University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies - UTIAS

The Dome

Photo by Constantine Cheng (PhD candidate)

For the first time ever, UTIAS’s Master of Engineering (MEng) students can gain real industry experience while earning their degree.

This fall, 40 grad students kicked off the new MEng Extended Full-Time Co-op program, preparing for work terms with top companies in fields like AI, aerospace, biomedical engineering, and more.

From mastering interview skills to connecting with 650+ industry partners through the , this program is all about bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

And the best part? The program is expanding to 120 spots in 2026. So if you’re thinking about grad school, this could be your path to career ready experience and a powerful network before graduation.

👉 To read the full story: https://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/new-meng-co-op-program-expands-opportunities-for-graduate-students-to-gain-on-the-job-experience/

In just one research group at , 10 of 26 PhD graduates left Canada immediately after graduation for positions at NASA, Amazon, and GE Aerospace. Most were born here. Some are now leading research programs outside our borders.

Professor David Zingg traces Canada's innovation crisis back decades to the Avro Arrow era, when we had world-leading aerospace ambitions and delivered them.

The pattern is clear:
Limited national ambition → weak innovation → further brain drain

But here's the opportunity: current geopolitical shifts and increased defence spending could be transformative. Imagine if Bombardier returned to manufacturing commercial aircraft as it once did. How many young Canadians might choose aerospace engineering?

Read the full article to understand how we got here, and how we can return to the ambition that once made Canada a global innovation leader: https://thefutureeconomy.ca/op-eds/canada-must-heed-the-message-of-brain-drain-in-engineering/

What do you think? Should Canada be aiming higher in aerospace and advanced industries?

Do you know about our newest UTIAS faculty, Professor Nick Rhinehart? ✨

Professor N. Rhinehart is advancing machine learning methods for robot decision-making to develop safe and reliable robotic technology. And he has advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career or graduate studies in robotics!

Read more: https://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/read-widely-build-things-break-them-and-figure-out-why-they-broke-meet-professor-nick-rhinehart/

Three engineers. Decades of experience. Zero sugarcoating. 🧠

Whether you're mapping out your career path or just curious about what life looks like after graduation, this is your chance to ask the tough questions to seasoned professionals who have hard-earned lessons. This panel will be moderated by Professor David Zingg.

Panelists include Cameron Dickinson from MDA Space, Frank Teti from Canadensys, and Martin Stangl from RWDI.

Submit your questions when you register! 💬
Refreshments will be served.

Registration: https://www.utias.utoronto.ca/industry-panel-sep-2025

UTIAS researchers are at the forefront of lunar exploration, developing autonomy algorithms that will power Canada’s Lunar Utility Vehicle and support ’s missions. 🌕

Led by Professor Tim Barfoot and PhD student Alec Krawciw, the team’s navigation system will allow lunar rovers to safely and efficiently transport cargo between astronaut landing sites and habitats. Their work not only solves one of the moon’s toughest transportation challenges but also showcases Canadian innovation in robotics and space technology. 📡

https://news.engineering.utoronto.ca/university-of-toronto-researchers-developing-advanced-autonomy-algorithms-for-cargo-transportation-on-the-moon/

Ever wondered what it's like to test drive a voice-controlled robotic rover? 🚖⁠
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MASc student Aoran Jiao let conference-goers experience just how easy it is to drive a robot with your voice.⁠
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Learn more about the researchers spotlighted at the 2025 robotics conference: https://www.utias.utoronto.ca/news/toronto-robotics-conference-at-utm/

Aerospace PhD student Andrew Ilersich turned his frustration with TTC delays into TTCmap.ca —a real-time subway tracker powered by smart data parsing and system design. The map is still evolving as Ilersich plans to expand it to include streetcar and bus delays by cracking into TTC's more complex data streams. 🚆⁠
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Read more about how it works: https://www.utias.utoronto.ca/news/aerospace-phd-student-tackles-transit-delays-with-real-time-subway-map/