Each arrived at Niagara College (NC) with different goals. Each left expecting to build a career elsewhere. Yet all three eventually found their way back, not by plan, but by an unexpected pull toward the creativity, problem-solving, and purpose that applied research offers.

Brian’s journey began almost by accident. While working in NC’s electronics labs as a student, he didn’t know there was a research division, until two researchers walked in looking to borrow equipment. Curiosity pulled him into a co-op placement with the Horticultural and Environmental Science Innovation Centre (HESIC). There, he helped design remote-monitoring sensor systems for industry partners and quickly realized how much he enjoyed the hands-on nature of applied research. “I couldn’t believe someone was paying me to come in and do the things I love doing,” he says. Today, as the Research Laboratory Technologist, he’s the lab’s go-to electronics expert, guiding students through designing and assembling circuits, writing firmware, and troubleshooting projects.

Josh’s path winds through a broad mix of industry roles. After completing his mechanical engineering co-op at WAMIC, he moved into tooling engineering at General Motors, expanded into vibration analysis, and eventually took on a manufacturing quality management role overseeing more than 60 employees. These experiences gave him a unique blend of technical insight and leadership. Still, what he remembered most was the open-ended experimentation he first encountered at WAMIC. “[He recalls enjoying] the aspect of figuring out something you’re not sure will work,” says WAMIC’s Research and Development Technologist. Returning to WAMIC allowed him to bring that mindset back to the lab, helping students interpret imperfect drawings, understand manufacturing constraints, and build confidence through real-world problem-solving.

While Brock’s return feels the most ‘full circle,’ he completed two co-op terms at WAMIC as a student and found that applied research blended naturally with his creative interests. Outside of engineering, WAMIC’s Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Specialist has always loved art, sketching, building, and creating by hand, and he approaches mechanical design with that same creative mindset. “There’s a lot of creativity in mechanical design,” he says. After working in machining and later at Airbus Helicopters, where he led technicians and implemented manufacturing processes, he missed the exploratory nature of research and came back to WAMIC. “I’m always drawn back to research,” he says. “This is what engineering is. I have fun doing it and teaching the students.”

Brian specializes in electronics design and prototyping, including sensors, microcontrollers and Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT); Josh in precision metrology, 3D scanning, reverse engineering and quality management; and Brock in mechanical design and rapid prototyping, 3D printing and project leadership. Their varied career paths strengthen the lab, but their shared NC roots give them a natural shorthand. “We all think differently,” Josh says, “but it works really well together.” Their discussions are collaborative, their problem-solving seamless, and their perspectives diverse enough to challenge one another while still moving in the same direction.

“I never planned to have three NC graduates leading WAMIC, but it’s fantastic. It’s a great testament to the quality of NC’s Engineering Technology programs that they all have the technical skills to lead these research projects,” noted Neil Wilkinson, WAMIC’s Associate Director. “The combination of industry and student experience they all have makes them ideal for preparing WAMIC’s current students to begin their careers in manufacturing.”

Brock sees pieces of himself in students who are eager to jump to the finish line. “If you understand the fundamentals and are willing to learn new things, you’ll be very employable,” he reminds them. Josh looks for the moments when complex concepts finally click. “You can literally see their confidence build.” And Brian, he values effort above all: “If you put in the passion, you leave here with skills you couldn’t get anywhere else.”

In the end, the real legacy of their return is found in the students they guide, those building skills, gaining confidence, and discovering that their own careers may unfold in ways they never expected, perhaps even leading them back to these very labs.

WAMIC works closely with businesses to solve real-world manufacturing challenges while training the next generation of talent. To learn more, or to get involved as a student, visit the student section of the website. To learn more about how your company can access support for your innovation challenges, please contact Sylvia Denton, WAMIC Technical Sales Manager, at [email protected]