On May 24, photonics researchers and industry experts from across Canada gathered at Niagara College’s Welland Campus for a look inside the College’s Photonics Engineering Technology and Technician programs, the only dedicated programs of their kind in Canada.
The visit was part of the 2022 Photonics North Conference, a national conference from May 24-26 held in Niagara for the first time in over a decade. Nearly 200 conference-goers toured the facilities inside NC’s School of Technology in small groups, witnessing equipment demos by faculty and students while visiting the photonics flex lab, high power laser lab, spectroscopy and additive manufacturing lab, optical fabrication space and more.
“Niagara College is technology – it’s part of our spirit of innovation and woven into everything we do,” said John Da Silva, Associate Dean in the School of Technology. “Our students work on the latest advancements in technology, and our expertise in photonics makes us a centre of excellence in our community, across Canada, and to our American neighbours.”
Vincent Van Schaik, Dean of NC’s School of Media, Trades and Technology, was also in attendance to welcome conference guests, who had the chance to sample student-crafted NC beverages – including wine and beer- and experience NC’s unique learning enterprises while networking in The Core.
Photonics is the application of light and light-based technologies, and it is so well-integrated into modern life that it often goes unnoticed. “It delivers the internet, captures and displays the world. It quite literally gives you light,” said NC Photonics Professor and Program Coordinator Alexander McGlashan, who spoke with guests on May 24 and welcomed them into the NC Photonics labs.
NC Photonics Professor and Program Coordinator Alexander McGlashan in the main optics lab drawing attention to NC’s precision optical manufacturing lab.
McGlashan also noted that photonics is an industry experiencing a critical shortage of trained experts with the skills required to take the technology to the next level.
“As a program not quite like any other out there, with unique resources, Niagara College Photonics is critical to preparing both the current and next generation of graduates to meet and preserve the needs of our society,” he said. “Niagara College provides extensive applied learning opportunities producing graduates who are in-demand from coast-to-coast in industries that include aerospace, life-sciences, defense, entertainment, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, telecommunications and more. Together Photonics North and Niagara College will continue to raise awareness of the strategic importance of Photonics and of the multitude of incredible careers waiting to be filled by those willing to look into the light.”
“Being part of the Photonics North Conference was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work of our Photonics students whose skills are in high demand, as well as our alumni who are innovators in many industries,” said Da Silva.
NC also welcomed guest speaker Yannick Rasmussen, Manager of Systems and Optics, Operations Engineering with Wescam Inc., a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies Inc., who shared his industry knowledge and expertise with conference guests. L3Harris is a valued partner in the continued evolution and growth of the College’s Photonics program and an organization that has hired countless NC graduates over the past two decades.
NC is a gold sponsor of the Photonics North Conference this year. As part of the partnership, current students were able to attend conference sessions to expand their knowledge and network with industry players. A special “Student meet industry” session was a chance for companies to present to students on the job opportunities in this in-demand field.
The Photonics North Conference was based out of the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. NC had a chance to set up a booth to promote the College and the Photonics program.
