“It was a day that started off badly when I lost my lab coat, but that definitely got better when I opened my email.”  That’s because when Joshua Alfaro, a second-year Vanier College Industrial Electronics student, opened his email he learned that he had been awarded a 2010 ISA (International Society of Automation) Education Foundation Scholarship.  The $2000 award comes from the ISA Endowment Funds:  Food and Pharmaceutical Division, ISA Life Members Committee, Bob & Ives, ISA Executive Board, and Norman E. Huston.

Aiming to make a contribution
ISA’s mission is to become the standard for automation globally by certifying industry professionals; providing education and training; publishing books and articles; hosting conferences and exhibitions; and developing standards for industry.  Joshua, a member of the Vanier College student division of ISA, received the award because he shows outstanding potential for contributions to the field of automation in the future.

Designing green equipment
Joshua plans to pursue university studies in engineering after Cegep.  “I’m thinking of mechanical or electrical engineering,” he says.  “I want to be able to use my skills to design better equipment – like hospital equipment, heart monitors and other types of sensors that use advanced computerized systems, or to design less polluting equipment,” Joshua explains. “Automation has offered us many things but large industries have polluted our world. So I wish to help in the development of more efficient and greener equipment. To be able to merge my interest in technology with my desire to help people is what I ultimately wish to achieve as a career.”

Getting the best of both worlds: hands-on study and theory
Why did Joshua choose to study Industrial Electronics at Cegep?  “My cousin was in it and I liked what he told me.  I didn’t want to just do a DEC in Pure and Applied Science.  When you work in an area you need to know how to do things, not just understand them theoretically.  So I liked the hands-on approach of Industrial Electronics.  I figure it’s a good job plan for the future.” 

Accessible teachers and a small program
Joshua also appreciates how accessible his teachers are.  “It’s a small program with more one-on-one time with teachers.  They help you and you can talk to them outside of classes.  It’s a really good learning environment.”  What has he enjoyed most about his studies so far?  “I designed an automated claw for a class project using Lego Mind Storms which combines electronics and mechanics.  That was neat.”

Industrial Electronics Johsua Alfaro 2010 ISA scholarship winner

Industrial Electronics Joshua Alfaro 2010 ISA scholarship winner FR