Our Faculty/Staff
" Providing Solutions for Business, Industry and the Community through Applied Research and
Development and Knowledge Transfer "
Niagara Research Faculty
Evan DiValentino
Professor, Environment Studies
Evan’s work at Niagara College’s applied research and innovation department includes acting as the faculty lead on two projects with environmental implications.
Mike Duncan
Chair, Visualization Sciences
Dr. Duncan came to Niagara College in 2001 to found the Centre for Advanced Visualization (CFAV); a research group dedicated to exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) for urban and land use visualization. Dr. Duncan is currently working with researchers from Queens University, Brock University, McGill University and University of Windsor, focusing on the commercialization and transfer of skills and know-how.
Holly Catalfamo
Co-ordinator, Human Resources programs
Holly has made applied research and innovation a major focus during her time at the college, acting as a faculty lead on projects as well as getting students in the Business Administration – Human Resources (Co-op) and Human Resources Management Graduate programs to take part in course-based research projects.
Dawit Eshetu
Co-ordinator, International Commerce and Global Development Applied Business Degree program
Understanding the importance of interactive learning, Dawit Eshetu has made applied research a “unique feature” of his course curriculum.
Rick Goertz
Professor, Computer Programmer/Analyst and Video Game Design programs
A current project Goertz is involved with is a website revamp and business model update for a wine touring company in Niagara. He is also helping lending a hand to a kiosk project that will be similar to blood pressure tests at pharmacies.
Angie Gott
Professor, New Media Web Design
Angie, a teacher in the college’s New Media Web Design program, is currently working on a project with industry partner Pay for Performance, which has her and a student researcher developing a new user interface for their online client appointment booking system.
Mike Hoekstra
Co-ordinator, Landscape Technician (Co-op) and Landscape Horticulture Techniques
Hoekstra, coordinator of the college’s Landscape Technician (Co-op) program, works directly with student research assistants at the college, who in turn work directly with industry partners.
Malcolm Howe
Professor, Business
The professor in Niagara College’s business division has played a role at the institution’s applied research and innovation department in several different ways, including in-class assignments for his students, being a lead researcher for projects and helping young minds with ventures of their own.
Bill MacDonald
Horticulture & Greenhouse
MacDonald, a professor in Niagara College’s Horticultural programs, has made sure his students are big beneficiaries of research projects, investigating industry challenges including root pruning of native oak trees and low cost urban balcony garden commercialization.
Cam McCrackin
Technologist, Mechanical Engineering
Cam, technologist for Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, has taken on a project lead role for students on several past ventures, including a robotics build and competition done in conjunction with local organization NEERD (Niagara Electronics. Re-use and Recycling Depot).
Agostino Menna
Professor, Economics
Menna’s project in the furthest stages of completion is a look at how Ontario’s colleges and universities contribute to quality-of-life in Ontario.
Alan Munro
Professor, Technology (Mechanical Engineering)
Developing a state-of-the-art mechanical engineering laboratory at Niagara College’s Technology Centre is an ongoing goal for Alan Munro.
Bryan Mewhiney
Professor, Electrical Engineering
Bryan is a project lead on an exciting venture with a local industry partner, supervising one full-time student working on a cutting edge new method of solar-power generation that could prove to be up to 40 times more efficient and cost-effective than current processes.
Michael Olson
Chef & Professor, Canadian Wine and Food Institute at Niagara College & Manager, Benchmark Restaurant at Niagara College
As manager of Niagara College’s student-run Benchmark restaurant and stakeholder in family company Olson Food Concepts, Michael Olson wears two hats with Niagara Research.
Mark Parker
Professor, International Business
Parker, a professor in the International Business department, developed an Applied Research class for his students that would pair them with industry partners on a real applied research project.
Olga Piedrahita
Co-ordinator, Greenhouse Technician (Co-op) Professor, Horticulture and Greenhouse Technician Research Co-ordinator, Horticulture and Greenhouse Technician
Olga Piedrahita’s expertise in plant health and pest management is helping Niagara College students participate in research projects, making them immediate leaders in the greenhouse industry.
Terence Van Rooyen
Professor & Winemaker, Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College
Holding a lifetime experience of everything red and white, Niagara College winemaker and professor Terence Van Rooyen helps students go beyond the barrels in his work with Niagara Research.
Jay Yatulis
Co-Coordinator, Photonics Engineering Technician; Photonics Engineering Technology
Contributing over 20 years of experience in microelectronics and photonics, Jay Yatulis continues to advance the Photonics Studies program at Niagara College (one of only two colleges in Ontario to offer a photonics education) in order to meet the growing demand for trained technologists and technicians.