Black History Month
We Do Cool Stuff has made it possible for us to celebrate the innovators and trailblazers who are making our campus a centre of creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurship. This month, we celebrate the passion, creativity and entrepreneurial achievements of Black students and alumni.
is a proud alumnus of the University of Ottawa, with a degree in computer science. He currently works as a web designer right on campus. Driven by his dedication to improve educational resources, Othniel founded , makers of a mobile application designed to facilitate the seamless, cost-effective purchase and sale of textbooks by fellow students.
Many people are doing cool things on campus. What entrepreneurial endeavour are you currently working on?
As we all know, the cost of education is a significant concern for students worldwide. Furthermore, access to educational resources has increasingly become a privilege. Among those educational resources, textbooks can be a substantial financial burden. was created to address this issue. We wanted to create a platform that simplifies the process of buying and selling textbooks, making it more affordable and accessible for every student investing in their future. Since its official launch almost two years ago, Uoswap has been downloaded more than a thousand times and has facilitated the circulation of thousands of books among our users. Uoswap is always working to improve the students鈥 experience by taking their feedback into consideration.
How does interdisciplinary collaboration and/or innovation play a role in your entrepreneurial endeavour?
The team鈥檚 diverse skills and backgrounds play a crucial role in our entrepreneurial journey. Our team consists of students and alumni from different study areas at the University of Ottawa, bringing together a rich blend of knowledge and talents. This diversity has been instrumental in deeply understanding the challenges students face, particularly in accessing textbooks. Our team鈥檚 extensive collaboration allows a smooth exchange of ideas, driving innovation at every turn. What truly sets us apart, however, is how we harnessed the power of feedback even before launching the app. By actively engaging with our users and incorporating their insights, we鈥檝e been able to refine and evolve Uoswap. This dynamic with our users, combined with our team鈥檚 collaborative spirit, has been the key in developing Uoswap, allowing us to continuously adapt and improve, directly addressing the evolving needs of our student community.
What impact do you hope to make through your entrepreneurial endeavour?
is more than just a place to swap books 鈥 it鈥檚 a lifeline for students facing the heavy cost of their study materials. In a world where textbooks can be really expensive, Uoswap steps in like a helpful friend, making it easier for students to get the books they need without spending too much. This isn鈥檛 just about saving money 鈥 it鈥檚 about easing the stress and worry that comes with high costs. But Uoswap鈥檚 magic doesn鈥檛 stop there. It鈥檚 also about looking after our planet. By encouraging students to reuse and pass on their books, it helps cut down on waste, teaching us all to be more mindful of our environment. And there鈥檚 a wonderful sense of community that grows from this. Uoswap brings students together, making a space where they can help each other. It鈥檚 a place where kindness and sharing are everyday things, helping everyone not just to do well in their studies but also to feel part of something bigger.
What advice would you give to those who are eager to follow in your entrepreneurial footsteps and make an impact through their own initiatives?
is more than just a place to swap books 鈥 it鈥檚 a lifeline for students facing the heavy cost of their study materials. In a world where textbooks can be really expensive, Uoswap steps in like a helpful friend, making it easier for students to get the books they need without spending too much. This isn鈥檛 just about saving money 鈥 it鈥檚 about easing the stress and worry that comes with high costs. But Uoswap鈥檚 magic doesn鈥檛 stop there. It鈥檚 also about looking after our planet. By encouraging students to reuse and pass on their books, it helps cut down on waste, teaching us all to be more mindful of our environment. And there鈥檚 a wonderful sense of community that grows from this. Uoswap brings students together, making a space where they can help each other. It鈥檚 a place where kindness and sharing are everyday things, helping everyone not just to do well in their studies but also to feel part of something bigger.
Your nominations
The We Do Cool Stuff series is all about showcasing the inspiring work, projects, and innovations that students, researchers, alumni, faculty and staff are passionately pursuing. We want to share their stories, their journeys, and their visions with our University community and the world. Do you know someone who fits the bill? Send your nomination to: [email protected]