KPU Physics for Modern Technology

Congratulations to Kouji Pan, who recently graduated with a BSc in Physics for Modern Technology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University! In the photo, Kouji (centre) is joined by physics faculty members Dr Michael P**n (left) and Dr Flavio Ruiz (right).

Kouji has been very successful in translating the skills he learned in our program to his work in the technology sector. For his 3rd-year project, he worked on developing machine learning algorithms to analyse astrophysical data, under the supervision of Dr Kianoosh Tahani. Kouji then applied those skills during his work experience at Japanese company IZAI (https://www.izai.co.jp/), where he developed machine learning methods and large language models for text-to-speech and speech-to-text software. We are delighted to see his success continuing at Logic Design (https://lnkd.in/gymZNNyF), where he is doing research and development on new technology for their products as well as providing system maintenance for their video streaming service.

It was a great pleasure to have you in our program, Kouji, and we are delighted to witness your progress. Congrats again, and best wishes for the future!

🔬 Know a curious kid? 🧪

The KPU Science STEM Sampler Summer Camp gives youth ages 10–14 five days of hands-on fun exploring Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each day is packed with experiments, projects, and creative challenges to spark curiosity and inspire learning.

📅 DATE: July 6-10, 2026
⏰ TIME: 9:00 am-3:00 pm (Mon-Fri)
📌 LOCATION: KPU Langley Campus

👉 REGISTER: kpu.ca/cps/summer-camps

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KPU Camps

“This isn’t just about being competitive as a company, it’s about making this technology more accessible. The more hospitals can afford it, the more people can get diagnosed earlier, and the more lives get saved.”

We’re proud to see Kwantlen Polytechnic University physics graduates doing work that has important and life-saving real-world impact.

After years of work, KPU alumnus Michael Hilborn, working at Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc., helped bring a new cyclotron to life at TRIUMF. This amazing technology produces isotopes used in cancer imaging and treatment.

From long days in the lab to contributing to life-saving medical advancements, Michael’s journey highlights the powerful intersection of physics, engineering, and human health.

👉 Read the full story in the latest edition of the KPU Alumni Magazine: https://lnkd.in/dwQQ3RmF

Thank you to Jasmine Bassi and the KPU Alumni Association team for showcasing Michael's story.

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Thank you very much to Clayton Persinger, Industrial Automation Specialist at Wesco, for coming to speak to our 3rd- and 4th-year students last week. Clayton (2nd from left) is pictured here with students Lucas Deptuck, Avery Rickerby, Jason Wang, Hunter Wallsten, and Westin Chan.

As well as giving us a very nice presentation on motor control, Clayton shared great career advice and insights into his industry. He also very generously stayed around afterwards to offer advice to Avery on the motor control aspects of his sun-tracking solar panel project. Thanks Clayton!

🔬 Online Info Session: Physics for Modern Technology & Engineering

Join us on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6–7 PM for an online information session to explore KPU’s pathways in physics, technology, and engineering.

The BSc in Physics for Modern Technology is designed for students who want to understand how physics drives today’s innovations. The program combines theoretical learning with extensive hands-on experience, allowing students to work with modern equipment, analyze real-world systems, and contribute to meaningful research projects. With opportunities to tackle multi-year research, build technical problem-solving skills, and complete a paid work term, graduates leave well prepared for careers in technology-driven fields.

The Engineering First-Year Certificate offers a strong start for students aiming to pursue engineering. It mirrors the first-year experience at major universities, giving students the core academic foundation they need while also introducing them to engineering design and practical technical tools. The program provides a supportive environment to explore engineering pathways—whether transferring into a Bachelor of Applied Science program or continuing into KPU’s own BSc in Physics for Modern Technology.

The new Engineering Physics diploma blends the applied focus of engineering with the foundational science of physics—from motion and energy to systems and design. It’s a flexible option for students who want to study part-time, need course upgrading, or want a pathway into KPU’s science degrees or second-year engineering programs at other universities.

📅 Tuesday, December 02, 2025
⏰ 6–7 PM
💻 Online
👉 RSVP here: https://www.kpu.ca/events/physics-modern-technology-engineering-information-session-1

Join us to discover programs designed for modern, high-tech careers!

🌟 Student Spotlight: Celebrating Dallas Collie! 🌟

Dallas Collie, who completed our program last year, was an outstanding student during his time at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He is now pursuing a Master of Engineering in Smart Manufacturing and Systems at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences — a fantastic next step in his journey.

During his studies at KPU, Dallas consistently impressed us with his dedication and talent. For his fourth-year project, he demonstrated the feasibility of using surface-imprinted polymers with optical detection to monitor E. coli in drinking water — an innovative and impactful idea.

For his work experience term, Dallas spent the summer at Ideon Technologies in Richmond, contributing to the assembly, testing, and calibration of muon detectors used for geophysical exploration. A truly hands-on, high-tech experience!

Here’s what Dallas shared about his time at KPU:

“Finding the Physics for Modern Technology program at KPU was at a perfect time in my life when I was searching to better myself. I wanted to explore and gain more technical knowledge purely as a personal goal, and getting a BSc was just a side benefit. Progressing to SFU for their MEng program was just a natural continuation of that goal.”

✨ Dallas, we’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. Congratulations, and all the best in your master’s program!

At the BC Science Teachers Assoc. 2025 Catalyst Conference on Oct. 24 Professor Laura Flinn had a table full of fun high school physics demos using everyday objects! ⚙️ In this video, she’s showing uniform circular motion in action — the bucket was full of water, but thanks to physics, not a drop spilled!

Happy Halloween! These costumes were spotted around the physics department today.
Students Avery Rickerby and Hunter Wallsten came to the 3rd & 4th year physics lab dressed as V from Cyberpunk 2077, and as a 1920’s physicist. I hope you don’t need us to point out which is which (or witch is witch?) Yes, yesteryear’s physicists were much better dressed than modern day physicists…
And Dr Michael P**n is haunting our hallways dressed as Thor from the Marvel movies!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Prize in Physics (John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis) for their work on the observation and measurement of quantum mechanical effects in macroscopic systems!

In the 1980’s, Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis observed quantum mechanical tunneling and energy quantization in an electric circuit that contained two superconductors separated by a very thin insulating layer (known as a “Josephson junction”). Up to then, these effects were only associated with the atomic and subatomic world.

Their work has led to whole new areas of study for physicists, as well as important applications such as superconducting . which Local company Systems uses superconducting qubits as the basis of their quantum computing technology.

⚛️ Explore Physics for Modern Technology at KPU Open House!

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 4 at KPU Surrey for KPU Open House!

✨ Meet Physics faculty and learn about our programs, including our new Engineering Physics diploma
✨ Try hands-on demos
✨ Discover career pathways and opportunities in physics and technology
✨ Get advice on admissions, tuition, and applications

🎁 Registered guests will also be entered to win amazing prizes — including free tuition!

📍 KPU Surrey | 12666 72 Ave
👉 RSVP now: kpu.ca/openhouse