A UWindsor student studying aerospace engineering is one of four province-wide to receive an Ontario Aerospace Council scholarship.

Atilla Saadat, a third-year mechanical engineering student in the aerospace stream, received a $2,500 scholarship for academic achievement and his work outside the classroom. Saadat is the founder and space systems technical lead of the University of Windsor Space & Aeronautics Team (WinSAT), a multi-disciplinary group of more than 30 students building a space-ready 3U Cube Satellite for Low Earth Orbit to compete in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge.

“His work has already demonstrated a tangible impact at UWindsor, as WinSAT aims to increase the space and aeronautics engineering opportunities at our institution,” says Afshin Rahimi, an assistant professor in the University’s Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering.

In his first year of studies, Saadat designed a prototype lunar rover for Canadensys Aerospace in Toronto and joined the University of Windsor Rocketry Team to help create and test a small aerodynamic data acquisition module for post-launch simulation of the rocket. Last year, he worked at Mujin Inc. in Tokyo, Japan as a Robotics Engineering Intern, developing a Dynamics Identification Feature for industrial robots, which is now used by industry.

Saadat is now aiding Dr. Rahimi on a research project that uses ensemble machine learning techniques for fault detection and isolation in ADCS systems for satellites.

—Kristie Pearce

A free lunch, activities, and performances will celebrate international language students and their contributions to their host community on Friday, July 26 — designated by Languages Canada as World Student Day.

Languages Canada is a national organization representing the language education sector; the UWindsor’s Centre for English Language Development is an accredited member.

Anouchka Plumb, manager of language programs for Continuing Education, says the entire campus community is invited to this year’s event in the David A. Wilson Commons and along Turtle Island Walk, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“This is an opportune time for faculty, staff, and students to celebrate the success of international language students at the University of Windsor,” she says. “World Student Day is also a time to acknowledge the dedicated instructional team and support staff, as well as all those who work with international language students, for their continuous commitment to enhancing international students’ UWindsor experience.”

Dr. Plumb notes that many of the international language students started their UWindsor journeys in the English Language Improvement Program (ELIP), UWindsor’s English Language Pathway to undergraduate and graduate study. The program’s curricular alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages positions ELIP to participate in global communication of its learning objectives and outcomes.

Activities on July 26 will include a zumba lesson, a basketball competition, table tennis contest, and a luncheon starting at noon, while supplies last.

Campus services hoping to introduce themselves to the incoming class of first-year students will benefit from signing up as a stop on the “Where’s Winston?” tour, says organizer Amber Norman, student development specialist in the Student Success and Leadership Centre.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3, as part of the UWindsor Welcome Week orientation program.

“We’re going to send new students through a series of clues to find our Lancer mascot,” Norman says. “Along the way, they’ll learn the locations and more about facilities and resources that can help them find success at the University of Windsor.”

Offices interested in becoming a stop must sign up to develop a challenge to keep faculty teams in the hunt. To claim a spot, register as a partner by July 19. Direct inquiries to uwwwevents@uwindsor.ca.

Representatives of Times Higher Education will discuss its annual World University Rankings list and its placement of the University of Windsor in a session July 26.

Chris Nitsch and Eric Ablett will also present an analysis comparing UWindsor with its identified peer competitors, detail the ranking methodology, and highlight key areas of opportunity.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the rankings and how crucial their work is in furthering the University’s plans for internationalization and research excellence, says Chris Busch, acting associate vice-president, enrolment management.

“The primary benefit of this kind of engagement session is to present a global perspective and initiate a conversation around advancement with university decision makers,” he says. “Feel free to forward this invite to faculty or staff you believe may be interested in the topic, results, and subsequent discussions.”

Find time and place details, as well as an RSVP form, on the registration website.

Learn more about Times Higher Education and its benchmarking tools: