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Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Engineering Students Present Novel Method of Dismantling Sudbury’s Superstack

Mechatronics students create prototype to demonstrate real world application

(May 6, 2025) - A team of senior Engineering students from Laurentian University has developed an innovative solution to a longstanding local engineering conundrum: how to safely and systematically dismantle towering industrial stacks like Sudbury’s iconic Superstack.

Inspired by the ongoing decommissioning of large smokestacks across North America, Laurentian Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering students Tyler Marcon, Alex Giguere, Quinn Roos, and Emmanuel Mukwakwami designed and prototyped a robotic system capable of disassembling reinforced concrete stacks from the top down. Their project, which formed part of Professor Markus Timusk’s Capstone Design course, earned top honours in the course’s annual project awards.

“There are existing demolition methods, but many involve significant human risk,” said Marcon. “We wanted to propose something safer, more autonomous, and engineered specifically for large-scale structures like the Superstack here in Sudbury.”

The team’s design centers around a dual-cutting system using diamond wire technology—commonly used in the mining and jade industries—that can carefully slice blocks of concrete while minimizing dust, noise, and structural instability. A full-scale version of their design could operate autonomously, gradually cutting and pushing debris inward over an estimated two-year demolition timeline.

Professor Timusk praised the project for its creativity, execution, and real-world relevance. “This project hit all the marks for a successful Capstone: open-ended design, creativity, integration of engineering principles, and teamwork,” he said. “It’s a truly standout example of what our students are capable of when tackling problems that matter to our community. We’re grateful that a panel of industry professionals joined us to give their thoughts on each project.”

The students showcased a working prototype that visually demonstrates the sequence of operations in their design, using foam and a heated wire to mimic diamond-wire cutting. 

The project was completed in collaboration with co-instructor Greg Lakanen, who supports the Capstone program’s hands-on, real-world approach to engineering education. While Vale has already determined the method through which the Superstack will be demolished, the novel concept may inform future research or industrial practices for stack demolition.

For this group of students set to graduate in the next few months, some of whom already have job offers, they begin their careers with exceptional references, hands-on experiences, and valuable connections to the industry. 

Student Spotlight: How Does Someone Become a Geologist?

Student Spotlight: How Does Someone Become a Geologist?

Nia’s post-secondary exploration

(October 5, 2023) - Discovering a mineral deposit is a complex process, there’s no doubt. So too is finding one’s passion within the many post-secondary offerings. For Nia Gauthier, the path to becoming a Geologist was also hidden beneath the surface. 

Nia is now a thesis-based Masters of Geology student at Laurentian University, supervised by Dr. Stéphane Perrouty, originally from Chapleau, Ontario and a graduate from École Secondaire du Sacré Coeur (2018). Through her journey, Nia has successfully completed two post-secondary degrees and is currently working towards her third. 

Initially, it was Nia’s intent to complete Laurentian’s Engineering program, knowing that career options in Greater Sudbury were plentiful. However, she didn’t think she had the grades necessary in her high school science courses to attend. “I didn’t think I could make it to university at first and I am now beginning my masters, something I didn't think was achievable.” 

She didn’t let this discourage her though, and she went on to complete a two-year Civil and Mining Technology program at College Boreal to boost her grades. “Going to college first really helped bridge the gaps of what I was able to understand in high school and gave me the tools I needed for university.” 

During her college studies, Nia discovered she had a passion for geology and wanted to learn more once she had been introduced to the field. Underground and field exploration mapping is where Nia’s interests lie.

Nia worked with Borden Gold, a company located in her hometown, as a Core Technician soil sampling in the core shack alongside geologists during the summers from 2018 to 2020. She was happy to discover that Laurentian has a very well known Earth Sciences program with a variety of field school options, so she prepared herself for the next step and began her degree in September 2020.

“Many of the faculty at Laurentian are passionate about student success,” said Nia. Tobias Roth, Lynn Bulloch, and Dr. Pedro Jugo are just a few staff and faculty members who made a positive impact on Nia’s academic experience.

In her undergraduate studies as an Earth Sciences student at Laurentian, Nia was a member of the Earth Sciences Club. Through this organization, she attended annual weekend trips to Bancroft, Ontario for mineral collecting. “The trips were a big step in getting to know other students while doing something we are passionate about,” said Nia. The Willet Green Miller Centre also created an environment where Nia felt at home with other geology students.

Nia was able to gain field exploration experience during the summer of 2021 while working for SPC Nickel, a junior company local to Sudbury, where she searched for copper, nickel and PGE (Platinum-group elements) bearing minerals. Earlier this year, Nia was notified by a Laurentian faculty member about a field exploration position with Frontier Lithium in Northwestern Ontario. She spent summer 2023 working for the company in search of LCT (lithium-cesium-tantalum) pegmatites.

Nia is excited to be graduating in two years and will seek to travel while working in production or exploration geology. Nia even sees potential for completing a PhD later on in life. Nia is an example of why to follow your passion and never give up, even when it might be more difficult to find than your typical nickel deposit. 

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Laurentian University Hiring 12 New Limited Term Faculty Members

Hires support needed in multiple programs and schools.

(August 17, 2022) - Laurentian University is investing in the faculty complement by adding 12 limited-term faculty members across multiple academic departments. The roles will support teaching and learning for the upcoming academic year and will extend into the 2023 academic year.

The wide range of programs and schools for which faculty members are being sought includes:

  • School of Indigenous Relations
  • Nursing  
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • Engineering 
  • Computational Sciences
  • Business Administration 
  • Library and Archives

“This investment into our teaching and learning capacity will undoubtedly improve the student experience. Students will continue to have the opportunity to learn directly from their professors through personalized learning.” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University's Board of Governors. 

The university’s staff and faculty are eager to welcome back students for Orientation activities, beginning on September 1, as well as for the first official day of classes, September 7, 2022. 

A full list of faculty positions that are currently open can be found at: https://laurentian.ca/careers/faculty-vacancies. 
 

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Funding in amounts of $820,000 and over $470,000 will support discovery research.

(June 27, 2022) - Researchers with Laurentian University and affiliated researchers with NOSM University and Health Sciences North Research Institute have received $820,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to fund five research projects. 

The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC’s largest and longest-standing program supporting areas of research including Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Math and Computer Science, and Physics. Grants that derive from this program typically last for five years and provide the core funding for Canada’s top researchers to pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries. An additional $470,000 was also received to support affiliated faculty conducting research in subatomic physics. 

“The Discovery Grant program is critically important for researchers in natural sciences and engineering. This investment from the Federal government will ensure researchers at Laurentian University and its affiliated partners at Health Sciences North Research Institute and the NOSM University have the resources needed to advance knowledge in areas critical to Canada, said Dr. Tammy Eger, Laurentian University's Vice-President, Research. “We are extremely proud of the grant recipients and their teams including graduate students who will have an opportunity to advance their learning through these grants.”

NSERC Discovery Grant recipients from Laurentian and its affiliates: 

  • Dr. Brent Lievers: Quantifying the nature and consequences of morphological changes in trabecular bone structural units
  • Dr. Corey Laamanen: Microalgae production of high-value antioxidants in Canada
  • Dr. Guangdong Yang: Deciphering the roles of cystathionine gamma-lyase/H2S system in Fe-S protein biogenesis and iron homeostasis
  • Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam (primary appointment at NOSM University): Elucidating the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the DNA damage response
  • Dr. Chris Verschoor (primary appointment at Health Sciences North Research Institute): Exploring how age impacts the TNF-mediated activation of monocytes

Three of the above researchers (Drs. Laamanen, Tharmalingam, and Verschoor) also received Discovery Launch Supplements, awarded to early career researchers in the first year of the Discovery Grant. 

“Laurentian University continues to push the boundaries of discovery research,” added President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. “We recognize the efforts of our skilled researchers who make significant investments in scientific research. Congratulations to all recipients who merit these grants and will pursue breakthrough discoveries.”

Laurentian Lunars win international engineering competition

Laurentian Lunars win international engineering competition

Mechanical Engineering Spring 2022 graduates defeat students from across the globe at “Over the Dusty Moon Challenge.”

(June 9, 2022) - June 3rd 2022 officially marks a day of celebration for engineers at Laurentian University.

A team of eight Mechanical Engineering and mechatronics Spring 2022 graduates, called the “Laurentian Lunars”, claimed victory in the inaugural Over the Dusty Moon Challenge, hosted by the Colorado School of Mines. The competition found six finalist teams from the United States, Germany, Poland, Australia, and of course, Canada (the Lunars), immerse themselves in the challenge of producing a prototype that could effectively transport regolith (or in other words sand or fine aggregate) in outer space. 

Participants from Laurentian included Ethan Murphy, Adam Farrow, Alexander MacKenzie, Christian (Quade) Howald, Goran Hinic, Kevan Sullivan, Kyle Wulle and Reid Ludgate. All made the difficult decision to not attend their in-person convocation ceremony on campus last week, to instead compete on the international stage. Dr. Markus Timusk and Greg Lakanen were faculty supervisors who supported the development of this project that began for these recent graduates, approximately nine months ago. 

“The challenge was a part of our capstone design project - a requirement for Mechanical Engineering students,” said competitor Ethan Murphy. “It’s been an incredible opportunity. We’ve all been really grateful for this experience and we also got a lot of enjoyment out of doing it.”

Added competitor Adam Farrow: “Meeting other engineering students and graduates from all around the world was really amazing. Connecting and sharing ideas was such a learning experience, and time was well spent speaking with the judges, including representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin Space, and ICON.” 

“It’s amazing what this team of graduates have accomplished,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Mechanical Engineering professor at Laurentian. “This challenge found the Lunars taking technology used for terrestrial mining and bringing it to the context of outer space. We are incredibly proud of our students' outstanding performance in this prestigious international engineering competition.” 

“It’s no secret that Sudbury’s a mining hub, and I think that the focus [that] Laurentian puts on their engineering programs, specifically in mining, sets them apart from other institutions….Laurentian has a pretty well established history of succeeding in competitions like this, and that’s not only because of where we’re from, but also because of the support that our professors are able to provide,” said Murphy. Added Farrow: “Our entire four years [of study] at Laurentian, knowledge-wise and academically, our professors have really helped us find success.” 

For faculty at Laurentian, it was unanimously attributed that it was the dedication and tireless efforts of the Lunars that brought them home this victory. 

Notably, the Lunars expressed their gratitude for the many supporters who helped make participating in this competition a reality. Financial sponsors included ITW Devcon, Studio Terra, Keith Pennells, CA, and Technica Mining. Other donors included Duplicators, Part Source Sudbury, and Lalonde Property Management. Industry advisors who positively contributed to the Lunars included Douglas Morrison, President and CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Mining (CEMI), and world class space expert, Dale Boucher. 

Mario Grossi, President and CEO of Technica Mining, expressed his enthusiasm for this competition win: “Technica Mining was honored to support the Laurentian Lunars at the Over the Dusty Moon Challenge. This team of young engineers should be very proud of their achievements that demonstrate exceptional innovation at an international level. It is no surprise that Laurentian has helped shape such brilliant engineering students with its rich and accomplished School of Engineering pedigree. I encourage every business who has benefited from Laurentian’s Engineering and Computer Science programs to re-invest into our future and support Laurentian.” 

Engineering at Laurentian is built on a solid reputation of grit, innovation and strong competitive edge. This is just the latest entry in a long list of achievements:

  • 2021 Canadian Mining Games – 2nd Place
  • 2017 Intercollegiate Mines Emergency Response Development (MERD) competition in Colorado
  • 2016 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category and Consulting Category (winners)
  • 2015 Canadian Engineering Competition – Junior and Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2015 Ontario Engineering Competition – Junior Design Category (winners)
  • 2014 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2013 Baja Competition
  • Canadian Mining Games – 2012 / 2009 / 2005 / 2004 / 2002 / 2000 / 1999 / 1994 (winners)
  • 2012 NASA Robotic Mining Competition
  • 2011 NASA Robotic Mining Competition (winners)
  • 2010 Canadian Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2010 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners

When it comes to the culmination of the Over the Dusty Moon challenge, a few representatives from Laurentian remain in Colorado. These representatives will present their “out of this world” design at the Space Resources Roundtable, on Thursday, June 9th, 2022. 
 

IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction Unveiled

IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction Unveiled

Dedicated space to enhance the student experience.

April 03, 2019 - Laurentian University is pleased to unveil the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction, located within the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building.

This dedicated collaboration space will further enhance opportunities for students in the Bharti School of Engineering. To honour this contribution, the space has been named the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction.

“This is a space where engineering students from across all disciplines can gather to collaborate on projects and share ideas to foster and support work being done in classrooms, shops and laboratories,” said Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel.

This transformative investment of $2,000,000 was first announced on March 15, 2018. The space includes student study spaces and the IAMGOLD Student Common Room. In addition to this, the funds are supporting engineering lab refurbishment, upgrades to technology and equipment, research, scholarships as well as student activities and field trips.

IAMGOLD’s initial investment in 2013 of $1.25 million, enabled Laurentian to hire two IAMGOLD Research Fellows who have played a role in enhancing teaching and research capacity at the Bharti School of Engineering.

 

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. is a Toronto-based, leading mid-tier gold producer with four operating gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents, with a pipeline of development and exploration projects. The company’s growth plans are focused in Canada, select countries in South America and Africa.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.

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Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering receives renewed investment from IAMGOLD

The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University has received a $2 million investment from Canadian mining firm, IAMGOLD Corporation Inc.

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Hatch donates $250,000 to the Bharti School of Engineering

Hatch donates $250,000 to the Bharti School of Engineering

Funds to provide undergraduate and graduate engineering student scholarships

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 – Hatch announced today a $250,000 commitment to Laurentian University over five years. The donation will provide a scholarship fund for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University’s Bharti School of Engineering. 

With accredited programs in Mining, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, the Bharti School of Engineering is recognized as a top producer of engineering talent in Canada as well as a global leader in mining research and education. Collaborations with local, provincial, national and international partners and industry leaders enhance the student experience and create opportunities for mutual benefit.

“We are so thankful that Hatch has taken this approach to student support, giving our engineering students an excellent opportunity to hone their leadership capabilities and focus in on their career interests,” said Markus Timusk, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University.

This year, Hatch is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Sudbury. This latest partnership with Laurentian University, in addition to summer employment opportunities, is part of Hatch’s commitment to the development of tomorrow’s leaders.
 
“At Hatch, we strive for real partnerships with our clients and with the communities in which we work. We’re excited to be able to give back to the Sudbury community while supporting the next generation of engineers,” said Bruce MacKay, Hatch Regional Managing Director – Western North America.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues. 

 

ABOUT HATCH

Whatever our clients envision, our engineers can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 9,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve. Find out more on www.hatch.com.
 

Laurentian Names New Research, Innovation and Engineering Building in Honour of Clifford A. Fielding

Laurentian Names New Research, Innovation and Engineering Building in Honour of Clifford A. Fielding

$3 million dollar investment from the Fielding Family enables state-of-the-art facility

In honour of a $3 million investment from Mrs. Lily Fielding and her family, Laurentian University will name its new state-of-the-art facility the Clifford A. Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building.

As a result of this gift, the University will also honour Jim Fielding, late son of Clifford and Lily Fielding.  Jim Fielding was a passionate believer in education and greatly valued the role that Laurentian University plays in facilitating access to education while driving economic activity and innovation in the City of Greater Sudbury, Northern Ontario and beyond. 

“The Fielding family supported this project from the beginning and have been integral in realizing this much needed expansion of research and innovation space in our region,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. “Cliff was a great ambassador to our city, and advocated for driving innovative growth in the north. His family continues this legacy and we are proud to name this building in his honour.”

Lily Fielding and her family’s investment was an important part of the University’s proposal for strategic investment funding which was announced by the Canadian and Ontario governments on September 23, 2016. The project totals $60.7 million and will be completed in 2018.

“We are happy to lend support to Laurentian University for the role they play in driving growth and innovation in our community,” said Jamie Wallace, first Laurentian University alumnus to Chair the Board of Governors. “The Clifford A. Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building will have an immense impact on further driving economic activity and innovation in the City of Greater Sudbury, Northeastern Ontario and beyond.” 

The Fielding family has a long history of investing in both Laurentian and the Sudbury community.  Most recently, the city’s largest outdoor park, Kivi Park, was made possible thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Lily Fielding.  The Fielding family has established significant student awards at both Laurentian University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, including the Clifford Fielding Graduate Bursary, Brenda Wallace Management Scholarship and the Jim Fielding Memorial Bursary.  In 1968, a generous benefaction from the Fielding family resulted in the construction of the Fielding Memorial Chapel of St. Mark at Thorneloe University. 

The Clifford A. Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building will include collaborative research and development space, innovation and commercialization space, as well as much needed space for the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering including four capstone innovation labs, a material analysis lab, environmental and soil mechanics lab, prototype development and machine shop, integrated software lab and lecture theatre, and a hydraulics and fluid mechanics lab. Each of these spaces have been identified in consultation with local industry in order to maximize inter-disciplinary opportunities.

About Clifford A. Fielding:

Cliff Fielding was born on the Fielding family farm, now Fielding Park, in Waters Township in 1915 and raised in Copper Cliff. An entrepreneur at the age of 20, he started a transportation company to haul ore and gravel for the mining companies and to provide construction services. He started his company using the family’s team of horses and shortly after a single truck.

By 1950 Cliff Fielding Limited had a staff of 50 and a fleet of 40 trucks. By then he had established Wavy Industries, which manufactured concrete ready mix and bulk cement mixing. At the time of his death, Fielding was Chair and CEO of Waters Holding Corporation. His interests included Alexander Centre Industries Limited (ACIL), Fisher Wavy Inc., Wavy Industries, Fisher Construction of Sudbury, and Fisher Harbour on La Cloche Island. Fielding also owned the Northern Ski Company, which made both alpine and cross-country skis from 1943 to 1950.

Known for having grown his thriving businesses in the Sudbury area, Fielding is also remembered for his work with the Canadian Pacific Railway, and his service to the Board at Memorial Hospital and at Laurentian University (1964-1979).  He received an honorary doctorate of science from Laurentian University and an honorary doctorate of canon law from Thorneloe University.

About Malcolm James (Jim) Fielding:

Born, raised and always proud to be a Sudburian. Jim held the position of Chairman of the Board of Alexander Centre Industries Ltd. (ACIL), Waters Holding Corporation and associate companies, which were established by his father in 1935.

Jim was elected as a Director of Canadian Pacific on May 7, 1986 and continued serving in that capacity through to his successful re-election in April 2000.

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years.  

Canadian and Ontario governments invest $27.4 million in infrastructure at Laurentian

Canadian and Ontario governments invest $27.4 million in infrastructure at Laurentian

Part of $60.7 million project to include a new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building

SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 – The federal government will invest $21.1 million and the Ontario government will invest $6.3 million towards research and innovation infrastructure at Laurentian University. As part of a broad capital program totalling $60.7 million to be completed by March 2018, this $27.4 million investment is earmarked for the immediate construction of a new 47,000 sq ft Research, Innovation and Engineering Building. The announcement was made today by Members of Parliament Marc Serré and Paul Lefebvre, Deputy Premier Deb Matthews and Energy Minister and Sudbury Member of Provincial Parliament Glenn Thibeault. 

“The significant support of $27.4 million received today from this joint federal-provincial announcement, the largest infrastructure announcement in Laurentian’s 56-year history, allows for the expansion of much needed research and innovation space in our region,” said Jennifer Witty, Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian University.  “With this investment, we will build the infrastructure required to support education and research, foster innovation, and create opportunity for students while strengthening the economy.”

 

The federal investment is made through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund announced in the 2016 Federal Budget.  This $2-billion fund is intended to spur job creation, expand research and grow innovation by enhancing and modernizing research facilities on Canadian campuses while improving the environmental sustainability of these facilities. 

 

"Canada's post-secondary institutions are front-line agents in fostering science and research excellence. They help to train the workforce of tomorrow and create knowledge and insights necessary for the private sector and policy makers to build a thriving, clean economy," said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “Laurentian University has ambitious plans that will create well-paying jobs in its community while also delivering economic growth for years to come,” added Bains.

 

The provincial investment includes $5 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. “The Ontario government is proud to support this important project that will deliver new and improved facilities needed to prepare students for successful careers in engineering and research. As a result of these investments, students, faculty and staff will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research and support lifelong learning and skills training,” said the Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

 

The new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building, located between the Fraser and Parker buildings on the Sudbury campus, will include:

  • Collaborative Research and Development space, enabling researchers across the University to share equipment and expertise to operate highly-specialized equipment;
  • A dedicated Innovation and Commercialization space leveraging its partnership with the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) to help emerging start-ups by bridging the gap between laboratory and market;
  • Four capstone innovation labs allowing students in civil, chemical, mechanical and mining engineering to put their knowledge and skills to work to address creative design problems for actual clients;
  • A Materials Analysis Lab to support researchers, students and industry partners in chemical analysis as well as mechanical, metallurgical, corrosion, heat treatment and capability testing;
  • An Environmental and Soil Mechanics Lab will contain instrumentation, environmental chambers and other specialized equipment to support research, innovation and industry partners in the design of foundation and earth structures, and address issues in water chemistry, environmental microbiology, physical and chemical processes, and microbiological processes in addition to analytical equipment and bench-scale treatment systems;
  • A Prototype Development and Machine Shop enabling innovation requiring a physical system;
  • An Integrated Software Lab and Lecture Theatre will be equipped for computer- based activities using engineering software. This additional capacity will allow students to complete years 3 and 4 in civil engineering at Laurentian, and will accommodate bilingual engineering students who currently travel 400-600 km to complete their degrees;
  • A Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Lab enabling engineering students to learn and research about open channel and closed channel fluid flows.

“Over the last 10 years, Laurentian University has secured more than $200 million in research income while enrolment at the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering has increased from 100 to 700 students during that period,” said Laurentian President Dominic Giroux. “We have a major role to play in supporting research and innovation opportunities both for students and for industry partners. The support received by the federal and provincial governments will certainly help us meet these demands,” added Giroux.

In addition to the new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building, Laurentian’s $60.7 million capital program includes investments by the university towards a new Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Lab, new one-stop student services, a new Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, renovations to five labs in the Faculty of Health and a new roof for the J.N. Desmarais Library. It also features a $11.2 million partnership with Greater Sudbury Utilities for a cogeneration initiative to update the University’s heating systems campus-wide to an energy efficient combined heat and power (CHP) and aggregated district energy system. This will allow the University to reduce its electricity consumption by 79%.

A KPMG study estimates the direct economic activity generated by this project at over $102 million in gross economic output with $54 million contributed to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product.  The project is estimated to support 625 person-years of employment.

Laurentian’s Research, Engineering and Innovation proposal was developed in consultation and in response to community needs identified by the City of Greater Sudbury, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA), Greater Sudbury Utilities, Health Sciences North, Science North, NORCAT – Sudbury’s Innovation Centre, the Global Advisory Council of the Bharti School of Engineering and the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC) among others. Laurentian University received over 50 letters of support from community and industry partners.  For more information about the project click here.

Laurentian University to offer 10 new French-language or bilingual programs in engineering and management as of 2016

Laurentian University to offer 10 new French-language or bilingual programs in engineering and management as of 2016

These 10 programs in engineering and management will help us meet the expectations of future Francophone and Francophile students.

November 13, 2015 – Starting in September 2016, Laurentian University will expand its French-language programming. The Bharti School of Engineering will launch three bilingual bachelor’s degree programs – in Chemical, Mechanical and Mining Engineering – with at least 50% of courses to be offered in French. In addition, the Faculty of Management will initiate a Bachelor of Business Administration offered entirely in French, along with seven specializations also offered in French in the areas of accounting, business, entrepreneurship, finance, international management, marketing and human resources.

“No Canadian university has won the Canadian Mining Games more often than Laurentian University. Last year, our students in the Bharti School of Engineering took first place at both the provincial and national engineering competitions; in 2011, they won NASA’s Lunabotics competition,” said president and vice-chancellor Dominic Giroux. “As for our Faculty of Management, it is working towards several international accreditations. It was an obvious choice to include these disciplines in the expansion of our French-language programming at Laurentian University.”

“More than 80 Francophone students are already enrolled in the Bharti School of Engineering and at least as many are registered in the Faculty of Management,” added associate vice-president, Academic and Francophone Affairs, Denis Hurtubise. “These 10 programs in engineering and management will help us meet the expectations of future Francophone and Francophile students from Canada and abroad in these high demand academic disciplines.”

Highlights of Laurentian University

  • The Bharti School of Engineering is ranked first in Ontario and is among the top four Canadian universities in terms of mining engineering research. It will be the first in Canada outside of Quebec to offer French-language courses in mining engineering. 

  • A feasibility study revealed that Francophone students in the City of Greater Sudbury who are interested in engineering recognize the importance of completing their undergraduate degree in both official languages, giving them an added competitive advantage when entering the job market. 

  • Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering serves 695 students from the bachelor’s degree to the Ph.D., and its Faculty of Management serves more than 1,400 students in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. 

  • Year after year, Laurentian University earns the highest post-graduation employment rates among Ontario universities. 

  • Laurentian University received more than 100 million dollars in research funding over the last five years. 

  • Each year, Laurentian University offers more than 700 French-language courses from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. Since 2013, it has launched two full French-language master’s programs in speech-language pathology and nursing. It was also the first bilingual university to be designated under Ontario’s French-Language Services Act. 

  • Laurentian University is investing 63 million dollars in the modernization of its Sudbury campus, which is expected to be completed in late 2016. Projects include significant improvements to 60 classrooms and laboratories, student residences and food services, new student gathering spaces, a one-stop area for student services, a dynamic welcome centre, an executive learning centre and the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. 

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