Electrical engineering co-op student Luke Laforest received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a work term at Ford Motor Company's Windsor Engine Plant. Through projects focused on predictive planning, assembly-line optimization and continuous improvement, he delivered solutions that helped improve efficiency, reduce costs and support frontline workers. (LUKE LAFOREST/University of Windsor)
At a modern engine plant, even a brief disruption can have significant consequences.
— Published on Aug 26th, 2026
Master of Science in Computer Science student Nishant Gowthaman received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a co-op placement with CenterLine (Windsor) Limited. During his work term, he developed a machine learning-powered system that transformed years of estimating data into a searchable resource, supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. (SHIVANGI ROY/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
When Nishant Gowthaman arrived at CenterLine (Windsor) Limited for his co-op placement, he was presented with a challenge that extended far beyond writing code.
The company had years of estimating data stored across thousands of spreadsheets, containing valuable knowledge that engineers often struggled to find and reuse.
— Published on Aug 17th, 2026
Master of Applied Computing graduate Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel earned a Rising Star Award for outstanding work during a Winter 2026 co-op placement at RBC, where he developed AI-powered solutions that improved efficiency and delivered business value. (SUBMITTED BY HARSHKUMAR NAYANBHAI PATEL/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
For Harshkumar Nayanbhai Patel (MAC '26), a co-op placement at RBC became more than a learning opportunity. By the end of his work term, he had helped develop AI-powered solutions that were saving thousands of engineering hours annually and earned a full-time software engineering position with the company.
— Published on Aug 17th, 2026
Electrical engineering co-op student Luke Laforest received a Rising Star Award for his contributions during a work term at Ford Motor Company's Windsor Engine Plant. Through projects focused on predictive planning, assembly-line optimization and continuous improvement, he delivered solutions that helped improve efficiency, reduce costs and support frontline workers. (LUKE LAFOREST/University of Windsor)
