Class Notes…

Integrating Teaching and Research for Excellence in Teaching

Abstract: Electromagnetic engineering deals with antennas used in radars and communications, microwaves, and remote sensing, etc. It is a highly abstract field, which can be challenging to teach while maintaining student interest. The subject area is also of vital importance to the Canadian Forces due to the continuous requirements for advanced radars, communication systems, and many other applications. It is for this reason that RMC initiated a program of study in this area little over 20 years ago.

Today, RMC’s program of study and research in electromagnetic engineering is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the most accomplished. Over the years, much has been ventured in order to excel in this discipline at RMC. Many officers and students have benefited and contributed to the program, and continue to do so. In my presentation, I will discuss the adopted methodology and lessons learned, as well as the challenges that lie ahead to maintain our institution’s excellence.

 

L’intégration de l’enseignement et de la recherche pour l’excellence en enseignement

Le résumé : Le génie électromagnétique traite des antennes utilisées dans les radars et les communications, des micro-ondes, et de a télédétection, etc. Il s’agit d’un domaine très abstrait qui peut être compliqué à enseigner tout en maintenant l’intérêt des étudiants. De plus, ce domaine est également essentiel pour les Forces Canadiennes en raison des exigences continues d’amélioration des radars, des systèmes de communication, et de nombreuses autres applications. C’est pour cette raison que le CMRC a lancé un programme d’études dans ce domaine depuis plus de 20 ans.

Aujourd’hui, le programme d’étude et de recherche du CMRC en génie électromagnétique est reconnu nationalement et internationalement comme l’un des plus accomplis. Au fil des ans, beaucoup d’efforts ont été entrepris pour exceller dans cette discipline. Plusieurs officiers et étudiants ont profité et contribué au programme, et continuent de le faire. Dans ma présentation, je vais discuter de la méthodologie adoptée et des leçons apprises, ainsi que des défis qui nous attendent pour maintenir l’excellence dans notre institution.

We are always on the lookout for ex-Cadets to add to our Class Notes section. If you are or if you know of an Ex Cadet with something interesting going on, we want to hear about it! Whether it’s career related or more on the personal/family life, we would like to know what’s going on with you and / or them.

Just send a short write up, and, if you want, a recent JPEG appropriate photo, to: everitas.classnotes@gmail.com.

M0663 Tracey MacCormack Rice, Class of ’94, and M0744 Tony Rice exchanged wedding vows at the Anderson Link’s Golf and Country Club in Ottawa on 29 September 2012. Major MacCormack Rice is working at Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters in Ottawa as the J1 Operations and Tony, who retired from the Canadian Forces 11 years ago, is currently working for Public Works and Government Services Canada. Both are excited to have finally re-connected, finding their solemate and raising a three year old son.

6102 Lloyd Northcott, Class of ’64, and wife Grace live in Calgary these days and travel the world in their spare time. Lloyd is a director of the Royal Alberta United Services Institute and an honorary assistant at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church. History is Lloyd’s special interest and has played a role in his travels in China, six visits in recent years, and Europe, dozens of visits over the years. Occasionally he gives lectures or writes articles.

Recently Lloyd gave a talk to a War of 1812 Seminar held at HMCS Tecumseh, Calgary,on the War in Lower Canada and the contribution of francophones to the defence of Montreal. Those interested in receiving a copy of his talk may contact him (lloydnorthcott@gmail.com ). He and Grace both like skiing and dancing and working out together and Lloyd is working on his cooking skills.

12606 Brian Read, Class of ’80, has 2 children and one grandson who is 2 years old. He owns Horizon Plastics International Inc and Lumin Solar, and lives with his wife Kym in Cobourg, Ontario. They have been married for 32 years. He enjoys playing hockey 2 days a week, and he has recently accepted the position of Honourary Colonel for ATESS.

14451 Theresa Towns (nee Hutchings), Class of ’84, was part of the first class at RMC that included women Cadets. Graduating as a Supply Officer with a degree in Commerce, she spent the next 12 years in Base Supply, CFB Trenton (84-88), Directorate of Supply Management, NDHQ (88-91), Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg (91-92) and then back to DSM (92-96).

After spending time focusing on her career, Theresa decided to give her husband, Jerry, the opportunity to concentrate on his and she retired in 1996 in Ottawa. After all, he did follow her through thick and thin, from the very beginning at Chilliwack, and the trials and tribulations of RMC and the other postings. Having two young daughters at home, she started a home daycare for the next 10 years and since 2006 Theresa has been working with the Ottawa Public Library in her dream job.

Now that she and her husband have been empty nesters for the past few years they spend most of their summer in the Thousand Islands (usually in a kayak or hammock) and take a winter break somewhere warm! One of her proudest moments was actually completing a 5km run in September on her 50th birthday with her daughters!

14452 Al Jensen, Class of ’85 – Al transferred from the Regular Force into the Reserves in November 2007 while in his Deputy JEngr position with JTFP HQ. He continued to serve both as Deputy and Acting JEngr on Class B status until July 2010 while also serving with 11 (Victoria) Service Battalion. He was promoted to LCol and assumed command of the Battalion in May 2009 as well as taking over command of 12 (Vancouver) Service Battalion in April 2010 as part of the amalgamation of the two units into 39 Service Battalion as part of Reserve Force Restructure and CSS Optimization.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2009 and successfully beating the cancer after surgery in 2010, he began the transition to a better work-life balance. With a move to Nanaimo and a newly built, fully wheelchair accessible house for his wife, he shifted priorities by concentrating on spending more time with Corinne, helping her live with Multiple Sclerosis. A much more conducive lifestyle with less stress led Al to pass command of the unit in September 2011 and a move into a Class A job with the JTFP J3 Regional Liaison Officer Program becoming the Senior Regional Liaison Officer for Vancouver Island Region. Working with Emergency Management BC and Provincial Regional Emergency planners, managers and associated agencies has been a tremendously fulfilling move in his military career and a good lifestyle change.

Working part-time at the Nanaimo Curling Club on the ice technician crew, getting back to curling and helping Corinne with her wheelchair curling in the winter months and playing much more competitive amateur golf through the year, Al culminated the 2012 season with winning his Club Championship for a second time and finishing T12 in the Mid-Master Division of the Canadian Mid-Amateur Golf Championships in Vancouver.

Thirty-two years of service and still going strong, three years cancer free and loving life, Al is a happy sapper. Annual vacation jaunts down to Las Vegas, year-round golfing, civic volunteerism in various capacities and Island life is great. Anyone wishing to stop by for a visit or a round of golf, Al and Corinne can be reached at

25020 Nick Fisette, Class of ’11, is back at CFB Borden for the practical phase of the Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) course. The academic portion was held at RMCC for the last 4 months. Professors from the Chem/Chem Eng department were teaching his group.