ShiftKey Labs

Tech Talk: Ibad Khan from IBM
2024-03-14 18:30 - 19:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
ShiftKey’s next Tech Talk features Ibad Khan, an Application Developer at IBM. Ibad is going to delve into the topics of full-stack web development and navigating Agile Scrum-driven teams for enhanced performance.
Date : March 14, 2024
Location : Room 430 Goldberg Computer Science Building
Time : 6:30PM-7:30PM
Host : Ibad Khan
Register now: https://bit.ly/ibm-tech-talk

Industry Showcase: Yaser Alkayale from Instagram by Meta
2024-03-15 16:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Tech Talks meet Industry Showcases!
ShiftKey Labs is teaming up with the Faculty of Computer Science to host Yaser Alkayale, a computer science graduate now a tech lead on the Instagram Pro Ecosystem team.
Date: Friday March 15, 2024
Time: 4-5:30pm
Location: Room 429/430, Slonim Conference Room. Goldberg Computer Science Building
This is an in-person event only.
Benefits of attending:

Meet a Software Engineer currently working at Instagram by Meta
Learn about Yaser’s career journey from CS student at Dal to Software Engineer at Meta/Instagram.
Get advice on how to build a career in Product Engineering (technical side) and/or Software Engineering.

To register, send an email with your name, email address and what school you attend to info@shiftkeylabs.ca.

ShiftKey Works Info Session
2024-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Presenting ShiftKey Works, a brand new initiative that will connect tech and computer science students with real-world industry experience. Hosted by ShiftKey Labs, Works is tailored to students looking to balance education and employment in the face of increasing financial burdens. Works connects students with engaging part-time jobs that double as valuable experience in your chosen field, skill-building opportunities, and networking prospects within Nova Scotia’s tech ecosystem.
Find out about how you can get started with ShiftKey Works by attending the Info session on March 18th!
Date: March 18, 2024
Time: 5:00PM
Location: Room 430 Goldberg Computer Science Building
Registration: No registration required; drop-in only

STEM Connector: Innovate, Create, Elevate - Lessons from Entrepreneurs
2024-03-19 15:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Are you interested in learning more about entrepreneurship? Join us for our last STEM connector event of the semester as we talk with a panel of entrepreneurs about their journeys through their ventures. Join us virtually on March 19 at 3pm as we delve into the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship, uncovering the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. You’ll also have the chance to ask our panel anything you’ve been curious about in entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring startup founder, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial ecosystem, this panel promises valuable insights, inspiration, and takeaways. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and empower the next generation of trailblazers.
Date: March 19, 2024
Time: 3:00PM
Location: Virtual!
Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stemconnector/1165860

Say Hello to... Sharepoint
2024-03-20 18:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
— POSTPONED —
Explore the Power of SharePoint, popular tool for seamless teamwork, document management, and workflow automation! Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, or any industry, SharePoint is your ultimate tool for bringing teams together and streamlining work processes. Join us for Intro to SharePoint workshop where we’ll cover the basics of SharePoint and its features. Learn how to create sites, manage permissions efficiently, and seamlessly integrate with Microsoft suite tools with ease. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business professional, or simply curious about boosting productivity, SharePoint offers something for everyone. Register now to dive in and explore SharePoint!
Date: March 20, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 430.
Registration: https://airtable.com/appkB4tLGaUIf7rIf/shr19FWbGQnTFLkV0

Arduino Days
2024-03-23 - 2024-03-24 | Truro, Truro, Canada
Arduino Days is an annual global event (11th Edition) that Arduino has worldwide – workshops, events, talks… makers around the globe unite!
A keen group of students have been working throughout the month of March to prepare an Arduino based Escape Room! During the Arduino Days on March 23 and 24, folks from across Nova Scotia are invited to challenge themselves by visiting the Escape Room and seeing if they can make it through the tough puzzles! The theme for the Escape Room is Good AI & Bad AI.
Attendees will be asked to book a time slot in advance. Registration information coming soon!
Please note: This event is in person in Truro!

Say Hello to... React Native
2024-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
In Say Hello to… React Native, we’ll be covering the fundamentals of cross-platform app development with React Native by coding an app together. React Native makes app coding much more accessible than ever before.Topics include:
– Web-based prototyping with Expo Snack
– JSX
– Tailwind Styling
– Core React Native Components
– Creating Custom Components
– React Hooks, State & Side-effects
Bring your laptop (Mac or PC) and iOS / Android phone.
Date: March 26, 2024
Time: 7:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Room 430, Goldberg Computer Science Building
Registration: https://airtable.com/appkB4tLGaUIf7rIf/shrmo0NjEkCyar9P7

Get Started with Freelancing
2024-03-28 17:30 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurhip Center, 5907 Gorsebrook Ave, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1G3, Canada
Delve into finding your niche, making money through unique freelancing opportunities beyond conventional part-time jobs, creating a captivating portfolio, and mastering time management at the “Get Started with Freelancing” 💰 💻. This dynamic gathering aims to empower students with the essential know-how of kickstarting a freelancing career while effectively balancing academics. Ignite your entrepreneurial spark and step into a world of endless possibilities!

Here We Code: Tech Fusion Networking Event
2024-05-02 17:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Tech Fusion: Uniting the Talent Pipeline Ecosystem
Under the umbrella of Here We Code, join the Dalhousie Faculty of Computer Science for a speed networking event exclusively for the tech eco-system in Nova Scotia.
Date: May 2, 2024
Time: 5:00PM-7:00PM
Location: Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tech-fusion-uniting-the-talent-pipeline-ecosystem-tickets-869275966817?aff=oddtdtcreator

GameDev Atlantic 2024 Conference
2024-05-04 | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Join industry professionals in one of Canada’s fastest growing video game hubs!
Whether you’re already in the industry, just starting out, or looking to join, GameDev Atlantic is your opportunity to network, share knowledge, support emerging talent, expand our industry, and present our rapidly expanding sector on a global stage.
Join the industry at ShiftKey Labs, 6050 University Ave in Halifax on May 4th to connect with business executives, students, developers, and educators in a shared vision to grow our industry and prepare for the future.

To learn more and buy tickets:
https://gamedevatlantic.ca/gda24-tickets/

Generative AI & Oceans: Challenge
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05 | Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
On Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th , join us at the GenAI Hackathon – a weekend dedicated to using Generative AI to answer the ultimate question: How can we use Generative AI to better understand the ocean?
This Hackathon invites students and recent graduates to come together for a weekend of hackathon fun! Participants will have two days to develop and present a GenAI project using ocean data. You’ll have the option of one of three streams to work in: text data, image data, or sound data.
Tentative Schedule (subject to change):
On May 4th we kick things off at 10:30am with an introduction presentation featuring guest speakers. Spend the day with us and build your teams, grab lunch, and start working on your projects. On May 5th the doors open at 10:30am, we will provide the fuel to get your team going to the end of the day! Presentations take place at 3pm and judges will pick the winners.
Dates: May 4-5, 2024
Time: 10:30AM-4:00PM (both days)
Location: Rowe Management Building
Registration: https://buytickets.at/deepsense/1215640

ShiftKey Academy Up: React Native Course (1/4)
2024-05-07 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Learn new skills and build your own projects by getting ShiftKey Certified in this brand new program, supported by Cognizant. Our first certification is in Cross-Platform App Development with React Native. Write one codebase, deploy to many platforms (iOS, Android, Web, Mac, Windows & more).
These qualifications will improve your resume and profile, giving you a boost when applying for jobs! ShiftKey Academy Up is assessing which tech skills companies are looking for, and bringing them straight to you – for free! From App Development to Gen AI, ShiftKey Academy Up will prepare you for the career in tech that you’re looking for.
Dates: Every Tuesday in May (May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28)
Time: 7:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Room 143, Goldberg Computer Science Building
Cost: FREE!
Registration: https://airtable.com/appkB4tLGaUIf7rIf/shr9RecxPUSupyS7L
Please note: by registering for this course, you agree to attend all four sessions in order to obtain your certification.

Women in Tech Summit
2024-05-11 09:30 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Calling on all women and gender-diverse computer science students! Get ready for an empowering experience designed BY you and FOR you.
At the Women in Tech Summit, we’re here to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and skills to THRIVE in tech. Engage in workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by industry pros.
Date: May 11, 2024
Time: 9:30AM-5:00PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/women-in-tech-summit-tickets-880326378897?aff=oddtdtcreator

ShiftKey Academy Up: React Native Course (2/4)
2024-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

STEM Connector: Ocean Industry Networking Event @ The PIER
2024-05-15 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | The PIER, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dive into a Sea of Opportunities! 🌟 Join ShiftKey, DeepSense, Surge and our partners at the PIER on May 15th at 4 PM for the Ocean Industry Networking Event. Connect with industry professionals, share ideas, and chart your course to an ocean tech career. Don’t miss this chance to make waves in the blue economy!
Date: May 15, 2024
Time: 4:00PM-6:00PM
Location: The PIER – 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ocean-industry-networking-event-tickets-884925143927?aff=oddtdtcreator

ShiftKey Academy Up: React Native Course (3/4)
2024-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

ShiftKey Academy Up: React Native Course (4/4)
2024-05-28 19:00 - 20:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada

Ocean of Data Challenge: Halting the Harbour
2024-06-10 - 2024-06-23
Post-secondary students across Atlantic Canada, test your skills in the Ocean of Data Challenge! DeepSense, The PIER, ShiftKey Labs and COVE are thrilled to be hosting the 9th Ocean of Data Challenge: Halting the Harbour to explore how we can illuminate the significant role of the Halifax Harbour in many of our day to day lives. On Monday, June 10th at 6 pm ADT, join us for a FREE online webinar where a panel of experts in the ocean industry will introduce you to current topics and challenges affecting the Halifax Harbour. With three challenge streams to choose from, you can find creative ways to analyze and share vessel, ecosystem, and community data to make it accessible to the general public. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and win cash prizes!
Kickoff Date: June 10, 2024
Kickoff Time: 6:00PM ATD
Submission Deadline: June 23, 2024 at 11:59PM
Location: Virtual (link will be sent to registrants)
Registration: https://bit.ly/OOD-DeepSense

LeetCode Jam
2024-06-13 19:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Get ready for the LeetCode Jam, hosted by ShiftKey and the Faculty of Computer Science! It’s your chance to tackle challenging LeetCode problems, sharpen your coding skills, and compete for cool prizes. Whether you’re a coding pro or just getting started, this event is perfect for learning and connecting with fellow coders.
The event will start with an introduction to Technical Interviews and how LeetCode can help you, presented by Kewoba Carter, Manager of Career Development in the Faculty of Computer Science.
Following the introduction, participants will dive into the LeetCode Jam!
Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Cost: FREE!
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
Registration: https://airtable.com/appcCupd2hOR70F1N/shruvswXb2JLJ4b96
Please note: bring your own laptops with you. You can use any programming language, but we recommend Python.

STEM Connector: Resume Building Workshop
2024-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Are you ready to take your resume to the next level? Join us on June 26th at 12 PM ADT on Zoom for an exclusive workshop with DeepSense’s Program Manager, Alex Pottier. Gain invaluable insights and expert tips to craft a standout resume that showcases your skills and achievements. Whether entering the job market or seeking a career change, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to make a lasting impression. Don’t miss this opportunity to put your best foot forward and open doors to new career possibilities!
Speaker Bio
Alex Pottier is originally from the village of Tusket, Nova Scotia, and graduated in 2020 from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor in Industrial Engineering. After spending time working in defense, he moved to DeepSense to work as a program manager. For the past year and a bit, he has been helping Canadian companies in the ocean sector leverage their data to create machine learning solutions, while providing Atlantic Canada post-secondary students with industry experience.
The STEM Connector Mentorship Program provides industry partners and students from any academic institution with an interest in data science and the ocean sector to learn more about the ocean economy, and ocean data, participate in challenges presented by ocean-related companies and explore the potential of ocean data. Students (and non-students) are welcome to attend any and all STEM Connector.
Date: June 26, 2024
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM ATD
Location: Virtual (Zoom link will be provided to registrants)
Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stemconnector/1288608

Capture the Flag: Cybersecurity Challenge
2024-06-29 09:30 - 18:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Interested in cybersecurity? Like solving problems? Join us on June 29th for ShiftKey’s first Capture the Flag (CTF) event. Connect with fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts, grow your skills, and have fun! Designed to build foundational skills, this event welcomes those new to the cybersecurity world. Hope to see you there!
Date: June 29, 2024
Time: 9:30AM-6:30PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building
Cost: FREE!
Registration: https://lnkd.in/e3ftEFaR

SuperNOVA Discovery Days
2024-07-03, 2024-07-10, 2024-07-17, 2024-07-24, 2024-07-31
ShiftKey is looking forward to, once again, be involved with the SuperNOVA Discovery Days! Discovery Days are a chance for SuperNOVA STEM camps to explore Dalhousie University, and they visit ShiftKey to get a taste for Computer Science in a university setting.
These sessions are only open to kids already enrolled in the appropriate SuperNOVA summer camp. To learn more about SuperNOVA, check out https://supernova.dal.ca/

Introduction to LeetCode
2024-07-08 15:00 - 16:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
In computer science especially software engineering, algorithmic problem-solving is one of the important factors that lead to success. LeetCode stands as a premier platform where the programmer can sharpen their skills through a diverse set of categories and exercises. This session aims to explore competitive programming and LeetCode itself addressing questions such as what is competitive programming, why LeetCode is valuable for programmers and how to use its resources effectively. In addition, the session will go through strategies to solve three distinct problems from LeetCodeʼs Easy, Medium and Hard difficulty levels. This session aims to showcase where theory meets the practical application of algorithms and data structures. Attendees will have a solid understanding of how LeetCode can improve their algorithmic proficiency.
Hosted by the Faculty of Computer Science, Masters of Digital Innovation. Presented by Hoang Le.
Date: July 8, 2024
Time: 3:00PM-4:00PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 143
Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

Say Hello to... Law for Computer Scientists
2024-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Ever wondered how to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding project development and CS innovation without feeling overwhelmed? Curious about the laws that govern the digital world and how they can impact and strengthen your work? Say hello to “Law for Computer Scientists,” where we demystify the fundamental legal concepts crucial for computer scientists.
Join Assistant Professor Anthony Rosborough (Joint Appointment to the Faculties of Law and Computer Science) as he provides an engaging overview of essential topics such as contract law, business law, intellectual property rights, cybercrime, liability issues, and ethical considerations in tech development. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical examples, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the legal frameworks that shape the digital innovation landscape. This talk provides a preview of the newly introduced Computer Science course: CSCI 3103: Law for Computer Scientists which will be offered in the Winter 2025 term. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate legal challenges and promote responsible innovation in your career!
Date: July 11, 2024
Time: 7:00PM-8:30PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 430
Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events

ShiftKey Academy Up: Cybersecurity (1/4)
2024-07-15 18:00 - 19:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Goldberg Computer Science Building, 6050 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1W5, Canada
Do you have an interest in Cybersecurity? Join Hamideh Baharlouei, PhD. Candidate at Dalhousie, as she guides you into the fascinating world of cyber. We’ll cover the fundamentals, including:

Types of Threats
Defense Mechanisms
System Security
Network Security
Penetration Testing
Incident Response
Network Emulation

Get hands-on experience with these topics and more in ShiftKey Academy Up, supported by Cognizant. Get ShiftKey Certified in Cybersecurity!
Dates: Biweekly on Mondays | July 15, July 29, August 12, and August 26
Time: 6:00PM-7:30PM
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 127 (Auditorium)
Cost: FREE!
Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkeyacademyup
Please note: Attendance required for all sessions to earn certification, as well as successful completion of assessment.

Tech Innovation Bootcamp
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-28
The Technology Innovation Bootcamp is an immersive week-long event designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. This exclusive bootcamp organized by ShiftKey Labs in cooperation with Dal Innovates and the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre enables students to develop their entrepreneurial, business, and technical mindsets through hands-on experience.
Participants are divided into student-led teams each tasked with solving real-life technical problems or developing new technical solutions for assigned clients. Within each team, participants take on specific roles based on their interests and skills, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Working with real clients allows participants to build skills such as communication, business analysis, and technical expertise, while continuously getting feedback from experienced clients and a technical team supporting the technical solution.

Dates: July 21-27 (
Times: Variable (see full schedule coming soon)

Location: SH212, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre
Registration: https://bit.ly/shiftkey-events
