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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Meet our Team

Qusay H. Mahmoud

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Ph.D., P.Eng.
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 

Ellen Istvan (James)

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Engineering Outreach Manager

About Me - Ellen Istvan (James)

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

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Women in Engineering & Engineering Outreach Coordinator

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

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Engineering Outreach Coordinator - Mobile Design Lab/Teacher Programs

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 Johnson 

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Engineering Outreach Coordinator - Indigenous Youth Programs

About Me - Hunter Johnson 

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

Zaharaa

Engineering Outreach Coordinator - High School Programs

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

Kimberly Davis

Kimberly

Engineering Outreach Coordinator - Black Youth Programs

About Me - Kimberly Davis

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

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Undergraduate Student Instructors

Daimen

Daimen

High School Instructor


About Me - Daimen
Howdy! My name is Daimen and I am a Mechatronics Engineering graduate student working at Ontario Tech University Engineering outreach. On my days off, I like to work on small projects using 3D printing, circuits, coding, and robotics!

Chioma

Chioama

Black Youth Instructor


About Me - Chioma

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.

Sandy

Sandy

Girls Programs Instructor


About Me - Sandy
Hi! I'm Sandy, and I'm a 4th year Human Health Science student. This year I'm working with the All Girls team, and I am very excited. In my free time, I love to read, go to Starbucks, and listen to Taylor Swift!

Paula

Paula

Black Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Paula
Hello everyone!! I’m Paula, a 4th year biological science student. I’m super excited to be working with Engineering Outreach this year! I love playing sports in my free time, you may also find me telling random dad jokes.

Fareeha

Fareeha

Library Programs Instructor


About Me - Fareeha

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.

Maegan

Maegan

Special Projects


About Me - Maegan
Hey there! I’m Maegan, and I just finished my second year of mechatronics engineering. I have worked with our library programs, mobile design lab. I'm currently working with our community events and special projects team, we organize events like ribfests, fun fairs, school workshops and our robotics com! In my free time, I love reading, solving puzzles and brain twisters - as I like to call them! One interesting thing about me is that I am a crime junkie, I love listening to, reading and watching crime stories!

Taz

Taz

Co-Op Student


About Me - Taz
Hey! I’m Taz, and I’m a software engineering student. I love playing video games and painting. I am working with the c_wonder Community team this year.

Rushda

Rushda

Girls Program Instructor


About Me - Rushda
Hey all :) I'm Rushda and I'm in my second year of software engineering here at Ontario Tech. This year, I'm working with the All-Girls programs and STEM clubs for youth. I love reading fantasy novels and webcomics, writing poetry, solving mysteries and playing around with circuits. A fun fact about me is that I love the 'How to Train Your Dragon' movies!

Erin

Erin

Girls Program Instructor


About Me - Erin

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.

Ronald

Ronald

Library Programs Instructor


About Me - Ronald
Hey! I'm Ronald, I'm a 4th year mechatronics engineering student. I will be working as a program instructor at engineering outreach. I will be working with the Mobile Design Lab, and Academy Team. I love 3D Printing, and building robots I'm looking forward to teaching students about STEM!

George

George

Communications Assistant


About Me - George
I am a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Ontario Tech University. I am passionate about robotics, control systems, CAD design, and computer programming. My academic journey has enabled me to acquire leadership and management skills through various school and volunteer opportunities.

Raeesa

Raeesa

Girls Program Instructor


About Me - Raeesa
Hey, I'm Raeesa, and I'll be one of your high school program instructors! I like to spend my time learning something new, trying new tech/coding, reading, or watching random things! I also LOVE eating different kinds of sushi! As a STEM enthusiast, I hope to become a leader that inspires others while doing something I enjoy!

Yousef

Yousef

Black Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Yousef
Hey! I'm Yousef, and I am currently studying computer science with a data science specialization. In my free time, I love listening to music, reading non-fiction books, and going to the gym. I also love building connections, so if you got a hold of my contact information, make sure you reach out to me!

Michael

Michael

Black Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Michael
Hey, My name's Michael, I am a grade 11 high school student with a love for science and math. I am working towards getting my high school diploma and then enrolling in a university to get a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. Another thing about me is that I love cars and motorsports and would love to work on them one day in the future.

Syeda

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Mobile Design Lab Program Instructor


About Me - Syeda
Hey, I'm Syeda and I am in 3rd year of computer science. I enjoy trying new things and connecting with people with different perspectives.

Param

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High School Program Instructor


About Me - Param
Hey, I'm Param, a first-year Mechatronics Engineering student with a genuine passion for coding! When I'm not busy with the fascinating world of gears and circuits, you'll find me either playing sports, eating, or watching movies.

Cory

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Indigenous Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Cory
Hi, my name is Cory. I am a first year physics student. In my free time, I give guitar and vocal lessons and work on my car. I have an interest in the way things work around me, whether it be the waves of an instrument's string or the genetic backing behind going bald. I'm not always the loudest in large groups, but I do thrive on social contact. I value connections with just about everyone I know.

Ryan

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Black Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Ryan
Hi my name is Ryan, I am a first year electrical engineering student. In my free time I like to sprint. My race is the 200 meter and I love it because it forces me to push beyond my limit each race. I love to eat, so if you see me eating don’t ask me to share my food:(

Francis

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Communications Assistant


About Me - Francis

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.

Jadyn

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Indigenous Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Jadyn
Hi! I’m Jadyn, I am in Grade 12. In my free time I like to go out with my friends, spend time with my family, and sleep. One interesting thing about me is I have had many pets, and

Nathaniel

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High School Program Instructor


About Me - Nathaniel
Hi! I'm Nathaniel and I'm a 3rd year computer science student. I'm working with the c_wonder Academy team. I absolutely love all things relating to technology! I'm also an executive member of OTSU eSports, Enactus OT and the OTU Book Club. As a fun fact, I run my own radio station on the side!

Puvi

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Mobile Design Lab Program Instructor


About Me - Puvi
Hi! My name is Puvirach, but feel free to call me Puvi. I'm a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student. I am going to be working with the Engineering Outreach as a Program Instructor. Some things that I love to do would be listening to music, seeing car shows as well as gaming with friends. I'm looking forward to teaching students about STEM and having fun while doing so!

Zach

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Indigenous Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Zach
I'm Zach, and I am just starting the mechatronics program. I did my dual credit co-op here last year and I can't wait to come back. I love anything to do with cars and I am currently restoring one with my dad!

Aiyana

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Indigenous Youth Program Instructor


About Me - Aiyana
Hey! I'm Aiyana and I am Coast Salish from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation, and I am excited to work with the InSTEM team. I am a second year Forensic Biology student at Ontario Tech and I love cats and everything science :) In my free time I like to watch TV and movies.

Ava

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Mobile Design Lab Program Instructor


About Me - Ava
Hey, I'm Ava! I'm a 2nd year nuclear engineering student at Ontario Tech. I'm the Vice President of Academic Affairs with the Engineering Society, and am a proud member of Women in Engineering. I love listening to music and watching movies,

Allie

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Teacher Programs Instructor


About Me - Allie
Hi! I'm Allie, and I recently graduated with a Biomedical Science Degree. I will be working as an Engineering Outreach Instructor for teachers this year! I love to play volleyball, and I often pick up a new hobby every week. One thing you should know about me is that I love to read, and I will tell you an in detail explanation of the plot if you'll listen.