Orest Sushko 
Lab Director

Orest is a graduate of McMaster University and Toronto Metropolitan University and a Fulbright Specialist. With over 30 years of experience in broadcast/film, post-production, and music in the field of audio engineering and systems design, Orest’s work has garnered him an Emmy award, two Emmy nominations, a Cinema Audio Society award and numerous international recognitions. His interest in applied research has focused on emerging audio technologies, design, and related functionality in mobile SDK applications. He was involved in leading a research team as a principal developer in formulating a novel audio watermark technology and has been undertaking research with the new ATSC 3.0 terrestrial transmission standard since 2018. Orest is the visionary and driving force behind the development of Canada’s first ATSC 3.0/5G convergence lab. 

As Director, Orest is accountable for the overall leadership, initiation, operational excellence and coordination of research activities in the B²C Lab. His role includes business development, planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, shaping and setting strategy and delivering the B²C Lab’s applied research activities in alignment with Tri-Council (NSERC), Mitacs and CFI grant proposals.  

Willie Perez 
Lab Engineering Manager

As Lab Engineering Manager, Willie is responsible for developing strategy for efficient operations, workflow efficiency and funding models for the lab’s AR activities and providing oversight on the installation, maintenance and operation of lab infrastructure. Willie also oversees the applied research activities and experiments conducted in the B²C Lab in close collaboration with the faculty research team and supporting the training and mentoring of students working in the lab. 

As a professional engineer, Willie celebrates over 30 years of global experience in the broadcast industry with a specialization in broadcast and RF engineering. He brings many years of experience in TV/FM transmitter site design, installation, commissioning, and operations with practical experience in the application of various standards in broadcasting operations, streaming media, and antenna implementation. 

Willie’s experience began in the Philippines back in 1984 as a transmitter technician rising to the position of Supervisor-TV Transmitter with GMA Network, Inc. He was responsible for 22 affiliate stations across the Philippines, leading the operations, maintenance and expansions of these stations. He also worked with Saudi Technical Engineering Systems Associated (STESA) in in high-impact projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates). 

Willie moved to Canada in 2004 and joined Rogers Media where he was involved in various projects, including supporting the successful transition of all Rogers broadcast TV signals in Ontario from analog to digital (DTV).  

Himanshu Sharma
Lab Technician

Himanshu is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the B²C Lab infrastructure including installing and configuring lab equipment and ensuring the safe operation of the equipment by researchers and research assistants working in the lab. This includes configuring and setting up lab use-case applications, studies, and tests, and developing new workflow methodologies for the lab and specific use-case applications. 

Himanshu’s work experience spans 5 years in web application development, coupled with 1.5 years as a Lab Technician at B²C Lab. His expertise extends to web applications, IoT, electronics and communication. 

Additionally, he is contributing to the development of a broadcast application that leverages the capabilities of ATSC 3.0, offering enhanced features and improved user experiences for consumers. Himanshu's contributions highlight his adeptness in translating research insights into practical solutions. 

Mike Cutts
Research Solutions Specialist

With a career spanning 35 years as a system administrator and computer programmer, Mike Cutts brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He is a recent graduate of Humber’s 3-year Electronics Engineering Technology program.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike serves as IEEE Student Branch Chair for Humber Polytechnic. In this role, he organizes IEEE clubs/meetups and helps build a supportive community for engineering students at Humber.

As a Lab Research Solutions Specialist, Mike is involved in the development, operation, maintenance, and exploration of emerging applications utilizing the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) broadcast transmission standard. He works closely with faculty, student researchers, and industry partners on their research needs.

Manivannan Kannan
Project Manager

Manivannan Kannan, a Toronto-based Project Manager at the Humber Research and Innovation, has over seven years of diverse experience in project management, data analytics, human resources, and business development. Mani is certified in PMP, CSM, Innovation Management, Google Data Analytics, and Innovation 360. He holds a postgraduate degree in International Business Management and a bachelor's degree in Commerce. With a proven record in managing multi-million-dollar research projects, Manivannan’s commitment to excellence, adaptability, and leadership skills make him a valuable facilitator in various domains.

Harleen Sachdeva
Project Manager / Lab Industry Liaison

Harleen Sachdeva is a Project Manager at Humber Polytechnic Research & Innovation. In this capacity, she assists with the administration of several grants, including the CFI and IE build grants which support the B²C Lab. She also supports project management activities throughout the life cycle of projects. Harleen leads the event coordination for the B²C Lab as well as supports operation, business development and industry outreach for the lab.  

She has led several automation- and engineering-related projects amongst others in the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI), a technological hub that aims to promote experiential learning by bringing faculty, industry, and students together. She has also led STEAM initiatives at the Barrett CTI by connecting with several school boards and community partners within Ontario. Harleen holds a Bachelor of Technology in biotechnology and is also a graduate from Humber’s Project Management postgraduate program. She also holds an Innovation 360 Green Belt. 
 

Jenny James Thomas
Project Coordinator

Jenny James Thomas is a Project Coordinator at Humber Polytechnic Research and Innovation's B²C Lab where she plays a crucial role in supporting the lab's project management, administration, event management activities and supports initiatives aimed at bridging academia and industry.

With a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and a graduate of Humber's Project Management program, Jenny's experience includes overseeing multiple engineering and IT projects, with a focus on process improvement to optimize project workflows and outcomes. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, Jenny ensures effective project and operational execution contributing to the B²C Lab’s mission of fostering innovation and experiential learning.