Barrie STEM Hub

Are you ready to LVLup?

Student Faiz Mahmud Wants You to Turbocharge Your Leadership Skills

Making life better for others and supporting your community are essential traits of a good leader. Just ask Faiz Mahmud.

For the past three years, he's been a friendly face that students can rely on during an exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking, moment in their lives.

Faiz Mahmud stands in front of a window in the Centennial Building that overlooks trees and Lake Tamblyn

After graduating from Lakehead, Faiz says that "my goal is to become either an embryologist or a biologist who develops infertility treatments."

He takes pride in welcoming students to campus by helping them move into residence, leading campus tours, and hosting student activity booths.

"Orientation lets you meet your fellow students and make them feel comfortable in their new community," says Faiz, a fourth-year applied life sciences student from Bangladesh with a concentration in biomedical science. 

One reason that he excels as an orientation leader is because he's a graduate of Lakehead's LVLup Leadership program. It's designed to give students on the Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses the core leadership skills they need to thrive—both in life and in their chosen careers.

"I really appreciated being able to meet new people and have new experiences through LVLup, it was fantastic!" he says.

Get the LVLup Advantage

Why should you become a LVLup leader?

"Unless you have a cohesive action plan, it's difficult to broaden your skills in a meaningful manner when you're a full-time student," Faiz says.

LVLup provides free workshops, which are open to any Lakehead student, and volunteer opportunities that foster leadership, communication, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.

And LVLup makes it easy to develop these competencies. You just need to attend three workshops of your choice and complete 10 hours of volunteering.

Faiz Mahmud holds a pennant saying Home is Where You Howl and stands next to the Wolfie mascot who is holding both hands up in a peace sign

Although LVLup students must complete 10 volunteer hours, they often end up volunteering many more hours than required and participate in the full series of workshops. Above, Faiz and Wolfie show some Thunderwolves spirit.

Once you finish the program, you'll receive an official LVLup Certificate indicating your competencies at the Lakehead Leader Awards Ceremony held every March. Your certification will appear on your co-curricular record and can be downloaded from the mySuccess webpage.

"The program can be done in one or two semesters," he says. "And if you have a time-pressure issue, LVLup leaders are flexible on how long you have to fulfil your volunteer requirements."

They also make it simple to work volunteering into your schedule. It can be done at SSC and Lakehead departmental activities throughout the year—like Fall Orientation and student experience events—or with community organizations.

Faiz Mahmud, wearing tinted sunglasses and a backwards baseball cap, takes a selfie at a Lakehead University outdoor booth with people wearing Lakehead University Orientation jerseys

Faiz says that giving orientation tours allowed him to strengthen his public speaking skills. "I talk to students and parents about their concerns and familiarize them with buildings and resources on campus," he says. Above, Faiz (front centre) and his fellow orientation leaders host activities at Thunder Bay's Marina Park during the Downtown Adventure Day, which introduces students to Thunder Bay.

These volunteer placements offer the additional bonus of providing helpful networking opportunities that can give students a headstart on their careers.

"The program offers a great spectrum of volunteering options, too," Faiz says.

"I volunteered as support staff at Thunder Bay's Wake the Giant Music Festival, and it was the most fun LVLup placement I've had. After I did my shift, I was able to go to the concert, listen to great songs, and meet the bands."

"LVLup supplements your resume," he says. "It shows that you did more at university than just studying."

The Student Success Centre is Here for You

"I feel lucky to have met Faiz from just about the moment he stepped on campus!" says Student Success Advisor Hartley Mendelsohn.

"It has been a pleasure watching him grow both personally and professionally, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see how he has taken the opportunities available to him and turned them into meaningful accomplishments.

He has also consistently gone above and beyond, bringing a high level of enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to events both on and off campus."

Faiz Mahmud and three young women, all wearing white lab coats, stand in a laboratory space

Faiz has had some exceptional research opportunities. Last summer, in support of the Manomin Project—an initiative between the University of Guelph and Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (NAN) aimed at restoring manomin (wild rice) and revitalizing Anishinaabe culture and food security—he collected wild rice DNA from pottery shards dating from 650-1600 AD. Above, Faiz (far right) at Lakehead's Paleo DNA Laboratory where he analyzed the DNA samples.

In fact, it was Faiz's LVLup skills that led to him being hired as a student engagement lead last year.

This demanding role required him to assist students confronting a multitude of challenges—ranging from liaising with SSC partners and assisting with program development to responding to the needs of new students and helping lead volunteer teams.

"Being a student engagement lead taught me how to listen to students' problems, reassure them that their concerns are valid, and let them know that their voices are being heard," Faiz says.

He encourages every Lakehead student to check out the wealth of resources available at the Student Success Centre.

Besides LVLup, the SSC runs a comprehensive orientation and transition program for new students, helps all students navigate core academic and co-curricular experiences, and offers academic success coaching, peer mentorship, and writing workshops.

Faiz also has some advice for first-year students just beginning their Lakehead journey.

"Don't feel overwhelmed or afraid to ask questions. Everyone—from your professors to your residence advisors—are here to help."

Click here to find out about 2026 Orientation events happening at Lakehead Orillia and Lakehead Thunder Bay this fall.

To learn more about the Orillia campus LVLup program, email Student Success Specialist Emily Stewart at orillia.ssc@lakeheadu.ca. To learn more about the Thunder Bay campus LVLup program, contact Student Success Advisor Hartley Mendelsohn at orientation@lakeheadu.ca.

Keywords: 
Faiz Mahmud
LVLup Leadership program
student success centre

Momentum to the Finish Line - Teaching Commons

As the term draws towards the end, general term fatigue can be a cause for student disengagement. It becomes difficult at this stage for instructors to distinguish between burnout and academic difficulty. This session will help instructors identify ways to support and motivate students through term end. It is intended help align to the University policy around tests, exams, and assignments and also help your students better prepared for the final weeks.

Content:


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Catching Students Before They Fall - Teaching Commons

The First Four Weeks (FFWs) are considered crucial for students’ academic successes. This is a window where academic difficulties for students usually emerge. The first grades are back and attendance patterns emerge. This is a good time for some early interventions with your struggling students. This session will cover strategies to identify early warning signs and strategies to support your students to reach a higher academic potential.

Content:


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Hillary Hume

Safety Officer
hhume@lakeheadu.ca

Engineering Grad Danny Carlos Helped Launch Lakehead’s Next Chapter

Building the Barrie STEM Hub Took Vision and Grit

Civil engineering alum Danny Carlos (BEng'11) has just helped Lakehead University take a giant leap forward.
He led the construction of the newly opened Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub in the City of Barrie's bustling waterfront district.

Danny Carlos stands outside a red brick building with large windows and a sign saying Barrie STEM Hub

"Lakehead's civil engineering program offered an excellent balance of practical and theoretical knowledge that allowed me to succeed in the construction industry," Danny says. "The university produces top talent, and our grads easily compete with anyone." (Photo Credit: Justin Dadswell Photography)

Danny is the Vice President of Operations of Rutherford Contracting Ltd.—the company chosen to undertake this transformative project.

"We completely overhauled more than 26,000 square feet of space on time and on budget," he says.

This week, the STEM Hub began offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, mechatronics, and computer science in a location that's easily accessible to students from the GTA.

It's also allowing Barrie residents to earn a university degree and be career ready without leaving home.

Engineering in Stone, Concrete, and Steel

Deciding what he wanted to be when he grew up was easy for Danny.

"I knew I was a problem solver, and I knew that was what civil engineers did," he says.

"They also create the infrastructure that keeps communities running smoothly—whether it's utility networks, housing, schools, or skyscrapers."

A group of people wearing hardhats and orange safety vests stand in room that is under construction

The STEM Hub opened its doors this week to students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. They will graduate with in-demand skills valued by employers. Above, an April 2026 tour of the STEM Hub's 24 Maple Avenue site during the construction phase. (Photo Credit: Juicebox Studios)

This led Danny to complete a Civil Engineering Technology Diploma at Seneca College's Newnham campus in North York before transferring to Lakehead's civil engineering program in Thunder Bay.

"I thought that having both a college and a university background would give me the comprehensive knowledge to excel in the construction sector," he says.

Danny traces his professional aspirations to his father.

"As a new immigrant to Canada from Portugal, my dad worked as a carpenter. I loved watching him build the city of Toronto."

Danny launched his career with the Dufferin Construction Company based in Oakville, Ontario. He spent 13 years with them building roads and bridges across southern Ontario, rising to the position of District Manager.

Then, in 2019, he accepted the role of Vice President of Operations with Rutherford Contracting Ltd. in Toronto, which specializes in the field of Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (I.C.I) construction.

A view of the exterior facade of the Barrie STEM Hub on a bright summer day

At the 5 Ross Street site, above, students will immerse themselves in an exciting learning and research environment. (Photo Credit: Juicebox Studios)

He was attracted by Rutherford's reputation for executing complex projects—including sports facilities, public parks, and office buildings—and by the prospect of pushing his engineering skills in a new direction.

"It's been great helping clients fulfil their vision and being able to mentor new talent," Danny says.

He's known as a very hands-on VP who regularly visits the company's construction sites to check on progress and to see if crews are having any issues.

"Having face-to-face interaction with our workers is one of the most important things that I do. They have to be out there in the cold of winter and the blistering heat of summer, so I can't ask them to do anything I wouldn't do myself."

A Memorable Homecoming

For the past year, Danny's construction-site visits have been reconnecting him with his alma mater. He was responsible for ensuring that the Barrie STEM Hub's two locations were built to the highest standards possible.

"It was a pleasure to work with Barrie and Lakehead, especially as a Lakehead alum and someone trained in the STEM field," he says.

Danny Carlos stands in a room with equipment and workstations equipped with computers

"Building Lakehead's Barrie STEM Hub was a great opportunity," Danny says. "My project manager told me that if the STEM HUB had been around when he was going to school, he would have gone to Lakehead." Above, a view of the Instrumentation Lab at the STEM Hub's 24 Maple Avenue site. (Photo Credit: Justin Dadswell Photography)

He oversaw the building of the Electronic Motors and Robotics Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Machine Lab, and Instrumentation Lab at 24 Maple Avenue.

At the 5 Ross Street site, he guided the construction of classrooms and active learning spaces as well as collaborative research spaces for interdisciplinary projects.

Danny was able to celebrate this achievement as one of the guests at the official opening of the STEM Hub on August 20, 2026.

A room filled with equipment, metal cabinets, and workstations equipped with computers and desk chairs

"I had opportunities my parents never had, and I wanted to make sure that I lived up to their sacrifices," Danny says of his career in civil engineering. Above, a view of the STEM Hub Instrumentation Lab. (Photo Credit: Justin Dadswell Photography)

"I'm really happy to see that the university is building new education spaces, and I hope it keeps growing," Danny says.

"My parents were extremely proud that I graduated from Lakehead in the engineering field," he adds.

He urges anyone who wants to be challenged and who likes being on collaborative teams to consider civil engineering at Lakehead University. "It's a profession that will never be replaced."

Keywords: 
Danny Carlos
Lakehead Barrie STEM Hub
Civil Engineering

TD Bank Group Gives $600,000 to Advance Gichi Kendaasiwin at Lakehead University

TD Lakehead UniversityA $600,000 gift from TD Bank Group to Gichi Kendaasiwin Constellation will expand Indigenous learning, cultural connection, and belonging at Lakehead University. 

Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, Gichi Kendaasiwin, meaning Higher Knowledge, is envisioned as a living centre that brings together learning, research, ceremony, student support, and community connection. Its constellation of spaces, services, and relationships will complement existing Indigenous supports and embed this work in the everyday life of the university.

“Gichi Kendaasiwin represents an important part of Lakehead’s continuing work toward Truth and Reconciliation and the kind of university we are working to become,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, Lakehead’s president and vice-chancellor. “It will create new opportunities for Indigenous-led teaching, learning, ceremony, and community connection, while enriching the life of the university as a whole. We are deeply grateful to TD for helping us move this vision forward.”

As Lakehead continues its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, this gift arrives at a pivotal moment. It provides the immediate capital and programming support necessary to move Gichi Kendaasiwin from a conceptual constellation of services into a tangible, physical presence on campus. Central to that vision is a planned four-season, Indigenous-led Gathering Place on the Thunder Bay campus — a dedicated space for teaching, ceremony, and land-based learning. By fostering relationships between students, faculty, and Knowledge Keepers, the Constellation aims to support increasing Indigenous student attraction, retention and graduation rates while ensuring that Indigenous heritage is not just supported but celebrated as a core pillar of the university's identity.

"University is a formative time in a student's journey, marked by learning, personal growth, relationship building and self-discovery. That's why TD is proud to support Gichi Kendaasiwin Constellation, which will provide Indigenous learners with spaces, resources and programs that celebrate their identities and help ensure Indigenous cultures and knowledge are reflected in campus life," said Nicole Beaton, Vice President and Region Head for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario, TD. "At TD, we believe that when people feel included and empowered to participate in their communities, good things happen. We are honoured to support Lakehead University in fostering a stronger sense of belonging and creating opportunities for Indigenous students to thrive.”

Gichi Kendaasiwin builds on long-standing Indigenous leadership and advocacy at Lakehead University. Indigenous leaders and engagement with Indigenous communities will continue to inform its governance, design, and implementation as it develops.

"At the heart of Gichi Kendaasiwin are the relationships that make learning and belonging possible," said Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives, at Lakehead University. "For students, that can mean connecting with an Elder, taking part in ceremony, or finding a community where their knowledge and experiences are valued. TD’s generosity will help us carry this work forward under Indigenous leadership." 

TD’s donation will directly advance three key areas of this work.

The Gathering Place project has advanced significantly through guidance from Elders, architectural planning, and the selection of a site near existing land-based learning spaces. Preliminary designs and construction timelines are in place, and this gift provides critical resources to advance that vision.

The Niijii Indigenous Mentorship Program, which facilitates 7,500 interactions with Indigenous youth each year, will leverage this support to reach more communities, strengthen relationships with existing partners, and broaden access for more Indigenous youth to explore and pursue postsecondary education.

Indigenous-led cultural programming will also expand, and investment in honouraria that respect the roles of Indigenous Scholars and Elders. This work is foundational to cultural revitalization and to shaping Lakehead into an institution where Indigenous-led teaching and knowledge-sharing are not peripheral but integral to university life.

“Lakehead University is grateful for TD's philanthropic investment. This is an important step forward for Gichi Kendaasiwin and builds meaningful momentum for the campaign,” said Michael den Haan, vice-president, University Advancement at Lakehead University. “We are deeply grateful to TD for sharing in this Indigenous-led vision and helping create greater opportunity, connection and belonging for Indigenous learners.”

Lakehead University marked the gift during a September 9, 2026 ceremony at its Thunder Bay campus, bringing together TD representatives, university leaders, Elders, students, and community partners. The gathering included remarks from a student perspective and a cheque presentation. To learn more about Gichi Kendaasiwin and how to support this work, please visit lakeheadu.ca/about/gichi-kendaasiwin-constellation

 

Technical Staff

Engineering
Barrie STEM Hub, Georgian - Barrie
Full-time
Permanent

Overview

This position is posted until filled

Under direct supervision, performs work of moderate complexity related to departmental teaching, research, and/or administrative activities. Work is directly related to teaching and/or research. The Technologist performs routine laboratory work or laboratory duties in accordance with direction and guidelines. 

Responsibilities

  • Demonstrates the operation of equipment in student laboratories under the guidance of a faculty member.
  • Advises and assists students with theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory exercises, projects, and technical matters.
  • Assists in departmental field work, where applicable.
  • Assists in the preparation and marking of lab reports and laboratory assignments as directed.
  • Operates, where suitable, and is responsible for the maintenance and repair of laboratory, research or other instruments and equipment.
  • Assists in the fabrication and modification of laboratory equipment.
  • Assists in the development of equipment manuals or other prepared material.
  • Assists in the purchase of equipment and supplies.
  • May maintain budget records for the department.
  • Takes inventory and maintains records of department holdings.
  • Performs other related duties as required; such duties may be specific to departmental or School needs.
  • Maintains level of knowledge required for duties of position.
  • Works in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with other health and safety-related legislation and standards, and with such workplace practices as outlined by his/her immediate supervisor.
  • Takes every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers and/or students in his/her charge.

Qualifications

  • Completion of a post-secondary engineering technology program or a combination of other education and related experience.
  • Background in electrical engineering or a closely related field.

AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Apply Now
Benefits Information
Why Lakehead University?
Salary: 
$49,851.18 - $62,313.95
Yes, eligible for benefits
Contact Information: 
humanres@lakeheadu.ca
Reference Number: 
GEN-26-46

Student Bohdan Krauze Wants to Protect Civilians Under Siege

The Ascend Accelerator Program is Helping Him Develop a Solution

Bohdan Krauze is a talented student in the Master of Science in Physics program. Most days, you'll find him in professor Dr. Alla Reznik's Advanced Detection Devices Lab where he conducts medical imaging research.

His spare time, though, is consumed with developing a system that could disable small first-person view (FPV) drones armed with explosives.

A drone flys upward in a pale blue sky

Although nets can capture and disable drones, Bohdan won't incorporate them in his counter-drone system. "Nets often open up too early or they miss the drone entirely," he says. (Photo Credit: Unsplash/Valentin Zickner)

"There are a limited number of counter-drone systems worldwide, and most of those I've seen are designed for larger drones," he says.

"What differentiates my system is that it's designed to address the growing limitations of traditional radio-frequency (RF) counter-drone systems, which are becoming less effective as drone technology develops."

Bohdan has been able to pursue this project because of the support he's received from Lakehead's Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator program. Ingenuity is a business incubator that mentors young entrepreneurs keen to launch start-up companies.

"Ascend was wonderful," he says. "I learned a lot of essential business skills, and Alyson MacKay, who runs the program, lets me know about grants I'm eligible for."

Starting a New Life in Canada

Getting his counter-drone system off the ground has become an urgent challenge for Bohdan after witnessing the devastation Ukraine has suffered in the war with Russia.

He grew up in central Ukraine's rolling fields and fertile farmland, and Bohdan was there on February 24, 2022—the day his country was invaded.

"It was terrifying," he recalls.

Until then, his biggest concern had been applying to overseas master's programs.

A head-and-shoulders image of Bohdan Krauze wearing an open plaid shirt over a black t-shirt

Bohdan enjoys pushing himself academically. "I've loved physics since high school because it's hard and challenging to understand," he says. "At first I was bad at it, but I thought I could be good if I applied some effort. I wanted to become a researcher who helps solve problems." In 2022, he earned an undergraduate physics degree at Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University.

"Suddenly, there were missile attacks not far from our house. Air raid sirens would go off and my parents would shout, 'Get down to the cellar!'

And the conflict is even more dangerous for Kyiv and cities close to the frontline," he says.

A couple of months after the war began, Bohdan's mother, father, and his eight-year-old sister immigrated to Thunder Bay after his parents found jobs in the city.

Bohdan was accepted to Lakehead's physics program, but the situation was more complicated for him. The Ukrainian government had prohibited younger men from leaving the country, so he had to wait a full year before receiving permission to begin his master's studies in Canada.

A vast field of sunflowers in summer with a few green shrubs growing amoung the flowers

Bohdan lived most of his life in central Ukraine (above) before coming to Canada in 2023. (Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ivan Antonenko)

"I chose Lakehead to be with my family and because I was attracted to its powerful physics department," he says. "I wanted to study with Dr. Alla Reznik, an excellent physics professor."

He was eager to get involved with Dr. Reznik's positron emission tomography (PET) research, which is aimed at helping people with cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

"I thought, 'Wow, she is so cool, I want to be like her," Bohdan says. "Now she is supervising my master's thesis."

Taking Action Against Atrocities

Despite being absorbed in research to develop better brain-scanning technology for Alzheimer's patients, Bohdan was often preoccupied by the war in Ukraine.

"I saw YouTube videos of the Russian military using drones to strike civilian targets, including farmers, farm vehicles, paramedics, and ambulances," he says.

"It made me super sad. I remember crying and thinking, 'What can I do to make a difference?'"

Bohdan Krauze, wearing a grey t-shirt, stands in a room with lab equipment

For his master's thesis, Bohdan is combining Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose Alzheimer's disease more accurately. The goal is to reduce the number of expensive scans needed by patients. He and Dr. Reznik's research team are doing this by building a PEM insert that can be used in existing MRI machines.

At first, Bohdan was doubtful he'd be able to contribute anything of value. Large Ukrainian defense companies were already manufacturing sophisticated weapons systems.

"Then I decided that I wasn't going to sit at home doing nothing," he says. "I would try to build something that would help save lives."

From Bohdan's resolve came the idea for a counter-drone system that can destroy small FPV-armed drones easily and cheaply.

"Although drones are very precise, their weakness is that they have to slow down as they're getting ready to strike," he explains.

"My system would shoot down decelerating drones with a weapons system that could be mounted on vehicles."

Creating a More Secure World

Bohdan's counter-drone system is in the development stage, and he hopes to have a prototype ready in the near future. At that point, he'll begin applying for grants to refine his invention and incorporate his company.

He believes his system could be deployed to protect both military personnel and civilians at risk of being attacked.

"I see it as potentially helping Ukrainian farmers working in fields because they've often been targeted by small drones carrying explosives."

A blueprint diagram showing a front and side view of a rectangular piece of equipment with a camera mounted on top of it

"I thought my counter-drone system would be ready in three months, but it takes much more time to develop a product," Bohdan says. "Sometimes, things I imagine in my head don't work as well in reality. For instance, after ordering camera lenses, I discovered that they didn't fit the camera, so I had to find connectors for them." Above, is a draft version of Bohdan's counter-drone system.

He hopes to collaborate with a company that uses video technology to detect approaching drones. This would allow people to gather in a safe spot while his invention eliminates drones.

"Rather than focusing exclusively on expensive military-grade systems," Bohdan says, "I envision a system with civilian and public-safety applications that could protect populated areas near active conflict zones."

Funding from The John Dobson Foundation has helped make Bohdan's research possible.

Keywords: 
Bohdan Krauze
Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator Program
Counter-Drone System

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