Dean Mary Wells emphasized the significant role the University of Waterloo's engineering program can play in advancing agriculture technology through partnerships and co-op experiences. Speaking at the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation symposium, Wells highlighted the university’s unique approach, which includes mandatory co-op terms for engineering students, fostering a diverse range of experiences that cultivate global perspectives and creativity.
In comments reported by agricultural news site Farmtario, Wells pointed out that the university's strengths in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and other engineering fields could address specific challenges in agriculture. She illustrated this with examples including Dr. Mahla Poudineh’s nanotech wearable health indicator, which could be adapted for animal welfare, and the Collaborative Robotics and Automation RoboHub, which allows for extensive robotics testing and introduces engineering to younger students.
Wells also highlighted the Sedra Student Design Centre, which engages students in experiential learning projects, some of which have direct applications in agriculture. Dr. Yue Hu’s student design team, a finalist for the KUKA Innovation Award, developed a robotic solution for creating artisanal-grade pastries, showcasing how engineering solutions can improve efficiency and consistency in the food industry.
Moreover, Wells addressed the labor shortages in the agri-food sector, noting that Waterloo graduates could fill these gaps and drive innovation. She proposed provincial competitions to spur engineering students to solve agricultural challenges, thereby strengthening the bond between agriculture and engineering. “We really value research partnerships. We want to be known as one of the most industry-friendly universities in the country,” she said. “There’s lots of options for connecting with our students and researchers.”
Thursday, August 1, 2024