UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering holds annual Student Design Expo
The UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) showcased the best in sustainable design engineering projects by its students at the annual Student Design Expo on Friday, April 28, 2023.
The students had the opportunity to highlight their design skills, to network with design clinic partners, and to be recognized for their hard work as aspiring engineers. In addition to student project teams and members of the UPEI community, the Honourable Jenn Redmond, Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population, and Jim Landrigan, Executive Director and Registrar of the Association of Professional Engineers of PEI, attended the event.
“UPEI’s unique hands-on, problem-solving approach to engineering education not only develops our students’ design skills but also cultivates their abilities to interact with our design clinic partners in a professional workplace setting—invaluable experience that will serve them well as they transition into their engineering careers,” said Dr. Wayne Peters, interim dean of the FSDE.
This was the first year since 2019 that the Student Design Expo could be held in person without COVID-19 restrictions. Student teams were able to demonstrate their projects in-person to attendees throughout the afternoon.
“This academic year certainly wasn’t without its challenges and distractions along the way,” said Peters. “This day really is a testament to the perseverance and resiliency of all our students who took on those challenges and distractions and responded in a huge way to bring us to where we are today. It’s also a testament to the commitment and support of our faculty and staff who have been here to support the students all throughout this journey.”
The 2023 Student Design Expo was supported by event sponsors Innovation PEI and Springboard. Awards were also sponsored and announced following the event. Award categories included Parks Canada Awards, Engineers PEI Awards, OCII Commercialization Award, FSDE Awards, CSME Gold Medal Awards, and FSDE Graduate Student Awards. For a complete list of awards and winners, visit 2023 Student Design Expo.
“Design projects of our UPEI engineering students have a tangible impact on our community,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research at UPEI. “Some of these projects have direct connections with community members and industry partners. The students should be proud that their ingenuity, hard work, and determination are making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
