Seminar

September anti-racism book club

Victoria Lumax — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:29:39 +0000

September anti-racism book club Victoria Lumax Thu, 08/19/2021 - 13:29

In September, Professor Frankie Condon, who has conducted extensive research in anti-racism rhetoric and anti-racism pedagogy, will lead the discussion of Robin DiAngelo’s, White Fragility (2018), the New York Times bestseller that gained international prominence in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in the US.

Quantum Today: Dimension Reductions in Quantum Key Distribution

Victoria Lumax — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:03:09 +0000

Quantum Today: Dimension Reductions in Quantum Key Distribution Victoria Lumax Thu, 07/22/2021 - 16:03

Join Twesh Upadhyaya, MSc student at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Department of Physics & Astronomy, in conversation with scientific outreach manager John Donohue. They’ll discuss his latest journal article entitled “Dimension Reductions in Quantum Key Distribution for Continuous- and Discrete-Variable Protocols” published in Physical Review X Quantum on May 24.

His team, led by IQC and Department of Physics and Astronomy faculty member Norbert Lütkenhaus, explore the security analysis of quantum key distribution, a quantum-enabled technology that allows for secure long-distance encrypted communication. In their recent result, they developed a new method to analyze these problems by turning an infinite-dimensional problem into one with a limited number of dimensions, making them much easier to study. This method opens the door to rigorously studying a wide variety of quantum security approaches.

Quantum Today is an exciting seminar series that pulls it themes from recently published scientific articles. Join us as we sit down in conversation with researchers to talk about their work and its impact.

You can read about Twesh’s work in Physical Review X Quantum here:
https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.2.020325.

Quantum Today: A measurement-based variational quantum eigensolver

Victoria Lumax — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 18:55:57 +0000

Quantum Today: A measurement-based variational quantum eigensolver Victoria Lumax Thu, 06/17/2021 - 14:55

Join Luca Dellantonio, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), in conversation with scientific outreach manager John Donohue. They’ll discuss his latest journal article entitled A measurement-based variational quantum eigensolver published in Physical Review Letters on June 4. His team, led by IQC and Department of Physics and Astronomy faculty member Christine Muschik, has discovered a new and more efficient computing method for pairing the reliability of a classical computer with the strength of a quantum system. This new computing method opens the door to different algorithms and experiments that bring quantum researchers closer to near-term applications and discoveries of the technology." src="/events/profiles/uw_base_profile/modules/contrib/wysiwyg/plugins/break/images/spacer.gif" />

Quantum Today is an exciting new seminar series that pulls it themes from recently published scientific articles. Join us as we sit down in conversation with researchers to talk about their work and its impact.

WatSolve S21 C-Suite Fireside Chat with Conor Mlacak

Victoria Lumax — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:06:49 +0000

WatSolve S21 C-Suite Fireside Chat with Conor Mlacak Victoria Lumax Tue, 06/15/2021 - 10:06

Calling all future consultants!

WatSolve has invited Conor Mlacak, VP of Technology at Loblaw Companies Limited, to answer questions about his career journey, work-life balance, mentorship, and consulting from the perspective of a C-Level Executive. The WatSolve Spring 2021 C-Suite Fireside chat will be happening on Thursday, June 24th, at 1:00 PM, all UW students are welcome to attend.

In his current role, Conor holds dual roles both as the head of Payments and Services technology as well as the head of the Delivery and Services Enablement Office for the Loblaw overall. Prior to Loblaw, Conor was a partner with Deloitte, leading the Canadian Agile Transformation practice and specializing in technology transformation in the financial services industry bothin Canada and Europe over 20 years. In addition to being a UW Systems Design Engineering graduate, Conor is a trained life and professional coach and believes in extreme accountability, transparency, and leading with optimism to help individuals reach their full potential. He lives in Etobicoke and is the father to three young daughters.

Please sign up for the event by Tuesday, June 22 at 12PM EST. You will receive an invite to the event sent to your email by the latest on Wednesday, June 23.

Indigenous Business and Leadership

Victoria Lumax — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:40:10 +0000

Indigenous Business and Leadership Victoria Lumax Thu, 06/03/2021 - 10:40

Join Alumni Tracy Primeau, BA ‘98, in a discussion about Indigenous Business and Leadership. Tracy Primeau is a shift manager at Bruce Power, and also member of many organizations – she is a member of the Board of Directors of Women in Nuclear Canada, Chair of the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey, Executive of the Kincardine Bulldogs Hockey Club and sits on two Municipality of Kincardine Council committees.

This discussion will cover topics such as common misconceptions, the seven Grandfather teachings, Indigenous business and leadership opportunities, and why the time is now.

About Tracy Primeau

Tracy is one of the few women to become a CNSC licensed operator at Bruce Power and was the first to do so at Bruce A. She is the only woman to ever work her way up to Shift Manager from the shop floor. She worked shift for most of her career but is currently leading the Operations Support Department while mentoring women and men in both operations and leadership roles. She is a current member of the Women in Nuclear Canada Board.

Raising her two boys with her husband Dave, Tracy has always been active in her community. Currently she is the Board Chair of the Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, works on the executive of the local hockey club, sits on the municipality’s Economic Development Committee as the Energy Rep and is a board member at St. Paul's University College. She has years of volunteer and board experience both in the energy industry and in various other organizations.

She is a proud member of the Nipissing First Nation and in her spare time she loves to read and write and has a monthly column on books in The Bruce County Marketplace called "Between the Covers." 

Quantum Today: New algorithm uses a hologram to control trapped ions

Victoria Lumax — Thu, 13 May 2021 15:07:54 +0000

Quantum Today: New algorithm uses a hologram to control trapped ions Victoria Lumax Thu, 05/13/2021 - 11:07

Quantum Today is an exciting new seminar series that pulls its themes from recently published scientific articles. Join us as we sit down in conversation with researchers to talk about their work, what’s the impact and where their research will lead to.

Join Chung-You Shih, a PhD student at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Kazi Rajibul Islam, a faculty member at IQC and in physics and astronomy at ��ݮ��Ƶ in conversation with John Donohue. They’ll discuss their latest journal article about how their team has discovered the most precise way to control individual ions using holographic optical engineering technology.

WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas

Kelly Chen — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:01:56 +0000

WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas Kelly Chen Thu, 07/03/2025 - 00:01

The ��ݮ��Ƶ Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) is pleased to present a Distinguished Lecture by Orlando Rojas, Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair, Scientific Director of the Bioproducts Institute, Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering | Chemistry | Wood Science, The University of British Columbia.

Please join us on Thursday, July 24 at 2 p.m. to hear Professor Rojas's lecture titled "The Role of Bio-Based Colloids in Gelation Technologies and Green Interfaces."

Where: QNC 1501
When: Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

About the lecture

In this talk, I will present emblematic cases from our recent work that illustrate the potential of biobased colloids derived from plant and ocean biomass and residues, including lignin and tannin particles as well as fibrillated polysaccharides. These materials demonstrate their suitability for tailoring surface chemistry, size and shape, which is critical for designing supraparticle assemblies, relevant to coatings, carbon capture and other applications. The correlation between particle size and physicochemical characteristics —such as molar mass, surface charge, and functional groups—is highlighted as a key strategy for identifying (nano)technological applications that leverage the functionality and cost-effectiveness of biogenic particles. Additionally, I will discuss processing routes that convert low-value residual biomass into all-green materials, showcasing their recyclability and biodegradability. These materials address challenges related to circularity and the end-of-life limitations of non-renewable products. Given the low cost of raw materials, their inherent microstructural design, and natural self-adhesion, this work demonstrates fully sustainable alternatives to fossil carbon-based products. The success of these technologies hinges on our ability to control water interactions and gelation phenomena, paving the way for broader adoption in sustainable material systems.

About the speaker

Professor Orlando Rojas is the Canada Excellence Research Chair at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Bioproducts Institute. His research focuses on bio-based materials and soft matter. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to renewable materials science, and has received several prestigious honors, including the Anselme Payen Award, the highest distinction in cellulose and renewable materials research. He is an elected Fellow of the American Chemical Society (2013), the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2017), and the TAPPI Association (2025). Earlier in his career, he served as a Finland Distinguished Professor and was named an inaugural Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University. Prof. Rojas maintains active collaborations with institutions across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. He serves on the Selection Committee of the Marcus Wallenberg Foundation and holds scientific advisory roles with organizations including the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, the VALUED Project (with Imperial College London, University of Bristol, and University of Cambridge), and the Materials Institute of the University of Santiago de Compostela. He is Emeritus Editor of the Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology and Associate Editor of ACS Biomacromolecules. He is ranked among the top 1% of researchers globally by citations (Clarivate, Web of Science).

WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Shuk Han CHENG

Kelly Chen — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:36:18 +0000

WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Shuk Han CHENG Kelly Chen Wed, 07/02/2025 - 23:36

The ��ݮ��Ƶ Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) is pleased to present a Distinguished Lecture by Prof. Shuk Han CHENG, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong

Please join us on Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m. to hear Prof. CHENG's lecture titled "Curiosity-Driven Research on Nanomaterials Led to Unexpected Societal Impact."

Where: QNC 1501
When: Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 3 p.m.

About the lecture

This lecture unveils two examples of our earlier curiosity-driven research on carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, and tack their direct and indirect societal impacts in biomedical and environmental domains. Key areas of focus include:

Investigating carbon nanotube toxicity in zebrafish embryos, contributed to the shaping of USEPA’s Significant New UseRules for safer nanomaterial applications.
Development of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) applications in cancer therapy for targeted, non-toxic drug delivery to human fibroblasts, using the zebrafish embryos as in vivo models or safety and efficacy

Our work has highlighted how fundamental research can unexpectedly inform regulatory frameworks and medical innovations, offering solutions for health and environmental challenges. My goal is to share my experience with ��ݮ��Ƶ’s biomedical researchers, showing how journal publications on nanotechnology and nanomaterial can be cited by peers and non-peers alike.

About the speaker

Professor Shuk Han Cheng, Chair Professor of Molecular Medicine at City University of Hong Kong’s Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Her pioneering research on molecular and chemical regulation of vertebrate embryonic development and organ regeneration, using zebrafish and cellular models, has place d her among the top 2% most-cited scientists in Toxicology and awards like the Grand Prix and Gold Medal at the 43rd International Exhibition of Inventions (2015), the WIPO Medal for Inventors, and the 2022 Hong Kong Medal of Honour. Prof. Cheng’s leadership extends to public service roles such as the Chair of the Board at the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI), the second largest government funded R&D center in Hong Kong.

Velocity Cornerstone

Kelly Chen — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:17:54 +0000

Velocity Cornerstone Kelly Chen Thu, 05/08/2025 - 16:17

What is Cornerstone?

Cornerstone helps students from any faculty who are enthusiastic to explore their potential ideas, and that want to join a like-minded community over two weeks to take action.

The Cornerstone program is focused on getting outside the university to speak to potential customers and simplifies the process of taking the next step, building confidence, and opening doors to build your idea for real.

No pitch deck. No pressure. No technical skills required

Cornerstone is Velocity’s challenge where over two weeks you’ll test your idea, potentially meet your first users, and build confidence in your idea. You’ll join a supportive community of students who are all taking their first steps into entrepreneurship — with coaching, mentorship, and the chance to win prizes.

$2,500 in prizes to be awarded.

‍Program overview

What Happens at Cornerstone?

You’ll work on validating your idea by talking to real customers. Along the way, you’ll get:

Mentorship from experienced founders and advisors
Startup Quests to guide your progress (updated in real-time with your mentor)
Workshops & Fireside Chats with guest speakers (like past Cornerstone prize winners and Velocity founders)
Dedicated team chat spaces on Discord to collaborate and check in
A Final Showcase + Dinner where the best-validated ideas will win cash prizes

Don’t have an idea quite yet?

The Cornerstone idea session is a fun, one-day event on May 14 to explore ideas, meet collaborators, and start forming teams.

Already have an idea?

You can skip and go straight to Cornerstone Orientation on May 22, where you’ll get onboarded, meet Velocity staff, and accept your Cornerstone quest.

Cornerstone Orientation | Thursday, May 22

The official start of Cornerstone. Get onboarded, meet Velocity staff and accept your Cornerstone quest.

Session A: 9:00 - 11:00 AM - E7 1st Floor Ideas Clinic or,
Session B: 12:00 - 2:00 PM - E7 1st Floor Ideas Clinic or,
Session C: 2:00 - 4:00 PM - E7 1st Floor Ideas Clinic

Cornerstone Session One | Monday, May 26

Session A: 1:30 - 3:30 PM - E7 1st Floor Ideas Clinic or,
Session B: 5:00 - 7:00 PM - E7 2nd Floor Ideas Clinic

Cornerstone Session Two | Monday, June 2

Session A: 1:30 - 3:30 PM - E7 1st Floor Ideas Clinic or,
Session B: 5:00 - 7:00 PM - E7 2nd Floor Ideas Clinic

Cornerstone Final Dinner | Thursday - June 5

Join the S25 Cornerstone community for an evening of food and conversation to close the program and discuss next steps.

Thursday June 2nd, 4:30-8 PM, Velocity Innovation Arena (280 Joseph St, Kitchener ON, N2G 4Z5)

Mastering Electrical Characterization Seminar

Emily Michelle Estrella Gosine — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:33:44 +0000

Mastering Electrical Characterization Seminar Emily Michelle… Wed, 04/23/2025 - 13:33

The Quantum Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF), Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT), and Testforce will be hosting an Electrical Characterization Seminar joined by a Keithley Applications Engineer, who will explore the challenges and best practices in low current and low voltage measurements using the Keithley 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer.

Gain practical insights into optimizing their setups for device characterization, enhancing measurement accuracy, and overcoming noise, leakage, and connection limitations common in lab and wafer-level testing. Whether you’re testing nanoscale devices, advanced semiconductors, or novel materials, this seminar will give you the knowledge to get the most out of your instrumentation.

This seminar is open to students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Lunch will be provided. We hope you will join us. Please register for the event.