Fuelling the Future with Hydrogen

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 3 SPRING 2002

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

PLUS ENGINEERING BUSINESS SUCCESS: HANA ZALZAL FORMULA SAE: FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE RACETRACK IN 2.9 SECONDS

FUELLING THE FUTURE WITH

E R I V S I T HYDROGEN N Y U Skule alumni are confident that hydrogen will be the key to O O F T sustainable energy in the future T O R O N insideskule

FEATURES 12 Fuelling the Future with Hydrogen 16 Engineering Business Success: Hana Zalzal 18 Formula SAE: From the Classroom to the Racetrack in 2.9 Seconds 20 Great Teachers 22 UofT Engineers take on International Development 16

18 9

COLUMNS & NEWS 3 From the Dean 4 Research and Graduate Studies 5 For High School Students From the Alumni Office 6 From the Development Office 22 Planned Giving 7 Professional Development 8 8 Skulenews

Volume 4, Issue 3, Contributing Editors: Illustration: Sanford Kong copyrighted. Limited portions concerning active participation Spring 2002 Will Cluett, Márta Ecsedi, Printing: General Printers. of its content may be reprinted in Faculty programs, and Cindy Yelle Published in Fall, Winter or reproduced without the comments and suggestions A magazine for alumni, Design: Shelley Frayer/ and Spring as a service to prior written consent of the from readers. students, and friends of the Ireland+Associates alumni, students, and copyright owner only if Please contact: Faculty of Applied Science Principal Photographers: friends of the Faculty of appropriately attributed. Professor Anastasios and Engineering Stephen Frost, Lisa Sakulensky Applied Science and Otherwise, its reproduction Venetsanopoulos, Dean, Editor: Contributing Photographers: Engineering, University of in whole or in substantial Faculty of Applied Science Anastasios N. Venetsanopoulos Cliff Fielder, Alex Kung, Toronto concerning research part by any means without and Engineering, Managing Editor: Rod Lentino, Marie Li, José partnerships, continuing the prior written consent of University of Toronto Christine Szustaczek Liuca, Christine Szustaczek, education, alumni news, the copyright owner is forbid- 35 St. George Street Associate Managing Editor: and Yan Weizblit internship programs, den. Skule TM is a registered Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4 Ruth Weinstock Contributing Writers: and student activities. trademark of the University Telephone 416-978-3131 Co-ordinating Editor: Christine Szustaczek and Circulation: 33,000 of Toronto Engineering Fax 416-978-4859 Georgette Zinaty Ruth Weinstock ©This publication is Society. We invite inquiries E-mail: [email protected] CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT 1300636 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters from the dean

Unprecedented Faculty Renewal

Dean Anastasios Venetsanopoulos

nyone who has had the experience in North America hiring at this rate. While is a challenge in itself, since our operating of finding a suitable candidate to recruiting top academics is a tremendous budget ($43 million per year) continues fill a job vacancy knows what undertaking, it is one that is vitally important. to be severely constrained. While we are A a difficult task this can be. Research universities such as ours are the eco- extremely proud that we have the largest Hiring academic positions for the Faculty nomic engines of society and are essential for research enterprise in an Engineering school is no exception. Adding to our challenge is a country’s ability to compete in the global in Canada (over $50 million per year), we the need to find candidates for narrowly marketplace. Our professors form and lead must expand it to capture additional grants defined fields of research; the fierce compe- our nation’s research, which is disseminated and contracts to help offset the cost of faculty tition that exists for top talent; and the to industry and society through the conduit renewal and graduate student support. difficulty in making reasonable offers due to of our graduate students. Top professors also Fortunately, a number of other programs a weak dollar and a con- attract the best students are helping us achieve our goals. Over the strained Faculty budget. from around the world. past seven years, our alumni, friends and These are all issues that “The Faculty In order to hire this industrial partners have generously estab- we face at a time of unprece- needs to hire unprecedented number of lished 28 endowed chairs, creating perma- dented faculty renewal. In 90 new professors academics, we must enlarge nent positions for teaching and research. total, the Faculty needs to over the next the pool of candidates and The Federal Government’s Canada Research hire 90 new professors over five years.” proactively make offers to Chairs (CRC) program has allowed us to the next five years. Forty the most exceptional ones, create another ten Tier I (senior) CRC chairs of these positions will only with excellence as our guide. and five Tier II (junior) CRC chairs. Nine cover the retirements we anticipate. We Over the past three years, close to 50% of CRC chairs have been awarded to date, estimate that we need to grow by an addi- the newly hired professors at the Faculty providing Federal Government financial tional 50 faculty members. This growth is have been from visible minorities. We hope support to five Tier I and four Tier II due to the doubling of our enrolment in that this time of unprecedented faculty Canada Research Chairholders. various areas of IT, made possible by the renewal will afford us the opportunity to Our achievement in establishing these Provincial Government’s Access to Oppor- further expand the diversity of our faculty to chairs compares favourably to any of the tunities Program (ATOP). It is also necessary be more representative of the student popu- leading engineering schools on the conti- due to pressures for expansion stemming lation that we serve. This includes a commit- nent. One of every five faculty members will from the impending elimination of OAC ment to hiring a greater number of women occupy such a chair in the near future. (Grade 13) in Ontario high schools and the into academic positions. Having the best faculty is a critical compo- demographic explosion in Toronto. As both universities and industry vie for nent in our vision to build upon our reputa- Ninety professors represent an average- the same talent, the marketplace for aca- tion as a leading research-intensive Faculty sized engineering school. At present, we do demics is increasingly fierce. The Faculty of Engineering in North America, to become not know of any other Faculty of Engineering attempts to offer competitive salaries, which one of the best in the world.

e-mail: [email protected] Phone: 416-978-3131 Web site: http: // www.dsp.toronto.edu/~anv

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 3 from the research & graduate studies office

Supporting Our Outstanding Graduate Students

Professor Javad Mostaghimi Vice-Dean, Research & Graduate Studies

am delighted to begin my six-year almost 1,300 highly motivated graduate term as Vice-Dean, Research & students of exceptional ability, at a time when I Graduate Studies at the Faculty with there is intense competition for the very best the largest engineering research enterprise minds. The large number of major Federal in Canada. My mandate includes oversee- “The graduate programs and Provincial scholarships (over 200) held ing our research mission, graduate studies, by our students is a testament to their of this Faculty are partnerships with industry, and university excellence. Our graduate students go on to attracting a growing number policy as it relates to research and graduate become professors and leaders in major of exceptional young studies. In the long term, my objectives are universities and corporations around the research scientists.” to assist departments to increase doctoral- world. They are the future leaders who will stream enrolment by at least 50% with guaranteed minimum renew education and research in our profession, and throughout funding; to develop close contacts and collaboration with industry; their careers they will be the conduits of knowledge transfer from and to enhance research funding. In a first step toward fulfilling academe to industry. The need to support these students is critical. these plans, we are tracking past research award successes to Over the last few years, graduate student enrolment has been assist faculty members to achieve greater recognition of significant, rising – 10% in the last year alone. We expect enrolment to con- innovative and collaborative research, and mapping graduate tinue to increase significantly as the number of faculty members enrolment trends to support departments in proactive graduate rises and research funding improves. The University has initiated enrolment planning. an excellent program guaranteeing minimum support for doctoral- Research plays a central role in maintaining and enhancing our stream students, which includes first year MASc students and Faculty’s national and international reputation. Graduate students doctoral students in the first four years of study. Our Faculty requires are an integral and indispensable part of the ongoing success of the an additional $2.7 million to meet this important goal. We are research mission of this Faculty. We are fortunate to have attracted seeking additional funds for new graduate scholarship endowments and further research funding. Finding Graduate Enrolment as of November 1, 2001 adequate resources to support our exceptional graduate students represents both Department Ph.D. M.A.Sc. M.Eng. Special Total a tremendous opportunity and an enor- Aerospace Studies 26 38 7 1 72 mous challenge. I invite your feedback on this subject Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering 2 6 *7 0 15 and your involvement in achieving these Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry 58 83 20 6 167 extremely important objectives.

Civil Engineering 45 81 87 0 213 JAVAD MOSTAGHIMI, PH.D., P. E NG. F.A.S.M.E., F.I.U.P.A.C. Electrical and Computer Engineering 120 149 **103 1 373 Vice-Dean, Research Mechanical and Industrial Engineering 104 104 148 24 380 & Graduate Studies Canada Research Chair & Director, Materials Science and Engineering 29 24 7 1 61 Centre for Advanced Coating Total Graduate Students 384 461 379 33 1,281 Technology (CACT) and

All figures include part-time students, for a total of 275 part-time graduate students. Professor, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering * The professional Masters degree in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering is a Master of Health Science (M.H.Sc.) Ph.: 416-978-5604 e-mail: [email protected] ** 22 of 103 professional Masters students in Electrical and Computer Engineering are registered in the M.Eng. program in Telecommunications (MET) Web: http://www.mie. utoronto.ca/labs/tsl/

4 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters for high school students

Life at Skule™

Professor Will Cluett Vice-Dean (Undergraduate) and Chair, First Year

hen students think of Engi- grinds the refugees’ staple food. Under neering @ UofT, they proba- newly elected EWB President, Anupam W bly think about getting a Singhal (Eng Sci 0T4), the chapter is also world-class degree and the demands this investigating Huarina, Bolivia’s contami- must require. But, beyond the rigours of aca- nated water supply. (See page 22.) For more demic life this Faculty offers excellent opportunities for students information, visit http://toronto.ewb.ca/ to put what they learn into practice. The number of student pro- This May, UofT Engineering students hosted the annual jects available outside of class, and the rewards that go along with Canadian Concrete Canoe Competition. About 110 students these projects, are innumerable. representing nine universities and colleges across Canada and In his first year as an Engineering Science student, Benji Plener France came to UofT to race canoes that they designed and con- (0T4), became President of the University of Toronto chapter of structed out of concrete. The competition presented a unique Engineers Without Borders. EWB is an international, non-profit challenge – creating a light concrete mix that was both buoyant organization that applies appropriate technology to solving and strong. For more information, visit www.concretecanoe.ca the challenges of the developing world. Benji himself has just These are just a couple of ways that our students have found, returned from an internship at a refugee camp in Zambia, while at SkuleTM, to have fun, further develop their engineering helping to address hunger by building and repairing a mill that talents and maybe even make this world a better place.

from the alumni office

Memories and Mementos

Márta Ecsedi Director, Alumni Relations

raduates of the Faculty of Applied Award or, the sweetest award anyone ever Science and Engineering all have earned – the PHT (Putting Hubby/Honey G precious moments that they Through) Award. We’d love to hear your remember from their years at SkuleTM. One memories of the traditional Grad Ball toasts – of my fondest memories is the excitement and to the Queen, the University, the Faculty, the joy of attending the Grad Ball. I am hoping Graduating Class…stories about the friends that there are many of you who recall the fun you had on this you made then, who are still part of your lives. Using the Engineering special evening and would be willing to share your memories and Hall of Distinction as a model, the Alumni Office is hoping, mementos with us. Perhaps you have photos of your classmates ultimately, to display keepsakes and memorabilia from the Faculty’s dressed in their finery or recollections of how you partied and the rich history for all to enjoy. Malcolm McGrath (Civ 5T4) has agreed favourite tunes you danced to. Perhaps you have saved a program to act as our new Faculty Archivist. Please keep in touch and send that details the awards given at this gala in your year – from the your reminiscences, mementos and pictures to [email protected] Engineering Society Centennial Award, to the SkuleTM Cannon or 35 St. George Street, Room 173, Toronto, ON., M5S 1A4.

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 5 from the development office

Rallying Together Margaret Bahen, Lee and Margaret Lau, Jeffrey Skoll, Motorola, Shell Canada,William Cindy Yelle and Monique Blundell, and the Class of Executive Director 4T5, just to name a few. of Development The last time that our alumni and friends rallied their financial resources together was in the late 1980s, when we received an outpouring of support for our Mining Building. The Mining Building is truly a n just a few months, the Bahen great sense of pride for our Faculty. We are Centre for Information Tech- now reaching out to you again to help us IN nology will open its doors to complete the construction of the Bahen the public. The long-awaited and highly Centre for Information Technology. anticipated facility has provided the Uni- If you have not yet made a gift to our versity with a focal point for its IT teaching and research and current campaign, I invite you to consider supporting this top has enabled our Faculty to double enrolment in our Electrical priority. There are several remaining naming opportunities within and Computer Engineering programs. At 400,000 square feet, the facility. This may be an opportunity for you to recognize and this state of the art facility will also be the new home of our acknowledge a family member, mentor or colleague. Gifts of Engineering Science program, our Professional Experience Year $10,000 will be recognized on a plaque inside the IT Builder’s Program and our newly launched Jeffrey Skoll BASc/MBA Auditorium, prominently facing St. George Street. Program. The Centre’s eight floors will contain 11 lecture halls, Gifts of any size will help us achieve our goal of creating a 14 tutorial and seminar rooms, 50 laboratories and ample office, facility that will help us to educate future generations of leaders study and meeting space. in IT. The Bahen Centre for Information Technology will also At a cost of $105 million, the building has been no small help the Faculty to build upon its recognized standing as one of undertaking. Supported by the federal and provincial govern- the top engineering schools in North America to become one of ments, the building has also been made possible through the the very best in the world. For more information, please contact great generosity of our private benefactors, including John and me at 416-946-3449 or [email protected]

planned giving

Jersey, where he was the co-inventor of Will Power Touch-Tone dialing and pioneered work on Malcolm McGrath Picturephone and the Trimline telephone. Planned Giving Officer He became executive director in 1980 and retired from Bell Labs in 1987. have been writing on this topic for Leo has just made a substantial gift nearly a year, providing general infor- intention to engineering. Here is what he I mation. Now I want to provide you has said about his bequest to SkuleTM: with a real life example! “Our son, Michael, died rather prema- Leo Schenker was born in Austria in turely, in early 1999, at the age of 46. The 1922. His family moved to England in the purpose of our bequest is to help other young mid-thirties to escape the turmoil of the people to pursue and complete professional times. Leo served in the Royal Air Force careers that our son could not complete. We from 1941 to 1945. He also obtained a thought that it would be appropriate for us to Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London. When create memories for Michael in institutions that helped me achieve the war ended, there were few engineering jobs in the UK, so he professional success, and enabled my wife and me to raise and came to Toronto in 1948. He worked for Ontario Hydro and educate our children in a way that gave them a good start in life.” earned an MASc from SkuleTM. In the early fifties he took a job at We are most grateful to Leo and his wife for their thoughtful the University of Michigan, where he completed his PhD in 1954. generosity. For more information about making a bequest to SkuleTM, From there, Leo was offered a position with Bell Labs in New please call me at 416-978-4941 or Joel Porter at 416-978-3811.

6 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters THE EMERGENCE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT PROFESSION BY CLAIRE MAJOR

new, comprehensive telecommunications program has become one of the

A Professional Development Centre’s (PDC) most sought-after courses.Momen-

tum and interest in the University of Toronto Telecommunications Management

Certificate Program has continued to build since it was first offered in January 2002.

Upcoming modules of the course, of interest to professionals eager to understand core

telecommunications issues in a cohesive and unified way, are scheduled for Fall 2002.

Although the PDC’s short seminars in management and regulatory issues with the the curriculum is overseen by an academic telecommunications have proven very pop- latest technologies in fibre optics, Internet, advisory committee consisting of UofT fac- ular, both industry advisors and PDC clients broadband and wireless communications. ulty and industry experts, and taught by lead- suggested that comprehensive learning oppor- This program is a minimum of 16 days ers in industry and academia. tunities, not only short seminars, were also taken over several months, composed of Despite media attention focused on needed. They also suggested that profes- mandatory modules in General Telecommu- economic downturns, there is no denying sionals in this rapidly evolving field need nications and Management, Business, Legal that telecommunications is established as an a chance to learn the latest theory, activity & Regulatory Issues. Students select one or industry, yet constantly redefining itself. and best-practice in niche and emerging more elective courses: Broadband Commu- Leslie Dolman, Director of the PDC, says elements. The new program meets the needs nications & Fibre Optics; Internet & the “Given the competition in the industry, of those who want to support and lead growth World Wide Web; Wireless Communica- organizations need to maintain strategic in telecommunications. tions. Full course descriptions are available competitiveness. To achieve this is to gain Potential executive managers on an accel- at http://www.pdc.utoronto.ca/html/body_ knowledge about the core issues and to erated development path, or those wishing telcom.html enhance and build on the often non-formally to broaden their understanding of the Professional Development Centre certifi- acquired skills of professionals in the field. telecommunications services business will cate programs provide comprehensive cover- Through this program we can give profes- particularly benefit from this certificate pro- age of selected topics and are designed for the sionals a blueprint – both to know where gram. Course content is intended to fast- working professional. They are developed they are and how to understand where the track managers wishing to combine business, with input from the relevant associations and industry is going.”

For more information about this Certificate Program call 416-978-6747, toll free 1-888-233-8638, or e-mail [email protected] www.pdc.utoronto.ca

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 7 skulenews SPRING 2002

Conference Challenges Boundaries of Regenerative Medicine

and Cameron Clokie (Den- The ChaRM2002 confer- tistry and Oral Maxillofacial ence will outline the challenges surgeon), the conference will and solutions of this rapidly gather world opinion leaders accelerating technological revo- in regenerative medicine to lution. Experts will describe impart the latest information how innovations in areas includ- at the interface of cell biology, ing Biomaterials and Scaffolds polymer science, engineering for Regeneration, Stem Cell and surgery to healthcare Therapy and Drug and Gene professionals. Delivery may be able to address The University of Toronto particular clinical problems. and associated hospitals are The ChaRM conference follows at the forefront of a paradigm on, and includes, a joint session shift in reconstructive thera- with BIO2002, a June 9-12 peutics, which is moving from international biotechnology the traditional approach of convention and exhibition using metals as the main com- also at the Royal York Hotel. ponent for repair and recon- For more information on struction, towards a focus on ChaRM: www.charm2002.org tissue regeneration. Session e-mail: [email protected] Chairs and speakers from the Ph. 416-946-7926. Faculty of Applied Science magine a world with no organs for transplantation. and Engineering include Welcoming donor organ shortage, It is also the promise of a Professors Yu-Ling Cheng, New Faculty I where spinal cord injured conference called ChaRM2002: Robert Pilliar, Paul Santerre, victims could walk, weakened Challenges in Regenerative Molly Shoichet, William Members hearts could be replaced and Medicine, taking place in Stanford, Kim Woodhouse, ean Anastasios stroke victims’ brains regener- Toronto, June 12-13. Co- Christopher Yip and Peter Venetsanopoulos ated. This is the promise of chaired by Professors Molly Zandstra. Harvard Medical D extends a warm regenerative medicine – creating Shoichet (Canada Research School’s Professor Anthony welcome to our new faculty an unlimited supply of vital Chair in Tissue Engineering) Atala is the plenary speaker. members: Professors D. Paul Gauvreau (Civil Engineering), Nasser Ashgriz Engineering Students Win Leadership Awards (Mechanical and Industrial raduating students 0T2), Stephanie Pereira (Eng luncheon held by the Class Engineering),William of the Faculty have Sci 0T2) and Eric Tang (Civ 0T2) of 3T5, donors of the award. Stanford (Institute of G recently been hon- were given the prestigious UofT The $2,500 award is given Biomaterials and Biomedical oured for their leadership. award. Karahalios, President annually to the fourth Engineering) and Ömer At the ninth Cressy Award of the Engineering Society, year engineering student L. Gülder (UTIAS). We ceremony on April 15, Andre was also awarded the 3T5 who has demonstrated are confident that our Holder (Civ 0T2), Jim Karahalios Second Mile Engineer Award leadership in extracurricular Faculty will be enriched (Civ 0T2), Eric Leung (ECE for 2001/02 at a March 13 and other activities. by their contributions.

8 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters skulenews

SkuleTM Nite Scores a Sell-out

fter 81 years of high blind dates to Batman. Produced a reception, backstage tour and jinks and hilarity, by Tiffany Conroy (Eng Sci display of memorabilia “was a A SkuleTM Nite is still 0T2) and directed by Michael great way to join in the cama- making audiences laugh. This Wood (Min 0T3), all five raderie for which engineers are year’s March 13 – 16 shows had performances were a sell-out. renowned,” West said. The Hart House spectators rocking “SkuleTM Nite is among the event attracted about 100 cast and rolling to the fast-moving forerunners of the Canadian and crew, past and present, l-r: Prof. Lloyd Reid; MASc fun. The cast of 19, all but two sketch comedy tradition,” says including Winnipeg resident candidate Sherard Soparkar; Bombardier President and engineering students, satirized Rob West (Chem 8T1), who Jim Prendergast, (Mech 8T5). CEO Robert Brown the Faculty’s geekiest geeks and over the years, has acted in, SkuleTM Nite dates to 1921, lampooned everything from directed, stage managed and when a stunt and variety been advisor to revue punningly dubbed “The Flying High SkuleTM Nite Spirit: l-r the show. Citing Ngynyrs in SPaSms” was a Jane Lam (Chem 0T2),Yuval at UTIAS several SkuleTM smash Massey Hall success. Grinspun (Civ 0T0), tudents, faculty and Laura Edwards Nite alumnae (‘SPS’ is the Faculty’s original (MIE/Arts 0T2) and who used the name: the School of Practical staff at the University Leslie Ferguson show as a spring- Science.) The production S of Toronto Institute (Civ 0T0) board to perform- moved to Hart House Theatre of Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) ing arts careers, in 1923. In the next eight were flying high on February 5. West stated, “It decades, the show’s elaborate That was the date when has always been dance numbers, sets, gizmos, Robert Brown, the President a magnet for costumes and wit, established and CEO of Bombardier Inc. comedic and it as the campus’ pre-eminent and Mme. Janine Bombardier, musical talent.” musical comedy revue and an Chair of the J. Armand This year a audience favourite to this day. Bombardier Foundation and SkuleTM Nite Enjoy SkuleTM Nite memories at: daughter of the company’s reunion, featuring http://www.skulenite.skule.ca/ founder,paid a visit to help celebrate the $1.5 million donation from the Foundation A Celebration of Rogers Scholars toward UTIAS’ program in Aerospace Flight. n January 31, the future leaders and achievers to Loretta Rogers with personalized One million dollars was Faculty celebrated be the best that they can be. As a engineering hard hats, bestow- matched by the University and O the creation of the demonstration of their gratitude, ing a SkuleTM tradition on two used to establish the J. Armand Edward S. Rogers Sr. National students presented Ted and of the Faculty’s closest friends. Bombardier Foundation Chair Scholarships in Electrical and in Aerospace Flight, whose Computer Engineering. The inaugural holder is Professor event recognized the inaugural Lloyd Reid, a renowned expert recipients of the awards and in flight simulation.The remain- honoured the benefactors who ing $500,000 supports related created them, Ted and Loretta research, using the Institute’s Rogers. Forty undergraduates flight simulator.The Canada and 27 graduate students now Foundation for Innovation have the distinction of being has recently announced a known as “Rogers Scholars.” $1.48 million award of match- The remarks given by Ted ing funds for upgrading and Rogers at the event made every- expanding the Institute’s one proud to be Canadian and l-r:Ted Rogers; Rogers Scholars Paige Trang and flight research facilities. inspired a room filled with Andrew Eckford; Loretta Rogers

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 9 skulenews

with 70 teams competing. After 20 Years,Athletics Championship An additional honour TM Returns to Skule was earned by Ida Jagaric who won the David Beech Award, presented to the coed intramural athlete in his/her graduating year adjudged the worthiest in terms of leadership, sportsmanship and performance. “It’s about building a sense of community and spirit,” says Ashley Morton, an E.A.A. Director. The Faculty experi- enced this spirit firsthand this winter when the rugby team painted a mural one night in the Sandford Fleming cafeteria and lay sod in its atrium so the team could practice despite the cold temperatures outside. “I’m extremely proud of our kuleTM students have Pictured left to right with the proudly earned banners achievement,” said Whitney reclaimed the T.A. Reed for Skule™ are: Dave Wright, Ashley Morton, Taylor, E.A.A. President. “We S Award, Champion Divi- Christiaan Vadergrift and Rebecca Feldman. owe our success to everyone sion I, awarded to the Faculty who participated this year. A whose male students have won Athletics Association (E.A.A.). also won the newly created John special thanks goes to our exec- the greatest number of champi- “It’s great to get the award back Robb Award, which recognizes utive, whose members include: onships in UofT’s intramural from the Meds and Scarborough the Faculty with the highest rate Darrell Hanson, Patricia athletic competitions. and put Engineering back on of participation. Engineering Pernica, J.P. Morson, Piyali “The last time Engineering the map.” doubled the second place team Chakraborti, Zoe Baldwin, won the award was in 1982,” The E.A.A., which organizes in participation points. The Rebecca Feldman, Dave said J.P. Morson, Director of a wide variety of intramural E.A.A. ran teams in more sports Wright, Magda Wierus, Brian men’s sports at the Engineering sports for both men and women than any other UofT Faculty, White and Ashley Morton.”

Pushing the which could ultimately lead to five years.Their approach to Molly Shoichet, who is Frontiers new tissue-engineered implant joint repair is innovative and also cross-appointed to both treatments for joint repair. unique in the field worldwide Chemistry and the IBBME, of Research Professors Robert M. Pilliar and and has achieved encouraging and ECE Professor Ted Sargent everal Faculty members Marc D. Grynpas, working with results to date. (the youngest of the award have recently won Project Coordinator,Doctor Two other professors at winners) were selected for the S significant support for Rita A.Kandel of Mount Sinai the Faculty were recognized prestigious prize. Professor their work in pushing the Hospital (all cross-appointed for pushing the frontiers of Sargent’s recent work, in frontiers of research. A $1.25 to the University’s renowned research by the Canadian collaboration with scientists million grant from the Canadian Institute of Biomaterials Institute for Advanced Research at Nortel Networks, is con- Institutes for Health Research, and Biomedical Engineering), (CIAR) Young Explorer’s Award, sidered a breakthrough step one of the Newly Emerging and their collaborator,Dr.Marc granted to leading Canadian toward the dream of an Team (NET) grants that CIHR Hurtig, of the University of scientists under the age of 40. optical Internet. It was recently sponsors, will go to a team of Guelph’s Veterinary College, Chemical Engineering and published in the journal researchers doing novel work will receive the support over Applied Chemistry Professor Advanced Materials.

10 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters skulenews

New Endowed Research Chair Will Stimulate Student Wins Innovation in Pulp and Paper Industry Prestigious Scholarship at UofT enables Canadian lison Chick, a first companies to remain competi- year Engineering tive globally. Mr. Dottori was A Science student, also the keynote speaker at the has won one of five Canadian Annual Dinner of the Depart- Engineering Memorial ment of Chemical Engineering Foundation Scholarships and Applied Chemistry, held created to encourage on the same day. women engineering students The inaugural holder of to pursue this career path. the Frank Dottori Chair in Recipients are selected Pulp and Paper Engineering is for their extracurricular Professor Douglas Reeve, Chair activities, community service, of Chemical Engineering and academic achievement and Applied Chemistry and a double work experience. l-r: from Tembec Inc.: François Tremblay, Member of the Board, graduate of the Faculty. The Alison was chosen for her Jacques Giasson, Chairman of the Board and Frank Dottori, President of the University of work with Engineers Without President and CEO, with Professor Douglas Reeve, first holder of Toronto, Professor Robert J. Borders and Women in the Frank Dottori Chair in Pulp and Paper Engineering. Birgeneau, thanked Tembec Science and Engineering at warmly for its $1 million invest- UofT. She founded Commu- embec Inc., a forest Frank Dottori, President and ment to fund the Chair. Dean nity Connect, an organization products company of CEO of the company, and Anastasios N. Venetsanopoulos that promotes volunteerism T international stature described his significant contri- pointed out that the generous among youth. Alison received and the largest market pulp pro- bution to Tembec’s growth. Mr. gift, combined with matching an award from her high ducer in Canada, has endowed Dottori (Chem 6T3) is a long- funds from the University, school, recognizing her 97% the 28th research chair in the time supporter of the Pulp and will enable the department to average and a UofT admis- Faculty of Applied Science and Paper Centre and a key advisor hire a junior professor in the sion scholarship. Her work Engineering. At a March 22 to the Dean. His speech, which field and that such gifts offer the experience was with public event held in Tembec’s honour, received a standing ovation, Faculty a tremendous advantage relations firm Weber Jacques Giasson, Chairman of pointed out that the research in retaining outstanding Shandwick Worldwide. the Board of Tembec, introduced and innovation being conducted faculty members.

SkuleTM Students Lee Priest and Jackey Wong 32 students to the Ontario New Faculty Shine at placed first in the Engineering competition this year. In total, Electronic Design Competition, receiving 180 competitors from ten Newsletter Engineering the Ontario Power Generation universities participated. Competitions Award in Corporate Design. Both teams went on to n March 2002, the Ashley Morton, a fourth the national level, participating Faculty launched tudents at the Faculty year Electrical Engineering in the Canadian Engineering I @Engineering, an elec- strutted their stuff with student and Crystal Wong, a Competition in Quebec tronic newsletter.Published S gleaming results at third year Engineering Science City from March 7-10, in every second month, it con- two recent competitions held student, placed first in the which over 200 students from tains updates on our accom- for Engineering students. Parliamentary Debate Com- schools across Canada com- plishments and activities. At the February 22-24 Ontario petition, taking the Silver peted. Polkinghorne, Priest and If you would like to subscribe, Engineering Competition in Tongue Award sponsored by Wong placed second in the please send an e-mail to Ottawa, third year Mechanical the Sandford Fleming Founda- Corporate Design category the Office of the Dean, at and Industrial Engineering tion and Consulting Engineers while Morton and Wong dean@ecf. utoronto.ca students Mark Polkinghorne, of Ontario. The Faculty sent finished in fifth place.

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 11 FutureFUELLING THE WITH HYDROGEN

BY CHRISTINE SZUSTACZEK magine a world where military to pursue an M.Eng degree at UofT’s your car produces power Department of Mechanical and Industrial rather than guzzles gaso- Engineering. It was here that he met Joseph line. Your home not only Cargnelli, Hydrogenics’ Co-Founder and VP creates enough electrical Technology. After completing their Master’s power to meet its own degrees, both supervised by Professor Charles needs but it exports the Ward, the two worked on alkaline fuel cell surplus it generates to technology at UofT as research engineers. In theI community power grid. Systems that 1995, the revelation hit that Proton Exchange back up your cell phone or your company’s Membrane or PEM fuel cells were the wave computer server cannot be disrupted, end- of the future, so they quit their jobs and ing worries about brownouts and lost time. founded Hydrogenics. All of this is accomplished using fuel cells “Our mission is to accelerate the devel- (devices that convert chemical energy from opment and commercialization of clean hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy power technology as applied to fuel cell tech- and produce an electrical current), dramati- nology,” says Rivard. “To do so, we seek viable cally decreasing our reliance on overseas oil commercial markets and a sustainable base markets and not causing any harm to our to build our business.” environment. That is the dream of Pierre Right now premium power markets are a Rivard, President, CEO and Co-Founder key focus. One success story has been their of Hydrogenics. work building a backup power generator that For Rivard, the dream has been many runs on hydrogen for Nextel Communications’ years in the making. He left the Canadian cell phone towers in California. As Cargnelli

12 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters SkuleTM alumni, l-r: David Frank, Pierre Rivard (seated) and Joseph Cargnelli are confident that hydrogen will be the key to sustainable energy in the future. The UofT Engineering team at Hydrogenics poses on the production floor. Pictured l-r are: Daren Pemberton, Thoai Hoang, Cassi Galt, Ian Milton, explains, “These generators usually run on Ali Rusta-Sallehy, Manzar Akber, joined the leading ranks of public companies battery technology. The backups last for Sonia Sorbera, David Frank, Anthony in Canada when it was added to the S&P/TSX only a few hours and if it’s too hot, the Mazza, Norman Seagram, Pierre Rivard, Composite Index. batteries lose capacity. We’ve built a system Joseph Cargnelli, Christian Bosio, Rivard also feels that Canada is very well that includes an electro chemical engine, one Rob Del Core,Weija Zhang, Michael positioned in this international industry. that produces and stores its own hydrogen. Jammer,Van Hoa Tran,Norman Freeman, “Canada is to fuel cells what Germany is to When the power goes out, our fuel cells draw Ray Candido and Nathaniel Joos cars,” he says. In part he credits this to the on that hydrogen and Nextel has increased rich university network that exists for fuel power for longer periods of time.” cell technology. In creating what Cargnelli calls a UPS or every home and business in North America, UofT developed an early interest in “uninterruptible power system” like the one Europe and most of Asia. What’s missing hydrogen studies. Professor David Scott, built for Nextel, he points out that the work is a low-cost appliance in the form of an former Chair of Mechanical and Industrial of Hydrogenics is invisible to the consumer. electrolyser or reformer, to strip the hydro- Engineering founded the Institute of Hydro- Eventually he hopes to penetrate the home gen free from other atoms. This is one of gen Studies (IHS) in 1983 with support with these devices, including backups for the pieces of the puzzle that Hydrogenics from the Ontario and Federal Governments. laptops and using fuel cells as generators is building.” The IHS was located off campus in Missis- enabling homes to be independent from While Rivard does not want to depend sauga. Following the early closure of the the power grid. In his vision of the future, on governments or shareholders, he is IHS in 1985/6, the Centre for Hydrogen hydrogen fuel cell generators should be for extremely grateful for their support. “We and Electro Chemical Studies (CHES) was sale next to hot water tanks at Home Depot. wouldn’t be here today were it not for the established at the University of Toronto to Rivard thinks that fuel cell usage to visionary investment from Natural Resources foster hydrogen energy and materials related power homes is only three to five years away. Canada and several provincial governments. research undertakings with support from “There is no leap in technology required and Their early investments created the indus- Natural Resources Canada. Research under hydrogen is everywhere. However, hydrogen try.” Taking the company public on the the Centre’s umbrella has continued since as a fuel does not exist in the free state and NASDAQ and TSX also provided access to that time under the leadership of Professor is typically bound to other elements, such significant capital, enabling Hydrogenics to Ron Venter. Today the Centre is very active as oxygen to form water, or carbon to form develop the most advanced and sophisticated within the Canadian Hydrogen Association natural gas. Both are already pervasive in equipment. Earlier this year, Hydrogenics (CHA); both Ron Venter and Pierre Rivard

14 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters a 25-kilowatt power source – our highest level to date. By accessing the GM technology, we will produce a 50-100 kilowatt power source later this year.” The company founders point to incor- porating hydrogen fuel cell technology into automobiles as the key to widespread commercialization and mass scale production. Seagram concurs. “To be successful in this business, we need to have the automotive applications, as they will drive the technological development and the need to take the weight and the cost out of those systems.” While Rivard does not predict that we will be driving hydrogen-based cars in the next couple of years he does say that the future is near. “Japanese manufacturers predict that they will have hydrogen-run cars in dealerships by 2004. This could trigger a response in North America.” What makes the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology to cars even more exciting is a car’s potential to produce surplus power and act as backup power generator for a home for example. Rivard explains, “There are 55 million cars produced per year world- he hydrogen fuel cell is in its renaissance. We’re only in the first few minutes of ‘‘ a 24-hour day.The future holds unlimited T potential and the possibilities are endless.” serve on the Board of the CHA which is the engineers could take and the tendency has been wide. Each car produces 75 kilowatts of power, national body promoting the use of hydro- to want to do it all, which would squander creating 3 million mega watts of power. The gen energy systems. their genius. The board helps them set strate- installed stationary base of power in the USA From UofT alone, Hydrogenics has gic priorities and forces them to concentrate alone is 800,000 mega watts and this grows approximately 20 engineering graduates, on the best segments of the total business.” at a rate of 0-2% per year. We would only PhD candidates and intern students on the At present that translates to half of need 4% of cars to convert to fuel cells and Professional Experience Year program. David Hydrogenics’ employees working on what we would have more power than what exists Frank, the fourth person to join the com- Cargnelli calls “today’s technology,” devel- as stationary power in the USA. Cars are the pany whose numbers now stand at 200, oping and manufacturing fuel cell test least utilized assets in the world.” became Hydrogenics’ Fuel Cell Develop- stations. The other half work on “tomorrow’s Says Cargnelli, “Right now, we have ment Manager upon earning his Master’s technology,” leveraging the company’s newly witnessed only the early products made degree in Chemical Engineering at UofT, formed alliance with General Motors, build- possible by this technology,” Adds Rivard, supervised by Professor Frank Foulkes. Coin- ing power generators and concentrating on “The hydrogen fuel cell is in its renaissance. cidentally, the Chairman of Hydrogenics’ energy conversion technology. We’re only in the first few minutes of a Board of Directors, Norman Seagram, is also “The big three automakers are investing 24-hour day. The future holds unlimited a UofT engineer. billions in this technology,” says Frank. “GM potential and the possibilities are endless.” According to Seagram the company has has a wealth of patents, which are now essen- Potential and possibilities are two things that been successful due to its ability to focus. tially ours for certain generations of the fuel the team of UofT Engineers at Hydrogenics “There are so many pathways Hydrogenics’ stack. For our work with Nextel, we created seems well poised to realize.

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 15 ENGINEERING BUSINESS SUCCESS Hana BY RUTH WEINSTOCK

ngineering is not an easy degree,” reflected Hana Zalzal Zalzal (Civ 8T8). “But the advantage of an engineering education is that it makes you prove to yourself that you can rise to any challenge.” EAnd rise she has. At age 38, Zalzal is President and Founder of a multi-million dollar business that has made significant inroads in Canadian and US markets and has set its sights on Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Sales have doubled annually on average since Zalzal’s company was launched in 1994. Her business savvy has been profiled admiringly in magazines including Canadian Business and People. The product which brought this engineering graduate to the pinnacle of success? Cosmetics. Top Hollywood stars, including Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone, Courtney Love and Helen Hunt love the beauty products made by Zalzal’s company, Cargo Cosmetics Corpora- tion, according to reports from their personal make-up artists. The stars of TV shows including “Friends,” “Ally McBeal” and “Frasier” are also said to be fans of the cosmetics marketed by the Concord, Ontario-based company. Ditto legions of non-celebrities who prefer a product cleverly positioned as the hip alterna- tive to heavily advertised, big brand beauty aids. While an education in civil engineering may seem unlikely preparation for a career manufacturing and selling cosmetics, Zalzal does not hesitate to cite her engineering back- ground as a key factor in her success. “You learn to think analytically,” the soft-spoken, but single-minded, achiever stated. “Engineering teaches a logical approach to problem-solving. l-r:Aileen Virola, Account It’s a discipline that leaves you with a sense Representative and of being able to tackle all things.” President Hana Zalzal Zalzal’s career path has had its ups and review products downs. After graduation, while working as a at Cargo Cosmetics designer of cable installations for Bell Canada, Corporation Hana yearned to start some kind of business headquarters. of her own. She quit to complete an MBA (at York University) in 1992. “My MBA was a picnic compared to what was expected in engineering,” she declared emphatically. Returning to work as a marketer and financial analyst, she continued to dream of running her own company. Inspiration came from the subtle approach taken by the artist who applied makeup for her wedding to Michael Volpatti, a lawyer with Bratty and Partners, whom Zalzal first met in civil classes at the Faculty. She decided to cut back her hours and began working towards founding a new cosmetic company “The advantage of an engineering education is that it makes you prove to yourself that you can rise to any challenge.” from her den, capitalizing on a long-held her target market, selling to selected retailers Although she found many courses difficult, love of art, colour and fashion. Her vision and online. “When you do something you she is still proud that she ‘aced’ Professor was to create make-up that would enhance love, it can be harder than you think and Philip Byer’s Engineering Economics course, but not alter. involve a lot of frustration. Your work doesn’t which she credits with giving her the fun- “I remember everyone telling me I was go away in the middle of the night. There damentals of finance. crazy to start a business, but there was no are always challenges and headaches.” Having children (Luke is now nearly four other option for me,” the tough-minded One major setback was the bankruptcy and John, almost two) motivated Zalzal to woman stated. “It all goes back to a lesson I of Eaton’s, then a major customer. But, dedicate a portion of the sales of a particular learned in engineering: whether you think Zalzal affirms, “Engineering gave me tough product line to a favourite charity, The you can or you think you can’t, you will be skin. I learned to put things in perspective Children’s Miracle Network, which supports right. You get a lot of courage when there’s and see past the current problem. It’s not ‘oh North American children’s hospitals. Again, no where to go but up. Engineering helped my god,’ but ‘what’s next?’. It was such great enthusiastic celebrity endorsements have increase my confidence.” preparation.” heightened interest in these products. Over two years of development, Hana Zalzal smiles as she recounts memories of “There are days when you feel everything enlisted make-up artists across North America her days at SkuleTM – being part of a ‘close is going wrong – large orders lost, problems to help design distinctive colours and test knit’ group, including people she still counts with suppliers,” Zalzal asserts, “but I am products. The strategy earned her fledgling as friends; the sense of community that doing something I love.” Her plans include company word-of-mouth credibility with developed from enduring the mosquitoes taking the logistical and financial risks influential actresses, models and style gurus. at survey camp; camaraderie on winter involved in increasing distribution overseas She sourced sleek but spare packaging, trips to the Quebec Carnival. She laughs as and moving to larger quarters. “If tomorrow named products after real and imaginary she quotes Professor B.J. Haynes’ favourite women stopped wearing make-up for some travel destinations, from Machu Picchu to saying, which she and her husband still reason, I would still feel that I accomplished Bora Bora and Oz and, ultimately, broadened repeat to one another, “Read it. Know it.” what I set out to do.”

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 17 FORMULA

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE

BY CHRISTINE SZUSTACZEK

mbitious and energetic students across North America, Europe and Asia, the Ricardo Dynamic Stability Award. Our at the University of Toronto Formula SAE is the largest automotive design accomplishments in the UK further inspired are taking their education competition for students in the world.” the team to grow and succeed.” into their own hands. “The team has done extremely well,” The team’s success is no surprise given the Putting into practice comments Enrico Diano, a fourth-year attitude and ingenuity of its members. One what they learn in the Mechanical Engineering student and leader of the first to join, Akos Toth (Elec 0T0 and classroom and figur- of the team’s suspension group. “In 1998, current MEng candidate) who has stayed on Aing out the rest along the way, they are our very first year, we placed 54th out of 100 as a technical director to the team, has filed designing, manufacturing, testing and racing teams. The next year, we raced a new car, two patents for work he completed on the a formula-style race car. These goals are which placed 8th out of 104 entries. We car. “He is definitely the craziest member achieved by a core group of 20 members who also won the Dynojet Highest Horsepower on the team and the one who has the most represent almost all the engineering disci- Award. Last year we had a setback due to a brilliant ideas,” says Diano. “Our overall plines. Their expertise is augmented by com- suspension failure, placing 40th overall, 15th achievement and success are largely due to puter science, MBA, and physics students in the design competition, and 2nd in the top his drive, technical advice and innovation. who have also joined this exciting venture. horsepower category. This year, we’ve built His input is integral.” “Our name is derived from an interna- our 4th generation vehicle and we’re geared “Joining the team is the best thing I could tional collegiate design competition called up to reclaim our reputation as a force to have done and I know that others feel the Formula SAE, organized by the Society of be reckoned with.” same way,” says Andreeva. “Formula SAE Automotive Engineers (SAE),” explains Elena The team represents the first-ever gives us the kind of experience you could Andreeva, a third-year Electrical Engineering Canadian university to enter the European never get by just coming to class and doing student and the team’s business director. equivalent of Formula SAE, called Formula your homework. I like to think of it as “SAE and the ‘Big Three’ – GM, Ford and Student, which is held each July in Central running my own business. I have had to file DaimlerChrysler – stage the competition England. Recalls Andreeva, “In 2000, the business plans, recruit and organize the team’s each May at the Pontiac Silverdome in first year we competed, we placed 2nd over- talent, secure adequate financial resources, Michigan. With over 100 universities from all in a group of 30 universities. We also won and handle the logistics.”

18 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters The Formula SAE team in action. l-r: Enrico Diano and Anthony Wei test the 2002 car; Anthony Wei awaits the track marshall’s signal during the 2000 competition in England; Enrico Diano and Akos Toth contemplate the new suspension set up at the 2001 Michigan event; and, demonstrating the S A E car’s acceleration at the 2001 Formula SAE event in Michigan.

RACETRACK IN 2.9 SECONDS

FORMULA SAE CAR FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS Adds Diano, “Working on the car has funding the team needs to complete the car. definitely enhanced my education. Mechani- • Open wheel formula-style racer She adds, “We would not be where we cal engineering students have a design com- • 600 cc Honda motorcycle engine are today were it not for the dedication and ponent in their classes but many don’t know • Tubular steel chassis support of Professors William Cleghorn, • Weighs under 500 pounds how to operate a lathe or do machine shop Joseph Paradi, and Pierre Sullivan. The • Custom-made fuel injection system work. They have no way of physically putting • Independent four wheel suspension funding we receive from Dean Anastasios together what they’ve learned how to design • Limited slip differential on the Venetsanopoulos, Provost Adel Sedra, the on a computer.” rear wheel drive system Engineering Alumni Association and the Many of the team’s fourth year engineer- • Acceleration of 0-100 km/h Chair of Mechanical and Industrial Engi- ing students have completed their theses on in 2.9 seconds neering, Jim Wallace, is also of great help.” projects related to the car. The team’s founder, • Breaking capacity of 150 to Future plans for the team include contin- Aaron Tsang (Mech 8T8), started the trend. 0 km/h in 3 seconds uing with the international competitions and Since then others have followed, studying the the past practice of displaying the car at the car’s mechanical design, electronics, fluid their future personal and professional goals.” Molson Indy and the Auto Show. “We’re also flow and materials. The team is grateful for the support it working with Formula SAE Canada to launch Says Anthony Wei, a fourth year com- has received from its corporate sponsors a collegiate competition in Canada,” says puter science student who is this year’s team and its supporters at the University. Says Andreeva. “We’re lucky because we have the manager and driver, “Building and racing Andreeva, “Honda provides us with the resources to attend the international compe- the car on the international circuit gives us money to buy the engine, we receive the bear- titions but many teams in Canada don’t. We’d the chance to compete against the best in ings and drive shafts from NTN, adhesives like everyone to be able to experience what we the world, which is truly exhilarating. I also and lubricants from Hanco-Locktite, our have and benefit from this tremendous learn- know that this experience won’t end when shipping crate from Topax Package Systems ing opportunity.” For more information on we leave UofT. The ambition and energy and the shipping of the car to England from the Formula SAE team and an update on how my teammates have used to make the car a Kuehne & Nagel.” The newest sponsor is they fared in this May’s competition, visit reality are the same qualities they’ll apply to MBNA Canada Bank, which provided the their Web site at www.fsae.utoronto.ca

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 19 G R E A T TEACHERS BY RUTH WEINSTOCK

hat makes a teacher When enrolment in ambition, became immersed in the joy of great? Just ask the stu- grows and students are thinking, when exposed to Karney’s experi- dents and colleagues of “ ential examples, ‘real world’ demonstrations, WCivil Engineering Professors so excited by their studies ‘philosophical witticisms,’ quotations, cartoons Bryan Karney, Baher Abdulhai and MIE that they actually and sheer dedication. Professor Ridha Ben Mrad, who have recently sleep overnight in their lab Explaining why he continually reworks won accolades from the Faculty of Applied his lectures and problems, Karney asserted, Science and Engineering for their excep- to maximize work time, “To me teaching is such a dynamic balance. tional abilities as educators. you know you’ve done It’s not a formula.” Karney ascribes his Professor Bryan Karney, who has 18 years something right. achievement to “expecting more of my stu- of teaching experience, won the Faculty’s dents – and myself.” highest award for teaching, while the Early ” When enrolment grows and students are Career Teaching Award for 2001-2002 went so excited by their studies that they actually to Professors Abdulhai and Ben Mrad. While at the Hong Kong University of Science and sleep overnight in their lab to maximize work the Faculty and the University have recog- Technology, to Karney’s ability to inspire. “I time, you know you’ve done something right. nized gifted educators for years, the recent give him full credit for shaping my life and Since he began teaching at UofT in 1997, establishment of a new Office of Teaching career,” said Ghidaoui, one of dozens of stu- Professor Ridha Ben Mrad has led the intro- Advancement renews UofT’s commitment dents and colleagues who urged that Professor duction of the first Mechatronics option at to outstanding teaching. Headed by Professor Karney’s exceptional work be recognized. a Canadian university, developing two new Kenneth Bartlett, its mandate is to rein- “Before every class I remind myself of the courses from scratch, substantially revising two force the relationship between teaching and incredible privilege of having the opportunity others and creating a well-equipped teaching research and to recognize excellence. to teach,” Karney said. “I love teaching. The laboratory from bare walls. His leadership as Roberto Del Core (Civ 9T3), a former pleasure of doing research is nothing com- Chair of the Mechatronics option has kept student of Professor Bryan Karney, described pared with the pleasure of seeing a light go on UofT in the forefront of this emerging field. his teaching by saying, “It did not take me in a student’s face. I value teaching for the new Fully half of our Mechanical Engineering long to realize I had a genius in front of me.” insights I gain from every group of students.” students now elect the Mechatronics option. He “made my future,” stated Mohamed One hallmark of Karney’s professorial Professor Ben Mrad has tailored his elec- Ghidaoui (Civ 8T9). Ghidaoui attributed his talent is the fact that he has changed the atti- tronic design and mechatronics courses espe- transformation from a mediocre student, tudes of many initially hostile students. Even cially for mechanical engineering applications, “completely uninterested in Civil Engineer- students who confessed that they ‘proudly’ encouraging students to apply and integrate ing,” to his current post as Associate Professor began the year noisy, disrespectful or lacking their course work. He attributes his students’

20 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters Clockwise from top right: Professors Baher Abdulhai, Bryan Karney and Ridha Ben Mrad

round-the-clock involvement in learning to the semester ends with them feeling greater could conclude that, while teaching is impor- their excitement in hands-on team projects, confidence in their abilities.” tant, it isn’t as important as research. But including building and racing an intelligent “I feel indebted to my students,” Ben when you are dealing with people, there is autonomous vehicle that can navigate a maze. Mrad stated. “I have to do the best job I can no such thing as a trade-off. You are creating Ben Mrad has also done his utmost to supply because I am responsible for giving them the the engineers of the future. If you don’t con- students with up-to-the-minute tools and best education they can get.” vince the cream of the crop to follow you technologies, trusting them with safeguard- When a large number of students elect to and excite them to push the state of our ing the equipment. “Nothing has ever been consult with a professor after class, swell knowledge, our profession could degrade. burned, broken or lost,” he smiles, proud of enrolment and follow their teacher’s career The passion you pass on to students matters. his students’ perfect record. path, it means they have found a mentor. In Together, we will find ways to innovate.” Despite the fact that he describes himself his four years of teaching at UofT, Professor Professor Karney summed up why he as ‘strict’ and ‘uncompromising’ in the stan- Baher Abdulhai has been credited with inspir- finds teaching so rewarding. “In every class dards he sets for his students, and says ing a revival of undergraduate and graduate I try to communicate a sense of life beyond his course is the “heaviest of all the courses student interest in transportation, through the equation, the human significance of they take,” students have consistently nom- his work as Director of the Intelligent Trans- the subject. I see teaching as an incredible inated Ben Mrad for the Early Career award portation Systems Centre and Testbed. opportunity to participate in the growing each of the past four years. “I challenge my “Because the University of Toronto is awareness and maturity taking place both in students and also support them, so that research-focused,” Abdulhai stated, “you yourself and your students.”

SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 21 U OFT ENGINEERS TAKE ON International Development

Centre: Benjamin Plener (Eng Sci 0T4) with some of the crew who built a new housing for a Hammer Mill, to help feed the refugees of the Mwange Camp in northeastern Zambia.

BY RUTH WEINSTOCK rom assisting with hunger in a ing communities through the use of appro- impressive range of volunteer activities. Zambian refugee camp, to devel- priate technology and sustainable, commu- EWB-UofT interns, including Shubha oping information technology in nity-driven development. The umbrella Balasubramanyam (ECE 0T3), have travelled Indian villages and addressing the organization, founded in 2000, patterned its far afield to give of their knowledge where it issue of contaminated water in name and ethos on the renowned medical is most needed. In January, the student Huarina, Bolivia, students involved aid organization, Doctors Without Borders. headed for Rajkot, a city in Gujarat, India, Fwith the UofT chapter of Engineers Without The UofT division is the largest of the orga- near an area devastated by an earthquake in Borders (EWB) are fuelled by a passion to nization’s 17 chapters, which are based 2001. She was enthusiastic about using her make their technical and human skills go far. mainly in North America. Founded by training to develop a Web site and databases Engineers Without Borders is dedicated Sophie Walewijk (Chem 0T1) in 2000, the for ProPoor Infotech Centre, an organization to improving the quality of life in develop- UofT group has already undertaken an established in 1998 that links non-govern-

22 FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING/skulematters The cumulative effect of modest contributions‘‘ to Engineers Without Borders has the potential to make a lasting impact on the world. mental organizations (NGO’s) dedicated to Interim analyses at UofT social development issues, from child labour Marco Guzman and Macario have found very high levels to illiteracy, throughout Southeast Asia. As Liuca inspect the water of lead, arsenic and sele-’’ with all EWB projects, local people will storage tanks near the town nium in the water. Anupam maintain the technology after the intern of Huarina, Bolivia Singhal (Eng Sci 0T4), departs. One highlight of Shubha’s trip was EWB-UofT’s current Presi- laying the foundation stone for a new school, dent who heads this project, built to replace one lost in the quake. stated that evaluating hygiene Another volunteer, Benjamin Plener (Eng and sanitation would be Sci 0T4), until recently President of the UofT part of the work undertaken chapter, spent two winter months working in by students Nick Kruchten the UN-established Mwange Refugee Camp (Eng Sci 0T4) and Anna in northeastern Zambia, near the Congolese MacDonald (Eng Sci 0T5), border. As a result of a civil war in the Congo, who will go to Huarina this many refugees had crossed into the area. summer. “I saw great suffering and great need In urging alumni, pro- amongst the camp’s 25,000 people,” Plener fessionals, students and commented. “But what I took from the expe- companies to contribute to rience is that much can be done to improve the onset of flood season, problems transporting the EWB mission, Civil Engineering Chair quality of life, and even save lives, given the supplies and intermittent electricity. Plener and EWB faculty advisor Professor Barry knowledge, resources and will to do it.” As stated that the mill’s new housing, which took Adams concluded, “The cumulative effect of assistant to the camp’s technical coordinator, less than a month to build and cost less than modest contributions of time or funds to and part of CARE’s (Compassion and Relief $2,000, will provide a much more reliable EWB has the potential to make a lasting Everywhere) Refugee Empowerment Program, source of food for years to come. impact on the world.” To learn more, visit Plener was originally intending to concentrate Another ambitious EWB-UofT project their Web site at http://toronto.ewb.ca/ on construction, water and sanitation projects, is improving the water system used by the but instead worked on a team dealing with a nearly 7,000 people of Huarina, Bolivia, more pressing problem – hunger. near Lake Titicaca. In May 2000, the town’s “The Hammer Mills that grind maize into Mayor contacted Marco Guzman, a Huarina a staple food are severely overworked,” Plener native who heads the Toronto-based Frontiers explained. Frequent fuel leaks and broken Foundation, concerned that tainted water parts resulted from the fact that the mill lacked was possibly behind diarrhea and illness the proper structure to absorb the vibrations in the town. Guzman contacted EWB- caused during operation. Refugees faced terri- UofT to see if the group could ble delays and deprivation when replacement ameliorate the water and, in the parts had to be shipped from Lusaka. In con- long-term, address dry season structing a new casement for the mill, the water shortages by expand- team coped with extreme heat, which brought ing the current infrastructure Anna MacDonald (Eng Sci 0T5) sunburn, dehydration and insect bites, the and constructing a new tank. and Nick Kruchten (Eng Sci 0T4) are going to Huarina, Bolivia this summer. SPRING 2002 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering University of Toronto

35 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4 Web: www.ecf.utoronto.ca/apsc Dean: Ph. 416-978-3131 Fax 416-978-4859 e-mail: [email protected] Vice-Dean, Undergraduate: Ph. 416-978-1904 Fax 416-971-2291 e-mail: [email protected] Vice-Dean, Research and Graduate Studies: Ph. 416-978-3135 Fax 416-946-8252 e-mail: [email protected] Alumni Relations: Ph. 416-978-4941 or 416-978-3177 Fax 416-971-2291 e-mail: [email protected] Professional Experience Year (PEY): Ph. 416-978-3132 Fax 416-971-2351 e-mail: [email protected] Development Office (Campaign): Ph. 416-978-0380 Fax 416-946-3450 e-mail: [email protected] Professional Development Centre: Ph. 416-978-3119 Fax 416-971-2141 e-mail: [email protected]

HOMECOMING REUNION 2002

Saturday, October 5, 2002 6 pm – midnight • Great Hall, Hart House • $50 per person

THE CLASS REPS FOR THE 2002 HOMECOMING Tickets: REUNION HONOURED YEARS ARE: 8T2 John Voss – 416-622-9449 [email protected] 416-978-3177 8T7 John Rynn – 905-331-8156 [email protected] To order on line: 9T2 Christie Webster – 416-421-3511 [email protected] www.ecf.utoronto.ca/ 9T7 David Bahoudian – 416-783-3456 [email protected] ~alumni/events 9T8 To be confirmed 9T9 Paul Andersen – [email protected] Keep up to date 0T0 Ben Dehghan – [email protected] with Alumni Events: 0T1 Karen Caputo – [email protected] www.ecf.utoronto.ca/ 0T2 Jim Karahalios – [email protected] ~alumni/events