Graduate programs at Lassonde School of Engineering were showcased for the first time ever at the Graduate Studies Open House, held on Jan. 24. More than 135 people, including 80 potential graduate students, attended the event.
Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Professor Spiros Pagiatakis, kicked off the day by highlighting what sets the Lassonde School of Engineering apart. “At Lassonde, we embrace the renaissance philosophy to change the research culture that empowers free spirits, critical thinkers and inquiring minds with no boundaries or restrictions…Pose the difficult questions and create solutions from the ground up… breakthrough new grounds… with no compromises…this is the place you want to be,” he said.
The Departments of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering featured their offerings to those interested in graduate studies. Graduate program directors and assistants were available to meet the attendees and answer questions. To view pictures of the event, visit the Lassonde School of Engineering Facebook page.
Lassonde alumni shared experiences from their time in graduate school, their subsequent achievements and where they are now. Presentations from faculty members and current graduate students were also given, with students explaining their research projects and experiences so far.
The format for the event included a “Two-minute talks” approach by current students. The following presentations were delivered at the event:
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- “Understanding when and where we look (so robots can look there too)” presented by PhD student Calden Wloka.
- “Software verification: similarity between systems” presented by PhD student Qiyi Tang.
Earth and Space Science and Engineering
- “Indoor navigation for drones” presented by PhD student Julien Li-Chee-Ming.
Mechanical Engineering
- “Why ME?” by MASc student Elnaz Baradaran Shokouhi.
Civil Engineering
- “Where it begins” was presented by MASc student Mena Morcos.
Successful graduates were invited to share how completing a graduate degree earned at Lassonde has opened doors for them.
“I am thankful to York’s graduate program and my supervisor for providing the opportunity to research cutting-edge space technology, for helping develop many useful skills like teamwork, leadership and initiative, and for preparing me overall for a successful professional future,” said Kartheephan Sathiyanathan, MSc, who now works in Mission Systems at MDA Robotics and Automation.
The Lassonde School of Engineering has plans to host this event annually in an effort to continue to attract the best and brightest students to pursue graduate studies.