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.”