Price : Lakehead Engineering Student Newspaper Issue: Winter 2021
Date: March 2021
A Year Online
Kayla Huneau
With almost one full year of online classes approaching us, students were asked to give feedback on the year. What was successful
for them and what new challenges arose? How they dealt with these setbacks or triumphs? Each student has had a very different experience
with the transition to a fully online year, and it has affected each one of us in a variety of ways. After asking students, we received
a variety of different answers and feedback.
What was something that was successful for you online?
[SC] Being online meant more access to professors, lectures, and recordings. So if you missed something you can easily go back and
look at it.
[VC] Online classes allowed more flexibility in terms of a class schedule. Some students travel often, this allows easier catch-up and
success in the class. This also allows for more family time because online exams mean finishing in a more timely fashion.
[JH] It is easier to stay on top of school work from home.
[BC] The flexibility in schedule as getting between classes takes significantly less time.
[Anon] I was able to save time driving to and from class on studying more.
[KH] Being native to Thunder Bay, I saved plenty of time driving to the university and instead spent the time studying, revising notes,
etc. I also enjoyed having lectures to watch for when I missed a class, instead of finding notes from a classmate.
What was a challenge for you this year?
[SC] Finding it hard to stay motivated at my desk, because it is also the place where I play games and chat with friends.
[VC] The most difficult part of online learning has to be the lack of a routine in day to day life. Spending so much time in my room
blended all of the days together. Weekends were very similar to weekdays. Another issue that I found was a lack of consistency between
professors. Different faculties addressed things differently in regards to exam format, class presentation, and just overall flexibility.
There was also a loss of the personal aspect of my education. Faces in a classroom became names on a black screen. I found it really
dehumanised colleagues, and that professor-student relationships didn't match the strength and empathy that I had come to know in
my first year.
[JH] Staying motivated to do school work when there are plenty of distractions.
[BC] Finding the motivation to study.
[Anon] I found it difficult to focus when learning on Zoom as opposed to in-person classes.
[KH] First semester I found it very difficult to focus and get work done when your personal space and work space and confined to the
same room.
How has your social life changed or remained the same after transitioning online?
[SC] Social life has transitioned to taking place 90% using the Engineering Discord.
[VC] Many friends stayed at home, hours away, to avoid paying unnecessary rent. Friends who are native to Thunder Bay avoided going
out in order to keep their families and themselves safe.
[JH] It’s difficult not to see friends in person, but we have come up with ways of getting together.
[BC] I am from out of town so my social life with back-home friends has not changed from last year, we interact online. Local friends I
don’t see and miss them, especially the ones made from school. Studying in person helps you realize we’re all in this together instead
of facing everything alone.
[Anon] I have been unable to see my friends often due to COVID-19 restrictions.
[KH] No longer seeing friends in person or very rarely, using Zoom or online platforms to chat it what I rely on now. Social distanced
outdoor walks are also nice!
What are new hobbies you found during lockdown?
[VC] Crocheting
[BC] Skateboarding!
[KH] Crocheting, sewing patches, puzzles.
What are some studying or academic tips you have for an online semester?
[SC] Actually go to your classes while they happen. Finding the time and motivation to watch them later is challenging.
[VC] Keep yourself highly motivated!
[JH] Give yourself a strict line between personal life and school work.
[BC] Music helps. I use it like a basketball team getting hyped up for a game, but instead I get myself to actually do school work.
[Anon] Don’t think that you don’t need to study just because tests/exams are online. Continue to stay organized and take good, consistent
notes to use for open-book exams.
[KH] Keep your space organized, always go to class (watching the videos later can be difficult), and keep your phone off.
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A Look Inside
Page 1: A year online
Page 2: What’s inside?
Page 3: Our sponsors
Page 4: Who are we?
Page 5: Conferences!!
Page 6: National Engineering Month
Page 7: Our ESS Farewells
Page 8: Garret goes to CELC
Page 9: Mask Detection Research Project
Page 10: Covies in the (Socially-Distanced) Community
Page 11: A fun wordsearch!
Page 12: Another puzzle!
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The 2020/21 Executive
President: Spencer Cameron
VP External: Garret Hoegi
VP Internal: Idoko Ameh
VP Social: Victoria Carlyle
VP Publications: Kayla Huneau
VP Finance: Jarryd Heale
Where can you find us?
Instagram: LakeheadESS
Facebook: LakeheadESS
Twitter: LakeheadESS
Website: ess.lusu.ca
Email: ess@lakeheadu.ca
Issue Contributors
Kayla Huneau, Brayden Chartrand, Allison Farrish,
Spencer Cameron, Victoria Carlyle, Marko Javorac,
Garret Hoegi, Jarryd Heale
Rack Editor: Stephen Vasilopoulos
Are you interested in volunteering for ESS?
Did you have an idea for an event you want
to see this year?
Email: esssoci@lakeheadu.ca
The ESS
The Engineering Student Society (ESS) of
Lakehead University is an organization that
collaborates with students, professors and industry
professionals to enhance the quality of
students’ education experience at LU. The
purpose of our organization is:
• To publicly promote the science of engineering
and the knowledge of its membership
in connection with all facets of engineering.
• To promote and support educational, social
and athletic events
• To provide information to the membership
regarding all professional engineering organizations
• To promote the history and traditions of the
profession of engineering
• To hold and attend conferences, meetings
and exhibitions for the discussion of engineering
problems and the exchange of
views in matters related to engineering
• To maintain and uphold the objectives of
the ESS and to constantly encourage membership
participation in ESS endeavours.
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Allison Farrish
Online FYIC Experience
In November, I had the opportunity to attend FYIC, the
“First Year Integration Conference”. Many engineering students
from different Ontario universities connected over Zoom to learn
about leadership development and mental health. I am glad that I
chose to apply for this conference, as I was able to take away a
lot of valuable information. I attended various online presentations
with interesting topics and very knowledgeable speakers.
One highlight from the conference for me was a presentation titled
“Breaking down Imposter syndrome and unlocking your authentic
self”. The speaker was very enthusiastic and uplifting,
and it made me realize that I shouldn’t doubt my skills or discount
my achievements. In addition, another presentation that I
found very helpful was called “Fake it ‘til you make it”. Both
individuals were introverts, and they explained how they managed
being involved within their school despite being more reserved.
Throughout the conference, I also got the chance to learn
more about engineering. I attended presentations about different
engineering communities and societies in Ontario, and I learned
the steps required in order to be a Professional Engineer. Overall,
I think the students who organized FYIC did a great job of
creating an engaging online conference despite the current challenging
circumstances. The conference was filled with great
speakers and presentations, as well as many fun activities. I
gained valuable insight regarding mental health and leadership in
engineering, and I also learned a lot about myself.
Brayden Chartrand
LEC and OEC 2021
Engineering competitions: They have been around here
longer than I have (probably). This year I along with my teammate
Rebecca A. had the opportunity to compete in the LU Engineering
Competition (LEC) and qualified for the Ontario Engineering
Competition (OEC). Both competitions are separated into
several categories based on what you are interested in doing,
such as debating, Jr. and Sr. Design and our event of choice
reengineering. As the name would suggest our task was to repurpose
or redesign a product or system to be more effective or economical.
Both competitions began with a similar experience, we
were given a case topic a week before the competition where we
would have to come up with a solution and a presentation arguing
the feasibility and effectiveness of our ideas. OEC however
gave an additional case the first day of the competition then gave
a submission deadline to see how we would preform under a
time restriction.
Overall, both competitions are great experiences. There are
speakers and career fairs throughout the day as well as social
events in the evening. Even though you are in competition everyone
is very friendly about it. I was able to meet other people
from universities across the province as well as participate in
events such as a scavenger hunt (with a cash prize) and game
nights. This also forced me to improve my presentation skills
which will help me down the line as it seems this profession is
littered with presentations.
Would I recommend LEC? No, because I don’t want to
have to compete with more people. Would I actually recommend
LEC? Yes, of course! It is a fun competition where you get an
opportunity to meet a variety of different people and get to hear
a bunch of unique solutions to the same problem.
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Be sure to keep up to date with ESS
social media and check your emails for
upcoming events and opportunities!
Engineering Clubs on Campus
If you haven’t checked out some of these amazing
groups, you should do so ASAP—the skills you learn are
all about what you put into it, not what you pay into it!
Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineers (CSME)
Canadian Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE)
Lakehead Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE)
Canadian Society of Chemical Engineers (CSChE)
Lakehead Racing
(LUFSAE)
Kayla Huneau
National Engineering Month
Every year in March, provincial and territorial engineering
bodies celebrate National Engineering Month
(NEM). It is led by Engineers Canada and celebrated by
student, professors, engineers, and future engineers. Engineers
showcase their accomplishments as a way to
teach youth and aspiring engineers. This year, NEM Ontario
is holding a variety of events and workshops via
Zoom to educate post secondary students more about engineering
ethics, culture, and its impact. As well as
events regarding diversity and inclusion. All events being
held can be found at:
nemontario.ca/events/
The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students
(CFES) is also holding various events for NEM. These
can all be found on their website, Instagram, and Facebook:
cfes.ca/nem/
Thank you from ESS!
The ESS Executive would like to thank all the engineering students for an unforgettable year! We
would like to thank all of our directorship positions and anyone who volunteered their time to help the
executive with projects, events, cannon painting, or anything else this year. We would like to thank all
the students who have come to the weekly meetings, general meeting, or ESS office hours on the Discord.
Thank you to the students who have provided feedback or suggestions on anything we have done
this year or will do in the future. Thank you to all of the students who came to our online events! The
first ever online Frosh was a great success and kick off for the year. The online B*tch & Stitch and
online workshops, both via Discord, had excellent turn out and we cannot not thank you more for the
support. A final thank you to the faculty for adapting to a different delivery method and continuing to
guide us to success. Good luck on any lingering midterms, final exams, and whatever else the future
brings!
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Current Executives
Our ESS Farewells
ESS President - Spencer Cameron
Between classes moving online, COVID-19 lockdowns, and now the cyberattack, this year has not been what
any of us have asked for when going to university and trying to complete a degree. I know that it definitely was not
what I was expecting when I ran for ESS President last year. That said, I am glad I did as there has never been a
time as important as is now to help students and ensure we all have the opportunity to succeed. The fact that we
have all adapted to this temporary way of life while working towards a degree, one of the most difficult things
most of us have done so far, just shows how strong we have become in order to succeed. While maintaining good
marks is an important thing please remember to check in with yourself regularly in order to keep your mental
health up, as it is paramount.
I would like to thank you for electing me into this position as it has been a great learning opportunity and it is
for that reason why I will run again in the next ESS election as I would like to grow. If you have ever thought of
becoming more involved with ESS I could not encourage it more. Even if you don’t want the responsibility of an
executive position, there are still many ways to participate. I would encourage any of you to reach out and participate
in the events that ESS runs and apply to go to conferences that are hosted throughout Ontario that we send students
to. Even if they are virtual for the time being, it is still a great learning opportunity. Good luck on your finals,
and I hope that I will see you all again next year when things have calmed down a bit more (and if they haven't ,
please don’t come for me saying I jinxed it).
V.P. External - Garret Hoegi
Hello all! It has been a very unprecedented year for EngSoc and my position. Regardless of this, it has been
an absolute pleasure to serve you all as this year’s V.P. External, it has been a highlight of my final year at Lakehead
University. I would like to wish you all farewell and good luck not only in the rest of your academic career
but in your future career as well.
V.P. Publications - Kayla Huneau
My name is Kayla Huneau and I had the privilege of being the ESS V.P. Publications for this past year. I want
to thank the students and other executives for making this is a phenomenal year while being hours away from each
other. This year has definitely been a challenge as I was only half way through my first year before being sent
home and been told we would finish the year online. This was not anticipated, however, it has been an amazing experience.
While being very far away we have all kept in touch via social media, and the engineering discord (that I
just learned how to use… maybe?). Thank you all for a fantastic year and good luck with everything the future
holds. I hope to see you next year, wherever that may be.
V. P. Social - Victoria Carlyle
My name is Victoria Carlyle and I have been the ESS V.P. Social for this past school year. I am grateful to
have occupied this position and learned from the challenges and unique characteristics of this unprecedented
school year. I spearheaded the first year of Lakehead University’s Duckling Program. We had more than 100 combined
participants between mentors and mentees, and the feedback we received has allowed us to plan ahead for
next year and positively impact more incoming students! In terms of social events, the pandemic allowed us to
have a greater involvement with our Georgian student body! Lakehead Engineering Frosh has never before had
Georgian attendees, and the presence of those students was so valuable to us as executives. This year marked the
first online B*tch and Stitch sewing events and also active engagement on our Discord server! For a year that kept
us so far apart, who could have imagined it would bring us so uniquely together? It was an honour to be your V.P.
Social. I hope to see you all around (and hopefully in person) next year.
V.P. Finance - Jarryd Heale
To the engineering students and the executives. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your V.P. Finance
for the 2020-2021 school year. Even though we are all distant learning and away from our classmates, we
have learned another skill thanks to COVID; Separating work and school and personal lives - all while in the same
living space. Even though I was not in this position for long, it gave me great experience working in a group while
supporting the needs of our students. It was a tough year for all of us learning a new way of schooling, but I want
to ensure you that we will all get through it together and eventually graduate! Thank you again and I hope to see
you all around the school if its in person next year! Good luck with exams and have a great summer!
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Getting Involved!!
Garret Hoegi
CELC 2021
The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students
(CFES) Canadian Engineering Leadership Conference
(CELC) is a conference that brings together future and
current student leaders of the engineering community
across Canada. This year’s CELC was hosted online by
the National Executive of CFES and it offered three
streams for delegates to attend. Leadership stream, Development
stream, and Voting member stream. As Lakehead’s
voting member I was able to attend the voting
stream over the length of the conference. Over the course
of the conference, the voting members from across Canada
held many valuable conversations about the different
issues effecting engineering societies and students right
now. These included topics like the UN Sustainable Development
goals, how COVID-19 is affecting students,
and online education.
Along with these talks there were other events held
at CELC, including CFES elections, a charity auction,
and SNL events. This year’s CFES elections saw many
qualified individuals running for next year’s National
Executive. Candidates were asked to give speeches to the
voting members of CFES to highlight their skills, abilities,
and platform points. After this, all candidates were
put through a question and answer period with each of
the regions of CFES and then were voted on by the voting
members of CFES. This year’s charity auction was a
smashing success, with plenty of items donated by
schools across Ontario. Over $3,700 were raised a for
Jack.org with the highest selling item being $600.
This year’s CELC was amazing and a well puttogether
conference. I would recommend for anyone
who gets the chance to go to this… absolutely take it,
and, hats off to the conference organizers and volunteers
that made this happen.
Places to Check Out
Engineers Without Borders-Lakehead
Chapter
ewb.ca
lakeheaduniversity@ewb.ca
PEO-Lakehead Chapter
lakehead.peo.on.ca
peonro@lakeheadu.ca
OACETT-Thunder Bay Chapter
www.oacett.org/
www.facebook.com/ThunderBayOACETT
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Kayla Huneau
Facemask Detection Research Project
Peter Sertic, Yash Gupta, and Marko Javorac, Software
engineering students at Lakehead University are designing
and developing a computer facemask detection
system using AI for COVID-19 prevention. Mask wearing
has become a mandatory action enforced all over the
world. Mask detection is important because it enhances
safety and security in the altered environment COVID-19
has created. It will also automate compliance in a business
or consumer environment. Their objective for this
project is to come up with hardware and software that accurately
and efficiently detects whether or not a person is
wearing a mask that complies with guidelines upon entry
to a business or facility, then relay this message back to
the business quickly so that it can be enforced and corrected.
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Covies in the Socially Distanced Community
Due to current events, we have not been able to hold events… :(
Here’s some socially distanced Covies in the Community
Cannon Committee: Brianne Walford, Luke Loree-Spacek, Julie
Hauth, and Victoria Carlyle with the Christmas Cannon
Cannon Kiddos: Julie Hauth and Victoria Carlyle
Cannon Kiddos: Brianne Walford and Luke Loree-Spacek
Brianne Walford with the January Cannon
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Across
Down
2. Creates nuclear energy 1. Forestry/mining/ocean
7. Checks energy plant performance 3. Uses electrical circuits in houses
9. Oil or mining 4. Robot programmer
10. Making goods production efficient 5. Designs and builds kitchen
11. Uses motion, energy, and force 6. Makes computer software
8. Makes spaceships
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