The Candu Core officially came to life on Sept. 10 as the first cohort of McMaster Engineering students began learning in the Faculty’s new design studio.
The 5,000-square-foot space in the John Hodgins Engineering Building gives first-year students access to 3D printers, laser cutters and other rapid-prototyping tools. Here, they will work in teams to design, build and test solutions as part of McMaster Engineering’s project-based approach to education.
“This space was created for moments like this,” said Heather Sheardown, dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
It is wonderful to see students filling the Candu Core with their ideas, questions and energy — and beginning to discover what they can accomplish together.
The studio supports the integrated first-year engineering curriculum, which brings together design, computation, materials and professional practice. Students begin developing project-based, human-centred and team-focused skills from the outset of their degree and, later in the year, apply them to projects addressing real-world needs.
The Candu Core was made possible through the support of Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company, and a community of donors who share the Faculty’s commitment to exceptional, hands-on engineering education.
The Faculty extends its gratitude to Stephen Elop, Chedo and Vlad Sobot and Sobotec; Howard Shearer; Mark Costin and Casilda de Benit; Quang and Janet Nguyen; Robert and Stella Tong; Eric and Gina Gagnon; Doug and June Barber; Dr. Gary Pollock, Dr. Mark Pollock, Dr. Susan Pollock, Patricia Frame, Nancy Pollock and the late Dr. Ken Pollock and Dr. Thomas Pollock.
“The impact of this generosity will be felt by thousands of students in the years ahead,” Sheardown said. “Our donors have helped create a place where students can take risks, learn from one another and turn promising ideas into something tangible.”
For the inaugural class, Sept. 10 marked the beginning of that legacy—and the first chapter in the life of a space built to spark ideas.