Month: June 2024
Shaping our Shared Future – Scott Barbacki
Scott Barbacki, C.Tech., began his career with Associated Engineering in 2011 as a Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst. His passion for technology and problem solving quickly led him to expand into software development and asset management. Scott’s expertise is aligned with project information management (PIM), and he has taken on more responsibilities supporting our internal systems. After his work on the steering committee for the planning and deployment of Associated’s PIM system, his role has extended to database and systems administration.
Outside of work, Scott actively contributes to his profession and community. He has served on many industry boards and has held various positions over the years, chairing the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) Niagara Chapter, Niagara College Program Advisory Committee Chair, Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URSIA)/BeSpatial Ontario Director of Communications, and Masonic Memorial Temple Association (MMTA) President.
Since 1999, Scott has been a part-time lecturer at Niagara College and Conestoga College. He has taught over a hundred GIS and Computer Science courses at the colleges, as well as online courses. Scott’s involvement in education also includes chairing the Niagara College Program Advisory Committee for the GIS/GM Post Graduate Program. In addition, he served a two-year term as a Director of Communications for URISA Ontario/BeSpatial Ontario.
For his dedicated service, Scott received the URISA/BeSpatial Ontario Service Award (2017-2019) and the OACETT Dedicated Service Award (2018-2019). In 2023, he was honoured with the OACETT Decade Award!
Scott has produced 16 articles in the Ontario Technologist magazine and published source code in the textbook, “Quality by Experimental Design”, demonstrating his commitment to advancing technology and sharing knowledge. He has also been an event presenter at Software Niagara.
In addition, Scott has been a judge in every Niagara Region Science and Engineering Fair (NRSRF) since 2010. He became a Special Awards Judge in 2018, when he co-founded the OACETT Niagara Chapter Award with fellow judge and co-worker, Andrew Ferguson.
With his commitment to education, his community, and volunteerism, Scott is an inspiring role model for young scientists and innovators!
Reflecting back on CCWESTT 2024
Associated Engineering was proud to be a supporting sponsor of the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology (CCWESTT) conference held last month in Victoria, BC! Our Jonathan Musser and Lianna Mah co-presented in a session and spoke about our internal Women In Science & Engineering Retention (WISER) initiatives and the work we are doing to create a better experience for women in science and engineering roles within our organization.
Our sponsorship of the conference also provided two local students to attend the four-day event. Tamara (2nd from left) is studying mechanical engineering technology at Camosun College, and Michaiah (3rd from left) is a second year computer engineering student at the University of Victoria. We are so pleased both could attend the conference and grateful to receive the following reflection prepared by Tamara about her experience.
I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to attend the 2024 CCWESTT conference last month, and found it very eye-opening. On my first day, the presenters hosted a panel that was open, friendly, and collaborative. This set the tone for the next two days, and was a good example of what a more inclusive future may look like.
Something that stood out to me was that the conference felt incredibly friendly and open. I was comfortable sharing my thoughts and experiences, and I noticed that many others were as well. This feeling of community and support was very different from other STEM related events I have attended in the past.
The theme of the conference was Navigating Systemic Change. Throughout the two days of presentations, there was a strong emphasis on both systemic change and the importance of recruiting more women and girls into STEM fields and the trades. Some presentations, such as the one done by Associated Engineering, focused on keeping women from feeling pushed out of their workplace, and covered ways to retain the women in their workplace. Others discussed the barriers that prevent girls in middle school and high school from pursuing a career in STEM.
As a college student studying mechanical engineering and preparing to enter the workforce, I found it helpful to get a realistic idea of what my future workplace might look like. It was encouraging to see practical solutions being shared and to hear success stories from companies prioritising gender equality, though it was clear that there is still much to be done. It provided me with a clearer vision of the kind of work environment I hope to find once I start my career, and gave me a better idea of what I need to be aware of.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference. It gave me a better understanding of the challenges women face in STEM, as well as the various strategies used to overcome said challenges. I hope to look back on and learn from the experiences and insights shared by the presenters as I continue my own journey in mechanical engineering.
Episode 5 and 6 Featuring Judy Yu
This month’s podcast is a 2-part interview with Judy Yu, AE’s Discipline Lead, Data Management & ITS. Judy worked with the City of Calgary’s Transportation Department for years, managing major Intelligent Transportation Systems programs and projects. Her work focuses on innovation, operational improvements, sustainability, and information management. She is also a transportation asset management specialist for roadway network and transit infrastructure.
In Part 1, our host Michael Tolboom talks with Judy about the path her career has taken, getting value from infrastructure, and optimizing data management and how’s it’s being managed in municipalities. Part 2 touches on AI, data and asset management, and Judy’s work with AE’s Strategic Advisory Services.
David Harvey recognized for outstanding individual contributions to The Institution of Structural Engineers
Last week in London, UK, David Harvey (National Technical Specialist, Bridge Planning) in our Vancouver office was invited by The Institution of Structural Engineers to attend an event celebrating professional and technical excellence and outstanding commitment to the Institution.
2024 IStructE President, Tanya de Hoog, presented David with the Keith Eaton International Award that recognizes outstanding contributions from members in supporting the Institution’s international growth and development. In particular, David was awarded for his work involving mutual recognition agreements; his successful campaigning for the Chartered Exam to be adopted by British Columbian legislation; and for his significant and successful efforts to build the membership base in British Columbia. Congratulations, David!
Fischer-Hallman Improvements project wins Ontario Public Works Association’s DEI Award
We’re pleased to share the news that the Ontario Public Works Association has awarded the Fischer-Hallman Improvements (archaeological program) project with the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award! The award was presented at the OPWA Annual Awards Luncheon on May 29 in Mississauga.
The project began as a Schedule ‘C’ Class Environmental Assessment for a review of the road widening and capacity needs along a major arterial corridor in a rapidly developing community. Road cross section alternatives were evaluated incorporating active transportation/cycling facilities, transit facilities, and integrating trail networks in a 2-lane to 4-lane widening scenario. Environmental and archaeological impacts were also investigated and mitigated in design, incorporating Low Impact Development (LID) facilities within the roadway and advancing further archaeological investigations to mitigate impacts to evidential discovery of an Indigenous settlement within and around the road corridor.
Ultimately, a formidable Stage 4 Archaeological investigation was required during construction and unearthed thousands of unique artifacts – the first of its kind in the Region of Waterloo. A unique relationship between the owner, general contractor, and Indigenous community representatives needed to be articulated in a dynamic construction contract accommodating time and spatially sensitive staging in a tandem active archaeological investigation/mitigation operation.
The award recognized the project team’s role in implementing a framework for completing major capital infrastructure projects alongside Indigenous community stakeholders, acknowledging the enduring presence and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.
Congratulations to Gul Khan (Construction Project Manager and Contract Administrator) and Peter Lejcar (Environmental Assessment and Detailed Design Project Manager) as well as Daniel Curtis (Site Inspector, Contract Administration Support) for their roles in advancing this important project and contributing to the successful completion of this major $17M first phase for the Region of Waterloo! Honorable thanks to Delton Zehr for his work as the Region of Waterloo Project Manager at the time, prior to joining the Associated’s Kitchener office. This team is currently advancing the design and tender of the fourth and final stage pending construction in 2025.