Tom Wanyama
Associate Professor, School of Engineering Technology

Dr. Wanyama earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, Uganda, in 1993. Following that, in 1995, he attained a Master of Engineering Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Prior to completing his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in intelligent systems, at the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 2006, Dr. Wanyama served as a Lecturer and later as a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University for five years. During his time at DuPont Canada, he was engaged in the simultaneous design of mechanical, electronic, communication, and software systems for packaging equipment. Dr. Wanyama possesses extensive expertise in the design and installation of electrical systems in both commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in the implementation of automation systems. His research primarily focuses on manufacturing and smart systems applications, as well as integrated practice-based education. In 2012, Dr. Wanyama joined McMaster University and currently holds the position of an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering Practice and Technology (SEPT) within the Faculty of Engineering. He serves as the chair of the Automation Engineering Technology program and is also the director of the SEPT Learning Factory.

During his tenure at McMaster University, Dr. Wanyama has made significant contributions to curriculum development. He spearheaded the establishment of the Automation and Smart stream within the Master of Engineering in Systems and Technology program, and he played a pivotal role in creating the Smart Systems stream within the Automation Engineering Technology program. Dr. Wanyama's dedication to education is further evident through the creation of four graduate courses and ten undergraduate courses, encompassing areas such as industrial networks, Internet of Things, smart systems, and industrial systems integration. Most recently, Dr. Wanyama introduced a software systems stream within the Automation Engineering Technology program. His latest course development initiative focuses on providing Bachelor of Technology students with academic recognition for their involvement in university technical clubs and other extracurricular activities.