Students from the School of Computer Science presented their projects and research to about 300 attendees from the campus community, the public, and members of local industry on Friday, Nov. 30, in the CAW Student Centre.

Computer Science Demo Day drew from all programs in computer science to demonstrate a wide variety of technologies, from artificial intelligence and data analytics to virtual reality and health informatics. Undergraduate and graduate students developed the projects in about two months leading to the event.

Organizer Pooya Moradian Zadeh called it a wonderful experiential learning opportunity.

“This is an excellent social and professional venue for the students to showcase their ideas, talent, and skills to the community and improve their soft skills,” said Dr. Zadeh, a learning specialist in the School of Computer Science. “This gives the students an opportunity to think out of the box, believe their capabilities, extend their network and learn multiple extra skills that are not delivered in traditional classrooms.”

Besides showcasing the ability of students to solve practical, real-world problems, organizers believe the event can act as a bridge to connect the School of Computer Science to community and industrial partners.

“It is important for us to get to these types of events and look at the talent pool,” says Peter Ferraro, application delivery services manager at Green Shield Canada. “I have a genuine curiosity, having been a developer for 20 years, but even on the business and management side it’s always good to see what is out there. It’s critical. Our company is growing, and we want to bring in fresh — and, of course, local — talent, if possible.”

Johanna Beneteau, internship co-ordinator for Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships, offered a “big thank-you” to everyone who attended.

“It is so important that the University connects with industry. We are proud to show off our student talent,” she said. “I continually heard from industry how impressed they were with the quality of the student projects.”

—Darko Milenkovic