News

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Prof develops app to boost smartphone battery life

A researcher at Waterloo Engineering has helped find a novel method to extend the battery life of smartphones for up to an hour each day.

Kshirasagar Naik, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, collaborated with researchers in India to develop an app that can reduce the energy consumption of smartphones without any significant impact on performance.

Friday, August 10, 2018

Researchers awarded $13.6 million in federal funding

Two research networks led by Waterloo Engineering experts were front and centre as more than $78 million in federal funding was announced today for collaborations between academia and businesses across the country.

Ehsan Toyserkani, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, will receive $5.5 million over five years for the Network for Holistic Innovations in Additive Manufacturing (HI-AM).

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

New system uses AI to find potholes in need of repair

Governments may soon be able to use artificial intelligence (AI) to easily and cheaply detect problems with roads, bridges and buildings.

A new AI software system developed by researchers at Waterloo Engineering automatically analyzes photographs taken by vehicle-mounted cameras to flag potholes, cracks and other defects.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Professor Emeritus Ralph Haas honoured by U of A

Ralph Haas, known in the engineering world as the father of pavement asset management, was the recipient of the University of Alberta’s highest honour, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, at the university’s spring convocation held in June.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Co-op students build first-of-its-kind machine in Canada

With the help of seven University of Waterloo co-op students, Canada’s first Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD) system is up and running. At the celebratory ribbon cutting on May 10, 2018, project leader Professor Kevin Musselman said he couldn’t have done it without the co-op students who helped design and build the machine.

“I was sitting at my desk the whole time. I don't think I ever lifted a finger so it was entirely built by the students,” laughs Musselman.

Monday, July 23, 2018

One step closer to closing the gender gap in engineering

More young women will likely go into engineering if it is promoted as a profession for well-rounded people with a desire to serve society, according to a new study at the University of Waterloo.

The findings suggest that efforts to close a gender gap in the field should stress key reasons for women to pursue engineering along with the current approach of instilling confidence in their technical and academic abilities to succeed.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

AI technology could help protect water supplies

Progress on new artificial intelligence (AI) technology could make monitoring at water treatment plants cheaper and easier and help safeguard public health.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed AI software capable of identifying and quantifying different kinds of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, a threat to shut down water systems when it suddenly proliferates.

Monday, July 16, 2018

NSERC grant supports unique biomedical technology program

How can engineers create more effective biomedical technologies? According to Catherine Burns, executive director of the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and systems design engineering professor, practical knowledge is the key.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Waterloo researchers awarded for their work in asset and infrastructure management

Researchers from Waterloo Engineering were recognized with two awards from the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM), honouring their work to advance asset management across the country.

Mark Knight, associate professor in civil and environmental engineering and executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Trenchless Technologies (CATT), accepted the 2018 CNAM Pioneer Award.

Monday, July 16, 2018

New Grant Supports Professional Development for Women in Engineering

Waterloo Engineering is pleased to announce the HeForShe travel grant, now available to female and non-binary students and faculty. The grant supports travel to conferences, workshops, professional development events, and more. Four grants are available, with a value of up to $500 each.