Author Archives: Youry Khmelevsky

Data Warehouse Design for Multiple Source Forest Inventory Management and Image Processing

Kristina Cormier, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Data Warehouse Design for Multiple Source Forest Inventory Management and Image Processing

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/482421

Abstract:

This research aims to implement a data warehouse (DW) to manage data for a YOLO (You Only Look Once) model, which identifies objects in images. It does this by integrating advanced data processing pipelines. Data are also stored and easily accessible for future use, allowing for comparisons between current and historical data to understand growth or decline patterns. Additionally, the design is utilized to optimize resource utilization. It also scales easily, not affecting other parts of the data warehouse when adding dimension tables or other fields to the fact table. DW performance and estimations for growing workloads are also explored in this presentation.

Bio:

Kristina Cormier is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has always been curious about science and technology. Recently, she has discovered a passion for data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She coordinates with her team to help organize events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys mentoring, meeting new people and discovering new opportunities.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Case Study for Gamification for Cybersecurity

Dylan Huitema, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Case Study for Gamification for Cybersecurity

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/479819

Abstract:

This presentation examines how gamification can enhance cybersecurity education by addressing challenges such as outdated teaching methods and a shortage of qualified instructors. It reviews current literature and showcases a real-world case study of a gamified cryptography tool, highlighting how hands-on, engaging learning experiences can better prepare students for the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Bio:

Dylan Huitema is a third-year Computer Science student with an enthusiasm for cybersecurity. An active IEEE member, Dylan is passionate about bridging technology and education and is currently working toward developing and researching engaging educational cybersecurity games. His research aims to increase cybersecurity awareness and build critical thinking skills through interactive, immersive learning experiences.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Diagram Annotation and Classification for Visually Impaired People in Higher Education

Ajitesh Parihar, Computer Science Department
Okanagan College, BC

Diagram Annotation and Classification for Visually Impaired People in Higher Education

Time & Date: Wed. Apr. 23, 2025, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Location: HS-301 and Zoom, Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4×8.
Registration: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/479830

 

Abstract:

Despite advancements in accessibility for visually impaired individuals in higher education, non-textbook content, such as diagrams, remains a significant barrier. This presentation explores the development of an accessible system that leverages machine learning to classify and extract diagram features and topology. Attendees will learn about the key steps in diagram processing and the tools created to support dataset generation for training ML models.

Bio:

Ajitesh Parihar is a fourth-year Computer Science student and a Research Assistant at Okanagan College. He is a tech enthusiast who enjoys learning about innovations and technologies and is passionate about software engineering, cybersecurity, and algorithms. Ajitesh is the Vice Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and enjoys meeting and working with talented individuals.

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

Formation of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Groups and Chapters Results:

Congratulations!

Formation of the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Affinity Groups and Chapters Results:

  1. We received the official approval of the petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Life Member Affinity Group. The approval date is 30 March 2025, and the identification code is LM70043.
  2. We received the official approval of the petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Systems Council Chapter. The approval date is 03 April 2025, and the identification code is CH07206.
  3. The petition to form the IEEE Thompson Okanagan Section Microwave Theory and Technology Society Chapter has been officially approved. The approval date is 04 April 2025, and the identification code is CH07205.

For further information, please get in touch with us:
Youry Khmelevsky (email: tok-section [at] ieee.org)
Subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org

Thompson-Okanagan Section Executive Committee and Student Branch OPEN First Meeting of 2025

Thompson-Okanagan Section and Student Branch OPEN First Meeting of 2025

Time & Date: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday, January 2nd, 2025
Location: HS 101 and online in Zoom at Okanagan College (in-person and online)

Registration (is open now): https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/455922 (IEEE Okanagan Section) and https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/455866 (IEEE OK SB)

We warmly invite you to join us for our first meeting in 2025!

This is an excellent opportunity to learn who we are and what we do. During the event, we’ll share highlights from our past activities and give you a sneak peek at the exciting events we’re planning for the near future. We’d also love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Your input matters to us!

Publication shared by our invited speaker: Reflections by Settimo Carl Zanon

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments will be provided

IEEE Okanagan Section Year End Winter Social Event

IEEE Okanagan Section Year End Winter Social Event (Thurs Dec 19 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Time & Date: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday, December 19th, 2024
Location: Room HS 101 and online in Zoom at Okanagan College (in-person and online)
Registration (is open now): https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/454022 (IEEE Okanagan Section) and https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/453118 (IEEE OK SB)

Celebrate the end of the year with the IEEE Okanagan Section and IEEE Okanagan College Student Branch! Enjoy good company, festive drinks, and delicious food as we reflect on the past year.
Our invited speaker, Martin Mallinson, has over 100 patents and founded Silicon Intervention. They work with analog neural networks and construct analog signal processors using advanced techniques.
We’ll also share details about our upcoming Section Elevation Celebration in early 2025—don’t miss it!

Agenda

4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Intro (Youry Khmelevsky)

4:15 pm – 4:30 pm  IEEE Vancouver (Jacqueline Nichols & Matthew Wilder)

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm OK SB (Kristina Cormier & Ajitesh Parihar)

We take a look back at this year to cover all the fun activities that students participated in and share our plans for upcoming events and activities.

4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Women in Tech (Kristina Cormier / Dolcy Sareen / Keona Gagnier / Thais Damasceno)

Celebrating women in tech and engineering. Highlighting the IEEE Affinity groups and activities. We aim to inspire and empower the next generation of women in STEM through insights and strategies for success.

5:00 pm – 5: 15 pm Open Science Principle: EDIA Research (Ajitesh Parihar)

Discussion about the importance of using open science principles for effective research along with the activities planned for the Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s DRI EDIA Champions Program.

5:15 pm – 5:30 pm Pizza & Social

5:30 pm –  6:30 pm Martin Mallinson

Martin Mallinson is the founder of Silicon Intervention. They are working with analog neural networks and constructing Analog Signal Processors using advanced techniques.

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Round table

Bios:

Martin Mallinson: With a lifetime of experience in electrical engineering, designing and developing devices worldwide, Martin would like to share his thoughts and experiences. These are very relevant to the new IEEE in the valley. The past 30 years of his work have taken place in companies in Okanagan. How can that be achieved in our beautiful valley while remaining connected to customers worldwide? We’ll hear how Martin manages to do that, the compromises, and the opportunities.

Kristina Cormier is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has recently discovered a passion for machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She assists with organizing events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys being a mentor and helping others.

Ajitesh Parihar is a four-year Computer Science student and a Research Assistant at Okanagan College. He is a tech enthusiast who enjoys learning about innovations and technologies and is passionate about software engineering, cyber security, and algorithms. Ajitesh is the Vice Chair of the IEEE Student Branch and enjoys meeting and working with talented individuals.

Dolcy Sareen is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College and the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch webmaster. She is passionate about learning new technologies and strongly focuses on data. She enjoys connecting with people and continuously learning from new experiences.

Keona Gagnier is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College.

Thais Damasceno is the past chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch.

 

Photos from the event:

For further information, please get in touch with Youry Khmelevsky (email: Youry at IEEE.org) and subscribe to the news at okanagan@listserv.ieee.org
Refreshments and pizza will be provided

Section adds to investment in Section Scholarship Fund

The section adds to investment in the Section Scholarship Fund

(reposting from https://vancouver.ieee.ca/2024/11/07/vancouver-section-scholarship-awards-increased/)

IEEE Canadian Foundation President David Whyte and Vancouver Section Chair Jacqueline Nichols

IEEE Vancouver Section Chair Jacqueline Nichols announcing scholarship award increases, and presenting the additional funding to IEEE Canada Foundation President David Whyte.

The IEEE Vancouver Section is happy to announce that the section has added an additional $30,000 to the scholarship fund for the 30th anniversary of the IEEE Canadian Foundation. This increase in funding will allow the Vancouver Section to award up to four scholarships of $2000 each year through the funds interest.

Scholarship applications will open in early 2025.

For more information on the specific scholarship awards offered by the Vancouver Section, please visit the Scholarships page on the section website:

 

The Vancouver Section Scholarship funds accounts are administered on behalf of the Vancouver Section by the IEEE Canadian Foundation. The fund is self-sustaining, and disbursements flow from the fund’s interest earned. Contributions are welcome to grow the fund and, therefore, the annual value that the section can award through the scholarships. Contributions to these Section Scholarship funds are tax deductible.

For additional information about the Foundation and to contribute to the Vancouver Section Scholarship Fund, please visit:

https://www.ieeecanadianfoundation.org/EN/donations.php

Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and Okanagan Subsection are hosting IEEEXtreme 18.0

 

Time & Date: 5 p.m. – 5 p.m. (24 hours), October 25 th, 2024
Location: Room E301, E302, E303 and E108 (lunch room), Computer Science Department, Okanagan College (in-person)

Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and Okanagan Subsection are hosting IEEEXtreme 18.0

IEEEXtreme is a global challenge in which teams of IEEE Student members – advised and proctored by an IEEE member and supported by an IEEE Student Branch – compete in 24 hours against each other to solve a set of programming problems https://ieeextreme.org/

In previous years, over 6,000 teams, just under 15,000 participants, and 65 Countries competed. This includes over 600 Student Branches, over 700 Ambassadors, and approximately 2,500 volunteers.

Many kind sponsors and volunteers are contributing to help ensure the success of this event. Registration is open until Oct 12, 2024.

Castanet: “Okanagan College students tackle 24 problems in 24 hours” https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/521987/Okanagan-College-students-tackle-24-problems-in-24-hours

Photos from the Event:

IEEE Day at Okanagan Subsection

Time & Date: 5 – 7:30 p.m., October 9 th, 2024
Location: Room E202 and online in Zoom, Computer Science Department, Okanagan College (in-person and online)
Registration (is open now): https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/438597

Abstract: IEEE Day is an annual event celebrating the first time in history when engineers worldwide gathered to share their technical ideas in 1884. One of IEEE Day’s objectives is to show how IEEE members in local communities collaborate on ideas that leverage technology for a better tomorrow. (https://ieeeday.org/)

Join us on October 9th at 5 PM for a gathering where the IEEE Okanagan Subsection and student branches from UBCO and OC will discuss the evolution of engineering, computer science, and others.

Agenda:

5 pm – 5:40 pm (OC)

            Kristina – A Retrospective View of STEM Milestones & Achievements

            Ajitesh – Open Science and DRA.  Open Science and DRA

5:40 – 6:20 pm (UBCO)

            Charlotte – A Canadian Engineer Who Made a Positive Impact on Society

            Fernanda – Women in Tech

6:20 pm – 6:30 pm Pizza break

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm (OC)

Dolcy & Brian – Evolution of Data & Networks

Alex – World Wide Opportunities

Bios:

Kristina Cormier is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College. She has always been curious about science and technology. Recently, she has discovered a passion for data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Kristina is the Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch. She coordinates with her team to help organize events and volunteering. Kristina truly enjoys mentoring, meeting new people and discovering new opportunities.

Ajitesh Parihar is a fourth-year Computer Science student and a Research Assistant at Okanagan College. He is a tech enthusiast who enjoys learning about innovations and technologies and is passionate about software engineering, cyber security, and algorithms. Ajitesh is the Vice Chair of the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch and enjoys meeting and working with talented individuals.

Fernanda Alves has been working at UBCO for nearly three years. She received her Bachelor of Computer Information Systems at Okanagan College and has a degree. Fernanda is a passionate mentor and advocate for women in technology who enjoys connecting with other passionate individuals and sharing her skills and experiences to benefit others.

Dolcy Sareen is a third-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College and the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch webmaster. She is passionate about learning new technologies and strongly focuses on data. She enjoys connecting with people and continuously learning from new experiences.

Alex Ross is a fourth-year Computer Science student at Okanagan College and the Okanagan College IEEE Student Branch secretary.

During the meeting: