ICYMI: Robotics engineer alarmed over Saskatchewan education cuts
Fresh off a strong showing at a prestigious robotics competition, with a degree from Queen’s University in hand, he’s preparing to work as a space systems engineer for MDA, the company that builds the latest version of the Canadarm, among other high-tech space-related projects.
While the upcoming job is obviously a source of excitement, the 2017 graduate of Saskatoon’s Walter Murray Collegiate is still gushing about how his university team fared at the University Rover Challenge, an international event in which 100 teams design and build prototype Mars rovers, which are then tested at a research station in the Utah desert. Kovarsky was the pilot for the Queen’s entry, steering their robot through a series of challenges guided by only the readings and video from the unit’s onboard equipment. They ended up placing 18th, beating teams from prestigious programs including U.S. Ivy League schools and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kovarsky said he’s especially proud of how the team of 250 people was able to work remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even if it did cost him some living space. “I personally had the rover system in my living room for the better part of the pandemic,” he said, chuckling as he recalled soldering and grinding components. The Queen’s University Space Engineering Team’s Mars rover sits atop a rock formation in the Utah desert during the University Rover Challenge, an annual event put on by The Mars Society. As the rover pilot, and the team’s chief technical officer, Kovarsky said he benefited from problem-solving and leadership skills he picked up in the advanced math and outdoor education programs offered by Saskatoon’s public school division.Article content He singled out his “absolute whirlwind” of a math teacher, Janet Christ, among the many educators who helped lay a foundation for success. “I don’t think I’d be nearly as competent in mathematics as I am if there wasn’t someone just so passionate about teaching,” he added. Although Christ is retired, Kovarsky said he keeps in touch with some of his other teachers, and follows the news from his home province — and he’s not liking the state of the education system. “To see the budget cuts across the board in Saskatchewan and to see the lack of special programs funding, but as well, just general funding for teachers, really is a shame,” he said.; leaders say years of inadequate operating funds from the province have forced them to make cuts affecting the classroom experience for students.suggesting boards dip into reserves before charging extra fees. A spokeswoman for Saskatoon Public Schools said none of this year’s budget moves involved cuts to advanced classes or outdoor education, but noted budget pressure resulted in outdoor education’s enrolment being cut in half six years ago. Kovarsky was among the last to take outdoor education before the cut. Overall, he’s worried a lack of investment will mean fewer Saskatchewan kids like him will be able to figure out their passions, and then go excel in them, he said.Article content “Having that drive really comes from that passionate group of teachers that are still out there; they just don’t have, maybe, the reach that they used to as more funding gets cut.”
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