News and Events

University of Windsor engineering faculty were honoured for their dedication to teaching, mentorship and professional integrity at this year’s annual Engineering Society Gala.

Three instructors received Faculty Outstanding Service Awards, a recognition voted on by undergraduate engineering students.

These honours continue a longstanding tradition by the Engineering Students’ Society to celebrate faculty who leave a lasting impact on their students and the broader academic community.

Ahmed Hamdi Sakr received the Distinguished Educator Award, recognizing his excellence in teaching, mentorship and student development. Students praised Dr. Sakr for challenging them in the classroom while equipping them with practical, real-world skills. His commitment to academic and professional growth has earned him admiration and respect across the faculty.

Jeff Defoe, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering, has launched a project in collaboration with Turbostream Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc. to optimize jet engine fan technology and reduce environmental impact in aviation.

The three-year project, supported by $690,000 from NSERC, Mitacs, and industry contributions, will fund four graduate students and provide opportunities for several undergraduates in various programs.

“This research is crucial to improving fan efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts for future aircraft in Canada and globally,” Dr. Defoe says.

A key challenge the project will tackle is predicting rotating stall, when unstable airflow in a jet engine fan leads to a significant drop in performance. Addressing it requires high-fidelity, time-resolved simulations, which are computationally expensive. Defoe’s team will explore the trade-offs between accuracy and cost when predicting stall onset, aiming to improve fan and engine efficiency without sacrificing safety.

This summer, the University of Windsor will host cutting-edge events aimed at advancing knowledge and expertise in the growing hydrogen energy sector.

Held at the Centre for Engineering Innovation, the Hydrogen Summer School 2025 offers two key courses for a variety of professionals.

The first, an introductory course, will kick off on April 24, while the intermediate, two-day course will follow on June 17 and 18. Organized in collaboration with the Turbulence Energy Lab, this educational event is designed to benefit students, researchers, utilities, system operators, and large energy prosumers alike.

The course will focus on key aspects of hydrogen technology, providing participants with insights into both the challenges and solutions related to the increasing demand for hydrogen as a clean energy source. This growing sector has seen exponential growth as global partners make substantial investments in infrastructure — projected to exceed $200 billion by 2030.

A summit will bring together stakeholders, enthusiasts, and experts from academia, industry, and the public sector to discuss the current challenges and refine existing solutions that promote responsible living.

The eighth Cleaner Earth and Atmosphere Conference is set for June 19 and 20 at the University of Windsor.

“The symposium promotes collaboration between engineering, business, and science,” says organizer David Ting, a professor of mechanical, automotive, and materials engineering. “By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, we can address the most pressing global challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions.”