News and Events

Nick Schembri and Josh Martin, students in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, were eager to get research experience early in their university careers. The two began working with professors Rupp Carriveau and Jacqueline Stagner in their first year of study and now, in just their second year, had the opportunity to present their findings before a room filled with industry leaders and academic experts.

The students were tasked with investigating North American grid outages and how the electrical grid is impacted at the neighborhood transformer level by new and disruptive loads. They were responsible for measuring grid vulnerability and providing a comprehensive analysis of their findings and writing journal papers.

“The students were given a significant responsibility early on, and they rose to the challenge,” says Dr. Carriveau. “They worked hard to collect data, analyze it, and present their findings to the research team.”

The Faculty of Engineering is excited to announce the launch of EMPOWR, a brand-new initiative designed to support Master of Engineering (MEng) students in building valuable technical and non-technical skills that enhance employability in the Canadian workforce. Under the leadership of Dr. Victoria Abboud and Acting Associate Dean, Darryl Danelon, this program provides students with access to a wealth of resources, including professional development sessions, industry-informed learning opportunities, and tools to plan their career pathways—all completely free!

What is EMPOWR?

EMPOWR is more than just a program; it's a community designed to help MEng students thrive both academically and professionally. Whether you're looking to expand your skill set, connect with industry professionals, or explore innovative software, EMPOWR provides a comprehensive platform to do just that. Through various workshops and sessions, students can gain critical insights into the job market, refine their career paths, and grow essential skills that go beyond technical expertise.

Why Should You Get Involved?

In today's job market, technical skills are important, but employers also value strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. EMPOWR targets technical and non-technical skills that are crucial to your future success. By participating in EMPOWR sessions, students will not only expand their knowledge but also enhance their employability in a competitive global market.

Climate change presents a new set of challenges, particularly for utilities, on the front lines of maintaining service in the face of increasingly severe weather events, such as high winds, flash floods, and wildlife disruptions.

A workshop Feb. 6 in Toronto will bring together industry leaders and academics to address energy sector resilience in the face of climate and technological change.

The workshop will delve into system vulnerabilities, examine emerging technologies, and assess whether these innovations provide real benefits for energy operators. Participants will also gain insight into the financial implications of these challenges and explore funding models that can support the resilience of energy systems.

A UWindsor professor is delving into the past to explore her family’s heritage through a series of interviews that capture the migration stories of individuals in the local Lebanese community.

Victoria Abboud, an instructor, author, and alumna (BSc 2000, BA 2001), received a $5,000 grant from the City of Windsor toward her project Transplanting Cedars: Migration Stories from Lebanese Elders.

“This project has been years in the making. I’ve always had an interest in family history and genealogy — we’re Lebanese on my dad’s side — so it’s been a lifelong journey of exploring both the history of our family and the broader community,” Dr. Abboud said.

“It began with me writing about family, community and life in Lebanon. We still have family, friends, and a community in our village that we visit whenever possible. I started sharing these stories with my dad, and he became really interested, reflecting on his own experiences. And I realized there are some significant migration stories here.”