Computer Engineering
Streams of Specialization: Computer Hardware Computer Systems Software Engineering Mechatronics
Graduate Programs:
MEng: Master of Science in Engineering MASc: Master of Applied Science PhD: Doctor of Philosophy Research Groups:
Communications Computer & Software Engineering Microelectronics, Electromagnetics & Photonics Power Electronics Biomedical & Intelligent Systems
EC E b y t h e N u m b e rs Fa c u l t y : 2 4 • 2 C a n a d a Re s e a rc h C h a i rs • 1 Q u e e n ’s Re s e a rc h C h a i r • 1 4 I E E E S e n i o r M e m b e rs • 3 I E E E Fe l l o ws • 1 Ro ya l S o c i et y o f C a n a d a Fe l l o w C ro s s A p p o i nt e d Fa c u l t y : 1 3 U n d e rg ra d u a te S t u d e nt s : 2 9 0 G ra d u a t e S t u d e nt s : 1 4 3 O f f i ce a n d t e c h n i ca l S t a f f : 8
Mitacs and Queen’s ECE partner on graduate internship program
ECE
Since 1999, Mitacs, a national, not-for-profit research and training network , has been supporting innovation by coordinating collaborative industry-university research projects.
Mitacs and ECE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide enhanced industrial research experience to graduate students.
Under the terms of the MOU, Mitacs and ECE will offer 125 joint academia-industry internships to graduate students in ECE at Queen’s over the next five years. The partnership will assist in the recruitment of high-caliber graduate students and the bringing together of research collaborations between the department and companies to further the development and innovation within the Queen’s ECE Master of Engineering program.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our students. Now, as part of their graduate degrees, they will be able to spend time working directly with industry on a technical problem that is relevant to their training,” said Michael Greenspan, Department Head “This is truly a win for the companies too, as will they have access to our emerging talent pool.”
Grier Owen, the Department’s research administrator , whose dedication to the project was instrumental for making and fostering the connection between Mitacs and Queen’s, also acknowledges the mutual benefit, saying “We are so happy to be able to offer students research funding support during their studies, and industry our faculty’s expertise in solving technical problems.”
Professor Jain named to Royal Society of Canada the at
Praveen Jain has been named among the newest fellows of Royal Society of Canada (RSC). He is one of seven professors Queen's to be named to the RSC this year.
As a professor of Electrical and Computer engineering at Queen’s and a Canada Research Chair in Power Electronics, Jain is one of the nation’s most prolific researchers and entrepreneurs in his field. He has more than 40 patents to his credit and his discoveries and inventions have led to major advances that have revolutionized industries. His most significant work is concerned with the advancement of high frequency power conversion technology for its use in the space, telecommunications, computer and induction melting industries. Having already received the highest international award in his field – the 2011 William Newell Award in Power Electronics – from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), this latest accolade solidifies his position as a leading innovator within Canada, and on the international level in both academia and industry.
“"Being named as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada is a very fine achievement.” says Dr. Jain, “More than a personal accomplishment, the award gives me an occasion to thank all of my students for their quality research work over the years" The Royal Society of Canada was established in 1882 as the senior Canadian collegium of distinguished scholars, artists and scientists for the purpose of promoting promote learning and research in the arts, the humanities and the natural and social sciences. Admittance into the Society conveys a meaningful and enduring achievement in Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment.
Department News
Collaboration valued at up to $2.8M will link students with companies through joint research projects
ECE Students Land Dream Careers at Microsoft
Fourth year ECE students Sophie Beland and Michelle Sereda
“Working at Microsoft is my dream job.” says ECE student, Michelle Sereda “You really can’t do much better.” Michelle is one of three Queen’s ECE undergraduate students heading to work for the multinational software giant, Microsoft, this year.
Sophie Beland and Michelle Sereda, both 4th year students, are looking forward to graduation when they will start careers as program managers at Microsoft. Ning Tan, currently in third year, has been hired for a summer internship.
Michelle Sereda, after hearing rave reviews of the company from her peers who had held internships in previous summers, decided she would take the leap and submit an online application. With a little luck and impressive credentials, Michelle landed an interview and was offered the job. Without hesitation she just knew Microsoft was the right fit.
Sophie Beland, president of Queen’s ECE club, was one of those students who held an internship in the summer between her third and fourth years in ECE. Microsoft was so impressed with her work that they hired her back for a permanent position upon her pending graduation. “I’ve been programming since I was twelve-years-old,” she says “Microsoft is truly my ideal job.” Having achieved her dream, she also recommended Michelle for a position at Microsoft.
“ECE offers a remarkably flexible program,” says Associate Department Head, Dr. Shahram Yousefi, “Students can take courses that interest them, while following clearly laid out streams of specialization, and find themselves with a diversification of career prospects upon graduation. Michelle and Sophie are two examples of students who have made the most of this advantage and found success.”
Both Michelle and Sophie credit their education at Queen’s for fostering a collaborative spirit. The ECE program provides more than technical expertise, through coursework and extracurricular organizations, such as the design teams, students learn the critical thinking and interpersonal skills necessary for succeeding in the workplace. Ning Tan agrees. She maintains, “ECE at Queen’s has a unique focus on developing problem solving skills and a capacious curriculum that encompasses more than technical information.” This preparation is what she hopes will enable her success this summer.
So what advice do these students have for the next generation of aspiring undergraduates? Michelle’s message is simple, “Work hard, but keep in mind academics aren’t everything. Make sure to pursue what you are passionate about.” Sophie similarly suggests that it is important to take courses that interest you. “Following your interests now will ensure you end up with a career in the right field.”
Ning is a firm believer in recognizing opportunity. “You don’t need your whole life planned out; you just need to take the opportunities that come along,”
Professors (l-r) Gazor, Dean, Korenbger, Greenspan, and Yousefi at Fall Convocation
ECE Undergraduate Enrolment Up
There is a mood of optimism in ECE, as the incoming second year class numbers have continued to climb over the past few years, after a downturn that commenced in 2005. 2014 is the largest incoming ECE class in many years at Queen's, an increase which echoes the opportunities for graduates.
“The demand for ECE graduates remains high, and it is a profession with endless opportunities.” says ECE Department Head Dr. Michael Greenspan. “Furthermore, the program we offer here at Queen`s is one of the best. It is great to see our undergraduate enrolment is increasing.” Graduate student enrolment also remains strong and steady, with 143 MEng, MASc, and PhD students. With this many students, ECE has the largest graduate program in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the fourth largest in the University.
While optimistic, the department remains focussed on undergraduate enrolment. “The irony” says Greenspan. “is that the small class sizes, coupled with a strong industry pull and a smaller pool of graduates, means that this is the best time to study ECE. While we still have room for growth, it is nice to see that the trend is moving in the right direction.”
350
Enrollments 2007-2014
300 250 200 ELEC
150
CMPE
100
Total
50 0
2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
“The recent increase in undergraduate enrollment is fantastic news for the department. We’ve managed to reach students through channels of communication and successfully convey the boundless opportunities that ECE offers.” - Dr. Shahram Yousefi
WELCOME TO WALTER LIGHT HALL 2.0 Nearly three decades after it was built, Walter Light Hall (WLH) has undergone a massive renovation project that has seen over half the building ripped apart and entirely recreated to make room for substantial and dynamic changes. Those who graduated from Electrical and Computer Engineering will barely recognize parts of the building. The top three floors of WLH have been taken back to the perimeter walls to create bright, expansive, open- area student spaces with views across the city, campus and Lake Ontario. The old interior walls are gone. The floors and ceilings have been replaced. The furniture is brand new and the walls are freshly painted. In short – it’s a new version of Walter Light Hall dubbed, “WLH 2.0.” The new configuration will see the various research groups concentrated on distinct floors to allow for students to interact more easily and also allow for the pooling of resources and equipment.
“Since the renovation our working environment has improved immensely,” says graduate student, Andrew Yaworski. “I can honestly say that it is completely different. Instead of coming into a cramped and illequipped space, I work in a professional environment. I can work comfortably, while still having access to a lab where I can complete my research.” The new spaces are much more contemporary and will provide students with an atmosphere and space that will be more akin to the various workplaces they are likely to find when they graduate.
“The capacity for increased interaction between both researchers and students is going to be of tremendous benefit,” says Department Head, Michael Greenspan, adding, “Throughout the renovation process, our goal was to make sure that all of the graduate students that were affected, were still able to make progress on their research. This was a challenge, as the majority of them had to physically relocate to temporary space throughout the spring and summer. What made this easier was the students themselves, who appreciated that the benefits of the final goal were worth the temporary inconveniences."
(above) During renovations WLH 7th Floor; (left) Opening ceremony Dr. Greenspan and Dean Woodhouse; (below) post renovations WLH 7th Floor, and lake view from 7th floor lab
WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON… What have you been up to lately? We’d like to profile you on our newly revised website! Please stay in touch. Contact us with your career updates and achievements. mailECE@queensu.ca
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department 19 Union Street, Walter Light Hall Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6 Tel: 613-533-2925 Fax: 613-533-6615 And please join us on: Our website: www.ece.queensu.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/ECEatQueens And Twitter: twitter.com/QueensECE
Financial support is particularly important as the Faculty continues to raise funds for the Inspiring Greatness: Campaign for Queen’s Engineering. This Campaign is providing critical support for new and innovative programming, infrastructure, teaching and research, and student activities. We invite you to learn more by visiting : www.inspiring.engineering.queensu.ca We have a dedicated team to help alumni reconnect with the Department. For more information on supporting Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen’s, please contact:
Jane McMillan, Executive Director of Development Ph: 613-533-2160 Toll Free: 1-800-267-7837 Email: jane.mcmillan@queensu.ca
Michelle Miatello, Director of Development Ph: 613-533-6000 ext. 75804 Toll Free 1-800-267-7837 Email: michelle.miatello@queensu.ca Patricia Smith, Senior Development Officer Ph: 613-533-6000 ext. 79531 Toll Free 1:800-267-7837 Email: pat.smith@queensu.ca
Heather McMartin, Senior Development Officer (Toronto) Ph: 416-525-3923 Email: heather.mcmartin@queensu.ca Lindsay Seeger, Senior Development Officer Ph: 613-533-6000 ext 75985, Toll Free: 1-800-267-7837 Email: lindsay.seeger@queensu.ca
Beth Wylie, Development Officer Ph: 613-533-6000 ext. 74594 Toll Free:1- 800-267-7837 Email: beth.wylie@queensu.ca Joanne Grills, Faculty Advancement Coordinator Ph: 613-533-6000 ext. 75248 Toll Free 1-800-267-7837 Email: joanne.grills@queensu.ca
Your Development & Alumni Relations Team
Alumni and friends of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have a long -standing tradition of involvement with the Department, which enables us to enhance the quality of the educational experience for the students. There are many ways to help: through student internship or employment opportunities, design and research topics and sponsorships, industry collaborations and curriculum initiatives, or as a guest speaker.