Photonics News & Events
New Collaboration Between Ciena and Algonquin College Will Empower the Next Generation of Optical Communications Graduates
Tim Audet photographed at his place of work.
OTTAWA, November 2, 2012. Ciena and Algonquin College have marked the start of a new collaboration with the grand unveiling of advanced optical telecommunications equipment which is now installed in Algonquin College’s Ciena Optophotonics Lab.
“Through the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology program, we aim to produce graduates who have hands-on experience with the leading edge technology in fibre optic communications technology,” explains Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi, Research Coordinator & Professor, Faculty of Technology & Trades at Algonquin College. “The optical equipment donated by Ciena will ensure they are receiving practical learning opportunities with technology that is in use in the networks of major telecommunication providers around the world. It also allows for greater collaboration with other educational institutions, laboratories, and advanced research and innovation networks to further their learning.”
The recent launch of the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology program, along with this donation, is significant as the importance of the telecommunications field is growing. Currently, more than one third of the world’s population is online – and growing rapidly – and users expect the network to be fast and always available. To meet these growing demands for bandwidth, technology continues to evolve to provide greater efficiencies across the network for more affordable access to this critical economic tool.
“Technology is changing the world,” says Algonquin College President Kent MacDonald. “It’s changing how we do business. It’s changing how we conduct research. It’s changing how we tell time – just ask a student what time it is and you won’t find them checking their wrist watch but pulling out a mobile device. Their ability to grow, to discover and to innovate is even greater now thanks to Ciena’s donation. It has raised the bar on what is possible and given our students – and our future graduates – what they need to move confidently forward to accomplish their dreams.”
“Ciena is looking forward to this collaboration with Algonquin College and is pleased to provide state-of-the-art equipment that will help prepare graduates of the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology program for high-calibre technology job opportunities both in Ottawa and throughout the world,” adds James Frodsham, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Ciena Corporation. “Our Canadian presence has always been focused on research and development and our participation in this initiative is another example of our continued commitment to helping create new high tech jobs, investing in the development of new technology and supporting the local community.”
Ottawa is home to Ciena’s largest research and development center, and is the company’s largest single location worldwide. “Ottawa has the best-educated workforce in North America, so it’s no surprise that technology companies are eager to do business here,” says Ottawa West-Nepean MPP Bob Chiarelli. “Algonquin College and Ciena are driving the agenda and helping to maintain and grow our city’s status as a top technology hub.”
The launch event concluded with a demonstration of the new technology by Claude Brulé, Vice President, Academic at Algonquin College, along with remarks from Dr. Alumuhtadi, Minister Chiarelli, President MacDonald, and Mr. Frodsham. Rodney Wilson, Senior Director of External Research at Ciena, also spoke to provide an overview of the Ciena technology now operational in the Optophotonics Lab. Students from the Bachelor of Information Technology – Photonics and Information Technology program, as well as students from the Wireless/ Mobility Telecommunications Engineering Technician program and representatives from the College’s Applied Research & Innovation department were present for the announcement.
Tim Audet, photonics program graduate update
Tim Audet, Photonics graduate 2009 reports back on his experiences at Algonquin College. “The Photonics course at Algonquin College has provided me with the knowledge base and hands on training required to successfully find a job in the real world. In the college you experience small class sizes, which gives you a lot more opportunity for additional help and training. Through my time at Algonquin I was also given great life experience, through the co-op program, and spent the summer at a high tech optics company called ELCAN. I was able to use key concepts there that I learned in class, and apply them to real world applications. I am now currently working full time at a local company, LightMachinery, in my field of study.”
Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2016
Popup Linux takes place on the second floor of J building on:
- Monday April 4, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday April 5, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Thursday April 7, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Friday April 8, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Experienced students from the Computer System Technician program will be on hand to answer your questions. Distributions being made available to try and learn more about include:
Fedora, openSUSE, Mageia, ClearOS, CentOS, PCLinuxOS, Rosa, Korora, OpenMandriva Lx, Scientific Linux, Oracle Linux, Rockstor, Chapeau, Qubes OS, Zorin, Linux Mint, Debian, Ubuntu, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Kylin, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu GNOME, deepin, LXLE, Lubuntu, Linux Lite, Tails, Cub Linux, NetRunner, Bodhi Linux, SteamOS, Q4OS, Ultimate Edition, SparkyLinux, PeppermintOS, WattOS, siduction, Pinguy, antiX, elementary, Backbox, Makulu, Robolinux, EmmaBuntu, Neptune, SolydXK, Semplice Linux, Trisquel, HandyLinux, Clonezilla Live, GParted Live, Voyager Live, Linux Mangaka, ExTiX, Parsix GNU-Linux, Tanglu, AV Linux, ELive, Univention, RebeccaBlackOS, Slackware, VectorLinux, AbsoluteLinux, Salix, Zenwalk Linux, Wifislax, ASTRUMI, Porteus, DragonflyBSD, GhostBSD, OpenBSD, Arch, Manjaro, Antergos, KaOS, ArchBang, Chakra, BlackArch Linux, Solus, Sabayon, FreeBSD, Puppy, Quirky, Simplicity, NixOS, Tiny Core, 4mLinux, PC-BSD, CRUX, Kwort Linux, Gentoo, Calculate Linux, AlpineLinux, 0linux, SliTaz GNU/Linux, Pisi Linux, smartOS, NetBSD, Oracle Solaris, Parted Magic, ReactOS, CoreOS, OpenELEC, pfSense, Android-x86
Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2016
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MAY – AUGUST 2016 |
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Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2015
Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi has been recognized by the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) as the recipients of the Canadian Pacific Railway Medal.
This medal was established in 1987 to honour the achievements in engineering and in the development of Canada.
The CPR Medal is awarded in recognition of many years of leadership and service at the regional, branch and section levels by members of the Societies within the Institute.
This medal is one of the highest engineering awards in Canada.
The EIC annually recognizes outstanding engineers amongst the membership of its member societies, both academic and industry based members, at an awards gala. The award winners were presented at the CCTC2015 conference banquet held in Montreal during the evening of 26 May 2015.
Posted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2015
MAY 27, 2015
Congratulations to Craig Labute, who placed second overall in the third round of Cisco’s Networking Academy NetRiders USA and Canada 2015 CCNA Competition!
Cisco Networking Academy NetRiders competitions utilize Cisco’s Web technologies to create an interactive networking skills contest that enhances classroom learning, unites students from across the world, and promotes further technology education and training.
Organized by Cisco, these competitions are a great opportunity for Networking Academy students to learn valuable Networking/IT skills through a series of online exams and simulation activities. This third round of the competition wrapped up last week.
For taking home the second spot, Craig wins a Study Trip Prize to Cisco Headquarters January 10-16, 2016, and either a CCNA Routing & Switching or CCNA Security certification voucher – his choice. Way to go!
Posted on Thursday, May 7th, 2015
Over May 4th through 6th 18 Algonquin College students and their coaches traveled to Kitchener-Waterloo to participate in the Ontario Technological Skills Competition.
We are very, very proud to announce that our students brought home five medals including one gold, three silver and one bronze.
Bringing home the Gold Medal in the Carpentry competition was Matthew Scharf. Matthew will be on his way to the 21st Skills Canada National Competition being held in Saskatoon from May 27th through 30th.
Winning Silver in the Cabinetmaking competition was Matt Polson.
Winning a Silver in the Truck and Coach category was Jordan Biggs with Mitch Rosborough bringing home the bronze.
Kelly Johnson from the School of Hospitality brought home a Silver medal in the Culinary Arts competition.
Congratulations to all the competitors, great job. We are very proud of your efforts.
Ontario Technological Skills Competition – Post Secondary – Skills Ontario
Taking place May 4 – 6, 2015, the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) is Canada’s largest skilled trades competition. With over 65 contests, 1,900 competitors and 20,000 spectators, the hallways at RIM Park in Waterloo swell with trembling hands, cheers and the smile of a proud parent.The OTSC offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field. Over the two and a half days, they turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers. Winners are awarded with Gold, Silver or Bronze medals – and some with monetary awards, too – and the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition.” – www.skillsontario.com
Posted on Friday, April 24th, 2015
Rebecca Trueman, Academic Chair for the Applied Science and Environmental Technology department of the Faculty of Technology and Trades has been included on the 2015 Ottawa Chamber of Commerce / Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 list. The Forty Under 40 list recognizes accomplished leaders who are under the age of 40 and also give back to their community. Please visit http://business.ottawachamber.ca/news/details/unveiling-our-2015-forty-under-40-recipients to read the news release and view the others on this prestigious list. Congratulations Rebecca!
Posted on Thursday, April 16th, 2015
At a recent visit to Central Wire Industries in Perth, Ontario students from the Manufacturing Engineering Technician program handed over a number of finished, custom design and manufactured Wire Tensioner devices.
The Wire Tensioner project was part of the Mechanical Design course in the final semester of our Manufacturing Engineering Technician program. It was a two stage process where the graduating level students from our program design the project and our students coming into the fall of the next year manufacture the components and assemble the completed project.
Our second year mechanical design students were set-up with local companies, in this case Central Wire Industries (CWI) in Perth ON, who had a project or idea that they would like to have worked on but did not have the skills, resources or time to pursue. These second year students designed the components and assemblies in 3D solid modeling CADD (Computer Aided Design and Drafting) in the winter of 2014.
Once those students had completed the program in April of 2014, the program faculty and staff then produced a working prototype of the student design and brought it to CWI. CWI then set-up the Wire Tensioner and used it for a period of two weeks. CWI then asked for a few modifications to the design. The modifications were completed in CADD as well as the working prototype.
In the fall of 2014, CWI then provided Manufacturing Engineering Technician program all of the required materials and tooling needed to machine the components for fourteen assembled units. Our Manufacturing Engineering Technician students, under the supervision of our Faculty, provided the skilled labor to produce those assemblies. This was the first project produced by our new program and its success speaks volumes about the students, staff and Central Wire Industries working together.
Read more about this fantastic collaborative project in the following Algonquin Times news story by Sean Minaker here – http://algonquintimes.com/innovations/students-wired-to-industry/ .
Posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2015
James Eaton, Coordinator of the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician-Robotics program at Algonquin College was quoted in a recent Toronto Star article regarding how technological advances are occurring in many different industries especially when it comes to the implementation of robotics and advanced control systems. The article outlines how Colleges and College students are training for the ever-expanding career opportunities in the myriad of fields in which robotics and robots are appearing.
Posted on Thursday, March 12th, 2015
Dr. Wahab Almuhtadi has been recognized by the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) as the recipients of the Canadian Pacific Railway Medal. This medal was established in 1987 to honour the achievements in engineering and in the development of Canada. The CPR Medal is awarded in recognition of many years of leadership and service at the regional, branch and section levels by members of the Societies within the Institute. This medal is one of the highest engineering awards in Canada.
The EIC annually recognizes outstanding engineers amongst the membership of its member societies, both academic and industry based members, at an awards gala. The award winners will be presented at the CCTC2015 conference banquet to be held in the OMNI hotel, Montreal during the evening of 26 May 2015.
Congratulations on this prestigious award.
Posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2015
Looking to accelerate your career with a postgraduate certificate or intensive diploma program?
“What’s a Graduate Certificate?”
– An Ontario College Graduate Certificate requires an applicant to hold a university degree or a college certificate or diploma for admission, building on knowledge and experience gained through previous postsecondary study. Algonquin College offers many different Graduate Certificates from all areas of the College.
“Why should I attend this event?”
– You should consider attending this event if you would like to learn more about how continuing and focusing your studies may help you find the job you want or help advance in your current career.
Discover the exciting potential of postgraduate programs offered at Algonquin College. On April 1st, 2015 we are holding a special information event where you can network and learn more about the variety of post-grad options available at Algonquin College.
April 1 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm in room T102 (Ottawa Campus).
Visit this page to learn more and register for the event – https://www.algonquincollege.com/future-students/2015-postgrads/gradfair/
