Author Archives: Youry Khmelevsky

Winter School on AI and Engineering

The Winter School on AI and Engineering. The event is jointly organized by Thompson Rivers University (Computing Science and Engineering)  and the IEEE Women in Engineering Thompson Okanagan Affinity Group.

Time & Date: 5:00–7:00 PM (PST), Wednesday, February 18, 2026
OC Location: TRU, Kamloops (in-person and online): Alumni Theatre, Clock Tower, TRU. 

Please Register Here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/534267

The Winter School brings together academic and industry speakers to discuss current developments in AI across healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering.

We would really appreciate it if you could share this event with your students, colleagues, and professional networks who may be interested. We are hoping to reach a broad audience across academia and industry.

Agenda:

  • 5.00 to 5.10 – Session Opening
  • 5.10 to 5.25 – Opening Remarks – Dr. Airini, President & Vice-Chancellor, TRU, Thompson Rivers University
  • 5.30 to 5.45 – Dr. Yasin Mamatjan, Chair, Engineering Department, TRU
  • 5.50 to 6.05 – Dr. Musfiq Rahman, Chair, Department of Computing Science, TRU
  • 6.10 to 6.25 – Mr. Behnam Ousat, Senior Software Engineer, Microsoft
  • 6.30 to 6.45 – Dr. Maryam Davoudpour, Chair IEEE WiE Canada
  • 6.45 to 7.00 – Q/A and Networking

For further information, please contact:
Nisha Puthiyedth <nputhiyedth [at] tru.ca>
and subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org
Light supper and snacks will be provided

The end of the year with the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section and IEEE TOK Student Branches! Inauguration of the Women in Engineering and Consultants Network affinity groups, and the new Systems Council Chapter (UBCO, TRU and OC)

Time & Date: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
OC LocationRoom HS 101 and online on Zoom at Okanagan College, Kelowna, and
TRU, Kamloops (in-person and online): Alumni Theatre, Clock Tower, TRU. 

Please Register Here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/523059

Celebrate the end of the year with the IEEE Okanagan Section (Affinity Groups and Chapters) and IEEE TOK Student Branches!
Inauguration of new Women in Engineering and Consultants Network affinity groups, as well as a new Systems Council Chapter. It will be held in parallel at TRU in Kamloops and OC in Kelowna (Zoom bridge).
Enjoy good company, festive drinks, and delicious food as we reflect on the past year.
Celebrate the end of the year with the IEEE Okanagan Section and IEEE Okanagan College Student Branches! Enjoy good company, festive drinks, and delicious food as we reflect on the past year.
We’ll also share details about our upcoming Section Elevation Celebration in early 2026—don’t miss it!

Draft Agenda:

  • 16:45 – 17:00 – Coffee & Networking
  • 17:00 – 17:05 – Opening Remarks (Welcome WiE AG,  Consultancy Networks AG, & System Council Chapter) – Youry Khmelevsky
  • 17:05 – 17:10 – Opening Remarks & Welcome WiE AG – Dr. Nisha Puthiyedth, Assistant Professor, TRU
  • 17:10 – 17:20 – Guest Speaker for WiE AG – Dr. Greg Anderson, Dean of Science, TRU
  • 17:20 – 17:30 – Guest speaker for WiE AG – Dr. Musfiq Rahman, Chair of the Department of Computing Science, TRU
  • 17:30 – 17:40 – Guest speaker for WiE AG – Dr. Yasin Mamatjan, Chair of the Department of Engineering
  • 17:40 – 17:45 – Guest speaker for WiE AG – Dr. Catherine Tatarniuk, Faculty Advisor, TRUSU WIE
  • 17.45 – 17.50 – Closing & Thank You for WiE – Dr. Zeinab, TRU
  • 17:50 – 18:00 – Coffee & Networking
  • 18:00 – 18:10 – Consultancy Networks AG – Youry Khmelevsky
  • 18:10 – 18:20 – Systems Council Chapter – Youry Khmelevsky
  • 18:20 – 18:30 – IEEE Student Branch – Kristina Cormier
  • 18:30 – 18:40 – LM AG Speaker – Carl Zanon
  • 19:40 – 19:45 – Closing & Thank You – Youry Khmelevsky
  • 18:45 – 20:00 – Year End Social – Dinner & Discussions

During the Event

Kamloops:

Kelowna:

 

For further information, please contact:
Kristina.Cormier [at] ieee.org (OC)
and subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org
Light supper and snacks will be provided

IEEEXtreme 19.0 24 hours programming competition at Okanagan College (OC and UBCO IEEE Student Branches) and at Thompson River University (TRU Student Branch), and LMs Mentoring Session

IEEEXtreme 19.0 24-hour programming competition at Okanagan College (OC and UBCO IEEE Student Branches) and at Thompson River University (TRU Student Branch), and LMs Mentoring Session

Date & Time: 5:00 p.m. (Friday, Oct 24, 2025) – 5:00 p.m. (Saturday, Oct 24, 2025) – 24-hour event
Location: Rooms E301, E302, E303, and E108 (Lunch Room), Computer Science Department, Okanagan College (In-Person)

Register as a participant and sign up for food and snacks here.

The IEEE Student Branch at Okanagan College and the IEEE Okanagan Subsection are proud to host IEEEXtreme 19.0!

IEEEXtreme is a global, 24-hour programming competition where teams of IEEE student members, supported by an IEEE Student Branch and proctored by an IEEE member, compete to solve a series of programming challenges. Learn more: ieeextreme.orgDuring the competition:

At TRU:

For further information, please contact:
Kristina.Cormier [at] ieee.org (OC) or charlotte.ford [at] @ieee.org (UBCO).
and subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments and snacks will be provided

IEEE Day Celebration with OC IEEE SB and Thompson Okanagan Section

IEEE Day Celebration with OC IEEE SB and Thompson Okanagan Section

Time & Date: 11 am – 1:00 pm, October 17th, 2025
Location: Okanagan College Center for Learning Atrium, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/505769 

Abstract: IEEE Day is an annual event celebrating the first time in history when engineers worldwide gathered to share their technical ideas in 1884. One of IEEE Day’s objectives is to showcase how IEEE members in local communities collaborate on ideas that leverage technology to build a better tomorrow (https://ieeeday.org/).

During the celebration:

   

 

For further information, please contact Kristina.Cormier [at] ieee.org
and subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments and snacks will be provided

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Young Professionals Affinity Group Inauguration

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Young Professionals Affinity Group Inauguration

Date:  Friday, October 17th, 2025
Time: 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Alumni Theatre, Clock Tower, TRU

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/506260

AGENDA

  • 5:00-5:10 PM Welcome Note Dr. Ghazanfar Latif, Chair IEEE YP Affinity Group, TOK Section
  • 5:10-5:25 PM Guest Speech from TRU Dr. Musfiq Rahman, Chair, Computing Science, TRU
  • 5:25-5:40 PM Guest Speech from UNBC Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Chair, Computer Science, UNBC
  • 5:45-6:00 PM IEEE TOK Section Chair Speech Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, Chair TOK Section
  • 6:00-5:20 PM Coffee Break & Networking Discussions & Interactive Q&A
  • 5:20-5:30 PM About IEEE Students Branches Kristina Cormier, OC-IEEE Student Branch President, Okanagan College
  • 5:30-5:40 PM About IEEE Day Kenji Lopez, TRU-IEEE Student Branch President
  • 5:40-5:50 PM IEEE Extreme Competition Fazil Padaniya, President, Bioinformatics Club
  • 5:50-6:00 PM Closing & Group Photos

 

 

 

 

For further information, please get in touch with Ghazanfar Latif <glatif at tru.ca>
and subscribe to the news at NEWS-THOMPSONOKANAGAN@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments and snacks will be provided

IEEE Canada Students and Young Professionals Congress 2025 such a success!

IEEE Canada Students and Young Professionals Congress
(12-14 September 2025)

This year’s Congress brought together an incredible community of students, young professionals, academics, and industry leaders from across Canada to learn, collaborate, and innovate. We’re proud to share some highlights:

  • 190+ Participants
  • 45 Academic Institutions
  • 35 Industry Representatives, Partners, and Sponsors
  • 50+ Speakers

See more here:

 

The Thompson Okanagan Section participated in the Congress:

  • Kristina Cormier, 4th Year Student, Computer Science, Okanagan College
    • IEEE Western Region Student Representative
    • Okanagan College Student Branch Chair
  • Dr. Vishal Balasubramanian Ph.D., B.Eng., Electrical Engineering, The University of British Columbia
    • IEEE MTT-S Graduate Fellow | Outstanding YP Lecturer, Affiliate Member, TC-26 RFID, WIRELESS SENSOR AND IOT, IEEE MTT-S (link)
  • Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, Thomson Okanagan Section Chair and OK SB Councillor

Please see below some photos from the Congress. Let me know if you have any additional information or questions.

Signals & Slices: An evening of pizza and conversation on RF, wireless, and communication tech with Rohde & Schwarz at OC

Signals & Slices: An evening of pizza and conversation on RF, wireless, and communication tech with Rohde & Schwarz at OC

ANIS BEN ARFI, PHD, SMIEEE
Senior Application Engineer
Test and Measurement
Rohde & Schwarz Canada Inc.

The IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section and Okanagan College Student Branch Chapter are pleased to welcome Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in test and measurement solutions, to discuss the latest developments in RF & Microwave Engineering.

Rohde & Schwarz representatives will present the company’s comprehensive portfolio and emphasize partnerships with top universities, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and academic involvement.

Date:  Monday, September 22nd, 2025
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Location: E208, Okanagan College, 1000 K.L.O. Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 4X8 (hybrid mode).

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/502110

Abstract

The talk will cover testing of Power electronics and RF components. I will explain how to use oscilloscopes, power supplies, power sensors, and spectrum analyzers to test various electrical components.

Best practices for using test equipment and obtaining accurate measurements will be discussed.

This session offers students, researchers, and faculty the chance to learn about cutting-edge measurement techniques that support both academic research and practical engineering challenges.

Event Highlights:

  • Technical presentations by Rohde & Schwarz experts
  • Live discussions on future wireless communication trends
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals
  • Pizza

Who should attend:

  • Graduate and undergraduate students in Electrical, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering
  • Faculty and researchers working in electronics, wireless communication, RF, and signal processing
  • Anyone interested in cutting-edge communication technologies and measurement solutions

Bios:

 Dr. Anis Ben Arfi received his PhD from the University of Calgary in 2019 and currently works at Rohde & Schwarz Canada, where he focuses on test equipment for Wireless Systems and signal processing.

He has been involved in IEEE since 2013. He found his passion while volunteering with the IEEE MTT-S and serving as the Young Professionals vice-chair.

Photo Policy: Please be aware that photography, video, and sound recordings will take place during the event. You may be asked to appear in a photo, or you might be unintentionally recorded when photos or videos are captured. Individuals will not be identified in the Thompson Okanagan Section’s published media without their consent.

During the talk:

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.

COSC 448/COMP 440 Capstone Project Final Presentation: Enhancing Hospital Navigation – A Wayfinding App Prototype

COSC 448/COMP 440 Capstone Project Final Presentation: Enhancing Hospital Navigation – A Wayfinding App Prototype

 


Computer Science Students and graduates from OC, UBCO, and UFV designed and developed a Wayfinding App prototype, which they will demonstrate during the presentation. Many students and graduates are members of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section. IEEE Okanagan Student Branch supports the project presentation.

Date:  Thursday, August 21
Time: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: E303, Okanagan College, 1000 K.L.O. Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 4X8 (hybrid mode).

Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/496872

Abstract

This project demonstrates the outcomes of a Wayfinding App solution designed to improve navigation for patients and visitors at Kelowna General Hospital’s Centennial Building. Students and graduates from UFV, UBCO, and OC developed a mobile application prototype in consultation with Interior Health Digital Health professionals that provides clear, accessible, and real-time directions within the facility and between designated visitor parking areas. They will demonstrate a release that concentrates on enhancing smartphone usability (Android and iPhone). By reducing confusion and making movement easier, the solution aims to create a more welcoming and efficient hospital experience for its main users—patients and visitors.

Photo Policy: Please be aware that photography, video, and sound recordings will occur during the event. You may be asked to appear in a photo, or you may be unintentionally recorded when photos or videos are taken. Individuals will not be identified in the Thompson Okanagan Section’s published media without their consent.

The IEEE Okanagan Student Branch will provide pizza.
For further information, please contact: Kristina Cormier (email: kristina.cormier [at] ieee.org) and Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry [at] IEEE.org)

Data Warehouse Workshop 2025

Kristina Cormier (OC), Helana Jaraiseh (UFV), and Dr.Youry Khmelevsky

SW Engineering and Database Research group
Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section, Okanagan SB, and Systems Council Chapter: Data Warehouse Workshop 2025

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

📍 Location: E302 – Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8 (hybrid — see the registration page for the URL), Kelowna, BC

Please register here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/497366


Abstract

Building on the success of our previous Data Warehouse workshops in 2021 (Workshop I) and Workshop II, the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section, in collaboration with Okanagan College and UFV, is pleased to present a new hands-on workshop led by the next generation of student researchers. The event is organized under the supervision of Dr. Youry Khmelevsky and supported by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Introduction to Data Warehousing concepts and architectures
  • Hands-on session with modern tools and techniques
  • Applications of data warehouse design in research and industry
  • Insights from student-led research projects at Okanagan College and UFV

Agenda:

  • 5:00 pm – 5:15 pm | Welcome & coffee
  • 5:15 pm – 5:45 pm | Data Collection Workshop Using Digital Research Infrastructure/DRI (Kristina Cormier). See DRAC-Data-Collection-PPT.
  • 5:45 pm – 6:15 pm | Data Warehousing Design and Implementation Case Study (Algorithmic Trading Project)/Challenges and Lessons Learned (Helana Jaraiseh). See DW_Design_and_ Implementation–CaseStudyPresentation.
  • 6:15 pm – 6:30 pm | Coffee & social
  • 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Data Warehouse Best Practices — Possible Problems and Issues (Youry Khmelevsky)
  • 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Pizza & Roundtable

Workshop Leaders

Kristina Cormier

Kristina is a Computer Science student at Okanagan College and a research assistant specializing in data warehouse design for multiple-source forest inventory management and image processing.

Helana Jaraiseh

Helana is a Computing Science graduate from the University of the Fraser Valley. She has a strong foundation in software development gained through research and co-op experiences, and has worked with languages and frameworks such as Java, Ruby on Rails, Flutter, and React. Helana is passionate about solutions that support communities. She thrives on connecting with new people and learning from new perspectives in life, and she enjoys self-directed learning during her spare time.

Dr. Youry Khmelevsky

Dr. Khmelevsky holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering. His current research interests include software engineering, cloud and high-performance computing, enterprise-wide information systems, the no-programming paradigm, and interdisciplinary applied computer science. He has served as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, a Visiting Scientist at MIT CSAIL, and an Invited Researcher at Sorbonne University (Paris, France). He has also held engineering and R&D positions in Europe and North America, including at Alberta Energy, a division of the Government of Alberta.

Free for IEEE members and students.
For further information, please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org)

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Life Members/AGs/Chapters/SBs Summer Social 2025

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Life Members/AGs/Chapters/SBs Summer Social 2025

Join fellow IEEE Life Members (LMs), Affinity Groups/Chapters and Student members, and Thompson Okanagan Section leaders for our annual Summer Social! This event is an excellent opportunity to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our IEEE community.

Who can attend?

  • Free for all IEEE Members

  • Family members and guests are welcome (registration fee: $10 to cover food & drinks)

Photo/Media Policy: Photography, video, and audio recording may take place during the event. Participants may appear in photos or recordings taken for IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section activities. Individuals will not be identified in published materials without prior consent.

The Summer Social is organized by the Thompson Okanagan Section Life Members and supported by:

  • Thompson Okanagan Section
  • Thompson Okanagan Section Chapter, MTT17
  • Okanagan College Student Branch
  • Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Group, CN
  • Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Group, YP
  • Thompson Okanagan Section System Council Chapter, SYS45
  • University of British Columbia – Okanagan Student Branch

🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, September 7th, 2025, from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Location: HS 101, Okanagan College, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8 (hybrid — see registration page for the URL)

Please register here: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/496687

Agenda:

11:30 PM – 12:00 p.m. | Registration and Welcome Refreshments (non-alcoholic)

12:00 – 12:05 PM | Opening Remarks

  • Welcome and event overview

12:05 – 12:40 PM | Introductions from IEEE Leaders

  • S. Carl Zanon, Life Members Affinity Group Chair (10 minutes)

  • Vishal Balasubramanian, MTT-S Chapter Chair (10 minutes)

  • Kristina Cormier, Okanagan Student Branch President and IEEE Western Region Student Representative (10 minutes)

  • Youry Khmelevsky, Thompson Okanagan Section Chair (5 minutes)

12:40 – 2:15 PM | Networking Lunch & Social

  • Meet fellow IEEE members, affinity group participants, and student leaders

  • Learn more about IEEE membership benefits and opportunities

  • Share ideas for future section activities and collaborations

2:15 – 2:30 PM | Group Photo Session & Closing Remarks

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