Meet our Team
Outreach Team
Michelle Tsui-Woods
Projects Coordinator, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hello! My name is Michelle Tsui-Woods and I’m the Projects Coordinator for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech). I’ve been working at the University for the past 5 years and manage our Kindergarten to Grade 12 Engineering Outreach program, undergraduate Engineering design teams, clubs, and leadership, Women in Engineering programs, and alumni relations. I couldn’t be more excited that I get to work with students of all ages -- both on campus and within our community. I’m passionate about STEM education and love that what I do every day is helping to inspire the next generation of dreamers, innovators and leaders.
Contact: michelle.tsui-woods@ontariotechu.ca
Vanessa Ironside
Engineering Outreach Coordinator, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hi! My name is Vanessa Ironside and I am one of the Engineering Outreach Coordinators at Ontario Tech University's Engineering Outreach. I currently hold a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and History and Philosophy of Science and am pursuing a Masters of Education in Development Psychology at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. This is my 6th year working within the realm of STEM Outreach, previously working at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. In my role a the university, I run c_wonder Teacher Professional Development, organize and run c_wonder STEM Camps and I am the Engineering Outreach Specialist on site at two Durham Public Schools. I am passionate about making STEM Education accessible, inclusive and engaging to all students and preparing educators with the tools to implement innovative new teaching practices.
Contact: vanessa.ironside@ontariotechu.ca
Ellen James
Women in Engineering & Engineering Outreach Coordinator, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Hello, My name is Ellen James and I am the Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach Program Coordinator. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Western University, where I was involved in the Women in Engineering program, volunteered for the Engineering Outreach program, 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 coordinator, and moved to Alba, Italy. Now back in Canada, I hope to use my experiences to help inspire women, spark joy, and promote the many opportunities women have in the world with an engineering degree. My door is always open!
Contact: ellen.james@ontariotechu.ca
Previous Summer Instructors
Sydney Smith
c_wonder STEM Camps
Hi, I’m Sydney Smith! I’m in my third year of Software Engineering here at Ontario Tech University. I’m involved with the women in engineering society, I am a senior peer leader and an ambassador for the university. In my spare time, I play guitar and sing, and I love learning new things. I’m so excited to be a camp instructor and share my love of technology with everyone!
Daniel Nucci
c_wonder STEM Camps
Hi, I'm Daniel Nucci, I am currently studying Software Engineering at Ontario Tech University. I am a Camp Instructor for the c_wonder Summer Camp. I am alumni of the FIRST Robotics Competition and have a huge passion for robotics. At the University I am involved in many STEM teams such as FSAE Motorsports and Ri3D. Despite my degree in Software Engineering, I love manufacturing and design Engineering. I hope to inspire young minds and teach STEM to the masses!
Mark Fanous
c_wonder STEM Camps
Hello, my name is Mark Fanous and I am working as a camp instructor for the c-wonder Summer Camp. I just finished my 3rd year in Mechanical Engineering at Ontario Tech University. I really enjoy participating in sports such as soccer, ball hockey, and volleyball. I am very excited to be working for the c-wonder Summer Camp because I enjoy working with children as I have lots of past experience working with children at my church. I am excited to be teaching the students more about STEM-related concepts and practices this summer!
Nicholas Varas
c_wonder STEM Camps
Hey everyone – my name is Nicholas Varas and I am currently going into my second year of Mechatronics Engineering here at Ontario Tech University. I am one of your Camp Instructors for the c_wonder Summer Camp, and in my free time, I like to build robots and produce electronic and orchestral music. I am thrilled to be part of our University’s outreach team, and hope to share my knowledge of STEM with the brilliant minds of the future!
