Emerging Developments in GHz Engineering (EDGE) 2025: IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section MTT-S Chapter Inauguration & Tech Summit

Join us for the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Emerging Developments in GHz Engineering (EDGE) 2025: IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section MTT-S Chapter Inauguration & Tech Summit.

This event marks a significant milestone for our IEEE community in the Thompson-Okanagan region, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Emerging Developments in GHz Engineering (EDGE) 2025: IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section MTT-S Chapter Inauguration & Tech Summit

Date: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: EME 0050, 1137 Alumni Avenue, UBC Okanagan Engineering, Management and Education Building, Kelowna, BC

Register here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/494402.

See more information here: Emerging Developments in GHz Engineering (EDGE) 2025, or please use the URL attached to the image below:

Abstracts: 

Emerging Developments in GHz Engineering (EDGE) 2025 marks the official inauguration of the IEEE MTT-S Thompson Okanagan Chapter. This full-day event is dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration in microwave, RF, and GHz-frequency engineering. EDGE 2025 brings together academic leaders, industry experts, researchers, and students for an engaging program featuring keynote talks, panel discussions, technical sessions, lab tours, and project demonstrations. The summit aims to establish a strong regional hub for innovation and excellence in GHz technologies, providing valuable networking and learning opportunities.

The day begins with remarks from the executive members of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section and interim officers of the MTT-S chapter, followed by the formal inauguration ceremony. Attendees will enjoy a range of activities, including an industry panel, a Distinguished Microwave Lecture, a Young Professionals talk, and a networking lunch. Lab visits, project demonstrations, and a poster session offer hands-on experiences, while invited talks and industry presentations explore advanced microwave topics. The event concludes with student and technical presentations showcasing innovative research by emerging engineers and scientists.

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with IEEE members, learn more about IEEE benefits, and participate in discussions about the section’s future.

Bios:

  

Prof. Mohammad H. Zarifi (Ph.D., PEng, PRC Tier II, SMIEEE) received the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Tabriz, Iran, in 2004, 2006, and 2009, respectively. He is currently an Associate Professor and Tier II Principal’s Research Chair (PRC) in Sensors and Microelectronics at the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia, and the director of Okanagan MicroElectronics and Gigahertz Applications laboratory (OMEGA Lab), Canada. Prior to joining UBC, Dr.Zarifi was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta, Canada, from 2013 to 2017. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and holds six issued or pending patents. Dr. Zarifi received the CMC-NRC first-place award for industrial collaboration for the innovative microwave sensors in Canada in 2015. Dr. Zarifi’s research focuses on Applied Electromagnetics and Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing Applications. Dr. Zarifi is the chair and a member of IEEE MTT-S TC-26 “RFID, Wireless Sensor, and IoT,” as well as a member of IEEE MTT-S TC-4 “Microwave Passive Components and Transmission Line Structures.” He is also a senior member of both the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society and the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. Additionally, Dr. Zarifi has served as a reviewer for several journals and conferences. Dr. Zarifi has received the Emerging Researcher Award and the Best Teaching Award at the School of Engineering in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He is also an IEEE MTT-S Distinguished Microwave Lecturer for the class of 2024-2027.

Dr. Youry Khmelevsky is a professor and Chair of the Computer Science Department at Okanagan College, an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley and Honorary Research Associate at UBCO. With over 30 years of experience in academia and applied research, his work focuses on systems engineering, software development, cloud computing, data systems, and health informatics. Dr. Khmelevsky has led numerous industry-funded and grant-supported R&D projects across North America, Europe, and the South Pacific.

Thomas R. Jones (GS’14–M’19) received his B.Sc. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alberta in 2007 and his Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alberta in 2019.
From 2008 to 2013, he worked in industry as a project engineer for Tracer Industries Canada Ltd. In 2013, he joined the Microwave to Millimetre-wave (M2M) group as a research assistant at the University of Alberta. From 2019 to 2021, he was a visiting NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at Purdue University and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta. He is currently a Senior Research Associate at Purdue University. His research interests include microwave, millimetre-wave, and sub-THz design for high-speed and high-power communication systems and radar, reconfigurable RF front ends and tunable filters, and the microfabrication of on-chip millimetre-wave devices.
Dr. Jones was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship, the Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) Graduate Student Scholarship, the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship. He was a recipient of the First Place Excellence in Nanofabrication Award at the 2017 CMC TEXPO Student Design Competition held in Montreal. He was awarded the 2023 Douglas R. Colton Medal for Research Excellence by CMC Microsystems. Dr. Jones served as Finance Chair for the IEEE 2019 Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering and served in various other professional roles, including Vice-Chair for the award-winning IEEE Northern Canada Section AP-S/MTT-S Joint Chapter. He is currently serving as the IEEE MTT-S MGA Regional Coordinator for R7 Canada.

Prof. Moez of the University of Alberta: Kambiz Moez (S’01-M’07-SM’12) received his B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, in 1999, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 2002 and 2006, respectively. Since January 2007, he has been with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, where he is currently a Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students – ECE. His research interests include the analysis and design of analog, radio frequency, and millimetre-wave CMOS integrated circuits and systems for a variety of applications, including wired/wireless communications and sensors, radio frequency energy harvesting, biomedical imaging, instrumentation, radars, and power electronics. He has authored or co-authored over 110 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers in his field of research. Dr. Moez is a Registered Professional Engineer in the province of Alberta. Dr. Moez served as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers from 2021 to 2023. He is currently serving as an Associate Editor for IET Electronics Letters.

Dr. Rashid Mirzavand is a dedicated academic and researcher leading the Intelligent Wireless Technology Group at the University of Alberta. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, he is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity, and excellence in research and education. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to co-found and serve as CTO for three companies specializing in smart sensors, near-field measurement, and wireless power transfer technologies.
Dr. Mirzavand’s research focuses on RF/microwave/mm-wave circuits, sensors, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and numerical methods. He is committed to advancing innovation and addressing real-world challenges, with a particular emphasis on promoting diversity and equity in STEM fields. With numerous awards, three granted and nine filed US patents, and over 180 publications to his credit, Dr. Mirzavand is a respected voice in his field. He is a registered member of Alberta’s Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists.

For further information, please get in touch with us
vishal.balasubramanian [at] ubc.ca
Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org) and
Subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org

Refreshments and lunch will be provided

IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members Affinity Group Inauguration

Join Us for the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Life Members Affinity Group Inauguration 

This event marks a significant milestone for our IEEE community in the Thompson-Okanagan region, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members Affinity Group Inauguration

Date: Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: HS 101 and in Zoom, Okanagan College

Register here to access Zoom: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/489172.

Agenda:

  • The IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members (LM) Affinity Group (LMAG) Introduction (5:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
  • Guest Speaker, Wolfram Lunscher, R7 LM Coordinator (5:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
    • Introducing the benefits and goals of LMAG formation to the life members of the  TOK section.
  • Guest Speaker, Ljiljana Trajkovic, Ph.D., P.Eng., FIEEE (6:00 pm – 6:30 pm)
    • Mentoring session for IEEE LM, IEEE Student and Graduate Members, Young Professionals and Consultants.
  • A coffee break and light supper (6:30 pm – 6:45 pm)
  • IEEE TOK Student Branches (Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan and TRU) introduction and mentoring (6:45 pm – 7:15 pm).
    • Kristina Cormier, Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and IEEE Western Region Student Representative
    • Dylan Huitema, Secretary of the Okanagan College SB: IEEE Student grants and future grant applications (Cybersecurity, Algorithmic Trading, new applications to NSERC, IEEE Societies, Digital Research Alliance of Canada, and other funds) and how they relate to Industry in our region. And how mentorship is essential to success.
  • Open Discussion (7:15 pm – 7:30 pm).

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with IEEE members, learn more about IEEE benefits, and participate in discussions about the section’s future.

Bios:

Wolfram Lunscher (https://life.ieee.org/meet-lm-committee-member-wolfram-lunscher/):

Wolfram has been an IEEE member since his engineering undergraduate years in the late 1970s. However, his father was a member before him. So, IEEE has been a part of his life, and he’s been reading Spectrum for almost as long as he can remember. Since his retirement, he has been involved as a volunteer with the Ottawa, Canada section, assisting with local conference organizations, leading STEM Outreach, and serving as a Life Member. Professionally, Wolfram is a retired spacecraft instrumentation engineer with a B.Sc. in physics (’74) from the University of Toronto and a B.A.Sc (’80) and M.A.Sc. (’83) in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia. He first joined the Canadian space industry in 1987, pursuing a diverse range of projects with companies such as Com Dev, EMS Technologies and Canadian Astronautics Ltd. These include data communication hardware flying on the International Space Station, a patented tracking algorithm developed for optical satellite communication that has been adapted to control the James Webb Space Telescope, and a radio science instrument aboard Canada’s CASSIOPE spacecraft.

He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a Life Senior Member of the IEEE (currently serving as the Canada-wide coordinator of the IEEE life members), a PMI Project Management Professional, and currently a mentor for the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation.

Wolfram Lunscher

S. Carl Zanon:

In November 2019, Carl Zanon joined the Vancouver Section and the Thompson Okanagan Section in 2025 as its new Chair of the Life Member Affinity Groups. Carl graduated from UBC’s Class of 1959 in Engineering. He has an extensive background in electrical engineering, consulting, and senior management. Throughout his career, Carl held positions in five provinces and worked abroad in Massachusetts. His leadership experience makes him well-suited for his new role in the IEEE Vancouver Section.

In 1990, he co-authored a book, “Advancing Production Management with Standard Cost and Operational Analysis. After Carl retired from Western Star Trucks in 2001, he entered the consulting field with the Business Development Bank of Canada. He instructed the Situational Leadership Series at Okanagan College from 2002 to 2016.

He attended the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953, representing BC (Nelson) in the 12 Sea Cadet Contingent. The young cadets sailed from Halifax on carrier HMCS Magnificent. He enrolled in the UNTD Navy program at UBC and was commissioned in 1958.

Ljiljana Trajkovic:

Ljiljana Trajkovic received the Dipl. Ing. degree from the University of Pristina, Yugoslavia, the M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is currently a professor in the School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Her research interests include communication networks and dynamical systems. Dr. Trajkovic served as IEEE Division X Delegate/Director, President of the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society, and President of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems. She is a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society and was a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. She is a Fellow of the IEEE.

Kristina Cormier:

 

 

Kristina Cormier is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has always been curious about science and technology. Recently, she has discovered a passion for data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She coordinates with her team to help organize events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys mentoring, meeting new people and discovering new opportunities.

Dylan Huitema:

Dylan is a third-year Computer Science student with an enthusiasm for cybersecurity. An active IEEE member, Dylan is passionate about bridging technology and education and is currently working toward developing and researching engaging educational cybersecurity games. His research aims to increase cybersecurity awareness and build critical thinking skills through interactive, immersive learning experiences.

For further information, please get in touch with us
Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org) and
Subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org

Refreshments and a light supper will be provided

During the meeting:

Forteen people participated, five of whom were online (UBCO, TRU, SFU, OC, and guests, including IEEE members).

 

Join Us for the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Informal Meeting at Okanagan College

Join Us for the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Informal Meeting in HS 101 at Okanagan College or Online

We invite you to the Okanagan Thompson (TOK) Section Meeting. This event marks a significant milestone for our IEEE community, and we look forward to meeting with you. After the meeting you can join the TOK Executive Comittee meeting. 

Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Time: 17:00 – 18:00 
Location: HS 101, Okanagan College or online (see registration below)

Register here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/483258

Agenda:

  • 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Chapters discussion
  • 5:30 – 5:45 pm | Affinity Groups (YP, WiT, Life Members)
  • 5:45 pm – 6:00 pm | Committee discussion

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with IEEE members, learn more about IEEE benefits, and participate in discussions about the section’s future.

Women in Computer Science and Technology

Dr. Bowen Hui

Computer Science, UBC Okanagan

Women in Computer Science and Technology

Time & Date: Monday, May 5, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: HS-201 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/473418

Abstract:

Join us for an inspiring and exciting presentation by Dr. Bowen Hui!

We’ll explore the powerful presence of women in the Computer Science and Technology fields and explore how the future generation of women can get involved.

Whether you’re already coding or just curious about the field, join us in breaking barriers, sparking innovation, and supporting each other in this incredible industry!

All are welcome – let’s make a tech space where everyone can thrive!

Bio:

A results-oriented Analytics Professional with over 10 years of well-rounded experience delivering custom solutions in statistical applications, user modelling, preference elicitation, text mining, probabilistic inference models, and behavioural decision making systems. My passion is to apply advanced analytics to solve real-world problems.

Accomplishments:  Initiated, implemented, and managed automation project saving the company $400K in 2010. Awarded 26 graduate scholarships totalling $264,930. Author of 15 original journal, conference, and book chapter articles; obtained 1 patent and 1 copyright. Communicates effectively with clients and technical developers, has experience working in multicultural teams, and has experience in user training.

My specialties include user modelling, Bayesian networks, behavioural decision-making, text mining, analytics, statistical modelling, experiment design, and data analysis.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments and Pizza will be provided

Data Warehouse Design for Multiple Source Forest Inventory Management and Image Processing

Kristina Cormier, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Data Warehouse Design for Multiple Source Forest Inventory Management and Image Processing

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482421

Abstract:

This research aims to implement a data warehouse (DW) to manage data for a YOLO (You Only Look Once) model, which identifies objects in images. It does this by integrating advanced data processing pipelines. Data are also stored and easily accessible for future use, allowing for comparisons between current and historical data to understand growth or decline patterns. Additionally, the design is utilized to optimize resource utilization. It also scales easily, not affecting other parts of the data warehouse when adding dimension tables or other fields to the fact table. DW performance and estimations for growing workloads are also explored in this presentation.

Bio:

Kristina Cormier is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has always been curious about science and technology. Recently, she has discovered a passion for data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She coordinates with her team to help organize events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys mentoring, meeting new people and discovering new opportunities.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Case Study for Gamification for Cybersecurity

Dylan Huitema, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Case Study for Gamification for Cybersecurity

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/479819

Abstract:

This presentation examines how gamification can enhance cybersecurity education by addressing challenges such as outdated teaching methods and a shortage of qualified instructors. It reviews current literature and showcases a real-world case study of a gamified cryptography tool, highlighting how hands-on, engaging learning experiences can better prepare students for the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Bio:

Dylan Huitema is a third-year Computer Science student with an enthusiasm for cybersecurity. An active IEEE member, Dylan is passionate about bridging technology and education and is currently working toward developing and researching engaging educational cybersecurity games. His research aims to increase cybersecurity awareness and build critical thinking skills through interactive, immersive learning experiences.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Diagram Annotation and Classification for Visually Impaired People in Higher Education

Ajitesh Parihar, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Diagram Annotation and Classification for Visually Impaired People in Higher Education

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/479830

 

Abstract:

Despite advancements in accessibility for visually impaired individuals in higher education, non-textbook content, such as diagrams, remains a significant barrier. This presentation explores the development of an accessible system that leverages machine learning to classify and extract diagram features and topology. Attendees will learn about the key steps in diagram processing and the tools created to support dataset generation for training ML models.

Bio:

Ajitesh Parihar is a fourth-year Computer Science student and a Research Assistant at Okanagan College. He is a tech enthusiast who enjoys learning about innovations and technologies and is passionate about software engineering, cybersecurity, and algorithms. Ajitesh is the Vice Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and enjoys meeting and working with talented individuals.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Testing Data Pipeline Limits for Stock Market Forecasting with Machine Learning Integration

Joshua Padron-Uy, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Testing Data Pipeline Limits for Stock Market Forecasting with Machine Learning Integration

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482426

Abstract:

This research aims to investigate the performance of a data pipeline system implemented using an extract, transform, load (ETL) tool under increased data volume. The system utilizes a data warehouse (DW) to support an XGBoost machine learning model for forecasting closing stock prices. The data source comes from the Financial Modelling Prep (FMP) API, which provides large amounts of real-time and historical data from the stock market.

Bio:

Joshua Padron-Uy is a fourth-year Computer Science student working on a research project in the COSC 448 Research Methodologies. He is an aspiring student seeking to work in the tech industry. He is eager to learn about various areas, including software engineering, DevOps, data science, and most recently, data engineering.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Formation of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Groups and Chapters Results:

Congratulations!

Formation of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Groups and Chapters Results:

  1. We received the official approval of the petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Life Member Affinity Group. The approval date is 30 March 2025, and the identification code is LM70043.
  2. We received the official approval of the petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Systems Council Chapter. The approval date is 03 April 2025, and the identification code is CH07206.
  3. The petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Microwave Theory and Technology Society Chapter has been officially approved. The approval date is 04 April 2025, and the identification code is CH07205.

For further information, please get in touch with us:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org)
Subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Elevation Celebration & Annual General Meeting

Join Us for the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Elevation Celebration & AGM

We are pleased to invite you to the Okanagan Subsection Elevation Celebration and the First Thompson Okanagan Section Annual General Meeting. This event marks an important milestone for our IEEE community, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: A146 – A Building (with S Building), Okanagan College

Register here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/467550.

We are delighted to present the Digital Research Alliance of Canada: Digital Resource Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Workshop before the celebration, starting at 11 AM.
DRI Workshop Agenda:
11:00 am – 11:10 am | Opening Remarks (IEEE Section Chair, Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, and Okanagan Student Branch Chair Kristina Cormier)
11:10 am – 11:50 am | Introduction to DRI
11:50 am – 12:05 pm | Coffee Break
12:05 pm – 12:20 pm | Research Project Presentation (Kristina Cormier)
12:20 pm – 12:50 pm | Demonstration of DRI Services
12:50 pm – 1:00 pm | Discussion and Final Thoughts

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: S104 – S Building Theatre, Okanagan College

Section Celebration Agenda:
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Welcome Lunch, Celebration Opening (Section Chair, Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, and TOK Student Branches, Matthew Wilder, IEEE Area West Chair opening address)
1:45 pm – 2:15 pm – Intro & IEEE President Dr. Tom Murad Welcome
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm – Benefits of IEEE: Usman Munawar & Kristina Cormier
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm – Coffee & Social
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm – AGM
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm – Round Table, Celebration Closing

5:00 pm – 9:00 pm — 2025 Okanagan Innovation and Technology Expo at KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with IEEE members, learn more about IEEE benefits, and participate in discussions about the section’s future.

Bios:

Dr. Tom Murad, The IEEE Canada President & Director IEEE – R7.

A member of the Engineering Order of Honour – Professional Engineers Ontario “PEO”, is a respected Technology leader, Innovator, thinker, Board Member, award-winning Educator, and distinguished speaker & advocate of innovation and creativity, specifically in the Areas of:

Engineering & Technology, Mechatronics, Digitalization, Smart Infrastructure, Industry – 4.0 & 5.0, Leadership, and technical education & Talents/skills development.

He Joined Siemens in Canada (2010 – 2023). His latest role was the “Country Lead (V.P.) of Engineering, Technical Excellence & Academics”, as well as being the founder & Director of the Awards winning “Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Academy (SCETA)”, and the Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification Program (2014 – 2020).

Prior to that, he held different Executive Management & C – Level roles with an extensive career in Professional Engineering, Innovative Technical Operations and including Academia and R&D work.

He is now Adjunct Professor at the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences – University of Guelph, “CTO” of Innoventus Engineering Inc., and a member of various Boards of Directors in Industry and Academia.

Dr. Murad holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronics) and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Power Electronics and Industrial Controls from Loughborough University of Technology in the UK, with a Leadership Program Certificate from Schulich Business School, York University in Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Murad is:
IEEE Canada – President & Chair of the Board of Directors.
IEEE – Region 7 (CANADA) Director / Delegate (Global).
Board of Director – Ontario’s Government’s Post Secondary Education Quality Board “PEQAB”.
Board (Council) member – Engineering Institutes of Canada “EIC”.
Fellow of Engineers Canada “F.E.C”.
Fellow of Engineering Institutes of Canada “EIC”.
Awardee of IEEE Canada’s 2019 J.M. Ham Outstanding Engineering Educator Award.
Member of the PEO Licensing “Engineering Experience Review”- ERC Committee (since 2003).
Advisory Board Member – School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University “SFU”.
Licensed Professional Engineer “P.Eng.” in Ontario (PEO & OSPE); Alberta (APEGA) & N.W.T. (NAPEG).
Chair – IEEE Toronto Section (2016-2017).
Ex-Vice Chair & Member of Board of Directors – Ontario Soc. Of Professional Engineers “OSPE”.
Ex-Member of Board of Directors – Canadian – German Centre for Innovation and Research.
Ex-Member – Board of Directors – Green Centre Canada.

Matthew Wilder’s Abstract:
Greetings from the Vancouver Section & welcome to the West Area of IEEE Canada
Presentation of Vancouver Section scholarship award

Matthew Wilder’s Bio:
Matthew Wilder is a Senior Engineer with TELUS Communications, a leading ISP and technology company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. At TELUS, Matthew is responsible for IP Address Management and IPv6 strategy. Matthew serves the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as the West Area Chair of IEEE Canada. He also serves the Vancouver Section as Chair of the Conference Committee and has previously served as Chair of the Vancouver Section in 2022. Matthew also volunteers with the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) as the Advisory Council’s Vice Chair. He has written articles for IEEE Canadian Review and blogs for ARIN, ISOC, and other industry publications. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Victoria.

Usman Munawar’s Bio:

Mr. Usman Munawar is an accomplished IEEE Senior Member & HKN with over 12 years of experience bridging industry and academia. A seasoned electrical engineer and researcher, he has made significant contributions to the field, authoring 17 publications in esteemed journals, transactions, and conferences. His extensive expertise includes overseeing 125+ engineering design projects, addressing 25+ data science challenges, integrating 50+ industrial systems, and coding over 300 algorithms—from small-scale solutions to large, complex systems.

Mr. Munawar earned his M.A.Sc. in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Regina, Canada, where he was named to the Dean’s Honor List. He was also awarded the prestigious IEEE PES Outstanding Student Scholarship (2020). His academic journey includes completing Stanford University’s Technology Entrepreneurship program (2012), participating in Oxford and Cambridge’s Smart Village program (2017), and visiting the MIT Media Lab as an IEEE Delegate (2022).

Currently, Mr. Munawar serves as Project Manager at Powertech Labs Inc. (a subsidiary of BC Hydro), where he leads critical initiatives in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and founded the Future Energy Integration Lab. His expertise spans Smart Grid technologies, energy disaggregation, predictive maintenance, optimization, machine learning, deep learning, data mining, forecasting, and smart infrastructure solutions, with applications in Smart Cities and Smart Villages.

Previously, he worked as a Design and Development Engineer at Greenwave Innovations Inc. (2021–2023), where his contributions led to three international/national product awards. In 2017, he launched a successful renewable energy startup, completing 50 projects in just six months. Prior to 2019, he held academic roles, securing funding from major agencies such as USAID, UNESCO, and GIZ for impactful projects, including the deployment of solar-powered lighting in 133 sports facilities.

Kristina Cormier’s Bio:

Kristina Cormier is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has always been curious about science and technology. Recently, she has discovered a passion for data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She coordinates with her team to help organize events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys mentoring, meeting new people and discovering new opportunities.

During AGM:

 

For further information, please get in touch with us
Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org) and
subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org