Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises at Niagara College, has won the Trailblazer Award in Innovation Policy at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Centre Conference (CSPC) in Ottawa.

According to the Selection Committee, Nantel was selected for the many contributions that he has made to Canadian innovation policy and for several ways in which he is leading the way at the forefront of this community. Nantel is being recognized as a visionary leader in the Canadian science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, significantly impacting both policy and practice. Areas of impact where he has catalyzed change in a positive way include community-building, championing/advocating, and enhancing productivity/development.

“I’m truly honoured to receive the 2024 Trailblazer Award in Innovation Policy from CSPC. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the incredible support, collaboration, and vision of collective advocacy of the whole college community,” said Nantel. “To those who nominated me, thank you for believing in the power of applied research and innovation. This is a shared achievement, and I’m excited to continue with my colleagues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our sector.”

The CSPC Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated novelty and creativity through leadership, vision, courage, and commitment, and have positively and significantly impacted the Canadian science, technology and innovation ecosystem. Those selected for the award have been instrumental in boldly spearheading change via one or more transformative initiatives, while blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow.

Nantel was selected because of his leadership in college innovation and applied research, including helping the sector secure $108.6 million for college research in Budget 2023 through his work as founder and Chair of the College Applied Research Taskforce, a pan-Canadian advocacy think-tank. His leadership in national policy initiatives, and his establishment of advanced research centres aligning academic research with industry, have had a profound impact on the innovation landscape across Canada and supported economic development through collaborations with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

“Tech-Access Canada is delighted to have nominated Dr. Marc Nantel for this prestigious award, as he is a true trailblazer in driving innovation and commercialization results in Canada. His dedicated leadership and ability to catalyze change have had a tremendous impact on advancing innovation policy for colleges, cégeps and Technology Access Centres (TACs) across the country,” said Ken Doyle, Executive Director, Tech-Access Canada. “I wish we could clone him. The increase in R&D investments that are a result of his contributions will have long-term ripple effects across sectors and the nation.”

Expansion of NC’s Research and Innovation division

Since Nantel joined NC, he has been a strong champion for college applied research and an important advocate for how it enhances the innovation and growth of SMEs in Canada.

Under his guidance, the College’s Research and Innovation division grew from nine employees to 35 current administrative and scientific staff. Since Nantel joined NC in July 2011, the Research and Innovation division has secured more than $200 million in government, industry, and institutional research contributions to fund three new buildings and 2,500 projects with industry, resulting in more than 18,000 student research experiences. NC has ranked among the top 10 research colleges in Canada for nine consecutive years, as reported by Research Infosource Inc.’s “Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges” and currently is No. 1. NC also earned the No. 1 spot in 2019.

Nantel spearheaded the development of the College’s advanced research facilities, including its Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and Food and Beverage Innovation Centre – the last two facilities were awarded TAC grants from NSERC.

With Nantel’s vision and leadership, NC created and leads two multi-institution collaborative networks: the Greenhouse Technology Network and the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), capable of addressing industry challenges in technologies related to greenhouse operations and in advanced manufacturing, respectively.

Nantel’s contributions extend beyond the institutional level, influencing national and international policies and practices in science and innovation. Nantel and his team were recognized for their work by the gold medal from the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics, and the Silver Applied Research and Innovation Excellence Award from Colleges and Institutes Canada, both in 2018. Most recently, in 2024, the College received a silver award in the same category. SONAMI won the Research Partnership Award from the Canadian Association of Research Administrator in 2019.

NC’s award-winning Research and Innovationdivision provides real-world solutions for business, key industry sectors, and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities. Researchers conduct projects that provide innovative solutions, such as producing and testing prototypes, evaluating new technologies, and developing new or improved products or processes for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

Educational background, career accomplishments and advocacy

Nantel holds a BSc in Physics and MSc in Nuclear Physics from McGill University, and a PhD in Plasma Physics from the Institut National pour la Recherche Scientifique. He furthered his research program through four postdoc years in France and at the University of Michigan, in addition to serving as an Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Toronto from 1998 to 2008.

Presently, he is Chair of the College Applied Research Taskforce, a partnership between Colleges and Institutes Canada, Polytechnics Canada, Tech-Access Canada and Synchronex. In 2022-23, on behalf of the Taskforce, Nantel made submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance that called on the government to accelerate business-led research and development through increased investment in the Tri-Council College and Community Innovation program.

As a result, Budget 2023 included $108.6 million over three years to expand the program, administered by NSERC.

Nantel was also an influential leader in the development of Tech-Access Canada, which is a non-profit organization that supports the pan-Canadian network of 67 Technology Access Centres (TACs)—leaders in college applied research and developing new innovative products and solutions using technology.

During his several years as Chair of the Heads of Applied Research for all 24 Ontario colleges and Chair of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s National Research Advisory Committee, Nantel played a pivotal role in shaping research policies and fostering collaboration across the country. He works to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building among Canadian colleges, enhancing their collective ability to address complex societal challenges. He is highly supportive of his peers, shares best practices, and discusses among peers to develop a stronger system.  He had the honour of appearing as a witness for several House of Commons Standing Committee studies.

Nantel co-founded and led several organizations, including the Ontario Photonics Technologies Industry Cluster (OPTIC), the Ontario Photonics Education and Training Association (OPETA), and the Global Photonics Education Network (GPEN). He also chaired the Board of Scientists in School, and co-founded the Science and Technology Awareness Network (STAN) with Bonnie Schmidt (Let’s Talk Science) and Jeff Crelinsten (Research Money).

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant
Niagara College

905-328-2532

[email protected]

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Niagara College is launching a fresh new dinner series that will showcase talented chefs and alumni from its trailblazing Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division.

‘A Chef’s Journey’ will kick off with an exciting lineup of eight dinner events for 2024-2025 which spotlight the College’s academic chefs alongside featured alumni and a team of students.

As its name denotes, each event in the series will celebrate a NC chef – or two – who will curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience to reflect their personal journeys. Their stories will be conveyed through their menu of food and beverage selections, as well as storytelling, visuals, and other surprises throughout the evening.

Alumni from NC’s Culinary Tourism and Beverage Studies division will join forces with the event chefs and their teams to share their own pathways of success and inspire students.

“We’re excited to present our new signature dinner series, A Chef’s Journey, which will be a celebration of culinary artistry, community and the journeys that have shaped our talented chefs and alumni,” said Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, Craig Youdale. “Each event promises to create meaningful connections between our College chefs, alumni, students and our community.”

“We are thrilled that this new dinner series will include opportunities to feature alumni from our Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, which will elevate the event through exceptional service, thoughtfully crafted drinks and more,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “Together with our talented academic chefs, our highly skilled NC alumni embody the true essence of hospitality, contributing to this event’s recipe for success.”

On November 28, the series will kick off with A Story of Chef Craig Youdale, featuring wines sourced by esteemed NC Wine Professor Peter Rod.

The series will continue in 2025 featuring the culinary talents of NC Chef Professors including:

• Olaf Mertens on January 23;
• Michael Olson, along with his wife, celebrity chef Anna Olson, on February 13;
• Oscar Turchi (event date to be announced);
• Frank Dodd on March 20;
• Erin Cirelli and Isa Mottiar on April 3;
• Riley Bennett on May 8; and
• Scott Baechler on May 22.

Each dinner event will include a welcome reception with beverages and light snacks, a chef’s presentation of storytelling, photos and videos highlighting their journeys, and more.

A Chef’s Journey events will be held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events will be supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliviera and Chef Justin Downes.

Student Experience Scholarship Fund

The icing on the cake – the first event in the new dinner series will mark the rollout of NC’s new Student Experience Scholarship Fund. This new fund will help support students from NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division who are highly engaged outside of the classroom by working at Benchmark restaurant, volunteering for charitable activities, or supporting special events, and demonstrate exemplary leadership and teamwork skills. A recipient will be selected by managers and faculty each term.

Details about the new Student Experience Scholarship Fund will be announced at A Chef’s Journey with Craig Youdale on November 28.

Tickets for A Chef’s Journey

Tickets are now available for the first event to be held on November 28: A Chef’s Journey with Craig Youdale via Evenbrite here.

NC’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, includes the schools of Culinary Arts; Wine, Beer and Spirits; and Hospitality and Tourism. The division hosts weekly pop-ups as well as signature academic events throughout the year. For info visit niagaracollege.ca/culinaryarts/events/.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

View video

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

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Niagara College is expanding its suite of mental health and addiction services for students through new funding from the provincial government.

Earlier this year, the Ontario government announced NC would be one of 10 postsecondary institutions to receive funding to support mental health projects in underserved communities across the province. As one of the selected recipients, NC will receive $868,625 in dedicated funding over two years to address extensive primary care and addiction service gaps and offer tailor-made supports for Indigenous students in partnership with Community Addictions Services of Niagara (CASON).

“We are grateful to the Ontario government for this funding that will allow us to expand our mental health and addiction services available to students at both Niagara College campuses,” said Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice President, Students. “Through this funding Niagara College is able to respond to the ongoing healthcare crisis in Ontario while addressing addiction and mental health service gaps experienced by NC students living in the Niagara region.”

This new project will be led by NC’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services and Indigenous Education departments and is expected to begin in winter 2024 and will address the following needs:

• Reduce wait times and increase access to physicians on campus;
• Create tailored pathways for Indigenous students, including culturally appropriate bridges between Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Western approaches to mental health;
• Create wraparound health, wellbeing and education supports for students with complex mental health needs; and
• Create tailored pathways for students needing addiction counselling.

“This funding will allow us to expand the College’s already comprehensive list of wellness services available to students,” said Dr. Karen Csoli, Director, Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services, Welland Campus. “Together with CASON, we look forward to addressing the need for preventative complex care intervention and the limitations of western medicine to support mental health and substance abuse for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.”

Through this partnership, representatives from CASON will be on-site at both NC campuses one day a week to meet with and offer resources to those struggling with addiction.

“Students who are struggling with addiction are part of a vulnerable population,” said Dr. McGrath. “By partnering with CASON, we will be able to provide access to specialized, ongoing support in a safe and familiar environment where students can ask questions and seek help without fear of judgement.”

This new funding will complement previous NC projects in the mental health space including the creation of a Student Mental Health and Well-Being Framework in 2023 and a recent gift from the McCall MacBain Foundation that is providing mental health supports to more than 200 first-year healthcare students this fall. This funding will also support several pillars outlined in the College’s Together Campaign – the largest fundraising campaign in NC’s history which demonstrates our unique position to lead economic, social and cultural development and innovation in our community.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Courtney De Caire
Communications Consultant
289-407-8298
[email protected]

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Niagara College is ready to welcome alumni back to campus for an action-packed reunion.

ReuKnighted ’24 – open to all NC alumni and friends – will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Welland Campus.

Organized by the College’s Alumni Relations and Athletics teams, the event promises to be a day of family-friendly fun.

Guests can take in varsity Knights basketball and volleyball games at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre, along with an alumni indoor tailgate party, VIP access to The Core, and a dedicated ‘kids’ zone’ for younger Knights fans.

“We look forward to reconnecting with our alumni community and friends at ReuKnighted ’24,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “We are thrilled by the response from our alumni community this year. We have some of our College’s Alumni of Excellence honorees joining us, as well as some of our guests who will be marking their 50-year reunion since graduating!”

Those who attend ReuKnighted ’24 will have a rare opportunity to own a piece of Knights’ history. About 40 old team bench chairs bearing the former Knights logo will be available for purchase at the event.

“This year will have a one-time added feature; the team bench chairs have been replaced and the old ones will be for sale on Saturday, ” said Michele O’Keefe, Director Athletics and Student Engagement. “The chairs can be made extra special with some personalization. Come and see!”

A limited number of tickets are still available. Tickets include admission to four games throughout the day at the Simplii Financial Athletic Centre, as well as an indoor Tailgate Party at The Core from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring food from NC’s School of Culinary Arts.

Games include:
• Noon – 1:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball (vs. Sheridan);
• 2 – 3:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (vs. Sheridan);
• 6 -7:30 p.m. Women’s Volleyball (vs. Fanshawe); and
• 8-9:30 p.m. Men’s Volleyball (vs. Fanshawe).

Adult tickets are $10 per ticket plus fees. Ticket includes VIP access to The Core, game admission, and food (a cash bar will be available). Youth tickets for ages 12 and under are free. Youth ticket includes VIP access to The Core, game admissions, food and access to the kids’ zone. Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite here.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
905-328-2532
[email protected]

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1,000 new grads from historic Class of 2024 celebrated on day one of ceremonies

The spirit of celebration was in the air as Niagara College kicked off Fall Convocation ceremonies for the latest graduates among its historic class of 2024.

The College’s first day of Fall ceremonies on October 24 marked a special milestone for 1,000 new graduates along with a Niagara resident honoured for championing the skilled trades.

Chuck McShane (Niagara-on-the-Lake), CEO of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association, was presented with an Honorary Diploma in Skilled Trades at the morning ceremony in recognition of his industry leadership, dedication to promoting the skilled trades, and his support for student learning at the College.

“Chuck is a true supporter of our College. We value his spirit of creativity and collaboration, which has helped to equip our School of Trades students with valuable hands-on experience to add to their toolkits,” said NC President Sean Kennedy.

McShane thanked the College and those who have supported him including his family, colleagues and friends, and addressed an audience of graduating students and guests.

“Take what your professors and teachers have taught you and continue to move forward through any obstacles that come your way. You have an obligation to leave this world a little better than how you found it by continuing to grow, contribute and mentoring those around you,” said McShane. “Embrace your skills, grow your craft, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Hold your head high and be proud of what you have accomplished.”

In his address to the fall graduates, Kennedy spoke about the importance of their accomplishment and encouraged them to make a difference.

“You’ve learned many lessons here at NC as you’ve trained for careers in industries and sectors that are driving our world forward and supporting our communities,” said Kennedy. “In an increasingly digital world, where AI is changing how we work and live, remember that nothing can replace the magic of human connection.”

The first day of Fall 2024 Convocation honoured 519 new graduates during the morning ceremony – including more than 290 from its School of Trades, more than 200 from its School of Allied Health (201), as well its schools of Media and Technology.

The afternoon ceremony celebrated 484 new graduates from NC’s schools of Business and Management; Environment and Horticulture; Culinary Arts; Hospitality and Tourism; and Wine, Beer and Spirits.

Fall Convocation ceremonies will continue on October 25, with NC’s schools of Business and Management, and Academic and Liberal Studies during the morning ceremony (10 a.m.); and schools of Community Services, Justice and Fitness, and Nursing and PSW during the afternoon ceremony (3 p.m.).

By the time the College caps off two days of Fall Convocation ceremonies, almost 2,000 new graduates will be celebrated, marking a record number for Fall. This follows its largest ever Spring Convocation in June which celebrated 5,500 new graduates.

“Congratulations to our Fall Class of 2024,” said Vice President Academic Fiona Allan. “You are now part of a proud community of more than 120,000 NC alumni who can be found succeeding and leading – not only here in Niagara, but across Canada and around the world.”

Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies are held in person at the Welland Campus (Simplii Financial Athletic Centre). Each ceremony begins with drumming from the Strong Water Singers, an Indigenous collective of drummers from across the Niagara region.

NC’s Fall Convocation ceremonies may be viewed via livestream or watched later via the convocation website at niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

For more information about Fall 2024 Convocation, including ceremony schedules, visit niagaracollege.ca/convocation.

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 95 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is consistently ranked among Canada’s top 10 colleges for research funding. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.  

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco

Communications Consultant

905-328-2532

[email protected]

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