NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 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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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation Department collaborated with local industry partners to develop a portable, solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles. The project brought together a dedicated team of students and researchers who recognised the need for adaptable EV charging solutions that can operate in various geographical settings. By leveraging their combined expertise, they aimed to create a system that would be both environmentally friendly and straightforward to deploy and use.
The team began by evaluating relevant standards and selecting suitable electrical components. They created detailed CAD files to guide the structural design, ensuring the mounting system was sturdy yet easy to transport. A comprehensive bill of materials helped streamline procurement and assembly, while thorough testing protocols were set in place to validate performance and safety measures.
Overall, this initiative represents how St. Clair College continues to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world applications. Through careful planning, practical design, and close collaboration with industry partners, the Mobile Solar EV Charger stands as a tangible demonstration of our department's commitment to fostering sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.
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. Visit our Project Archives Page to learn more.
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STEM Next: AR for Hands-On Robotics Education
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We are pleased to share STEM Next, an Augmented Reality (AR) application from St. Clair College Research & Innovation, supported by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). This interactive platform offers students a dynamic way to learn about robotics by assembling and customizing virtual robot assemblies—no physical kits are required. By integrating mobile devices with immersive AR, STEM Next makes it simple for learners to explore key robotics concepts wherever they are.
At the heart of STEM Next are modules like Color Sensing and Distance Sensing Robots, each highlighting important engineering principles in an engaging format. The color sensing feature demonstrates how sensors can detect and respond to different hues, while the distance sensing module focuses on object detection and collision avoidance—crucial aspects of modern autonomous technologies. By experimenting in this virtual environment, learners gain valuable insights without needing physical components.
Key Features:
- AR-Based Learning: Experience robot assembly in an immersive, virtual environment.
- Interactive Modules: Explore practical robotics scenarios like color detection and distance sensing.
- No Physical Hardware Required: Enjoy flexible learning without extra expense or logistical concerns.
- Skill Development: Gain foundational knowledge in engineering, and robotics principles.
- Anytime, Anywhere: Access on iOS and Android devices for convenient, on-the-go study.
By bringing robotics into an AR environment, STEM Next equips students with a solid foundation in STEM. Whether you are just starting or expanding your existing knowledge, we invite you to download the app and discover how AR can enhance the robotics learning experience.
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St. Clair College, Research and Innovation Proposal Accepted at CSSE Conference
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We are thrilled to announce that our proposal has been accepted for a Themed Discussion session at the prestigious Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) Conference in 2025.
Building upon the success of our OVIN initiatives, our proposal showcases the expertise and dedication of our research team. The CSSE Conference employs a highly competitive selection process making this acceptance a testament to the quality and relevance of our work.
The Themed Discussion format promises an interactive platform for sharing insights and collaborating with peers from across Canada. As the conference approaches, the Research and Innovation department is diligently preparing to maximize the impact of our proposal.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Research and Innovation department prepares for this exciting opportunity at the CSSE Conference 2025.
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Research Impact Highlights
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Announcement: Lead With Kindness Campaign
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St. Clair College, Research & Innovation is delighted to present the Lead with Kindness Campaign. This initiative brings caring individuals, organizations, and researchers together to address community needs and industry challenges. By focusing on tangible outcomes, every contribution and sponsorship helps introduce cutting-edge technologies to our region, strengthens collaboration with local partners, and creates lasting impact.
Join us for hands-on demonstrations at our Mobile Discovery Hub, explore new concepts at the Innovation Station, and mark your calendar for the March(ing) Forward Breakfast on March 28, 2025. Through these efforts, Lead with Kindness ensures that every act of support fuels meaningful progress, guiding both our community and industries toward a brighter, more innovative future.
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Announcement: Fee For Service
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St. Clair College Research & Innovation proudly introduces our Fee for Service initiative to empower students, faculty, industry partners, and community members to bring their ideas to life using our specialized facilities and expertise.
From fabrication and processing to media production, planning & consulting, robotics & automation, and testing & simulation, our service catalog offers a range of resources designed to support your next breakthrough.
Ready to get started?
Simply visit our website, review the available services, and submit a request form outlining your project needs. Our team will assess your requirements and provide a tailored quote based on the scope of work.
Let us help turn your ideas into practical outcomes through high-quality, professional support and discover how easy it is to innovate with St. Clair College Research & Innovation.
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St. Clair College Teams Up with Margo Reilly—A 2025 Top 50 Woman Leader in Healthcare
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Margo Reilly, Executive Director of the Windsor Family Health Team, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2025. Her ongoing partnership with St. Clair College Research & Innovation Department exemplifies a shared commitment to improving community health, especially for vulnerable populations through initiatives such as the Oral Health Education Program.
“Oral health is healthcare,” says Reilly. “We’re trying to create a movement where preventative care includes oral health, because it’s essential to overall well-being.”
Dr. Karamjeet K. Dhillon, Director of Research & Innovation at St. Clair, highlights the community benefits of their collaboration: “Women in leadership—such as Margo—bring a unique ability to balance compassion with innovation, and this balance is essential in the healthcare field.”
Click Learn More for the full story.
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SCC Collaborations Simplified: Research Inquiry Form
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The Research Inquiry Form is in Full Swing!
Since its launch in September 2024, the Research Inquiry Form from the St. Clair College Research and Innovation department has become a vital tool for fostering collaboration across the College. This streamlined process allows administration, faculty, and staff to connect directly with the Research and Innovation department on project ideas, grant opportunities, equipment rentals, in-class research, and more.
In just one semester, we have received well over 20 inquiries spanning a diverse range of research initiatives and resource requests. As we continue to build connections and facilitate opportunities, we encourage all departments to leverage this form to drive new research success stories at the College!
Chair of Community Studies, Biagio Lattuca, shares his insights on the value of the Research Inquiry Form and the importance of collaboration with the Research and Innovation department:
"The Research Inquiry Form has been instrumental for the School of Community Studies, fostering a collaborative spirit and opening doors to innovative research opportunities that enhance our curriculum and enrich student experiences." - Biagio Lattuca, Chair of Community Studies.
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Safety Village Digital Twin: VR Road Safety for Students
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In a collaborative effort with The Safety Village, St. Clair College Research & Innovation introduced the Safety Village Digital Twin—a virtual environment where elementary school students can learn about road safety in a hands-on, immersive way. By re-creating real-life traffic situations (like crosswalks and pedestrian signals) and integrating interactive elements, the simulation helps children understand the importance of careful decision-making and following common road signs.
Students not only practice how to navigate roads and intersections, but they also engage with gamified challenges that reward them for applying their newly acquired knowledge. Teachers and parents can monitor progress through an analytics dashboard, identifying areas where students might need additional support.
Key Features:
- Virtual Safety Village: A realistic digital replica of crosswalks, road signs, and pedestrian paths for authentic practice scenarios.
- Immersive Learning: VR-based lessons that encourage students to apply road safety rules in a safe, simulated setting.
- Gamification: Point systems and challenges keep young learners motivated and focused on mastering each lesson.
- Analytics Dashboard: Instant feedback for educators and parents to track progress, address learning gaps, and celebrate achievements.
By combining community collaboration and cutting-edge technology, The Safety Village Digital Twin shows how immersive learning can instill lifelong safety skills in young minds. This initiative paves the way for more innovative projects that help shape confident, well-prepared students.
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Exploring the Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Urban Air Quality
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One of our student researchers, Sukhjit Kaur, recently completed a project examining how wildfire smoke travels and influences air quality in urban areas. Using a structured approach that combined sensor data, statistical analysis, and visual modeling, Sukhjit’s research focused on identifying key factors—such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed—that play a significant role in shaping pollutant levels (particularly PM2.5) and the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Key findings suggest:
- Temperature strongly affects the concentration of fine particulate matter, highlighting potential challenges during warmer wildfire seasons.
- Wind Speed can help dilute pollutants, offering insights into how certain weather conditions may reduce the impact of smoke on city environments.
- Data Visualization proves essential for understanding the relationships between multiple factors that influence overall air quality.
By providing a deeper look into how wildfires affect nearby environments, this project underscores the importance of ongoing research into urban health strategies and proactive planning. Sukhjit’s work exemplifies the dedication and ingenuity of student researchers committed to tackling real-world environmental challenges.
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Meet Edwin Orlando Bolivar Gomez!
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“My experience in the R&I department of St. Clair College has allowed me to develop technical skills in FEA analysis, feasibility studies of solar systems, and the development and configuration of lithium batteries. My background in control engineering and mechanical engineering technology has enabled me to integrate knowledge from both disciplines to tackle complex projects, gaining a valuable interdisciplinary perspective. Mastering modelling tools, feasibility analysis, and battery optimization has given me a deep understanding of the challenges in these fields. In addition, I have cultivated essential soft skills such as technical communication, leadership, and adaptability, which are crucial for teamwork and professional success.
I have contributed to four main projects:
- Optimization of adhesives through FEA analysis for anisotropic materials
- Leadership in the feasibility study for a remote solar panel station
- Development and configuration of lithium batteries with a focus on having a temperature management system
- Teaching at the Robotics Summer Camp
My focus on innovation and problem-solving has been fundamental to the success of these projects. I am deeply grateful to the research group of St. Clair College for allowing me to participate in these projects and for the constant support during my training in mechanical engineering technology. The experience gained has been invaluable for my professional and personal development, preparing me for a career in an R&I department.”
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“It has been a great pleasure to work with St. Clair College's Research and Innovation Department in the funding proposal writing, especially collaborating with the Research and Innovation Director, Karamjeet Dhillon, and the Business Development Manager, Sonja Popovski. Their team combines creativity, efficiency, and a genuine passion for community impact in every project they take on. They consistently deliver innovative, well-crafted proposals tailored to funders' priorities, with clear and efficient communication throughout the process with project partners. What truly sets them apart is their heartfelt dedication to helping local not-for-profit organizations create meaningful changes. Working with St. Clair College's Research and Innovation Department has been an absolute pleasure, and I am confident that any organization will benefit from their expertise and commitment.”
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- Nadine Manroe-Wakerell, Director of Clinical Practice , weCHC Teen Health Site
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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 February
Stay tuned for our next newsletter, arriving in March 2025!!!
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