In this issue of Innovatus, Lassonde is thrilled to showcase the innovative teaching and learning initiatives happening across our School. Lassonde's faculty, staff and students are shaping the future of education through hands-on, technology-driven approaches, adopting new methods that put students at the centre and encourage collaboration across disciplines.
One example is our first-year engineering block model, which was launched as a pilot to reshape how students engage with foundational learning. By immersing in one course at a time, students build a strong academic base, experience a well-balanced learning environment and develop deep community connections – leading to improved retention. Leaning into this success, we are expanding the block model to more cohorts and refining its structure to further enhance the student experience.
Work-integrated learning is another area where we are driving change. Now in its second year, our Digital Technologies program – the country’s first fully work-integrated degree – continues to bridge education and employment, with a 100 per cent student employment contract renewal rate. New partnerships, including IBM, further strengthen this initiative, providing students with mentorship and training opportunities with industry leaders.
Collaboration with academic partners is equally important. In partnership with eCampus Ontario, we are integrating AI-driven virtual reality into courses through a multi-sensory simulation pilot that enhances professional and interpersonal skills. Applied in Engineering Design Principles, the co-op program, and Digital Technologies program admissions, this tool helps bridge the gap between technical expertise and real-world communication.
Our Lassonde Education Innovation Studio (LEIS) – drives and supports initiatives like these. By creating dynamic learning experiences, LEIS ensures students benefit from cutting-edge teaching methods while leveraging academic and industry opportunities for real-world readiness.
Innovation in teaching and learning also means anticipating the skills students will need for the future and designing educational experiences that equip them for emerging fields. Through the interdisciplinary Connected Minds initiative, over 40 Lassonde faculty are exploring human-machine interactions and the societal impact of emerging technologies. Supported in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), contributing to the $318-million-plus in funding, this research is shaping thinking around emerging technologies and their impact. Faculty bring these perspectives into teaching, ensuring students gain the critical thinking and technical skills needed to navigate an AI-driven world while providing them with hands-on opportunities to contribute to practical solutions.
As Lassonde continues to grow, we are working toward expanding our academic offerings with a new undergraduate mechatronics engineering degree and graduate programs in sustainable energy, space and digital twins. Through faculty-led research in these areas, students are directly contributing to advancements in renewable energy, clean water and sanitation, sustainable infrastructure and next-generation space technologies, among others.
Beyond the classroom, we cultivate a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship, nurturing students’ skills and confidence to turn ideas into solutions that make a positive difference. Programs like our BEST (Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology) Bridge to Startup and C4: Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom develop students’ entrepreneurial and leadership competencies, enabling them to tackle complex challenges in new and sustainable ways. Many ventures emerging from these programs align with key United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from climate action to responsible consumption and production.
At the same time, our k2i (kindergarten to industry) academy is breaking down barriers to STEM education, creating pathways to STEM careers for students who might not otherwise see themselves in engineering and computer science. Together with school boards, as well as industry and community partners, k2i continues to architect progressive solutions for persistent challenges in education – refining successful formulas and exploring ways to innovate education with collaborators. To date, k2i’s efforts have benefited over 150,000 students, teachers, families and community, delivering more than 500,000 hours of learning experiences. With over $8.3 million in funding secured, k2i is committed to real change.
Thank you to everyone who helps make Lassonde an exceptional place for forward-thinking, inclusive learning, empowering the next generation of leaders, creators and changemakers. Together, we are setting new standards through intentional design.
Warm regards,
Jane Goodyer
Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering
In this issue:
Block model learning in Lassonde a blueprint for success
A cohort of engineering students are reporting enriched learning through Lassonde's block model, which allows learners to focus on foundational subjects one course at a time.
Lassonde course sparks biomedical innovation, entrepreneurial spirit
In a unique third-year course that applies an entrepreneurial mindset to biomedical engineering, Assistant Professor Neda Salahandish is preparing students to become the next generation of biomedical innovators.
Spiral learning reinforces real-world applications of coding
Students studying first-year computer science have a unique opportunity to gain practicial experience from the "spiral" learning model, where coding lessons are applied to real-world science scenarios.
Engineering students use advanced technology to bolster career readiness
Through a pilot program featuring an immersive artificial intelligence and virtual reality platform, Lassonde students are developing crucial skills that will help set them apart in the job market.