Development of a new engine launched the UWindsor Rocketry Team to success in the Spaceport America Cup, placing second among the 10 Canadian universities in the competition.

A record 122 teams from around the globe made the trek to southern New Mexico to test their technical prowess, June 17 to 22.

The Windsor team of about 45 students from diverse disciplines including engineering and business tackled every aspect of the project: construction of the main body, airbrakes, fins, propulsion, avionics, test flight and operation, and project management and finance.

Entered into the category with a target elevation of 10,000 feet, its entry reached an altitude of 10,372 feet, and was recovered with no damage for a finish of 27th overall.

Engineering major Alessia Pernasilici, the team’s vice-president, credited work on its first-ever fully student-designed hybrid engine.

“Since last summer, we’ve been engaged in extensive research and development, particularly in motor creation — a significant challenge our student research and development team has tackled head-on,”

Beyond its commitment to fostering the next generation of industry leaders in aerospace and rockery, the team provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills while building lasting friendships.

Spaceport America executive director Scott McLaughlin called the competition a world-class event thanks to the passion of thousands of students from around the world.

“Being able to directly impact the future members of the space and aerospace workforce is something we are proud of,” he said. “We can’t wait to see the growth opportunities which await our organizations in 2024.”

Visiting scholar Xuexiu Chang and professor Hugh MacIsaac of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research convened 24 of the world’s top scientists for a workshop addressing freshwater harmful algal blooms.

Held in Kunming, China, from July 6 to 11, the workshop represented collaboration among the University of Windsor, Kunming University, and Yunnan University. Researchers from 12 countries gathered to identify key knowledge gaps and research directions over the coming five years.

The University of Windsor was represented by Drs. Chang and MacIsaac along with GLIER director Mike McKay and adjunct faculty members George Bullerjahn, Steven Wilhelm, and Lewis Sitoki.

As part of the event, participants visited the International Joint Innovation Team for Yunnan Plateau Lakes and Laurentian Great Lakes funded by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education. Other tours included an algae harvesting facility and a wetland restoration project on the shores of Lake Dianchi.

Dr. Chang reports that workshop participants narrowed a list of nominated knowledge gaps to prioritize four research themes that will form the basis of an article to help guide funding agencies as countries around the world continue to deal with this global concern.

The introduction of smart lockers to campus will make picking up parcels more convenient for students.

Facility Services Operations is working with the shipping company Pitney Bowes to bring this technology to campus.

Distribution staff will load up the lockers which will then send an email notification to the students indicating their material is ready for pickup. The recipient scans an access barcode at the assigned locker, which will open to provide access.

The lockers are scheduled for installation in early August on the first floor of Erie Hall near rooms 1118 and 1120. They will be accessible during the building’s hours of operation, a much larger timeframe than the two-hour window currently provided, notes operations administration supervisor John Marcarian.

“We are going to do a soft launch to test and learn the system with the goal to be fully operational for the start of the Fall 2024 semester,” Marcarian says. “Students should be on the lookout in August for messages to pickup once we go live.”

Larger parcels may still be needed to be picked up directly from the Distribution Services location in room G106, Lambton Tower. In this instance, recipients will receive an individual notification.

The University has declared televisions, monitors, and integrated speakers for sale by bid as Disposal File 2079.

Available are:

• a 49'' LG FHD TV signage
• a 60" Sharp LED Smart TV
• an 80" Sharp LED Smart TV
• a 55" Sharp LED display with integrated speakers

Click here for more information and details on submitting bids.