The International Mobility Fund (IMF) is awarded to the following recipients:
Moein Manbachi, Applied Research
To instruct a Utility University Course – “Cybersecurity for Transmission and Distribution Systems: Advanced” – at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 conference taking place in Dallas in the United States. The conference is one of the largest and most important global events focused on Smart Grids that includes a key feature of offering its Utility University Program.
Erika Ram, School of Computing & Academic Studies
To present “Preparing Our Students for Life in an Al-Influenced World: Strategies for Teaching their Most-Human Qualities” at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate Conference in Orlando in the United States. Presenting and attending the OLC Accelerate Conference enhances Erika’s teaching and leadership skills, engages other international colleagues to bring back the valuable insights to the department and increases opportunity for further collaboration across the institute.
Malcolm Ferrier, School of Business + Media
To present “Overview of the Development of the Artificial Intelligence Management (AIM) Option for BCIT’s Business Information Technology Management (BITMAN) Program” at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Energy and Manufacturing Engineering (ICAIEME) in Italy. The presentation will bring focus to BCIT’s innovative programs and further enhance Malcolm’s teaching and curriculum in the field of application of AI to supply chain and manufacturing, which is a critical area of growth.
Ania Aibin, School of Health Sciences
To present a research paper at the prestigious IEEE International Conference on Computing, Networking and Communications in the United States. This collaborative research with students from the Northeastern University and faculty from the BCIT Computing department is aimed at developing an AI-based the framework for creating optimized nurse schedules to reduce emotional and physical fatigue of the nurses. The research project will provide an opportunity for Ania to engage in scholarly activities, foster collaboration among the post-secondary institutions and explore solutions to nursing scheduling challenges.
Anthony Chan, School of Health Sciences
To guest lecture on Clinical Engineering Module at the Singapore Ngee Ann Polytechnic and speak to members of the Singapore Biomedical Engineering Society on Collaboration by Industry and Institution on Biomedical Engineering Education. The visit provides an opportunity for Anthony to gain knowledge of partner school’s curriculum design, pedagogy, and experiential learning methodologies; contribute to the enhancement of BCIT’s educational offerings; and foster meaningful cross-cultural and global collaboration.
Marte Arreola, School of Energy
To teach students at the Staatliche Berufsschule Bad Aibling (BSAIB) in Germany on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), using Mastercam software. The visit is an educational exchange between BSAIB and BCIT by providing hands-on, interactive training, showcasing BCIT’s applied education, technical expertise, and instructional capabilities. The collaboration also provides an opportunity for growth and innovation that leads to further joint research projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Maite Bravo, School of Construction and the Environment
To teach a one-week workshop at the Institute for Advanced Architecture (IAAC) in Spain. Maite will lead the workshop in digital tools related to Building Information Modeling, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, and advanced tools for Architectural Visualizations. The visit will provide an opportunity for Maite to participate in potential collaborations, research initiatives, expand his own teaching skills, and gain a better understanding of different perspectives and approaches to architecture.
Jamie Finley, Applied Research
To showcase an online platform at the STEM Sign Language Summit hosted by the Gallaudet University in Washington, – the only post-secondary institute designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with a bilingual philosophy. Jamie’s prototype online platform allows Deaf Scientists, Hard of Hearing Learners and ASL interpreter to access STEM lexicon resources, alleviate barriers for them and facilitate communication interactions. It will also provide an opportunity for Jamie to learn from world’s experts in STEM sign language, collaborate with other scientists and explore new international partnerships.
Clarence Burlock and Allen Song, School of Construction and the Environment
To deliver technical training and on-site skills practices, held in conjunction with the prestigious Worldskills competition, and organized by the Skills China. The visit provides a diverse range of sessions, presentations from industry experts and leaders in various fields for Clarence and Allen, along with a BCIT student who was awarded a Gold Medal at the Skills Canada competition. Clearance and Allen will gain practical coaching experience to prepare BCIT students for the World Skill competition in France in 2024.
Gheorghe Bonci, School of Construction and the Environment
To undertake a research project at the University of Petrosani in Romania through data field collection and laboratory tests and validation. The activities will provide important and valuable information for Gheorghe to write a text book and manual on Soil and Rock Mechanics that will have a strong practical component to enhance reader experience, and address the needs of both BCIT diploma and undergraduate engineering students in the field of mining geotechnics. The collaboration allows Gheorghe to share his knowledge, work with professors and other technical personnel in the region, and strengthen relationships with partner institutes.
Mirela Gutica, School of Computing and Academic Studies
To collaborate with an international group of researchers from Canada, Australia, UK and USA. Mirela will lead the Working Group (WG) to conduct research on “Exploring Computing Science Undergraduate Programs’ Admission Procedures with a Diversity and Inclusion Lens”. The WG will present findings and recommendations at the Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE) conference at Turku, Finland.
Tiia Manson,School of Construction and the Environment
To teach the International Studio Class at HAWK University at Hildesheim, Germany. Tiia will also discuss with partner schools in Italy and Germany to establish framework for faculty and student exchange, and explore partner institutions’ exchange programs that are a better fit for BCIT students. The collaboration will foster and strengthen academic relationship and enhance Tiia’s understanding of programs for future exchange opportunities.
Michel Labre and Jens Voshage, School of Construction and the Environment
To deliver workshops at HAWK University at Hildesheim, Germany. The focus of the workshops is on cultural heritage, advanced wood technology, sustainability and examining the role that cultural and regional influences have on architectural design and the design process.
Bob Gill,School of Energy
To teach and conduct research at the Punjab Engineering College and the Thapar Engineering College in India. The lecture subjects include Impact of Harmonics and Importance of Signal Processing, Cybersecurity and Software Defined Networking, as well as research on sustainable energy methods. The collaboration between institutions will provide inter-disciplinary opportunities for BCIT Research, Computing, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering departments.
Minoo Shariat-Zadeh, Applied Research
To present the results of SMART FEED study at the17th edition of the Microgrid Global Innovation Forum at London, UK. The study is jointly conducted by BCIT and their partners on a front-end engineering design (FEED) for an off-grid remote community in Canada’s north.
Jason, School of Computing and Academic Studies
To deliver lectures on the new BCIT Microcredential in Programming Fundamentals at the Southern Labs Institute of Technology in South Africa. The collaboration will increase BCIT’s exposure to new markets and partnerships, as well enable Jason to experience the first-hand environment in which the students are learning and get a deeper appreciation of the African culture and their profound needs.
Aaron Hunter of School of Computing and Academic Studies
To collaborate with La Trobe University and University of Western Australia on Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. Aaron will work with collaborators from both universities in Australia to develop a mathematical framework, undertake theoretical collaborative research, network with other researchers and deliver public lecture for faculty and students. The collaboration will advance BCIT’s AI research and bring institute’s visibility to the world stage.
Nele Tinck of School of Business + Media
To present in collaboration with partner institution – Artevelde University of Applied Sciences from Belgium at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Spain. The session will showcase global citizenship education programs at both institutions. The collaboration will enhance BCIT’s role in internationalizing students learning, provide a platform to share best practices and innovative ideas with international partners and enrich students experience through international engagement.
Nathan Devos, School of Computing and Academic Studies
To deliver a keynote lecture on digital language assessment at the University of Muenster in Germany. This collaboration will bring the BCIT Language Success Team and the Future Skills Centre to the world stage, share our expertise, and expand our network of subject-matter experts in the area of online language assessment and pedagogical intervention for students who have English as an Additional or Foreign Language.
Maite Bravo, School of Construction and the Environment
To collaborate with the Swiss Institute of Technology (ERH Zurich) as an external editor for the publication of the latest research about laser-scanning technology or LiDAR,. The collaborative research will advance BCIT’s profile in ground-breaking international research activities by working with world leading experts. It will also explore a slate of the digital technology to be used and shared for teaching materials for several programs at BCIT.
Sirine Maalej, School of Energy
To collaborate with Ecole Centrale de Lille (ECL) in France and participate in innovative research on Machine Learning Application to Construction and Building. The research collaboration will contribute to the academic and scientific progress at BCIT and curriculum improvement, and enhance the outcome of the current research project involving several BCIT’s schools and facilities department.
Hazrah Moothoo, Applied Research
To undertake virtually an international research on the Elderberry Collaboration Project. In partnership with the Missouri State University (MSU) and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), this project is to develop and validate a method to international standard that calculates the anthocyanin content in elderberry materials. The collaborative research provides the opportunities for Hazrah working with established international experts in this multidisciplinary field and co-op work term experience for BCIT students.
Hong Sy, Applied Research
To undertake virtually an international research with multi-laboratories in Canada and the United States on establishing competency in measuring contaminant alcohol levels in fermented beverages.