Engineering The Future

Despite progress, challenges persist in achieving equity for underrepresented groups like women, racialized persons, and individuals with disabilities in engineering. In this special episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James is joined by Sandro Perruzza, CEO of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, to explore the link between procurement policies and equity, diversity and inclusion in engineering services in Ontario. Sandro shares some valuable insights from a recent OSPE research study, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, on the current state of EDI in engineering, including examples of effective EDI policies, such as Quality Based Selection (QBS), pay equity programs, mentorship, and sponsorship initiatives. Read the Research Report Here: https://ospe.on.ca/advocacy/leveraging-public-sector-procurement-policies-to-expand-opportunities-for-women-in-engineering/

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James delves into the vital role engineers play in advancing eco-friendly heating and cooling systems to combat climate change. Joined by Yannick Trottier, a professional engineer specializing in building decarbonization, they explore sustainability in homes, the benefits of retrofitting, and key design considerations for efficient HVAC systems. From heat pumps to thermal storage technologies and everything in between, join us as we explore how engineers are driving environmental progress through innovative solutions.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with Emily Barnes, president of EngiQueers Canada, about the challenges and progress of the 2SLGBTQ+ engineering community. They discuss the origins of EngiQueers Canada, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, and the role of allyship in driving positive change. Emily shares insights on working with queer-friendly engineering companies, inspiring young 2SLGBTQ+ students to pursue engineering careers, and the ongoing efforts to advance equity in the profession.

In this special Black History Month episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with Ayo Abiola, Director of Communications for Black Engineers of Canada (BEC). Together they discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion within the Canadian engineering community and the role BEC plays in fostering an environment where black engineers can excel without societal biases. Ayo highlights the challenges black engineers face in the industry, including engineering students, and the work of BEC in providing networking, mentoring, training, and development opportunities to address these challenges. In addition, he emphasizes that a collective effort is required to build a more inclusive engineering community in Canada, and the role organizations like the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) can play in that effort.

In this episode, host Jerome James, P.Eng. discusses the untapped potential of nuclear power in Ontario's energy landscape. He is joined by Matthew Mairinger, P.Eng., president of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear, who shares insights on how the perception of nuclear power has evolved over the years and its current role in the fight against climate change. From game-changing innovations like small modular reactors to advancements in carbon capture technology, Matthew breaks down how nuclear power is at the forefront of the sustainable energy revolution and how engineers of all disciplines should consider a career in nuclear, where they can contribute to solving one of society's most pressing problems.

In this special year-end episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers' CEO Sandro Perrzuzza. Together, they review the incredible work OSPE has done on behalf of engineers in 2023 and the exciting plans they have for 2024. From advocacy task forces and working groups that are reshaping the engineering landscape, to groundbreaking educational programs, OSPE continues to be a force for change. Join us for this deep dive into the work of OSPE, the Voice of Engineers in Ontario.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of rising interest rates on families in Ontario and explore financial strategies that engineers should consider in the current market. Host Jerome James is joined by Matthew Pickering, Mortgage Development Manager at National Bank, who provides practical advice and discusses the importance of building flexibility into mortgage loans. Matthew also highlights the detail-oriented and numbers-driven nature of engineers and how their long-term needs and goals influence their choices in homeownership and dealing with mortgage payments.

This is Part One of a special three-part episode. The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu. In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MP Yasir Naqvi.

This is Part Two of a special three-part episode. The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu. In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MPP Ted Hsu

This is Part Three of a special three-part episode. The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu. In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MP Nate Erskin-Smith

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James explores the fascinating world of quantum technology and how it's poised to change the engineering industry. Joined by guest Tina Deckker, a lawyer with a master's degree in quantum computing, they delve into the future of this ground-breaking technology, from its potential to disrupt current cryptography to its impact on various industries, including communications, automotive and material science. Tune in to learn about the seismic shifts caused by quantum technology and the exciting opportunities it presents for engineers of today and tomorrow.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James continues his lively chat with Mark Abbott, director of the Engineering Change Lab at the Mars Discovery District in Toronto, on the value of tech stewardship. Jerome and Mark expand the discussion to include the role tech stewardship plays in aerospace, healthcare and manufacturing, as well as what government can do to encourage and support the responsible use of technology. Join us for the conclusion of this fascinating conversation.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James explores the concept of tech stewardship and its importance in today's engineering landscape. He is joined by Mark Abbott, a professional engineer and director of the Engineering Change Lab at the Mars Discovery District in Toronto. Mark discusses the strategies, challenges, and real-world examples of how engineers are taking on the role of stewards to ensure that technology benefits everyone. From ethical considerations to sustainability, join us as we delve into how tech stewardship is shaping the future of engineering.

Host Jerome James speaks with Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, about the urgent climate crisis and the pivotal roles that both engineers and government must play in steering Ontario towards a sustainable future. Mr. Schreiner stresses the need for collaboration between engineers and government, to transform ideas into practical solutions, and outlines the Green Party's priorities for clean energy promotion and greenhouse gas reduction. The episode also explores the green economy's potential to generate innovation and jobs, and the need to integrate social justice into climate policies, to ensure equal access to clean energy solutions for vulnerable communities.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James interviews Dr. Philip Asare, the assistant professor at the Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education and Practice and Dean's Advisor on Black Inclusivity for the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Engineering. Dr. Asare grew up in Ghana and attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergrad and masters in electrical engineering. He was compelled to pursue electrical engineering after he questioned why prosthetics didn’t connect with the brain in the same way natural limbs do.

Host Jerome James discusses a wide range of topics with Engineers Canada's CEO Gerard McDonald, including the value of the P.Eng license, the need for licensing in emerging engineering fields, and the role the regulator can play in helping internationally trained engineers enter the workforce.

Jerome James is joined by Amy Dietz-Graham, Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager at National Bank Financial to explore investing and risk management profiles, encouraging investors to ask the right questions of their advisors.

Host Jerome James is joined by OSPE Taskforce members Pauline Watson & Nicholas Burgwin to discuss the recent Ontario Election and what this newly elected government means to the different sectors of the engineering profession

Host Jerome James, P.Eng., and OSPE CEO Sandro Perruzza discuss the impact engineering has on Ontario’s economy, what government policies OSPE will be focusing on after the provincial election and how OSPE members can get involved and make their voices heard.

Host Jerome James speaks with incoming OSPE President and Chair Dr. Marilyn Powers. P.Eng., about her vision for the future of OSPE.