Hot Wheels co-op job has student spinning

by Kaitlyn Holbein.

Andrew Smiles, a 1B Systems Design Engineering student, was offered an exciting and unique opportunity for his first co-op work term. Andrew was hired by TrojanOne, a full-service marketing agency that offers experiential marketing, consulting, public relations, creative and digital development, and other services. During his work term Andrew helped in the construction of a 630 foot-long Hot Wheels track, composed of more than 1,000 pieces. The track was built in order to promote the Hot Wheels Track Builder Contest, a national contest that challenges kids to build their own unique Hot Wheels tracks.

Of his first work term, Andrew says that he “had an amazing time.” In addition to enjoying himself, Andrew also believes that he gained some valuable professional skills. While at TrojanOne, Andrew learned how to use many new technological and programming tools, including Arduino microcontrollers and Raspberry Pi mini-computers.

However, his role was not only composed of technological and construction-based components. Andrew estimates, “In terms of time spent over the whole work term, the social aspect was about 20 per cent.” In addition to building the track and learning about new technologies, Andrew’s role included many other more communications-based activities. Andrew acted as a Brand Ambassador for Hot Wheels, which included: interacting with and aiding prospective track builders; helping to create, and starring in, videos for hotwheels.ca; delivering “Tech Talks,” which describe how the track was constructed; and even interviewing for local media outlets.

All in all, Andrew found his first work term to be a very useful and satisfying experience. Based on the professional opportunities that he received through TrojanOne, Andrew looks forward to future co-op opportunities, stating, “I am so glad I am in Waterloo’s co-op program for so many reasons!” Andrew hopes to spend a future co-op term with another of the outstanding companies that hire University of Waterloo students, such as Google, Microsoft, or Facebook.

For more information regarding Andrew’s experience working for TrojanOne, read the upcoming Spring issue of the Inside sCo-op, uWaterloo’s co-op student newsletter, out May 22^nd. Issues of Inside sCo-op can be found online.

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Everything under control at biennial meeting

The Sixth Biennial Meeting on System and Control Theory event took place on May 5 and 6 at the University of Waterloo. The two-day event was jam packed with talks about a wide variety of topics related to system and control theory.

Since 2004, the local control community has held a region meeting on systems and control every two years. "The primary objectives of these meetings are to share ideas and create a forum for interaction among local colleagues," writes Christopher Nielson of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "It is a great example of the collaborative work happening in systems and control at Waterloo."

Nielson organized this year's event along with professors Kirsten Morris and Brian Ingalls. The event received financial support from the Engineering and Mathematics faculties.

Previously, the meeting has been held at Queen's University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Waterloo, in 2008 and again this year. The 2014 edition was the biggest in the group's history, with over 90 participants and speakers from McGill, Queen's Toronto, Western, OUIT and Waterloo.

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Environment nominating committee seeks staff

The Secretariat & Office of General Counsel has put out the call for regular staff nominations to the Dean of Environment Nominating Committee.

As required by Policy 45, The Dean of a Faculty, the Secretariat & Office of General Counsel is preparing to constitute the Dean of Environment Nominating Committee.

Nominations are requested for one staff member elected by and from the regular staff of the Faculty of Environment.

Completed nomination forms (at least three nominators are required in each case) should be submitted to the Secretariat & Office of General Counsel, Needles Hall, Room 3060, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28.

Elections will follow if necessary.

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It's hip to be Square and other notes

Square, the mobile payments business, announced yesterday that it will open a permanent office in Waterloo Region, growing the company in the heart of Canada’s Technology Triangle. The office will be located at 305 King Street in downtown Kitchener and will open in Spring 2014.

“When Jack Dorsey, Square's CEO, visited the University of Waterloo in September, he said that the engineering talent, support and technology thinking was the best of the best," said Feridun Hamdullahpur. "We’re delighted to welcome Square to Waterloo Region where academia and industry work together to fuel the explosive growth of a world-leading high-tech economy."

“As the engine room for growth in the region, we’re confident that Square will continue the trend of benefitting from world-class research and top-rate technology talent from the University of Waterloo to fuel their Canadian expansion," said Hamdullahpur.

And now, a message from the University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA):

"Are you pursuing a personal development opportunity for which you would like funding assistance? Apply for a Staff Enhancement Grant today!"

The purpose of the Staff Enhancement Grant (SEG) is to help cover the costs associated with the pursuit of personal development for staff. The staff association reviews applications and recommends recipients for grants of up to $500. Applications will be judged "on the basis of the overall merit of the objectives, activities, and benefits to the individual, and the community."

All UWSA members are eligible to apply for funds. Preference will be given to individuals who have not received the grant previously. The grant is not intended to supplement or replace routine departmental training and development costs and responsibilities.

The application form and terms of reference are available on the UWSA website. The next application deadline is Sunday, June 1.

The Registrar's Office has notified students that official academic standings and final grades for the winter 2014 term will be available starting Wednesday, May 21. 

Students are able to check their unofficial standings and grades in Quest already, and are instructed to contact their academic advisors if they have any questions.

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