CARI Organization Chart

The Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) is home to BCIT’s 3 dedicated research groups: MAKE+, NRG and SMART, the Centre for Internet of Things, and ARLO, the research office providing support to researchers across BCIT.

Kim Dotto

Dean Applied Research
Director Applied Research Liaison Office (ARLO)

Jonathan Bassan

Director, Centre for Internet of Things (IoT)
Jaimie Borisoff

Director, MAKE+ Product Development
Paula Brown

Director, Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG)
Vidya Vankayala

Director, Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART)

Tony Rukavina
Trades Research Specialist
Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI)
email: Tony_Rukavina@bcit.ca

Tony is a creative thinker with over 25 years of machining, manufacturing, and design experience in many different industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, musical hardware, and a variety of high-end props for TV and film.

He received his Red Seal Certificate as a Machinist from BCIT in 1998, several years after he earned his Diploma as a Diesel Technician from Vancouver Community College. After honing his skills as a manual machinist early on, Tony shifted his focus on the emerging technology of CNC machining. Over the years he was responsible for programming, setting up and managing a multitude of different CNC equipment including a fully automated 35-pallet twin horizontal cellular manufacturing system designed to run unmanned overnight.

His experience in manufacturing and design has resulted in a tremolo system that he invented, designed, and manufactured for the electric guitar and has been granted a patent in both Canada and the United States. It’s called the Rail Tail and is currently in a partnership with a well-known global musical brand, Floyd Rose.

When he’s not busy helping coach both his boys in hockey, Tony enjoys playing guitar, hockey and working on his 1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite.