Meet our Team
Qusay H. Mahmoud
Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Engineering Outreach
About Me - Qusay H. Mahmoud
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
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
Program Coordinators
Madeline Sialtsis
About Me - Madeline Sialtsis
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
About Me - Alex Piliounis
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 and youth 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
Hunter JohnsonÂ
About Me - Hunter JohnsonÂ
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
Zahraa Bassyouni
About Me - Zahraa Bassyouni
Hello! My name is Zahraa Bassyouni and I am one of the Engineering Outreach Coordinators. I'm originally from Lebanon, where I completed my bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Rafik Hariri University and then worked as a research assistant at the Vision and Robotics Lab at the American University of Beirut (AUB). During my time at AUB, I focused on advancing human-robot interactions using augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence. My next venture led me to Canada, where I completed my MASc. in Mechanical Engineering at Ontario Tech University with a research focus on micro-machining. While studying, I worked as a coding and robotics instructor where I taught students engineering concepts using hands-on-learning activities with lego kits. I'm thrilled to be part of the Engineering Outreach team, and I can't wait to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with others!
Contact: zahraa.bassyouni@ontariotechu.ca
Hello! My name is Kimberly Davis, and I am the Engineering Outreach Coordinator for our Black Youth program. I graduated from York University with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Digital Media. Through the Digital Media program I’ve studied computational arts, computer science, and electrical engineering. My research involved topics such as interactive installations, data visualization, and human-computer interaction. During my time at York, I worked as a student ambassador and mentor, a teaching assistant, and collaborated with artists to incorporate various technical components into their artworks. I've always loved using technology to find new and unique way to engage and educate others, and I’m excited to now have this opportunity to help youth discover their own passion in STEM!
Contact: kimberly.davis@ontariotechu.ca
Undergraduate Student Instructors
Hello, I’m Chioma! I’m a computer science student finishing up my program at Ontario Tech. Outside of coding and school, I love cooking dishes that remind me of home, and spending time with my friends.
Hi! My name is Fareeha and I'm a 4th year Computer Science student. I am going to be working with the Engineering Outreach as a Program Instructor. My favorite thing to do is meet new people.
Hey! My name is Erin, I’m a 3rd year electrical engineering student. At outreach, I enjoy creating circuits using Arduino! In my free time I love to play video games and hang out with my cat.
Hello, I'm Francis and I am a 2nd year mechatronics engineering student. I'm working as a photographer with the communications team this year. I enjoy taking pictures of events and capturing the scenes and expressions that are part of events. One thing you should know about me is that I love reading, and tend to ignore my surroundings if I'm in an interesting book.