Category Archives: News

Data Collection and Staging Process Automation for Machine Learning in Algorithmic Trading – Students Presentation

Data Collection and Staging Process Automation Precision, Speed and Scalability for Machine Learning Modelling of Algorithmic Trading Stocks-Price Prediction

Time & Date: 9:00am – 11:00am , Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: Room E-301 and via Zoom (see email and registration information), Computer Science Department, Okanagan College
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/555692

This project brings together three teams: Data Collection, Data Warehousing, and Machine Learning into a unified, end-to-end system for high-frequency stock price prediction.
Learn how we designed a scalable pipeline using distributed computing and XGBoost, covering system architecture, data engineering, and real-world ML applications in algorithmic trading.
This work also establishes a foundation for ongoing research and extended large-scale evaluation.
Open to students, faculty, and anyone interested in machine learning, data systems, or fintech.

Abstract:

This presentation discusses an automated data collection and staging pipeline for high-frequency stock price prediction using machine learning. The system integrates scalable ELT processes, data deduplication, and distributed training with XGBoost on high-performance computing infrastructure. Designed for precision, speed, and scalability, the framework enables efficient handling of large financial time-series datasets while maintaining robust predictive performance and optimized resource utilization.

Contributors:

This project was developed through a collaborative effort across three specialized teams:

Data Collection Team

Responsible for sourcing, aggregating, and preprocessing raw financial and market data.

  • Andrew Johnson
  • Emilio Iturbide
  • Reilly Mager
  • Lian Heckrodt
  • Cade Dempsey
  • Kristina Cormier

Data Warehouse Team

Designed and implemented the data storage architecture, ETL/ELT pipelines, and database systems.

  • Alex Anthony
  • Hayden Nikkel
  • Daemon Lewis
  • John Cortez
  • Jackson Rosco

Machine Learning Team (XGBoost)

Developed, trained, and evaluated machine learning models for predictive analytics and trading strategies.

  • Harsh Saw
  • Zane Tessmer
  • Kavaljeet Singh
  • Dante Bertolutti
  • Guntash Brar
  • Parag Jindal

Acknowledgements

We thank all contributors and collaborators who supported the development, testing, and deployment of this system.

 

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org)
Refreshments will be provided

Data Warehouse for Algorithmic Trading – Student Presentation

Data Warehouse for Algorithmic Trading Stocks-Price Forecasting on Digital Research Infrastructure using Machine Learning Modelling

Time & Date: 9:00am – 10:00am , Wednesday, April 21, 2026
Location: Room HS107 and via Zoom (see email and registration information), Computer Science Department, Okanagan College
Registration is open now: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/555684

Join this presentation to explore how a Data Warehouse system is built to manage and process large-scale stock market data. The project demonstrates how raw financial data is transformed into structured formats that can be efficiently queried and used for predictive modelling.

You’ll learn:

  • How Data Warehouses store and organize large datasets
  • Star schema design in a real system
  • How data pipelines automate transformation of financial data
  • How machine learning models use prepared datasets for predictions
  • How large datasets are processed efficiently

Abstract:
This presentation explains how large volumes of stock market data are organized and processed using a structured database system. The system takes raw financial data and converts it into a format that is easier to store, search, and analyze.

The data is processed through an automated pipeline that calculates key financial values such as price changes and trading volume summaries. The structured data is then stored in an optimized system that allows fast access and efficient analysis.

This approach helps make large financial datasets more usable and easier to work with.

Speakers Bio:
Emilio Iturbide Gonzalez is a graduating Computer Science student at Okanagan College with interests in data systems, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.
He has worked on building a Data Warehouse system designed to manage and process large volumes of stock market data. His work focuses on creating efficient data pipelines, organizing complex datasets, and supporting data-driven applications.
He is interested in building practical systems that connect software engineering, data processing, and real-world applications in technology.

For further information please contact: Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org)
Refreshments will be provided

2026 IEEE Thompson Okanagan (IEEE TOK) Section Annual General Meeting (AGM)

2nd IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section AGM (Hybrid)

Join us on March 27th at Okanagan College or online for our 2nd Annual General Meeting to celebrate our section’s milestones and help with our future direction. Click here to view the full agenda and register via vTools.

In-Person: Room HS101, Health Sciences Centre (HS Building), Okanagan College – Kelowna Campus, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna, BC (Okanagan College Kelowna Campus Map)

Section AGM Agenda:

  • 5:10 PM – 5:25 PM – Welcome & Light Supper (Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, TOK Section Chair, 2026-03-27ThompsonOkanaganAGM)
  • 5:25-5:30 Carl Zanon, Life Members AG, Chair.
  • 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM – TOK Section Chair’s Report & Welcome
  • 5:45 PM – 5:55 PM – TOK Section Women in Engineering (WiE) Affinity Group Chair’s Report & Welcome — online (Dr. Nisha Puthiyedth)
  • 5:55 PM – 6:05 PM – TOK Section Young Professionals (YP) Affinity Group  Chair’s Report & Welcome (Dr. Ghazanfar Latif)
  • 6:05 PM – 6:15 PM – The Value of IEEE Membership and students’ applied research (Kristina Cormier, Ajitesh Parihar and Dolcy Sareen) – presentation
  • 6:15 PM – 6:30 PM – Coffee Break & Networking
  • 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Annual General Meeting (AGM) Business Session
  • 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM – Roundtable Discussion & Closing Remarks

Refreshments will be served for in-person attendees.

Meet Our Speakers:

Portrait of Youry Khmelevsky

Dr. Youry Khmelevsky, Ph.D., SMIEEE:

Dr. Youry Khmelevsky is the Chair of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan (TOK) Section and a Senior Member of the IEEE. He has been a driving force behind the section’s growth, leading the successful elevation from Subsection to Section status in 2024. Dr. Khmelevsky is a Professor of Computer Science at Okanagan College, where he focuses on Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Warehousing. Beyond his local leadership, he is actively involved in IEEE Region 7 (Canada) initiatives and has organized numerous international technical workshops and conferences.

Dr. Nisha Puthiyedth’s Bio:

Dr. Nisha Puthiyedth is an Assistant Professor in Computing Science at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering (WiE) Thompson Okanagan Affinity Group. Her research focuses on bioinformatics and applied machine learning, with a particular emphasis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), microbiome analysis, and data-driven approaches in agriculture and health. Dr. Puthiyedth is actively involved in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering and computing through her leadership in IEEE WiE initiatives and community engagement. She has contributed to the development of innovative teaching practices, including open educational resources, interactive learning methods, and industry-aligned student projects. Her work bridges academia and real-world applications, collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders to address pressing challenges in AMR and sustainable agriculture. She is passionate about mentoring students and fostering interdisciplinary research that creates meaningful societal impact.

Dr. Ghazanfar Latif’s Bio:

Dr. Ghazanfar Latif is the Secretary of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan (TOK) Section and the Chair of the IEEE Young Professionals (YP) Affinity Group. He is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Thompson Rivers University and a Senior Member of IEEE. Dr. Latif has an extensive research portfolio with over 100 publications and 14 US patents, and he has been recognized as one of the world’s top 2% scientists and has received several international awards. Beyond his leadership roles, he actively contributes to the academic community by organizing international conferences as General Chair, serving on editorial boards, and mentoring students on cutting-edge artificial intelligence and data science projects.

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.

Dolcy Sareen’s Bio:

Dolcy Sareen is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. Dolcy is also the webmaster of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She is passionate about learning new technologies, with a strong focus on data. Dolcy enjoys connecting with people and continuously learning from new experiences.

Ajitesh Parihar’s 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. He enjoys meeting and working with people with diverse backgrounds.

 

Photographs:

      

 

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

For questions, please contact Dr. Youry Khmelevsky at youry [at] ieee.org
Stay updated on future events by subscribing to our mailing list:
news-thompsonokanagan@listserv.ieee.org

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 Location: Room 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

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.

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

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

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

2025 Okanagan Innovation and Technology Expo – March 22

Join us for the Okanagan Technology Expo 2025, an exciting event hosted by the IEEE UBCO Student Branch where innovators, industry leaders, and students come together to showcase cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking ideas. This year’s theme, “The Timeline of Innovation,” highlights the journey of technological advancements, celebrating the progress and perseverance behind every great invention. https://okgntechexpo.carrd.co/

Agenda:
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Opening Ceremony Welcome remarks and an introduction to the event theme: “Timeline of Innovation.”
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Keynote Speaker 1 A thought leader shares insights on the journey of innovation and the future of technology.
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM Mingle & Booth Tour Explore student and industry booths showcasing cutting-edge projects and developments.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Speaker Series Presentations by a leading professor and a standout student innovator.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Booth Competition & Catering Experience hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits, and enjoy catered refreshments.
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM Competition Winners Announcement Celebrate the best booths as the winners are revealed, with prizes awarded to the top three teams.
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM Keynote Speaker 2 A renowned industry professional closes the evening with an inspiring talk.
9:00 PM – Onward Networking & Wrap-Up: Continue conversations, forge connections, and wrap up the event.

📅 Date: 22nd March, 2025
📍 Venue: KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence

Explore a dynamic lineup of speakers, including industry pioneers and student innovators, as they share insights on the past, present, and future of technology. Engage in hands-on demonstrations, connect with professionals from top tech and engineering firms, and witness the creativity of student-led projects in our Booth Competition, where the most innovative displays will compete for prizes.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student passionate about STEM, or simply curious about the next big thing in technology, this is your chance to experience innovation in action. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired!