I am pleased to announce a milestone for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) with the establishment of the Intelligent Environmental Solutions Foundry that is currently managed by the CEPS Dean’s Office, led by Dr. Bethany Davidson-Eng. IESF aims to use mathematical, statistical and computational models that harness the power of artificial intelligence in ecological and environmental data monitoring, in the interest in public policy and public knowledge.
The initiative is funded through a $100,000 grant from Ben Sammons, owner and founder of Land’escapes. IESF has set out as a public value research intiative to bring leading researchers from across the country together in one place to develop Canada’s foremost environmental eco hub. IESF will focus not only in monitoring and forecasting ecosystem restoration for the property of Land’escapes but also advance research and assist in policy making for local and federal shareholders regarding conservation. By integrating traditional field techniques with intelligent solutions and engaging local, Indigenous and non-profits, we will develop innovative restoration and resilience strategies and policies that address the increasingly complex conservation problems.
The CEPS Dean’s office and faculty will be key in steering IESF toward success. I am confident that with the wide variety of knowledge and skills that our faculty will bring to IESF will allow us to develop the collaborative environement neccessary for innovative technologies and research monitoring. IESF aligns with the University of Guelph’s strategic plan to prioritize and deepen our global impact and building a sustainable future, while also continuing the University’s strive toward inclusivity and collaboration via our partnership with the local Curve Lake Nation. We encourage all members of the CEPS community and beyond to explore the opportunities within IESF. If you are interested in learning more or contributing to the initiative, please contact Bethany/our email(ouremail@email.com).
As always, if you have ideas/initiatives you wish to discuss and/or need support for, please reach out to IESF email (IESFemail@email.com), or Dr. Bethany Davidson-Eng, College Research Manager (bdavieng@uoguelph.ca). We look forward to fostering collaboration and innovation within the CEPS community.
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey.
