91探花

91探花 Students Leading Innovation in Okanagan Tech Industry

By College Relations | February 13, 2024
   

Student organizers for OTIN
From left to right; Alex Ross, Thais Damasceno, Kristina Cormier, Daniel Tumback

91探花 student Thais Santos Damasceno is one of four 91探花 Computer Information Systems (CIS) students taking the lead in fostering innovation within the local tech industry through the Okanagan Tech Industry Night (OTIN).  

Damasceno鈥檚 passion for computer science has been a driving force in organizing the event.  

鈥淚 have always loved programming and computations, one of my favorite parts of attending 91探花 has been connecting with a diverse community of people in the tech industry who I can learn and grow with.鈥 

The event has challenged Damasceno to apply her learning from class to find solutions to real world problems. 

鈥淭he problem-solving skills that I have learned in the CIS program have been instrumental in planning the OTIN event.鈥 

Bring members of the tech community together is part of Damasceno鈥檚 and her fellow student鈥檚 the motivation for organizing the Okanagan Tech Industry Night.  

鈥淭he event is a platform designed to connect students at 91探花 and UBCO with companies and leaders in the tech industry, facilitating networking, cooperative positions, and job opportunities,鈥 she said.  

Fellow 91探花 student Daniel Tumback, one of the organizers of the OTIN event spoke to the importance and influence of the event. 

鈥淧romoting the Okanagan Tech Industry Night will not only enable students to network and access leadership opportunities but also cultivate fresh ideas and innovation,鈥 said Tumback. 鈥淎dditionally, it contributes to the growth and promotion of the tech industry in our region, ultimately fostering significant regional development.鈥 

The event offers a unique platform for students to showcase their innovative projects, with a chance to compete for a $3,500 monetary prize in the Pitchfire competition. In 2023, student teams secured app signups and partnerships for their projects.  

Okanagan Tech Industry Night will be attended by sponsors 4AG RoboticsVertical MotionSkytracAccelerate Okanagan, 91探花 and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. 

Events such as the OTIN are part of the hands-on learning opportunities that 91探花 students experience to help prepare them for their careers. Dr. Halia Valladares Montemayor, 91探花鈥檚 Dean of Science and Technology, commented on the way OTIN enforces the College鈥檚 commitment to providing students with opportunities that support their learning in the classroom and in the community.

鈥淭he College is committed to guiding students through enriching experiences that will not only prepare them for their careers but also significantly contribute to their success in the evolving landscape of technology,鈥 said Dr. Valladares. 

The Okanagan Tech Industry Night will be hosted at The Innovation Centre, on February 22, 2024. Opportunities for  are still available in addition to   

Interested in a career in tech? Check out these programs /science/computer-science



Tags: Computer Science

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