(Left to right) Phillip Mireault, U of T student, Peter Frise, AUTO21 CEO and Scientific Director, John-Paul Farag, Consultant — Advanced Technology and Powertrain, Toyota Canada Inc., Manuel Ramos, U of T student
A team of University of Toronto students recently won first prize in this year’s Toyota Canada AUTO21 HQP (Highly Qualified People) Poster Competition. Open to student researchers within the Network of Centres of Excellence, the competition attracted almost 60 teams.
The winning group, which contributes to the Mitigating GDI Particulate Emissions Through Ethanol Blends project, works under the supervision of Dr. James Wallace at the University of Toronto and took home a $4,500 prize.
“Our Highly Qualified People or student researchers are among some of Canada’s top minds and future leaders,” remarked Dr. Peter Frise, AUTO21 Scientific Director and CEO. “Working on collaborative projects with industry professionals, each student demonstrates cutting-edge knowledge and expertise as they contribute to a sustainable automotive industry for Canada.”
Sandy Di Felice, director of external affairs, Toyota Canada Inc., added that “Toyota is pleased to support the HQP Poster Competition as it recognizes the next generation of leaders in automotive engineering. Working with AUTO21 allows Toyota insight into the collaborative research project opportunities that advance Canada’s contribution to the domestic and global auto industry.”
The annual HQP Poster Competition boasts a total prize purse of approximately $15,000. Sixteen semi-finalist teams are selected from the initial pool of entrants, with each team member receiving a $50 bookstore voucher. The semi-finalists provide an oral defence of their research poster. Final winners are selected upon this evaluation. The winners receive a cash prize to be divided amongst the team members. Judges include senior industry, government and R&D experts.
