John Colenbrander Email & Phone Number

Burlington, On, Ca

Hamilton, Ontario, Ca

http://mech.mcmaster.caMy Role:McMaster University's Department of Mechanical Engineering is dynamic with a broad variety of teaching and research interests. Faculty and students engage in traditional mechanical engineering coursework and research, and also branch out to topics including energy capture, bio-mechanics, hybrid and alternative automotive drive systems and microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems. I am the leader of a diverse and talented technical group that supports the teaching and research goals of the Department. We ensure the department's facilities are safe and operating properly, we develop and support the undergraduate labs, we teach practical engineering skills in a machine shop that allows students to experience the design process first hand, and we assist our researchers in the selection, purchasing, installation, operation and maintenance of research equipment.

Hamilton, Ontario, Ca

http://mech.mcmaster.caMy Role:Support the learning and development of undergraduate mechanical engineering students as a design consultant, as an instructor in the machine laboratory (shop), and in the construction of novel laboratory experiments.

http://www.confluent-research.com/Confluent Research provides expert consulting and research services in all areas of thermal fluids, heat transfer and fluid dynamics. We use state of the art experimental equipment and multi-physics modelling techniques for a host of services including but not limited to system diagnostics, thermal troubleshooting, product development, safety analysis, thermal system design, product optimization, reliability testing, experimental design and much more.My Role:Created a partnership to engage in exciting consulting opportunities on an occasional basis. Project and client manager for 3-4 client projects per year.Secured and completed several projects related to heat transfer and thermal performance characterization. Offices in Canada and Ireland.

Toronto, Ontario, Ca

http://www.bridgefactory.comBridge Factory is a product design firm comprised of seasoned design and engineering professionals. Product design is approached human-centrically and collaboratively. No one knows your products and markets better than you and your customers. That's why Bridge Factory considers both as partners in our design process.My Role: Director of Bridge Factory's engineering-related activities, acting as general manager of the industrial design team, managing several concurrent internal and client design projects. Coordination of the user-centered design process through all phases: in-depth ethnographic research, translation of research to actionable insights, concept development and refinement, prototype and model making, to production/client handoff. Complimented on ability to establish alignment between stakeholders on process and outcomes.Enhanced knowledge and experience of product development tools (such as FEA, surface modeling, etc) and production processes (such as injection moulding, casting, extrusion, etc). Strong understanding of BIFMA certification requirements for office furniture.Facilitate and participate in idea generation sessions, co-creation sessions, “design jams” and weekly improvisation lessons.

In April 2013, Cooler Solutions transitioned to two sister companies, Bridge Factory (design for production) and Bridgeable (research and design). The team, abilities and scope evolved to include such diverse areas of design as product, service, experience, research, engineering, communications, interaction and media.

Brampton, On, Ca

Viewpoint Mobility and a direct competitor were acquired by Savaria Inc in August 2010.My Role:Integrated and rationalized Viewpoint's design and procedures with those of parent- and sister-companies, as well as contributed towards developing a productive team environment with new colleagues and team members.

Viewpoint Mobility modified minivans for wheelchair access, specializing in the structural conversion of minivans from a variety of manufacturers into "rear entry" vehicles. The wheelchair occupant - a family member, a facility resident, or a taxi user - would enter the vehicle through a low-sloped ramp at the rear of the van and use a tiedown system to secure their wheelchair, bringing much-needed transportation freedom. Started in 1989, the family business grew to occupy a 20,000 sq.ft. facility, producing 300 vehicles per year at it's peak.My Role (in addition to previous position):As a management team member, coordinated and directed projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and direct the integration of technical activities with overall company strategy. Contributed to company vision, goals and strategy.With management team input, analyzed technology, resource needs and market demand to plan and assess the feasibility of projects. Led engineering team and worked with technicians to achieve these goals (new products, improved process and quality through design, etc).Worked with president as advisor and heir apparent. Developed overall business strategy and direction, analyzed financial statements, SWOT analysis, performed operational and administrative duties (e.g. insurance, marketing, IT) and assisted with the sale of the business in August 2010. Created marketing materials and hired a marketing firm to develop web, print and television strategy. Prepared SRED claims of $200K, and championed transition to use an outside consultancy, aggressively increasing claims by 75%. Vigorously and successfully defended claim through a CRA audit. Sought out and negotiated strategic alliances with partners to diversify business activities (UK, Australia).

Led engineering team and conferred with management, production and sales/marketing staff to establish project specifications, procedures and quality standards. Directed, reviewed and approved product design and changes. Developed eight different models of wheelchair accessible minivan conversions. Highlights include a side-entry Dodge Caravan that took only 4½ months from project initiation to certification (and 6 additional weeks for first public showing), the first-ever rear-entry Honda Odyssey, and a high volume rear-entry Dodge Caravan that reduced production cost by about 30%. Enhanced relationships between part manufacturers, builders, in-house engineers and outside contractor professionals to streamline production methods and create production procedures.Provided technical and sales support to clients over the phone and on-site throughout CanadaManaged design, certification (crash- and seat-testing) and release phases of conversion design. Developed facilities for automotive seat testing and validated prototype designs according to CMVSS/FMVSS 207/210.Promoted wheelchair accessible vehicles to the general public, customers and government officials at many trade shows.

Hamilton, Ontario, Ca

Performed thermal characterization and analysis of a heat transfer device used in the plastics industry, using high-speed infrared digital thermography.

Characterized a multiphase, multi-well system drawdown, and developed compressor upgrade recommendations.

M.A.Sc., Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor Of Mechanical Engineering And Society (B.Eng & Soc), Mechanical Engineering

Mohawk College Certificate, Machine Tool Operator