CURIOUS BREWS:

Come join us for our monthly science lecture series featuring local experts and storytellers in a relaxed bar setting. 🍻🧠✨

Speaker: Dr. Rashid Mirzavand, PhD, PEng

Dr. Rashid Mirzavand is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, where he holds the Engineering Research Chair in Intelligent Wireless Communication and Sensing. He leads the Intelligent Wireless Technologies (IWT) Group, which builds wireless sensors, antennas, and radio devices.

His recent work focuses on sensors that need no battery: they run on energy from a nearby reader and send their data by reflecting its radio signal. His team has applied this to aircraft icing, room monitoring, and wearable devices. Dr. Mirzavand is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and has co-founded several technology start-ups on wireless sensing and related measurement systems.

Lecture: No Battery Required: Tiny Wireless Sensors and Where They Could Help

From fitness bands to smoke alarms, almost every gadget we use depends on a battery that eventually dies. But what if a sensor didn’t need a battery at all?

Dr. Rashid Mirzavand and his team at the U of A are building tiny wireless sensors that run entirely on radio waves from a nearby reader–sending data back the same way a mirror flashes sunlight. Because they never run out of juice, these sensors can be sealed right inside everyday items like clothing, furniture cushions, or building walls.

Come grab a drink and see how these self-powered sensors work, check out what’s being built right here in Edmonton, and share your own ideas on where this tech could actually make daily life easier!

*Media Notice*

Just a heads-up that we’ll be capturing photos and videos throughout the event for our social media and marketing. By joining us, you’re consenting to be part of the highlights! If you’d prefer to stay out of the frame, no problem—just let us know at [email protected].

Event Agenda:

• 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM: Social hour pre-lecture, sign in, order food/drink
• 6:45 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome and Speaker Introduction
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Lecture + Q&A
• 8:00 PM - 8:15 PM: Door prizes, sponsor acknowledgements
• 8:15 PM - 9:00 PM: Optional post-lecture networking

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We want everyone to have a fantastic time at Curious Brews! To help things run smoothly, here are some things to know:

• Parking: Complimentary parking is available in the MKT lot. When you arrive, please provide your license plate number to the MKT reception desk to register your vehicle. There is also street parking available nearby.
• Accessibility: We’ll be gathering in the upstairs lounge, which is accessible only by a flight of stairs. If you have any questions, mobility concerns, or need assistance getting settled, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

• Food & Drink Orders: Our venue partner is hosting us in a full house! Please be patient with the service staff when ordering food and drinks during the social hour. To make things smoother for everyone, a service fee/gratuity is automatically included in your bill.

• Mutual Respect: Our speakers generously volunteer their time and expertise. We ask that all interactions and questions remain kind, curious, and respectful.
• Sharing the Floor: We love a lively Q&A! To make sure we hear from as many voices as possible, please keep your questions brief. Just raise your hand and we'll get to you!
• Can’t Make It? No worries at all, life happens! Since our events consistently sell out, please let us know if you can’t attend so we can pass your ticket along to someone on our waiting list.

Curious Brews is all about meeting new people and sharing big ideas. After the lecture, we’ll transition into relaxed networking. We hope you’ll stay a while, grab another round, and introduce yourself to someone new!