Engineering The Future: Recent Episodes
Jerome James
Engineering The Future is the official podcast for the member and advocacy body that serves Ontario’s engineering community, known as the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE). Hosted by OSPE Board member and engineer Jerome James, P.Eng., Engineering The Future offers a wealth of information to engineers at all levels of their career. Episodes will delve into issues impacting the profession through discussions with industry, government, and academic changemakers. The podcast is recorded in Ontario, Canada and will be an invaluable resource for any engineer or professional tied to the STEM industry.
At OSPE, advocacy is our cornerstone, driving us to create change and progress within the engineering community. To fulfill this commitment, we've established five task forces, each focused on conducting research and providing policy recommendations in areas critical to engineers in Ontario.
In part five of our series, we spotlight the work being done by OSPE's Energy Task Force. Host Jerome James speaks with task force chair Steven Pepper, P.Eng. about the crucial role professional engineers play in developing clean and sustainable energy solutions and stresses the significance of their active participation in policy-making at all levels of government.
At OSPE, advocacy is our cornerstone, driving us to create change and progress within the engineering community. To fulfill this commitment, we've established five task forces, each focused on conducting research and providing policy recommendations in areas critical to engineers in Ontario.
In part two of our series, we spotlight the work being done by OSPE's Sustainable Cities Task Force. Host Jerome James speaks with task force chair Carl Bodimeade, who shares insights on promoting responsible urban development in Ontario and the key priorities in creating environmentally friendly communities.
Tune in now to learn more about the important work being done to create sustainable cities for future generations.
At OSPE, advocacy is our cornerstone, driving us to create change and progress within the engineering community. To fulfill this commitment, we've established five task forces, each focused on conducting research and providing policy recommendations in areas critical to engineers in Ontario.
In part two of our series, we spotlight the work being done by OSPE's Climate Crisis Task Force. Host Jerome James speaks with task force chair Geoff Sheffrin about important work being done to advocate for sustainable solutions and influence government policy to combat climate change in Ontario.
From EV infrastructure to green hydrogen, tune in to learn how engineers can leverage their skills to contribute to a greener future.
At OSPE, advocacy is our cornerstone, driving us to create change and progress within the engineering community. To fulfill this commitment, we've established five task forces, each focused on conducting research and providing policy recommendations in areas critical to engineers in Ontario.
In this episode, we spotlight the work being done by OSPE's Research and Innovation Task Force. Host Jerome James speaks with task force chair Beatrice Sze, who shares her insights on the groundbreaking work being done to advance research, innovation, and technological excellence within the engineering profession.
From artificial intelligence to clean technology, discover the key initiatives and projects the Task Force is currently working on, and the promising emerging technologies they are monitoring.
This episode of Engineering the Future celebrates Women in Engineering Month with a special panel discussion on the engineering gap in Canada and the 30 by 30 Initiative, a commitment by Engineers Canada to raise the percentage of women who are newly licensed engineers to 30 percent by the year 2030.
Join host Jerome James and a panel of distinguished engineers: Marilyn Powers, Madhasi Kaushik, Montana Wilson, and Emily Pepper, as they discuss the importance of increasing the percentage of women in engineering, what challenges still exist, and what actionable steps need to be taken to achieve the 30 by 30 goal.
Panelists:
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Marilyn Powers, Dean of Engineering & Technology at Conestoga College
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Manasi Koushik, VP of Sustainability, Quality & Community at the Dexterra Group
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Montana Wilson, is the CEO of GRIT Engineering Inc.
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Emily Pepper, Materials and Heritage Engineer at Arup
Despite progress, challenges persist in achieving equity for underrepresented groups like women, racialized persons, and individuals with disabilities in engineering.
In this special episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James is joined by Sandro Perruzza, CEO of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, to explore the link between procurement policies and equity, diversity and inclusion in engineering services in Ontario.
Sandro shares some valuable insights from a recent OSPE research study, funded by Women and Gender Equity Canada, on the current state of EDI in engineering, including examples of effective EDI policies, such as Quality Based Selection (QBS), pay equity programs, mentorship, and sponsorship initiatives.
Read the Research Report Here:
https://ospe.on.ca/advocacy/leveraging-public-sector-procurement-policies-to-expand-opportunities-for-women-in-engineering/
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James delves into the vital role engineers play in advancing eco-friendly heating and cooling systems to combat climate change.
Joined by Yannick Trottier, a professional engineer specializing in building decarbonization, they explore sustainability in homes, the benefits of retrofitting, and key design considerations for efficient HVAC systems.
From heat pumps to thermal storage technologies and everything in between, join us as we explore how engineers are driving environmental progress through innovative solutions.
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with Emily Barnes, president of EngiQueers Canada, about the challenges and progress of the 2SLGBTQ+ engineering community.
They discuss the origins of EngiQueers Canada, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, and the role of allyship in driving positive change. Emily shares insights on working with queer-friendly engineering companies, inspiring young 2SLGBTQ+ students to pursue engineering careers, and the ongoing efforts to advance equity in the profession.
In this special Black History Month episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with Ayo Abiola, Director of Communications for Black Engineers of Canada (BEC). Together they discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion within the Canadian engineering community and the role BEC plays in fostering an environment where black engineers can excel without societal biases.
Ayo highlights the challenges black engineers face in the industry, including engineering students, and the work of BEC in providing networking, mentoring, training, and development opportunities to address these challenges. In addition, he emphasizes that a collective effort is required to build a more inclusive engineering community in Canada, and the role organizations like the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) can play in that effort.
In this episode, host Jerome James, P.Eng. discusses the untapped potential of nuclear power in Ontario's energy landscape. He is joined by Matthew Mairinger, P.Eng., president of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear, who shares insights on how the perception of nuclear power has evolved over the years and its current role in the fight against climate change.
From game-changing innovations like small modular reactors to advancements in carbon capture technology, Matthew breaks down how nuclear power is at the forefront of the sustainable energy revolution and how engineers of all disciplines should consider a career in nuclear, where they can contribute to solving one of society's most pressing problems.
In this special year-end episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers' CEO Sandro Perrzuzza. Together, they review the incredible work OSPE has done on behalf of engineers in 2023 and the exciting plans they have for 2024.
From advocacy task forces and working groups that are reshaping the engineering landscape, to groundbreaking educational programs, OSPE continues to be a force for change. Join us for this deep dive into the work of OSPE, the Voice of Engineers in Ontario.
In this episode, we discuss the impact of rising interest rates on families in Ontario and explore financial strategies that engineers should consider in the current market.
Host Jerome James is joined by Matthew Pickering, Mortgage Development Manager at National Bank, who provides practical advice and discusses the importance of building flexibility into mortgage loans.
Matthew also highlights the detail-oriented and numbers-driven nature of engineers and how their long-term needs and goals influence their choices in homeownership and dealing with mortgage payments.
This is Part One of a special three-part episode.
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu.
In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MP Yasir Naqvi.
This is Part Three of a special three-part episode.
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu.
In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MP Nate Erskin-Smith
This is Part Two of a special three-part episode.
The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers invited all four candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party to share their vision of the future of the province and to discuss the vital role engineers and organizations like OSPE can play in shaping that future. We are delighted to be joined by three of them: MPs Yasir Naqvi, Nate Erskin-Smith and MPP Ted Hsu.
In this episode, host Jerome James speaks with Ontario MPP Ted Hsu
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James explores the fascinating world of quantum technology and how it's poised to change the engineering industry.
Joined by guest Tina Deckker, a lawyer with a master's degree in quantum computing, they delve into the future of this ground-breaking technology, from its potential to disrupt current cryptography to its impact on various industries, including communications, automotive and material science.
Tune in to learn about the seismic shifts caused by quantum technology and the exciting opportunities it presents for engineers of today and tomorrow.
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James continues his lively chat with Mark Abbott, director of the Engineering Change Lab at the Mars Discovery District in Toronto, on the value of tech stewardship.
Jerome and Mark expand the discussion to include the role tech stewardship plays in aerospace, healthcare and manufacturing, as well as what government can do to encourage and support the responsible use of technology.
Join us for the conclusion of this fascinating conversation.
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James explores the concept of tech stewardship and its importance in today's engineering landscape.
He is joined by Mark Abbott, a professional engineer and director of the Engineering Change Lab at the Mars Discovery District in Toronto. Mark discusses the strategies, challenges, and real-world examples of how engineers are taking on the role of stewards to ensure that technology benefits everyone.
From ethical considerations to sustainability, join us as we delve into how tech stewardship is shaping the future of engineering.
Host Jerome James speaks with Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, about the urgent climate crisis and the pivotal roles that both engineers and government must play in steering Ontario towards a sustainable future.
Mr. Schreiner stresses the need for collaboration between engineers and government, to transform ideas into practical solutions, and outlines the Green Party's priorities for clean energy promotion and greenhouse gas reduction.
The episode also explores the green economy's potential to generate innovation and jobs, and the need to integrate social justice into climate policies, to ensure equal access to clean energy solutions for vulnerable communities.
In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James interviews Dr. Philip Asare, the assistant professor at the Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education and Practice and Dean's Advisor on Black Inclusivity for the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Engineering. Dr. Asare grew up in Ghana and attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergrad and masters in electrical engineering. He was compelled to pursue electrical engineering after he questioned why prosthetics didn’t connect with the brain in the same way natural limbs do.
Host Jerome James discusses a wide range of topics with Engineers Canada's CEO Gerard McDonald, including the value of the P.Eng license, the need for licensing in emerging engineering fields, and the role the regulator can play in helping internationally trained engineers enter the workforce.
Jerome James is joined by Amy Dietz-Graham, Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager at National Bank Financial to explore investing and risk management profiles, encouraging investors to ask the right questions of their advisors.
Host Jerome James is joined by OSPE Taskforce members Pauline Watson & Nicholas Burgwin to discuss the recent Ontario Election and what this newly elected government means to the different sectors of the engineering profession
Host Jerome James, P.Eng., and OSPE CEO Sandro Perruzza discuss the impact engineering has on Ontario’s economy, what government policies OSPE will be focusing on after the provincial election and how OSPE members can get involved and make their voices heard.
Host Jerome James speaks with incoming OSPE President and Chair Dr. Marilyn Powers. P.Eng., about her vision for the future of OSPE.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng., and why he believes engineers should be more invested in the fight against climate change.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with MPP Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga-Malton and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. In this episode, MPP Anand will explore the recent changes in engineering license requirements, specifically no longer needing 12 months of Canadian work experience.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Pierre Lebel, President and Chief Results Officer, Rzultz Consulting. Today, Pierre is going to discuss leadership (and management ) trends, and more specifically, how these play out in the field of engineering.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Beatrice Sze, a member of OSPE’s Research and Innovation Task Force and its Data Working Group. Today, Beatrice is going to discuss the series of white paper on Data Governance and Innovation and how this topic is important in the field of engineering.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Matthew Davis, Manager, Capital Projects and Program at the City of Toronto. Matthew discusses his journey to P. Eng, and what he found best prepared him for his role today.
Host Jerome James thanks listeners for helping make Engineering the Future, Season One such a success.
On this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with OSPE member and professional engineer Jasmine Shaw, P.Eng., about amplifying women in engineering, the value of engineers as entrepreneurs, and how to navigate common career challenges.
Engineering the Future Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Mary Wells, P.Eng., OSPE member, professional engineer and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, as well as Sanjeev Gill, Associate Vice President of Innovation at Watspeed, the University of Waterloo’s professional education program that is supporting the workforce of the future.
Engineering the Future host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Kinia Romanowska, the founder of Pros&Babes and creator of the “Mom MBA”, Canada’s only 360-leadership and personal development program designed for the busy, ambitious mom, and Melanie Richmond, P.Eng., a civil-environmental engineer who has benefited from Pros & Babes program.
Karla Avis-Birch, B.Eng., Chief Planning Officer at Metrolinx, guides the planning and benefits of the regional transportation network and supports evidence-based decision making in the delivery of transit projects. She is deeply passionate about forging end-to-end transit solutions from vision to reality region-wide. On this episode of Engineering The Future, Karla discusses her role at Metrolinx and current projects underway, as well as how her engineering training prepared her for this role. She also describes why engineers must be at the table when major decisions are made for Ontario, and provides advice for young people starting out in their careers in engineering.
President of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) Mark Frayne, P.Eng., and OSPE Member and Past President of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) David Brown, P.Eng., discuss details about their involvement in OSPE’s reinstated Professional Engineers Act Working Group and its first submission to Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General. They also provide insight on regulatory reform for the engineering profession overall, and why they believe OSPE must continue pushing for change.
OSPE member Nick Mocan, P.Eng., President of Crozier Consulting Engineers, discusses why companies should build a non-traditional engineering team, how Crozier recruits and retains great talent, and the biggest mistake people can make when interviewing for jobs virtually.
To mark International Women in Engineering Day, OSPE is proud to bring you a very special live podcast! Our host, Jerome James, P.Eng., will be sitting down with Marilyn Powers, Ph.D., P.Eng., OSPE’s Vice Chair, Beatrice Sze, P.Eng., OSPE Research & Innovation Task Force member, and Lauren Briens, Ph.D., P.Eng., OSPE Diversity & Inclusion Task Force member.
Our guests will be talking about matters like obstacles they have faced in their career path, a discussion surrounding the kind of change that needs to happen to make engineering a more welcoming profession for women and other equity-seeking groups, valuable advice for those wanting to wear the iron ring and so much more.
In this episode of Engineering the Future, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) CEO Sandro Perruzza walks through OSPE’s 5-Step Process to Advocacy and why engineers must be leaders in society now more than ever.
Former Chair of OSPE’s Energy Task Force Emily Thorn-Corthay, P.Eng., speaks with host Jerome James, P.Eng., about the difference between decarbonization and energy management, the federal carbon pricing law, and how Ontario’s engineers are working to decarbonize the economy.
In this special double-episode, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with OSPE member Bruce Matthews, P.Eng., Executive Director of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) – Ontario, and Kristi Doyle, Executive Director and Adam Tracey, Manager of Government Relations at Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), about Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) and how their organizations are working in partnership with the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) to have a QBS framework implemented in the province.
Daniel Lawrysyn, P.Eng., Manager of Continuing Professional Development at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) shares details on Alberta’s mandatory CPD program for practising and non-practising engineers, which has been in place since the 1990s.
Kadra Branker, P.Eng., Program Advisor at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) talks about energy efficiency in Ontario, IESO’s retrofit program, and targeting system needs across the grid.
Host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Mark Abbott, P.Eng., professional engineer, OSPE member, and Managing Director of the Engineering Change Lab – a collaborative platform for individuals and organizations in engineering to share perspectives and take action to address challenges holding back the profession’s full potential.
Host Jerome James, P.Eng., sits down with Réjeanne Aimey, P.Eng., President & Chair of OSPE, to discuss diversity & inclusion in engineering, the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement, and OSPE’s newest initiative, Engineering for Change.
Host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with McMaster Engineering Dean Ishwar Puri, P.Eng., and fourth year chemical engineering student, and National Society of Black Engineers McMaster Chapter President, Feyisayo Enuiyin, about several initiatives to bring more Black and Indigenous people into engineering and create a more inclusive profession.
Host Jerome James, P.Eng., sits down with Brian Fleck, P.Eng., a professional engineer and professor from the University of Alberta about indoor air quality and its impact on health, happiness, and productivity. Brian, along with a team of medical scientists and engineers, is currently studying ventilation and how it impacts the transmission of COVID-19.