DataSphere Lab

DSL Events

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Tue, 27 May 2025 15:54:10 +0000

The DataSphere Lab hosts a variety of academic and student-focused events on the topics of advanced analytics, machine learning & AI solutions within the retail sector.

Past Events

Building More Resilient, Secure & Smarter Supply Chains with AI & Data

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:43:17 +0000

Building More Resilient, Secure & Smarter Supply Chains with AI & Data

In an era of increasing economic pressures and evolving trade dynamics, Canadian manufacturers and supply chains must adopt AI and data-driven strategies to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness. This event will bring together industry leaders, academics, and professionals to explore practical, scalable solutions for strengthening supply chains through advanced technology.

Join us to learn how to harness AI and Data to support our Canadian Supply chains during these turbulent times.

Event Highlights

Keynote Address by Michael Gardiner Director of Digital Engineering at Microsoft

Michael Gardiner leads Microsoft’s digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence initiatives in the North American manufacturing industry. With over 25 years of experience, he has driven digital engineering, manufacturing, services, and sustainability initiatives across global automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, high-tech, consumer goods, chemical, pharmaceutical, resource, and consulting services industries.

Michael is at the forefront of transforming engineering and product lifecycle management processes through cloud computing and AI. He works closely with customers to develop new digital, data, and AI capabilities that accelerate time to market, manage complexity, enhance product and service growth, and improve quality and new product introduction (NPI). Passionate about driving innovation, he helps organizations optimize their products, manufacturing processes, and service experiences.

By leveraging Microsoft platforms and expertise, along with a trusted ecosystem of partners and manufacturing specialists, Michael ensures customer success in navigating the future of intelligent, connected, and efficient operations.

Presenter

Michael Gardiner, Director, Digital Engineering, Americas Manufacturing & Mobility, Microsoft

Moderator

Saibal Ray, James ��ϲ�� Professor, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

Panelists

Allan Christensen, Vice President Quality, Pratt & Whitney
Christine Vucko, Vice President AI Solutions, Supply Chain, KPI Digital
Fiona Zhao, William Dawson Professor, Faculty of Engineering. ��ϲ�� University

Panelists Moderator Saibal Ray, James ��ϲ�� Professor, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

Saibal Ray is the James ��ϲ�� Professor of Supply Chain Management and Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs at ��ϲ�� University’s Desautels Faculty of Management and a former member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars. An internationally recognized expert in operations and retail management, his work combines applied AI, analytics, and behavioral insights to address challenges in supply chains, risk management, productivity, and sustainability.

He has been a driving force behind several pioneering initiatives, including ��ϲ��’s Retail Innovation Lab and the Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program in Hangzhou, China, developed in partnership with Zhejiang University. A former Vice-Dean and Founding Director of two major academic centers (Bensadoun School of Retail Management and the DataSphere Lab), Professor Ray is deeply committed to connecting research with practice, shaping public discourse, and advising startups and policymakers.

A widely published scholar and award-winning teacher, he is known for his ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions—mentoring future leaders while helping organizations and communities navigate a rapidly changing world.

Data Visualization & Analytics

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:21:58 +0000

Jingna Liu

Current Role: UI/UX Consultant

Current Degree: MMA'24, Master of Management in Analytics, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Client Project

Turning Raw Data Into Actionable Insights

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:11:19 +0000

Yusen Tang

Current Role: Technical Consultant

Current Degree: Master of Management in Analytics, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Client Project

Cloud Development & Data Engineering

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:56:49 +0000

Cristian Andrei

Current Role: Data Engineer

Current Degree: Bachelor of Software Engineering, U3, Faculty of Engineering, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Technical, DataBank

Applying Machine Learning to Real-World Challenges

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:47:03 +0000

Basil Jancso-Szabo

Current Role: Machine Learning Engineer

Current Degree: MSc Computer Science, ��ϲ�� University, Y1; BASc Applied Mathematics, Queen's University

DSL Specialty: Technical

Aspirations (Role & Industry): Machine Learning Engineer

Skills & Interests: Rock climbing, running, camping

Contact: LinkedIn

Our AI Accelerators

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:39:36 +0000

Our Commitment to Education and Development

At ��ϲ�� University, we believe in the power of knowledge, and equipping the Canadian marketplace to improve its efficiency and competitiveness. That's why we:

Our Impact Across Industries

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:29:10 +0000

Driving Impact Across Industries & Divisions

The DataSphere Lab is committed to delivering transformative, data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of industries and company divisions worldwide. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, and aerospace, reflecting the versatility and breadth of our capabilities.

The ALDO Group / AI-sthetics project

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:51:51 +0000

The ALDO Group / AI-sthetics project, emerging out of BSRM’s Retail Gen AI Hackathon, will transform online fashion shopping. Under the guidance of the DataSphere Lab, five interdisciplinary students were hired to develop a product search engine that integrates cutting-edge analytics.

Strategy, Data Analytics, Loyalty Management & Customer Experience

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:46:17 +0000

Chafik Hamad

Current Role: DataSphere Lab Manager

Professional Position: Strategy & Customer Experience Advisor

Applied Research & the Stakeholder Matching Process

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:57:31 +0000

Erik Hunter

Current Role: IMSF Fellow 2024-25

Current Degree: Concentration in Finance, Minor in Computer Science, U2, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

Managing & Optimizing Data Handling Processes Using AI & Cloud Technologies

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:48:07 +0000

Zi Hang (Frank) Yin

Current Role: Machine Learning Engineer

Current Degree: Electrical and Computer Engineering Major,
M1, Faculty of Arts, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Technical

Success Stories from the DataSphere Lab

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:43:02 +0000

Yash Joshi: From Hackathon to Data Engineer at ALDO Group

Yash began his journey with the DataSphere Lab through the Retail Gen AI Hackathon, a collaborative event hosted by ALDO Group and AWS.

Developing Impactful Marketing Assets to Enhance Visibility

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:01:44 +0000

Ruihong Li

Current Role: Content Developer

Current Degree: Master of Management in Retailing, Y1, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Knowledge Dissemination

Making Accessible Content to Reach a Wider Audience

julie.lapalme@affiliate.mcgill.ca — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 21:49:56 +0000

Sean Holley

Current Role: Technical Content Developer

Current Degree: BCom'24, Major in Marketing, Desautels Faculty of Management, ��ϲ�� University

DSL Specialty: Knowledge Dissemination: