THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Opportunities in the field of mining engineering have taken a step forward for students at Lakehead University and Queen’s University with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the institutions.
Dr. David Barnett, Lakehead’s Dean of Engineering, and Dr. Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s University, signed an MOU at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus proclaiming a commitment by the two universities to work together on expanding opportunities for students studying in the field of mining engineering.
“Lakehead University’s Faculty of Engineering is very pleased to be working with Queen’s University to develop new pathways for students interested in mining engineering,” said Dr. David Barnett, Dean of Engineering at Lakehead University.
“The online courses available through Queen’s will allow our students to gain mining-focused skills that complement their Lakehead engineering degree,” he explained. “This is a great opportunity for our engineering students that are interested in careers within the Northwestern Ontario mining sector.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Lakehead to investigate new learning opportunities for our students,” says Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean, Queen’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “By working together to create new and innovative pathways to education in this field, we will increase our capacity to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers in the mining industry, a key driver of economic development in Ontario.
“The agreement will also help Queen’s students make valuable connections in the north and has the potential to open up further educational opportunities through the close relationships Lakehead has with colleges across Canada,” Dr. Woodhouse added.
The MOU’s areas of collaboration include opportunities for Lakehead engineering students to complete Queen’s University coursework in mining engineering through online, distance learning, and potential residency programs at Queen’s.
Lakehead University offers a comprehensive selection of engineering programs, including Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software engineering. The University’s engineering faculty members contribute to its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration by supporting research, education and outreach activities related to mineral resource exploration and extraction. The University has also developed close relationships with colleges across Canada through its unique post-diploma programs, and is a recognized leader in providing opportunities to college graduates seeking to upgrade their education.
Queen’s University’s Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining is a recognized leader in mining engineering education dating back to 1893 and the origins of its current Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The Department is currently one of the largest mining schools in North America and the world. Its graduates are involved in all facets of the Canadian mineral industry and can also be found in most major mining operations throughout the world.
