StarFish Medical Mechanical Engineers, Nigel Syrotuck and Julian Grove were guest judges at the annual UVic Engineering Competition (UVEC). Held on November 15, 2014 at the University of Victoria, the UVEC competition involves team and individual entries in categories such as junior and senior design, communications, impromptu debate, consulting, re-engineering, and innovative design. StarFish is a corporate sponsor.
“I had a great time judging this year’s UVEC, which was the most attended – by far – to date. Some teams were challenged to consult on the feasibility of Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Victoria, and each presented a unique and well thought out solution”, enthused Nigel. “It is great to see such developing talent emerging in Victoria and I hope to be involved again in 2015.”
The event is a qualifier for the regional WEC (Western Engineering Competition). If students are successful at WEC, there is also the opportunity to continue on to the national level, at the Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC). Engineering competitions promote sharing of ideas between students, and push them to challenge themselves. It also provides an amazing opportunity for networking between motivated teams and individuals.
StarFish Medical Regulatory Advisor & Project Manager, Vincent Crabtree PhD, enjoyed his judging experience in 2013: “I was a judge last year and the hypothetical engineering project was to develop a low cost, rugged ambulance for emerging countries. They had the usual constraints – availability, cost and functionality (although not time), and it was an interesting experience.”