Meet our Team
Qusay H. Mahmoud, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Associate Dean of Experential Learning and Engineering Outreach
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hi, my name is Qusay Mahmoud (aka Dr.Q). I am a professor of software engineering, and privileged to serve as the Associate Dean for Experiential Learning & Engineering Outreach. My teaching fosters critical & creative thinking, and my research empowers software for humanity. I am passionate about my support for providing high quality education for students, and a positive professional working environment hospitable to academic excellence. In addition to research publications, you can find my AI-infused writing at: https://drqwrites.medium.com
Contact: qusay.mahmoud@ontariotechu.ca
Ellen (James) Istvan
Engineering Outreach Manager
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hello, My name is Ellen Istvan. I am the Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach Program Supervisor. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Western University, where I was involved in many clubs including Women in Engineering, and completed an internship at Union Gas. After graduation, I joined Ferrero, the leading global chocolate and confectionery manufacturer (Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac, and Kinder Chocolate) as a project supervisor, and moved to Alba, Italy. Now back in Canada, I am using my experiences to help inspire and lead the next generation of youth to understand the importance of STEM pathways. I hope through our work, we are able to transform the way youth interact with STEM concepts by simplifying complex thoughts into actionable ideas that society can use. My door is always open!
Contact: ellen.james@ontariotechu.ca
Madeline Sialtsis
Women in Engineering & Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hey! My name is Madeline Sialtsis and I’m the Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach Coordinator! I oversee our Women in Engineering Sub-Society and our Girls Programs. I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a B.Eng in Aerospace Engineering. During my time at TMU, I held many leadership roles focused on supporting and connecting LGBTQ+ engineering students, including my work as President of EngiQueers Canada. I have a passion for diversity and inclusion in STEM! I’m always looking for new opportunities to share my love of science and engineering design and help youth learn that anyone can be successful in STEM!
Contact: madeline.sialtsis@ontariotechu.ca
Alex Piliounis
Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hi! My name is Alex Piliounis and I am one of the Engineering Outreach Coordinators. I graduated from Queen’s University with a B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics. After working in research and being a teaching assistant at Queen’s which fostered my passion for teaching, I switched to pursuing a B.Ed. at Ontario Tech University. While studying, I worked to develop engaging STEM activities using microcontrollers, sensors, and coding for numerous classrooms. Now working in Engineering Outreach, I am excited to have the opportunity to support teachers with design thinking in the classroom. One of my many goals is to bring inquiry-based and accessible STEM experiences to a broad range of youth - igniting students' passion for STEM.
Contact: alex.piliounis@ontariotechu.ca
Sydney Smith
Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hi! I’m Sydney and I’m the Special Projects Outreach Coordinator! I just graduated from Software Engineering here at Ontario Tech University and couldn't leave just yet. I previously worked at Outreach as an instructor in 2019, and have been volunteering with Outreach since my first year. During my time at school, I was involved in orientation planning, the ambassador program, Women in Engineering, and EngSoc. I am so excited to keep working with Engineering Outreach and connecting with our community.
Contact: sydney.smith@ontariotechu.ca
Charlie Kivi
Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
My name is Dr. Charlie Kivi. I completed an HBSc at the University of Ottawa followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry at U of T. Post graduation, I've worked at a start-up, as a chemistry instructor at various universities, and volunteered for science outreach initiatives. I really enjoy teaching and science outreach. It is always fun to go into a class and inspire students. Within my role as an Engineering Outreach Coordinator, I aim to bring accessible, fun, engaging STEM activities to schools across Durham Region with our Mobile Design Lab program.
Contact: charlie.kivi@ontariotechu.ca
Hunter Johnson
Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hello! My name is Hunter Johnson, I’m Métis, originally from Northwestern Ontario, and I am currently the Indigenous Program Coordinator for our Indigenous Youth STEM program. I am currently completing my Bachelors of Health Sciences, and I expect to graduate in 2024. After my Bachelors, I plan on pursuing a masters in Biomedical Engineering, with the overall end goal of becoming a Family physician! Before taking the role as the Indigenous Program Coordinator, I was an instructor. That was when I realized how much passion I have for STEM education, especially for Indigenous youth. Overall, I am so grateful to be in the position I am in, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for our InSTEM team!
Contact: hunter.johnson@ontariotechu.ca
Avdon Racki
Engineering Outreach Coordinator
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hello! My name is Avdon Racki and I am an Engineering Outreach Coordinator working primarily with Mobile Design Lab. I graduated with a degree in Software Engineering from Ontario Tech University. During my time at the university I was involved in numerous projects, teams and societies including Ontario Tech Racing, Ri3D (Robot in 3 Days), and ENGSOC. After graduation I spent a year working with Ford Motor Company in Ottawa on automated vehicle software testing. Now I am back at Ontario Tech University with Engineering Outreach and excited to create and foster meaningful learning experiences for youth in STEM!
Contact: avdon.racki@ontariotechu.ca
Meet Our Instructors!
Hello. My name is Sammak and I have just completed my 2nd year of Computer Science. I try to work on personal projects on my own time but for fun I usually play video games or do activities with my friends. I like to spend a lot of time alone and in my head. I'm usually pretty laid-back and go with the flow, but I focus when I need to.
Hey! My name is Caleb and I’m a grade 9 student with keen interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. This reflects in my ability to support other students in class. One thing you should know about me is I really enjoy baking, cooking and I like to experiment with new recipes.
Hello! My name is Amanda and I will be entering my 4th year of the human health science program here at the Ontario Tech University. I love Jesus, music and having a good laugh!
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