91快色

A longstanding partnership between the 91快色 and  has been deepened thanks to a new $2-million investment that enhances hands-on learning and prepares students for careers in Canada鈥檚 evolving energy industry.

The investment establishes the Cenovus Energy Chemical Makerspace in the  and enhances programming in the Cenovus Energy Trading and Finance Lab at the  鈥� both dedicated spaces that reinforce classroom learning through experimentation, simulation and applied real-world problem solving.

鈥淐enovus鈥檚 investment strengthens the future-focused education that defines the 91快色,鈥� says Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, 91快色. 鈥淏y expanding experiential learning and deepening industry connections, we鈥檙e preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in Canada鈥檚 changing energy landscape. Our graduates start their careers already equipped with the skills, knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset to make an immediate impact.鈥�

Opening doors through partnership

At the heart of this investment is a shared belief in what becomes possible when students are given access to the right environments. For Cenovus, the investment represents a long鈥憇tanding commitment to developing talent and supporting students as they prepare to enter a complex and evolving energy sector. 

鈥淲e rely on bright young minds from schools like the 91快色 to fuel our long-term success, both as a company and an industry,鈥� says Jeff Lawson, Cenovus Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development & Chief Sustainability Officer. 鈥淥pportunities where students can apply theory in a meaningful way give them practical insight before entering the workforce.鈥�

Hands-on engineering, from concept to application

The Cenovus Energy Chemical Makerspace creates something students have long needed: a chemical wet lab where they can explore, test ideas and learn through doing. The space gives students room for chemical-based experimentation in a safe, supervised environment, where they can ask questions, take risks and apply what they鈥檝e learned in class to open鈥慹nded challenges that reflect real鈥憌orld scenarios.

From developing new formulations for battery technologies, processes to clean water and the conversion of carbon into new materials, to exploring how chemicals interact in fermented foods, lotions and cosmetics, the Makerspace allows students to connect theory with application in tangible ways. Just as importantly, it provides a home for students to collaborate, iterate and build together. 

Students, whether by themselves or in teams, will be able to use the space to design, test and refine chemically powered systems 鈥� work that mirrors the complexity, creativity and teamwork required in industry and competition settings, alike.

鈥淭he Makerspace is where students finally get the chance to see engineering, not in their textbooks, but crafted with their own hands and experiencing the process in person,鈥� says Adrian Obrejanu, third-year chemical engineering student and president of the Chemical and Oil & Gas Engineering Students鈥� Society at the Schulich School of Engineering. 鈥淭his engineering is brought to life through their own ideas, experiments and creations. Students will be able to gain expertise and build confidence, developing skills that are essential for work or creating your own ventures.鈥� 

Learning the markets, building confidence

Over at the Haskayne School of Business, students in the Cenovus Energy Trading and Finance Lab practise decision making in environments that reflect the realities of energy markets. Using industry鈥憇tandard trading simulations, they work with real鈥憈ime data, manage portfolios, and respond to market signals tied to commodities such as natural gas and crude oil.

Rather than learning trading concepts in the abstract, students apply them through live scenarios 鈥� testing strategies, adjusting positions, and learning how discipline and judgment shape outcomes. The lab mirrors how professional trading desks operate, helping students understand not only how markets move, but how traders think, collaborate and perform under pressure. 

The space also serves as a hub for student clubs and competitive teams, supporting portfolio management activities and preparing students for regional and national trading competitions.

鈥淭rading can feel intimidating from the outside,鈥� says Julia Hurtaj, fourth-year risk management, insurance and finance student at the Haskayne School. 鈥淭he lab gave me a space to practise, make mistakes and learn alongside other students. Working through commodities cases, especially natural gas, helped me build confidence and see myself in the energy industry in a way I hadn鈥檛 before. With these additions, more students will be able to experiment and learn meaningfully in the Lab.鈥�

Preparing students to lead in Canada鈥檚 energy economy

Together, the Cenovus Energy Chemical Makerspace and Trading and Finance Lab show how hands-on learning accelerates the transition from classroom to career. 鈥淏y creating environments where students can experiment, practise and collaborate, U91快色 and Cenovus are giving students the opportunity to build real-world skills before they graduate, ensuring U91快色 alumni enter the workforce ready to contribute, adapt and make an immediate impact in Canada鈥檚 evolving energy sector,鈥� says Candace Newman, BA'97, MBA'02, Cenovus Senior Vice-President, People Services.