Author Archives: Youry Khmelevsky

IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members Affinity Group Inauguration Meeting (Draft)

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

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 Meeting

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

Register here to access Zoom and place food orders: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/489172.

Agenda (Draft):

  • The IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members (LM) Affinity Group (LMAG) Introduction (5:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
    • S. Carl Zanon, IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Life Members Affinity Group Chair
    • Y. Khmelevsky, IEEE Thompson-Okanagan Section (IEEE TOK) Chair
  • 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 2 (TBA) (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 Student Section Representative
    • IEEE Student project presentations.
  • 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, 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 organization, 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

 

Kristina Cormier’s:

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 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

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.

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

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

Thompson-Okanagan Section Executive Committee and Student Branch OPEN First Meeting of 2025

Thompson-Okanagan Section and Student Branch OPEN First Meeting of 2025

Time & Date: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday, January 2nd, 2025
Location: HS 101 and online in Zoom at Okanagan College (in-person and online)

Registration (is open now): https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/455922 (IEEE Okanagan Section) and https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/455866 (IEEE OK SB)

We warmly invite you to join us for our first meeting in 2025!

This is an excellent opportunity to learn who we are and what we do. During the event, we’ll share highlights from our past activities and give you a sneak peek at the exciting events we’re planning for the near future. We’d also love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Your input matters to us!

Publication shared by our invited speaker: Reflections by Settimo Carl Zanon

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

IEEE Okanagan Section Year End Winter Social Event

IEEE Okanagan Section Year End Winter Social Event (Thurs Dec 19 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Time & Date: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday, December 19th, 2024
Location: Room HS 101 and online in Zoom at Okanagan College (in-person and online)
Registration (is open now): https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/454022 (IEEE Okanagan Section) and https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/453118 (IEEE OK SB)

Celebrate the end of the year with the IEEE Okanagan Section and IEEE Okanagan College Student Branch! Enjoy good company, festive drinks, and delicious food as we reflect on the past year.
Our invited speaker, Martin Mallinson, has over 100 patents and founded Silicon Intervention. They work with analog neural networks and construct analog signal processors using advanced techniques.
We’ll also share details about our upcoming Section Elevation Celebration in early 2025—don’t miss it!

Agenda

4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Intro (Youry Khmelevsky)

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm  IEEE Vancouver (Jacqueline Nichols & Matthew Wilder)

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm OK SB (Kristina Cormier & Ajitesh Parihar)

We take a look back at this year to cover all the fun activities that students participated in and share our plans for upcoming events and activities.

4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Women in Tech (Kristina Cormier / Dolcy Sareen / Keona Gagnier / Thais Damasceno)

Celebrating women in tech and engineering. Highlighting the IEEE Affinity groups and activities. We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of women in STEM through insights and strategies for success.

5:00 pm – 5: 15 pm Open Science Principle: EDIA Research (Ajitesh Parihar)

Discussion about the importance of using open science principles for effective research along with the activities planned for the Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s DRI EDIA Champions Program.

5:15 pm – 5:30 pm Pizza & Social

5:30 pm –  6:30 pm Martin Mallinson

Martin Mallinson is the founder of Silicon Intervention. They are working with analog neural networks and constructing Analog Signal Processors using advanced techniques.

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Round table

Bios:

Martin Mallinson: With a lifetime of experience in electrical engineering, designing and developing devices worldwide, Martin would like to share his thoughts and experiences. These are very relevant to the new IEEE in the valley. The past 30 years of his work have taken place in companies in Okanagan. How can that be achieved in our beautiful valley while remaining connected to customers worldwide? We’ll hear how Martin manages to do that, the compromises, and the opportunities.

Kristina Cormier is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has recently discovered a passion for machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She assists with organizing events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys being a mentor and helping others.

Ajitesh Parihar is a four-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, cyber security, and algorithms. Ajitesh is the Vice Chair of the IEEE Student Branch and enjoys meeting and working with talented individuals.

Dolcy Sareen is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College and the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch webmaster. She is passionate about learning new technologies and strongly focuses on data. She enjoys connecting with people and continuously learning from new experiences.

Keona Gagnier is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College.

Thais Damasceno is the past chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch.

 

Photos from the event:

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 and pizza will be provided

Section adds to investment in Section Scholarship Fund

The section adds to investment in the Section Scholarship Fund

(reposting from https://vancouver.ieee.ca/2024/11/07/vancouver-section-scholarship-awards-increased/)

IEEE Canadian Foundation President David Whyte and Vancouver Section Chair Jacqueline Nichols

IEEE Vancouver Section Chair Jacqueline Nichols announcing scholarship award increases, and presenting the additional funding to IEEE Canada Foundation President David Whyte.

The IEEE Vancouver Section is happy to announce that the section has added an additional $30,000 to the scholarship fund for the 30th anniversary of the IEEE Canadian Foundation. This increase in funding will allow the Vancouver Section to award up to four scholarships of $2000 each year through the funds interest.

Scholarship applications will open in early 2025.

For more information on the specific scholarship awards offered by the Vancouver Section, please visit the Scholarships page on the section website:

 

The Vancouver Section Scholarship funds accounts are administered on behalf of the Vancouver Section by the IEEE Canadian Foundation. The fund is self-sustaining, and disbursements flow from the fund’s interest earned. Contributions are welcome to grow the fund and, therefore, the annual value that the section can award through the scholarships. Contributions to these Section Scholarship funds are tax deductible.

For additional information about the Foundation and to contribute to the Vancouver Section Scholarship Fund, please visit:

https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/donations.php