Sault Ste. Marie’s Algoma University has received a funding boost of nearly $2 million from the federal government to help expand its School of Computer Science and Technology computer lab.

The funding, which was announced on January 26 by Terry Sheehan, the minister responsible for FedNor, will be used to design, build and equip a state-of-the-art computer lab with dedicated space for the development of expertise and creativity in the areas of mobile application engineering, cybersecurity, software systems, data analytics and computer game technology.

The upgraded lab will increase programming and research opportunities for students and faculty. It will also include two innovation and collaboration zones designed to ensure creativity, project innovation, product development and idea incubation. The expansion will also offer sufficient workspace for interactive display integration to encourage continuous collaboration and idea-sharing among students, faculty, researchers and industry partners.

“We would like to recognize FedNor and the Government of Canada for supporting the development of the School of Computer Science and Technology at Algoma University,” said the university’s president and vice-chancellor Asima Vezina. “This strategic initiative will benefit faculty, students, researchers and industry partners. In addition to the educational benefits, the Computer Lab will enable us to increase our enrolment by more than 626 students by 2024 and lead to the hiring of seven faculty.”

The expansion project is expected to create 23 construction-related jobs, help maintain nine full-time faculty positions and 15 part-time jobs.

“Our government is proud to support Algoma University,” said Sheehan. “Today’s investment will lay the groundwork for growth that will enable the faculty to increase its enrolment. Furthermore, the upgraded computer lab will provide regional employers with highly qualified computer science personnel who can apply data analytics to improve decision-making, use software engineering to enhance cybersecurity, and transform processes with the application of new technologies that have the potential to increase profitability and efficiency.”

Algoma University offers more than 30 academic programs across four schools, including its School of Computer Science and Technology, and three faculties: Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Humanities. Computer science is the university’s fastest growing undergraduate program. 

Funding for the project is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program.