Engineering is playing an increasingly important role in addressing society’s challenges, like improving health care and creating more sustainable and resilient systems.
That’s why uOttawa Faculty of Engineering has appointed Claude D'Amours as executive vice-dean, Henry Schriemer as vice-dean, research and innovation, and Hussein Al Osman as vice-dean, student affairs.
“The challenges facing society demand bold ideas, exceptional talent and strong partnerships,” says Dean Caroline Cao. “One of our priorities is to create an environment where students, researchers and industry partners come together to solve real problems. These appointments reinforce our vision to do exactly that.”
The three will work alongside Cao, Andrew Sowinski (vice-dean, programs) and Ghasan Doudak (vice-dean, equity, diversity and inclusion and governance).
“The challenges facing society demand bold ideas, exceptional talent and strong partnerships.”
Caroline Cao
— Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Supporting Faculty operations and academic excellence
Claude D’Amours will work closely with Cao to support the Faculty’s academic operations, governance and strategic priorities. He’ll oversee operational areas including information technology, finance, human resources and facilities, while supporting faculty development, recruitment and retention initiatives.
D’Amours brings extensive experience to the position. A professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), he has served as vice-dean, undergraduate studies; director of the School of EECS; interim vice-dean, graduate studies; and interim vice-dean, student affairs. His research focuses on physical layer technologies for wireless communication systems.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the Faculty to advance our shared vision for uOttawa Engineering,” says D’Amours. “By investing in our people, streamlining how we work and supporting excellence in teaching and research, we can create the foundation for long-term success.”
“By investing in our people, streamlining how we work and supporting excellence in teaching and research, we can create the foundation for long-term success.”
Claude D’Amours
— Executive vice-dean
Growing research excellence and strategic partnerships
Henry Schriemer will elevate the Faculty’s research profile by supporting researchers in developing new initiatives, creating opportunities for collaboration and building relationships with public- and private-sector partners.
Schriemer is an electrical engineering professor with more than 35 years’ experience in engineered complex systems, including solar photovoltaics, smart grid technologies and energy innovation. He has collaborated with industry partners across multiple sectors, authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and co-founded a deep-tech company, Enurgen, focused on utility-scale solar photovoltaics.
“Research excellence thrives through collaboration, curiosity and the ability to translate ideas into meaningful outcomes,” says Schriemer. “My goal is to help researchers pursue ambitious opportunities, enhance our research ecosystem and build partnerships that increase the impact and recognition of the Faculty’s work.”
“My goal is to help researchers pursue ambitious opportunities, enhance our research ecosystem and build partnerships that increase the impact and recognition of the Faculty’s work.”
Henry Schriemer
— Vice-dean, research and innovation
Strengthening the engineering student experience
Hussein Al Osman will lead initiatives that support student success, recruitment, retention and the overall engineering student experience.
A full professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Al Osman leads the Multimedia Processing and Interaction Group and conducts research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering and human-computer interaction. His work involves multimodal emotion recognition systems, remote physiological measurement and technology-enabled approaches for rehabilitation and education.
“The student experience is shaped by every interaction students have with our faculty,” says Al Osman. “My goal is to work with students, faculty and staff to create an environment where every engineering and computer science student feels supported, connected and prepared to succeed. This includes continuing to improve the programs, services and learning experiences that help students become leaders and innovators.”
“The student experience is shaped by every interaction students have with our faculty.”
Hussein Al Osman
— Vice-dean, student affairs
Continuing established priorities
Andrew Sowinski and Ghasan Doudak remain in their current positions, providing continuity during their five-year terms.
Sowinski continues to support the Faculty’s academic programs, ensuring students have access to innovative learning experiences that prepare them for evolving careers in engineering. He also is responsible for accreditation of the Faculty’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
“Engineering education must continue to evolve alongside technology, industry and society,” says Sowinski. “Our focus remains on providing students with the technical knowledge, professional skills and experiences they need to make an immediate impact.”
Doudak continues to advance initiatives that support inclusive excellence, effective governance and a strong sense of belonging across the Faculty.
“A strong engineering community is built on collaboration, trust and the ability of every member to contribute their expertise,” says Doudak. “Through our continued work in EDI and governance, we will strengthen the foundation that allows our community to innovate and succeed.”
A place to come together
These appointments reflect the Faculty’s continued investment in the people who will shape its future.
By supporting student success, driving research excellence and expanding partnerships, the vice-deans, alongside Dean Cao, will reinforce uOttawa Engineering as a place where students, researchers and collaborators come together to address the challenges that matter most.
