NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2025
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“True creativity is not loud—it is humble, steady, and deeply connected to the needs of the world.”
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Director (Research & Innovation)
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Featured Research Project
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Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Project
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In partnership with industry leaders, St. Clair College, Research & Innovation team developed an integrated industrial inspection solution that combines an Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV), a collaborative robot with specialized end-of-arm tooling, a mobile vision application, and a target-based visual tracking system. The AGV follows a predefined path so the robot’s vision system can capture high-precision images at set inspection points, reducing manual labor and improving the consistency of data collection.
A key success was establishing seamless communication between the AGV and the collaborative robot arm. While sensor-related challenges delay full AGV autonomy, the existing vision system enables the robot to make real-time decisions. Looking ahead, programming tools like Python over ROS (Robotic Operating System) will further refine functionality. Through this project, St. Clair College continues to make meaningful advancements in robotics, automation, and industrial inspection technologies.
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At St. Clair College, we specialize in developing tailored solutions to address industry-specific challenges by harnessing our student and faculty talent and expertise. If an organization is facing an industry-related problem that demands an innovative approach, our students and expert researchers are ready to collaborate to create the solutions of tomorrow.
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STEM Robotics Summer Camp
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St. Clair College’s STEM Robotics Summer Camp, supported by a grant from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), brought creativity and technology together for an exciting and hands-on learning experience. In partnership with OVIN, the St. Clair College Research and Innovation team introduced equity-deserving youth in Windsor-Essex to LEGO robotics, coding, and the world of technology in an engaging and accessible way.
Through local partnership organizations, the camp reached underrepresented communities, offering a free program complete with transportation, meals, fun camp activities, and all necessary tools like LEGO Spike Prime Robot kits. The camp sparked curiosity about autonomous and electric vehicle technologies through playful, hands-on activities, helping participants build robots while developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By combining fun with learning, it encouraged campers to imagine new possibilities for their futures.
Key Impact:
- Target Participants: Grades 5-12 students from Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Lambton regions, with a focus on equity-deserving groups.
- Program Goal: To foster early STEM engagement and workforce readiness through hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
- Total Youth Participated: 185
- Total Youth from Underrepresented Populations: 166
- Community Organizations Engaged: 5, including WEST of Windsor, LaSalle Hangout for Youth, Black Boys Code, the Sandwich Teen Action Group, and Coalition for Justice Unity Equity.
- Industry & Educational Partners: 4, including FIRST Robotics Canada, CentreLine Windsor, ACCESS Lambton Kent District School Board, and Invest WindsorEssex.
The learning did not end with the camp as participants took kits back to their community organizations, allowing others to benefit from the knowledge they gained. St. Clair College is also developing an online version of the camp’s curriculum, making this experience accessible to even more youth.
St. Clair College also conducted research during the camp as part of an environmental scan to evaluate its impact and explore ways to refine the program. Qualitative interviews and observations were carried out with the STEM Camp teachers and throughout the camp experience. Preliminary thematic analysis of the data revealed some positive outcomes, highlighting how the camp sparked enthusiasm and generated strong emotional responses among the engaged campers. The research also identified an expansion in teaching strategies, focusing on team-based and individual problem-solving approaches. Insights from the research also feature application adaptations to enhance mathematics and science curriculum design, ensuring future iterations of such activities are even more impactful and inclusive.
Watch the video to get a glimpse of the incredible work happening at St. Clair College’s STEM Robotics Summer Camp!
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St. Clair College Featured in CUTRIC's Academic Directory
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St. Clair College is proud to be featured in CUTRIC's inaugural Academic Directory, which connects academic institutions with industry leaders in the Canadian transit sector.
The directory highlights the college’s contributions to research in areas such as autonomous vehicles, electric transit systems, and advanced manufacturing. Through partnerships with organizations like Ford and Stellantis and facilities like the Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing, St. Clair College is actively contributing to the research and development of innovative and sustainable transit solutions.
This recognition reflects the college’s commitment to fostering collaboration and preparing students for emerging opportunities in transportation and related industries.
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Research Impact Highlights
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St. Clair College Advancing STEM Education Across Windsor-Essex
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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation team has taken a great step towards advancing STEM education across Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Lambton-Kent. Through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), the Team donated 122 LEGO SPIKE Prime Robotics Kits, 22 iPads, and charging stations to local Catholic school boards, empowering students with hands-on tools to explore robotics and STEM learning.
Students at Assumption College Catholic Middle School (ACCMS), one of the recipient schools, shared their excitement about the new resources.
“These LEGO kits opened up endless possibilities for creativity and innovation,” said Grade 8 student Amogh Sreekantha.
“They made learning colorful, interactive, and fun, making robotics accessible to everyone.” fellow student Vicky Gao added.
The donation was complemented by a custom STEM robotics curriculum developed by the Research and Innovation team, designed to enhance the educational experience and inspire a new generation of innovators.
“Our goal was to ensure every student, regardless of background, had the tools and opportunities to connect with technology and succeed,” said Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation.
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St. Clair College Launches 'Healthy and Hot' School Lunch Program
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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation department has partnered with Immaculate Conception Catholic School and community organizations to launch the 'Healthy and Hot' School Lunch Program, a heartfelt initiative designed to nurture students’ well-being and support their learning journey.
Starting January 2025, students will enjoy hot, nutritious meals twice a week, thoughtfully paired with food literacy education to promote healthy habits and a deeper understanding of nutrition. This three-month program addresses hunger as a barrier to learning, creating an environment where students can focus, grow, and thrive.
“This program is more than providing meals; it’s about ensuring our students feel cared for and equipped to succeed,” -- shared Heather Best, Principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic School.
Supported by an NSERC College and Community Social Innovation Fund grant, the program is a collaborative effort involving VON's Ontario Student Nutrition Program, AgScape, United Way, the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, and Green Heart Kitchen. Together, these partners are driving a meaningful change by combining resources to nourish young minds and foster a sense of community.
The 'Healthy and Hot' School Lunch Program is not just about feeding students—it’s about fueling their potential and empowering them to dream bigger.
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Town of LaSalle IoT Waste Management Project
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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation team successfully developed a Smart Waste Management IoT Solution for the Town of LaSalle, introducing a cutting-edge solution to modernize waste collection processes. Addressing inefficiencies such as overflowing bins and unnecessary collection routes, the project utilized smart sensors to monitor waste levels in real-time, optimizing collection schedules and reducing environmental impact.
The project team, consisting of researchers Alejandro Rodriguez, Aryan Keyhani, and Priya Patel, developed a system that deployed ultrasonic sensors in waste bins across busy parks. These sensors transmitted data to a centralized platform, enabling waste management teams to adapt routes dynamically based on actual bin usage. Data visualization tools like Tableau provided actionable insights, highlighting consistent waste patterns and identifying areas for improvement.
Despite challenges such as environmental factors affecting sensor accuracy and outdated 2G network reliance, the system demonstrated its potential to revolutionize urban waste management. By improving route efficiency, minimizing operational costs, and promoting cleaner public spaces, the project sets the stage for a more sustainable waste management approach in LaSalle.
With further refinements, this system can serve as a model for cities looking to enhance waste collection and sustainability. Monthly evaluations will continue to ensure the system achieves its full potential and remains an integral part of the Town of LaSalle Waste Management Strategy.
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EZ-Trak: Simplifying Trailer Safety and Efficiency
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In partnership with Demonte Fabricating Ltd. and supported by Canada’s FedDev initiative, St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation team has unveiled the EZ-Trak Automatic Tarp System. This modular, RFID-operated solution redefines trailer safety and efficiency with its innovative design and ease of use.
Key features include:
- Modularity: Adaptable to any tarp length.
- Safety: Eliminates cables and chains, reducing hazards.
- Durability: Withstands extreme weather with minimal maintenance.
- Efficiency: Compact, lightweight, and simple to operate.
Designed for manufacturability, the EZ-Trak system offers a scalable, cost-effective option for the transport industry. This collaboration highlights how innovation and expertise can address industry needs, paving the way for safer and more efficient transport solutions.
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2024 Partnerships Overview
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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation Team is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage in impactful research activities. By building local and international partnerships, the team ensures research is grounded in applied science, benefits real-world operations, and supports local businesses by delivering innovative solutions. This approach harnesses the intellect and skills of our talented students and faculty while fostering industry growth.
Throughout the year 2024, the team made significant advancements in networking strategies, resulting in an extraordinary number of collaborations. These partnerships reflect our dedication to bridging the gap between research and industry needs.
These figures highlight the breadth and diversity of the partnerships formed by St. Clair College, Research and Innovation Department, reinforcing our role in driving innovation and supporting both academic and industry goals.
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St. Clair College Explores EU Opportunities
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Dr. Karamjeet K. Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation, and Dr. Masoud Akhshik, Program Manager, represented St. Clair College at an event hosted by the Hungary Consulate. The focus was on accessing Horizon Europe, the EU flagship research and innovation program.
The discussions highlighted opportunities in workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and skills training, areas strongly supported by St. Clair College's EV Technician Program and Battery Manufacturing Certificate. With over 58% of Horizon Europe’s funding still available, the event outlined pathways for collaboration through consortia and partnerships.
St. Clair College’s expertise was recognized by EU delegates, reinforcing our readiness for international collaboration and research initiatives.
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Engagement with Global Cybersecurity Innovators at siberX
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Dr. Masoud Akhshik from St. Clair College, Research and Innovation department recently attended a key event by siberX, a leader in cybersecurity innovation.
siberX is renowned for its creative approaches to cybersecurity, offering solutions like gamified crisis simulations, escape rooms, and tabletop exercises. Their flagship events, including the Canadian Women in Cybersecurity Forum and CISO Forum Canada, foster collaboration among industry leaders to address pressing cyber challenges.
Dr. Akhshik’s contributions underscore St. Clair College’s focus on innovative research and collaborative efforts to solve critical cybersecurity challenges. Engaging with platforms like siberX enables the College to stay ahead of evolving threats while contributing to meaningful, real-world solutions.
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“My name is Kody Tsiamagas. During my time at the Research and Innovation department at St. Clair College, I have experienced an incredible amount of professional and personal growth while working here as a work study student. The dedicated and supportive team at Research and Innovation has helped me gain experience on how to work in a professional setting as well as develop new skills or refine old ones. I’ve had the privilege to contribute to a variety of tasks, with some tasks not being in my expertise. I am grateful for the opportunity to continuing growing and learning from the wonderful team here at Research and Innovation.”
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“Networking and a strong positive relationship of trust and respect—this is how I would sum up our association with St. Clair College, Research, and Innovation. Fetherstill Inc. was incorporated in Windsor, Ontario, for the sole purpose of developing technology that improved battery functioning in extreme temperature conditions... Regardless of Fetherstill’s success, the relationship between the two organizations will go down in history as one of the most influential the city has ever seen.”
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- Mayank Balakrishnan, CEO of Fetherstill Inc.
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Book a Tour or Consultation!
Discover the possibilities with a tour or consultation.
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Contact Us!
For inquiries please visit our Contact Us Page:
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That's all for January
Stay tuned for our next newsletter, arriving in February 2025!!!
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