Brian Aldington and Matthew Saby of die set manufacturer Anchor Danly enjoy a tour by grad student John Magliaro of the structural engineering testing lab, Friday in the Centre for Engineering Innovation.Brian Aldington and Matthew Saby of die set manufacturer Anchor Danly enjoy a tour by grad student John Magliaro of the structural engineering testing lab, Friday in the Centre for Engineering Innovation.

Engineering school invites industry to explore research capacity

The UWindsor Faculty of Engineering showcased its research expertise for representatives of more than 40 industrial concerns Friday during what organizers plan on making an annual event.

The Engineering Research Open House offered laboratory demonstrations and tours as well as formal presentations on available government funding and fostering successful partnerships between academics and businesses.

“The time has come for us to show who we are and what we do,” said Majid Ahmadi, associate dean for research and graduate studies. “We cannot keep secret what capabilities we have.”

The event engaged faculty members and graduate students in explaining their work to the visitors, which he hopes will lead to additional meaningful co-operation with industry.

“We are not just sitting in an ivory tower,” Dr. Ahmadi said. “We are in the business of educating students, preparing them for the professional market. This event not only showed potential partners what we are capable of, it gave our students a chance to hear from employers about the needs of industry.”

Brian Aldington, an engineer at the die set manufacturer Anchor Danly, said he enjoyed the opportunity to see the research facilities in the Centre for Engineering Innovation: “It’s very impressive looking” he said as he gazed up at the strong wall in the structural engineering testing lab.

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