Category Archives: 2025

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, as well as 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.

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

Join Us for the Cybersecurity & Hardware Workshops

 

IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section invites you to a full day of learning and hands-on experience at the Cybersecurity Workshop and Hardware Workshop on March 23, 2025. This event brings together industry experts, researchers, and students to explore key topics in cybersecurity and hardware.

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025 @ 11 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Okanagan College, Room E309

  • W1. Cybersecurity Workshop, Ajitesh Parihar (11:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
    • Register here for W1: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/473414
    • 11:00 am – 11:15 am | Workshop Opening
      11:15 am – 12:00 pm | DRI Cybersecurity
      12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Student Presentation
      12:30 pm – 1:00 pm   | Lunch
      1:00 pm – 1:30 pm     | Discussions
  • W2. Hardware Workshop, Prof. Matt Fritter (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
    • Presented by Okanagan College Professor Matt Fritter, this workshop will provide hands-on experience working with microcontrollers.

This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, engage with experts, and gain practical skills.

We look forward to seeing you there.

During the workshop (Okanagan and UBCO Students in person):

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