Engineering our future in uncertain times

The world we live in now is dramatically different than it was just a few weeks ago. Like many of you, we have had to make fundamental changes to our operations to ensure they continue through the evolving COVID-19 situation.

We’ve transitioned swiftly and effectively to online learning for thousands of students. We have adapted our administrative supports to be offered remotely, answering hundreds of calls and emails to help our students keep their studies on track. We’ve repositioned some of our researchers to working on COVID-19 projects to help address the current public health crisis we all face.

While the pace of change is unprecedented, our focus remains on sparking innovation in our increasingly connected world. And critical breakthroughs are beginning to emerge.

Innovation in action

Dr. Amir Sanati-Nezhad, an assistant professor of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, is creating a COVID-19 test that can be completed in the comfort of your own home, with results sent wirelessly from a hand-held biosensor to health officials. The device would help reduce in-person contact for people suspected of being infected.

Some of our biomedical engineering researchers are working to design a modern-day iron lung, essentially a negative pressure ventilator, from basic equipment and materials which could be of particular use to developing countries who do not have access to the ventilators their patients require. We also have some graduate students using our school 3-D printers to create medical PPE for front line health-care workers.

Answering the call to serve

Engineers are problem-solvers. Right now, we need to think globally, act boldly and embrace our entrepreneurial spirit as we develop vital solutions the world desperately needs.

We need your help. Given the urgency and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure our students, faculty and staff are safe and healthy, and to rally support for our researchers dedicated to the fight against the coronavirus. That’s why this year’s UCalgary Giving Day is focused on helping our campus community through these tough times.

The University of Calgary has created two new COVID-19 response funds – a COVID-19 Student Relief Fund and a COVID-19 Research Fund. In addition to these funds, the Schulich School of Engineering will be directing proceeds from our Dean’s Impact Fund towards specific SSE-led, COVID-19 response projects and initiatives. If you have capacity and want to help support our students and our researchers, please consider participating in UCalgary Giving Day. Until May 22, any gifts will be matched up to $2,500. To give, follow this link and scroll for the Schulich School of Engineering impact fund.

Giving Day is just one of many ways we hope you will continue to engage with us. If you are part of our outstanding engineering alumni and are giving back to the community, please tell us your story by emailing engineering.alumni@ucalgary.ca. Share your expertise with us by volunteering on an industry advisory council or partner with us on research.

The world is changing rapidly. As engineers, lets lead that change together.

Bill Rosehart, P.Eng., PhD
Dean of the Schulich School of Engineering