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Campus Life  

Help us enhance the OC website and win OC merch!

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College Relations has embarked on several web-related projects to enhance the student experience on the OC website, making access to our programming as easy as possible.

We need the help of our OC community and we've got OC-branded draw prizes for your help!

Take the OC website questionnaire and help us identify issues on the website so we can tackle them, supporting prospective and current students' journey on our website.

Complete the questionnaire and provide your email at the end for a chance to win prizes, including newly branded and legacy OC merchandise, all while supporting fellow students!

Take the questionnaire

We will announce draw prize winners in April in an edition of OC This Week, and winners will be notified by email.



Okanagan College students advance in finance research challenge

3 students wearing suits standing on a stairwell

A student trio from the Okanagan College (OC) School of Business are on their way to the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute Research Challenge Sub-Regionals. This follows a win at a local level competition hosted by CFA Societies of British Columbia in Vancouver last month. 

“As a CFA affiliated institution, Okanagan College is honoured to support our students in competitions like the CFA Institute Research Challenge,” said Joe Baker, Dean, School of Business. “We’re excited to see how far our students can go using the skills and knowledge they have gained here at the OC School of Business.” 

The OC team includes Business students Seth Lewis, Manmeet Dhaliwal and Natasha Savelieva, coached by Business Administration Professor Elena Mitropolsky,  

"Natasha, Seth and Manmeet are a very talented, motivated and hard-working student team, having performed the most in-depth analysis to lead to a strong win,” said coach and faculty member Elena Mitropolsky. “The students benefited greatly from their experience at the OC Student Investment Fund, and we are grateful for the guidance received from the OC School of Business, faculty and CFA Okanagan Society members. 

Manmeet Dhaliwal, a Bachelor of Business Administration student at Okanagan College, shared how he and his teammates have been working hard since last October to prepare for the competition. 

"Competing in the CFA Research Challenge has been an unparalleled experience. We poured our hearts into this, and to see our success is incredibly rewarding,” said Dhaliwal. “This challenge incorporated everything we've learned at Okanagan College and serves as a testament to the caliber of our faculty. We are immensely proud to have represented Okanagan College and look forward to competing on the national stage." 

An annual global competition, the CFA Institute Research Challenge provides post-secondary students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student is tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing and presentation skills. 

After winning the local competition, the OC team moves on to a sub-regional round later this month, where they have an opportunity to advance to the regional competition followed by the Global Final held the week of May 13, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland.  

The Okanagan College School of Business is proud to offer a career-oriented and innovative education. Learners benefit from unique business programs that integrate theory and subject-matter knowledge with practical applications through opportunities such as business competitions, community-based course projects, and work experiences. To learn more, please visit the Okanagan College School of Business website at okanagan.bc.ca/business. 



People want to age at home, UBC Okanagan can help them stay healthy

A photo of an elderly man receiving health care in his home.

UBC Okanagan's Dr. Amir Ardestani-Jaafari used strategic approaches to research how health-care providers can create robust yet flexible home-care networks to meet future demands.

For Canadians who want to age at home as long as possible, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers is studying how to organize home-care networks to ensure they receive the care they need in the most efficient manner possible.

Led by Master of Science student Pooya Pourrezaie, a team from UBCO's Faculty of Management and School of Engineering collaborated on the study to examine how to remove some of the unknowns.

"Planning for the future is a challenge for those tasked with ensuring our health-care system can meet our needs as we age," Pourrezaie says. "Our research doesn't claim to have all the answers, but it offers a new way to think about and prepare for the future, ensuring Canadians can receive the care they need in their homes, for as long as possible."

The study focuses on a strategic model that optimizes the placement of home-based health-care facilities. This model is designed to navigate the uncertainties surrounding demand for solutions that are robust yet flexible. By balancing the need for widespread accessibility with the practicalities of health delivery, the team's work promises to help policy-makers and health-care providers make informed decisions, even when faced with limited information.

"Our findings strike a balance between the need for careful planning and the reality of fluctuating demand," Pourrezaie says. "We're showing that it's possible to plan effectively for home health care, reducing unnecessary expenditures and maximizing the impact of every dollar spent."

To reach their findings, they relied on strategic testing. They created simulations--virtual experiments--to test their ideas on how to best place home health-care facilities in locations that could benefit the most people in the most economical way feasible.

Then they'd test those networks. They used mathematical models to imagine different scenarios, including how many people might need care and where.

"It connects our academic research with real-world problems," Pourrezaie said. "It provides a starting point for more responsive and sustainable health-care planning, which we know is so important to Canadians."

This research is more than just an academic exercise; it’s a blueprint for the future of home care in Canada. As the population ages, the demand for such services can only increase. The insights from this study provide a pathway for delivering care that is both patient-focused and sustainable.

It's a reminder that with thoughtful research and innovative thinking, we can prepare for the future of health care in a way that keeps Canadians in their homes longer, healthier and happier, Pourrezaie says.

"For Canadians who value their independence, this study is a step towards ensuring that the health-care system will be there to support them, in their homes, for many years to come," he says.

Pourrezaie worked under the guidance of the Faculty of Management's Dr. Amir Ardestani-Jaafari and the School of Engineering's Dr. Babak Tosarkani.

The research appears in the journal INFOR: Information Systems and Operational Research. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada supported this research.

The post People want to age at home, UBC Okanagan can help them stay healthy appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.



Students to explore theme of progress at showcase event

White poster with blue squiggly lines. Poster reads: AFP March 21st, 2024, 6 - 9 pm. Life in progress student showcase.

For Nikita Worm, attending Adult Upgrading classes at Okanagan College changed her outlook and gave her life new meaning.  

Learning new skills through one of OC’s foundational programs, was just the tonic to help support her in her outlook on life.  

"The College and the courses here have helped me to be so positive about my life and my future. I feel like I’m worth something now," said Worm.  

Worm will be one of many students presenting their work at an upcoming student showcase, scheduled to take place at OC's Kelowna campus on March 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Centre for Learning Atrium. Students, staff and community members are invited to attend.  

The Student Showcase, themed A Life in Progress, will celebrate work from students in Arts and Foundational programs, including students from the Arts, Adult Upgrading, English Language, and Accessible Education and Training.  

The showcase will feature presentations in the form of visual art, posters, design table displays, screen videos, read stories, essays and poems, among other options. 

Okanagan College Dean, Arts and Foundational Programs, Dr. Judith Anderson spoke to how the showcase demonstrates OC’s mandate to support student learning and connection to the community.  

"We are thrilled to provide a platform for our students to showcase their talents and accomplishments," said Dr. Anderson. "The event underscores OC’s commitment to supporting student creativity, innovation and excellence.  

The Life in Progress: A Student Showcase event aims to highlight student's learning, providing a comprehensive representation of the exceptional talent fostered at Okanagan College. 

For more information about the event, please visit okanagan.bc.ca/event/13086-life-in-progress-afp-student-showcase.



Suspense and intrigue guaranteed in Red Dot Players' biggest production yet

Cast of Murder on the Orient Express

Get your ticket and climb aboard for a delightful evening of murder and mystery as OC’s Red Dot Players bring to life Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. 

For the play’s assistant Director and OC alumna Kendra Holly Grant, the support of Red Dot Players and her former professor has given her the opportunity to take her skills from the classroom to directing her first show.  

“I am very excited to progress my knowledge with Jeremy Beaulne, who was my teacher and mentor while attending Okanagan College,” said Grant. “Following Murder on the Orient Express, I am directing my first show in the Black Cat Cabaret at the end of March.”

Jason Pyett, an actor in the Red Dot Plyer’s Theatre Company, expressed his excitement for being part of the timeless classic that will be the theatre company's largest production to date.  

“I am deeply honored to be portraying the beloved character Hercule Poirot,” said Pyett. “As I step into the shoes of this iconic character, I feel a sense of responsibility to deliver an unforgettable performance. This show is the theatre company’s biggest production yet in terms of the scope of work, the set, the costumes, the acting, all of it is a huge undertaking.” 

Performances of Murder on the Orient Express will take place at the Okanagan College Theatre (Room S104), 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna on the following dates:  

March 14, 15, and 16 at 7:00 p.m. 

March 17th at 2:00 p.m. 

March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. 

March 24th at 2:00 p.m. 

 Advance tickets for Murder on the Orient Express are available at www.reddotplayers.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. 

 Director and OC English professor, Jeremy Beaulne commented that the production is a tremendous achievement.  

 “Everyone in the cast and crew has been working extremely hard to make it a success, and I’m thrilled with what we have achieved so far.” 

 The production features a cast of thirteen, authentic period costumes, and a recreation of the sumptuous Art Deco interior of the Orient Express.  

 The Red Dot Players are a community theatre group sponsored by Okanagan College. Their mission is to provide Okanagan College students, alumni, and employees with an opportunity for creative self-expression. 



Thrive Here video celebrates lessons learned in a 'classroom like no other'

Ali Martineau and AJ Nguoth

For 20-year-old AJ Nguoth, playing basketball is about more than jump shots and free throws.

On the court, Nguoth says he works through real life struggles as he's putting his energy into the game. Playing basketball is also a reminder that he is on the right path. The sport has been his north star since he was 11, keeping him focused on school and inspiring him to dream big for his life.

Nguoth, an Okanagan College Coyotes Basketball player and first-year OC student, is one of several student athletes featured in a new video by the Okanagan College Foundation highlighting the importance of sport and activity in teaching life lessons.

The video supports the Thrive Here campaign to build a new Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus. OC President Neil Fassina says the Recreation and Wellness Centre will be an important addition, distinct from other classrooms.

“The Recreation and Wellness Centre will foster belonging and community, helping our students thrive in their education and their future endeavours,” he says. “We’re looking forward to the activity and excitement it will bring to campus.”

World-champion curler Sasha Carter is featured in the video and recalls her mother putting her in every sport imaginable when she was young. Carter says she didn’t excel at all of them but learned the importance of showing up and trying her best. It wasn’t until university that Carter’s dedication paid off, propelling her curling career to an international level including becoming a two-time world champion.

Carter says whether you play competitively or just for fun, sport and activity brings people together and has the potential to create lifelong bonds.

“It is where I found my village. It is where I knew I could handle life and I could do hard things. It is where I learned who I am,” says Carter, development manager with the Okanagan College Foundation.

Ali Martineau is a fourth-year Business Administration student who credits her time on the court to learning how to adapt and pivot when things don’t go as planned.

Martineau was injured her first year playing on the women’s basketball team and couldn’t play the rest of the season. As a result, Martineau had to find other ways she could contribute to her team. Her perseverance paid off as Martineau along with the rest of the OC Women’s Basketball team are heading to the nationals March 13-15.

Cliff Serwa, a co-founder of Big White, also makes a cameo. Cliff, along with his wife Lois, are honorary chairs for the Thrive Here campaign and have donated $500,000 to the project. They are now offering to match all donations from the community up to an additional $500,000.

“[Sport] is where I learned never to give up, to work hard, and make my dreams come true,” says Cliff.
 



Research breathes fresh air into classrooms at UBC Okanagan

A photo of air intake fans of a building.

UBCO research shows that airflow dynamics can reduce pathogens by 85 per cent in a classroom setting.

If you've ever wondered why some folks never catch the office or school cold, where they're sitting might be keeping them from the path of pathogens, according to new UBC Okanagan research.

Using a working UBCO classroom as their test lab, the team found that accounting for airflow dynamics reduced pathogens in the classroom by 85 per cent.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the advice was often just to increase ventilation to the maximum," says Mojtaba Zabihi, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering and a lead researcher in the UBC Airborne Disease Transmission Research Cluster.

"But the new findings show that understanding the airflow pattern is as important, as the amount of air changed per hour. This insight could potentially lead to safer buildings and significant energy savings."

The study measured and analyzed airflow in the classroom to understand its influence on pathogen dispersion. Considering what might be in the room to affect how the air flows--desk arrangement or vent placement, for example--and how we design building ventilation systems could help improve standards and improve indoor air quality, Zabihi says.

"Our research demonstrates that an under-floor air distribution concept combined with a ceiling-distributed exhaust system, which generates local and vertically stretched airflow patterns, can significantly reduce airborne pathogens in classrooms by up to 85 per cent," he says.

"If building ventilation systems are designed with disease prevention in mind, it could be a critical tool in maintaining our health."

The research findings, chosen by the editors of the journal Building Simulation for their March cover story, offer promising directions for the design and operation of indoor spaces. Yet, while the study’s implications suggest a new avenue for enhancing public health through building design, Zabihi carefully positions the work within a broader context.

"Our research adds an important layer to understanding how we might better protect indoor environments. It's a step toward cleaner spaces, a complementary strategy alongside existing health measures," he says.

Zabihi conducted the work under the guidance of UBCO's Drs. Sunny Li and Joshua Brinkerhoff, whose expertise in mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics provided a foundation for the project. As the results gain traction, Zabihi said the team is hopeful about the research's influence.

“Our goal was always to contribute meaningfully to the conversation on public health and indoor air quality. This publication marks an important milestone in our journey,” Zabihi concludes.

"It feels like being on the front lines, making a real difference. It's not just theoretical; we can see how our findings could significantly affect public health and everyday life."

The post Research breathes fresh air into classrooms at UBC Okanagan appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.



When it comes to rebar, stronger doesn't mean better

A photo of Dr. Shahria Alam in front of a concrete pillar that has been strength tested and shows lots of wear and tear.

Dr. Shahria Alam conducts research in the seismic analysis and rehabilitation of steel, concrete and masonry. His latest research examines variations in the strength and mechanical properties of rebar to determine if the product meets Canadian safety standards.

A truck, along with hundreds of other vehicles filled with drivers and passengers, rumbles over the Alex Fraser Bridge.

The drivers probably never give a second thought to what is holding up that bridge--what makes it safe. Below, and embedded into the bridge deck and piers, are tens of thousands of pounds of steel rebar. The rebar, a skeleton integrated within the concrete, provides strength to the structure and reinforces the bridge’s seismic integrity.

But how do engineers know how much rebar to use? Should it be thicker? Stronger? Is the bridge protected in case of an earthquake?

"During a seismic event, the rebar serves two purposes," says Dr. Shahria Alam, Civil Engineering Professor at UBC Okanagan's School of Engineering. "It helps keep pieces intact during small earthquakes and it ensures safety while sustaining damage during major earthquakes."

Rebar comes in a variety of configurations based on strength, ductility, length and diameter, he explains. The challenge engineers face is the uncertainties associated with the materials used to make structural designs safe, efficient and predictable.

Concrete, reinforced with rebar, plays a vital role in providing resistance, but variations in the rebar's mechanical properties can increase uncertainty in the assessment of existing structures and the design of new structures. The production of steel rebar involves several steps, including purifying, alloying, rolling and temperature treatment, which could have an impact on its mechanical properties.

Factors that can affect rebar's strength include the microalloying stage--when elements such as carbon and manganese are added to the steel to make it stronger--as well as the source of the mill.

"The mechanical properties of steel rebar are reliant on the manufacturing processes within any given mill," says Dr. Alam. "In this scenario, it’s not only the size but also the tensile strength and the material's ability to withstand repeated stress and deformation that matters."

Dr. Alam explains that the Canadian Standards Association sets out requirements in the bridge design code to ensure that all rebar performs predictably. His team of researchers at UBCO's Applied Lab for Advanced Materials & Structures recently completed a study examining different types of rebar to see if it was indeed meeting North American design standards.

The researchers examined tensile test data, provided by the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute to investigate the variability of mechanical properties across a few parameters including mill source, bar size and weight per metre.

The data was also compared to the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

"Our most recent research sought to investigate the recent variability of mechanical properties, specifically the yield and ultimate tensile strength of steel rebars in North America."

Their study showed that only a fraction (0.12%) of the strength test results didn’t meet the basic safety standards. This means that if buildings are designed according to the official codes and with extra safety margins built in, the structures will be sufficiently safe.

The research is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the engineering consulting firm WSP Canada through an Alliance grant. It was published in the latest edition of the journal Engineering Structures.

The post When it comes to rebar, stronger doesn't mean better appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.



OC students to showcase sustainable projects in green construction industry

Sustainable Building Technology Capstone Showcase

When Omar Tamayo moved his family from Mexico to Penticton to pursue a Diploma in Sustainable Building Technology (SBT) at Okanagan College, he not only found a cutting-edge program, but a welcoming community and a great new job at OC after graduation.

“Okanagan College's SBT program is highly relevant and offered excellent growth potential for my career,” said Omar. “The program is very comprehensive in the technical aspects and considers the social, environmental and business aspects. It provided me with the necessary tools and skills for my work and my professional development.”

The SBT program is hosting its annual Capstone Showcase on Mar. 28, 5 from 7 p.m. at the Penticton Campus to highlight the sustainable projects completed by OC students in their final year of the Sustainable Building Technology program.

Community members are invited to attend the showcase and to join faculty, students, alumni and industry partners in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program, a unique offering at the Penticton campus and one of only a few similar programs available across Canada.

Okanagan College Dean of Science and Technology, Halia Valladares says the program provides students with hands-on learning experiences in a field that is in need of new workers.

“These projects are integral to the development of sustainable building practices in the region,” she said. “Students work with local government, utility companies, nonprofit organizations and industry partners to tackle real issues present in the building sector and built environment.”

Collaborating with industry partners allows students to get hands on experience that they can bring to their careers.

For Tamayo, the skills he learned during his time at OC led to him joining the college as an employee.

“I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work as a Business Development Advisor with the BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BC BTAC) at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus,” he said.

“I am extremely grateful for the chance to contribute towards the betterment of the institution, students and the community. Being a part of the staff at the campus, I thoroughly enjoy my time here. The faculty at OC are so supportive and are such a key part of how the College prepares you to start working. Additionally, the Penticton campus and its surrounding community and environment are absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend OC: the opportunities it opens up for you are life-changing.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the SBT Capstone Project Showcase, to register visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/oc-sustainable-building-technology-capstone…

To learn more about the Sustainable Building Technology Program at OC, visit okanagan.bc.ca/sustainable-building-technology-diploma.



UBCO researchers create new compound to build space-age antennas

A photo of a person using mobile phone near a 5G communications tower.

UBCO and Drexel University researchers have developed state-of-the-art communication components that have a compatible performance to metal, but are 10 to 20 times lighter, less expensive and easy to build.

In a first-of-its-kind development, UBC Okanagan researchers, in collaboration with Drexel University, have created a new compound that can be used to 3D print telecommunication antennas and other connectivity devices.

These 3D printed products, created by combining a two-dimensional compound called MXenes with a polymer, can be used as an alternative for metallic counterparts and can make a vast improvement in communication technology including elements such as antennas, waveguides and filters.

Waveguides are everywhere, yet most people don't know what they are, says Dr. Mohammad Zarifi, a researcher in UBC Okanagan's Microelectronics and Gigahertz Applications (OMEGA) Lab.

Waveguides are structures or pipes that help direct sound and optical waves in communication devices and consumer appliances like microwaves. Waveguides vary in size, but historically they are made of metal due to their conductive attributes.

Dr. Zarifi and his OMEGA team develop state-of-the-art communication components that have a compatible performance to metal, but are 10 to 20 times lighter, less expensive and easy to build.

"In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, waveguides--a foundation in devices we use daily--are undergoing a transformative shift," explains Dr. Zarifi, an Associate Professor with the School of Engineering. "From the familiar hum of microwave ovens to the vast reach of satellite communication, these integral components have traditionally been made from metals like silver, brass and copper."

MXenes are an emerging family of two-dimensional materials--with the titanium carbide MXene being a leader in terms of electrical conductivity, explains Dr. Yury Gogotsi, Director of the A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia

"Think of MXenes as nanometre-thin conductive flakes that can be dispersed in water-like clay," Dr. Gogotsi says "This is a material that can be applied from dispersion in pure water with no additives to almost any surface. After drying in air, it can make polymer surfaces conductive. It's like metallization at room temperature, without melting or evaporating a metal, without vacuum or temperature."

Integration of MXenes onto 3D-printed nylon-based parts allows a channel-like structure to become more efficient in guiding microwaves to frequency bands. This capability in a lightweight, additively manufactured component can impact the design and manufacturing of electronic communication devices in the aerospace and satellite industry, explains Omid Niksan, a UBCO School of Engineering doctoral student and first author of the article.

"Whether in space-based communication devices or medical imaging equipment like MRI machines, these lightweight MXene-coated polymeric structures have the potential to replace traditional manufacturing methods such as metal machining for creating channel structures," he adds.

The researchers have a provisional patent on the polymer-based MXene-coated communication components. And Dr. Zarifi notes the potential of this equipment is sky-high.

"While there is still additional research to be done, we're excited about the potential of this innovative material.," says Dr. Zafiri. "We aim to explore and develop the possibilities of 3D printed antennas and communication devices in space. By reducing payloads of shuttle transporters, it gives engineers more options."

The research was conducted in collaboration with scientists from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute and supported by  the Department of National Defence, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the United States National Science Foundation. It was published in the latest edition of the journal Materials Today.

Omid Niksan is holding up a prototype of a 3D-printed twisted channel structed.

Omid Niksan holds a prototype of a 3D-printed MXene-coated component that can be used as an alternative for metallic components in antennas, waveguides and filters.

The post UBCO researchers create new compound to build space-age antennas appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.



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