Alumni Archives - Faculty of Science /science/tag/alumni/ 91亚色 Science is a hub of research and teaching excellence. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:42:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Faculty of Science Welcomes Future Environmental Leaders for Envirothon 2026 /science/2026/04/30/envirothon-2026/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:59:11 +0000 /science/?p=43323 This April, our classrooms and laboratories became a hub of environmental learning and leadership development for high school students from across the Greater Toronto Area, as the Faculty of Science hosted the first of two provincial qualifying rounds of Envirothon 2026, North America鈥檚 largest high school environmental education competition. Experts, including 91亚色 faculty, graduate […]

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This April, our classrooms and laboratories became a hub of environmental learning and leadership development for high school students from across the Greater Toronto Area, as the Faculty of Science hosted the first of two provincial qualifying rounds of Envirothon 2026, North America鈥檚 largest high school environmental education competition.

Experts, including 91亚色 faculty, graduate students, and technical staff, delivered hands-on workshops designed to challenge students and build practical skills. Professor Robert Tsushima, Chair of Biology, welcomed nine teams of five students and their science teachers to campus to tackle real-world environmental challenges through field testing, teamwork, and public speaking activities.

This year, students explored the impacts of non-point source pollution, defined as pollution that accumulates over a wide area and affects waterways and surrounding ecosystems. Through this work, they gained practical insight into how everyday actions influence ecosystems and water quality.

Faculty of Science Dean Maydianne Andrade spoke with students about the importance of environmental leadership and presented the winning team from University of Toronto Schools with prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance. The winning school team from this qualifying round will compete against other winners across the province, with the goal of representing Ontario at the international level of the competition against teams from other provinces and states.

The Faculty of Science is proud to support this initiative, strengthening connections between young minds and the scientific community while helping to build the environmental leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you to our partners at Forests Canada, as well as graduate students, faculty, and staff from the Faculty of Science, Lassonde School of Engineering, and the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and dedicated student volunteers from Regenesis at 91亚色, for their support in making Envirothon 2026 a success.

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Three Science alumni on 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list /science/2026/04/14/three-science-alumni-on-yorks-top-30-alumni-under-30-list/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:07:56 +0000 /science/?p=43052 Congratulations to our alumni Anastasia Kalantarova (BSc 鈥18), and Claire Del Zotto (BSc 鈥24), and Oluwatimileyin Aina (BSc 鈥24) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2026. Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring […]

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Congratulations to our alumni Anastasia Kalantarova (BSc 鈥18), and Claire Del Zotto (BSc 鈥24), and Oluwatimileyin Aina (BSc 鈥24) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2026.

Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

Maydianne Andrade, Dean of the Faculty of Science, shared: "I am delighted to congratulate our alumni recognized in 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30. The Faculty of Science is a hub of research and teaching excellence, committed to fostering discovery and tackling global challenges to create positive change in our world. These alumni embody that commitment, and we are proud of the leadership and purpose they bring to their work." Learn more about their journey below:

Anastasia Kalantarova (BSc 鈥18)

Anastasia is dedicated to building equitable and inclusive models of primary care for diverse and underserved communities across Ontario through research, clinical practice and digital health innovation. She has been involved in industry leading research on AI scribe evaluation in primary care and continues her involvement in the field of digital health innovation. During medical school, she founded and led the Medical Students for Choice chapter to expand education and advocacy around reproductive health and abortion access in Poland. She continues this focus in residency, implementing a Postpartum Care Plan in her family medicine practice that strengthens continuity of care and access to resources for new mothers, particularly those facing social or systemic barriers. Anastasia fosters inclusive, learner-centered environments that promote collaboration and compassion, earning the Learner as Teacher Award from Women鈥檚 College Hospital for her excellence in medical education. 

Claire Del Zotto (BSc 鈥24)

Claire Del Zotto is a second-year medical student at the University of Toronto mentoring younger students in STEM. She serves as a committee chair for the Ontario Medical Students Association, where she is organizing a three-day conference bringing over 100 medical student leaders from across Ontario to discuss healthcare innovation. She represents her faculty as co-organizer of the MD Program Orientation Week for over 300 incoming learners, raising over $70,000 in donations to ensure that cost was not a barrier to student participation. With an interest in healthy aging, she recently founded Scrubs and Shrubs, a mindfulness-focussed gardening group that connects medical students to older adults who have a shared interest in sustainability. Her current research addresses how limited access to menopause care impacts quality of life.

翱濒耻飞补迟颈尘颈濒别测颈苍&苍产蝉辫;础颈苍补(叠厂肠&苍产蝉辫;鈥24)

Oluwatimileyin Aina is a biomedical science graduate, published researcher, educator, and entrepreneur. In 2025, Oluwatimileyin was invited by the Ontario Government to deliver youth remarks at the announcement of the Black Youth Action Plan.  Speaking alongside provincial ministers, he shared how community-driven initiatives empower young people to lead change. Oluwatimileyin is the founder of Booth and Beyond and Be the Change, two ventures that exemplify his commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive leadership. Be the Change focuses on equipping youth and adults with skills-based training and confidence to act as catalysts for positive community transformation Oluwatimileyin aims to inspire the next generation to learn, lead, and be the change. 

To view the full list of 2026 recipients, visit the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page.

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Support us /science/community-alumni/support/ Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:10:58 +0000 /science/?page_id=40209 Alumni, Donors and Community Whether you're one of our 20,000+ alumni eager to stay connected or a community member passionate about supporting the next generation of scientific leaders, you鈥檒l find numerous opportunities to engage, give back, and make a lasting impact. Discover ways to connect, mentor students, or support initiatives that advance research, discovery, and […]

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Alumni, Donors and Community

Whether you're one of our 20,000+ alumni eager to stay connected or a community member passionate about supporting the next generation of scientific leaders, you鈥檒l find numerous opportunities to engage, give back, and make a lasting impact. Discover ways to connect, mentor students, or support initiatives that advance research, discovery, and innovation at the Faculty of Science. Together, we can continue to shape the future of science.

Give

A donation towards the Faculty of Science can support students through scholarships and bursaries, upgrading infrastructure to better equip our classrooms, building the academic life of our departments through special events, or allowing our Faculty leadership to invest in special projects.

The Alumni & Friends website offers advice about the different ways you can make a planned gift to york university, including bequests, gifts of insurance and gifts of securities.

Volunteer

Volunteering with 91亚色 Science is a powerful way to invest your time and skills in the next generation of scientists, activists, and leaders. By sharing your knowledge and experience, you can inspire students, strengthen our community, and help shape a brighter future.

Ways To Give To 91亚色


MONTHLY GIFTS

Our monthly donation program allows you to spread your donations out during the year, providing us with a steady source of funding. This ensures your donation is invested in long-term projects and programs at 91亚色 that benefit students and our community at large.  You will receive a cumulative tax receipt at the beginning of the calendar year for the last year鈥檚 donations.


SCHEDULED GIFTS

By making a scheduled gift, you can create a customized schedule for your donation, spreading the payments out in easy monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual installments. You will receive a cumulative tax receipt at the beginning of the calendar year for the last year鈥檚 donations.


ONE-TIME GIFTS 

Make an impact today by supporting one of our dozens of meaningful designations and projects!  When you make your one-time gift online, you will receive an immediate tax receipt by email.

For more Information

If you are interested in discussing a possible donation to 91亚色 Science, please contact Acacia Rose, Director of Development at acacia@yorku.ca.

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Two Science alumni on 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list /science/2025/05/26/two-science-alumni-on-yorks-top-30-alumni-under-30-list/ Mon, 26 May 2025 15:07:38 +0000 /science/?p=38258 Congratulations to our alumni聽Jaskaran Grewal聽(BSc聽鈥17), and聽Pankaj Puar聽(BSc聽鈥18, MSc聽鈥21) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2025. Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make […]

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Congratulations to our alumni聽Jaskaran Grewal聽(BSc聽鈥17), and聽Pankaj Puar聽(BSc聽鈥18, MSc聽鈥21) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2025.

Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

鈥淭he 91亚色 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program showcases the remarkable work that 91亚色鈥檚 young alumni have done to create positive change at home and abroad,鈥 said Julie Lafford, assistant vice-president, alumni engagement, in an  in YFile. 鈥淭he 2025 cohort is an accomplished group featuring creative artists, innovators in science, business leaders and champions for social justice.

Jaskaran Grewal

Jaskaran is a corporate lawyer at a global law firm where he advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions and corporate governance matters. With strong foundations in business, law and technology, Jaskaran is also passionate about the venture ecosystem and regularly provides strategic, forward-thinking counsel to emerging companies as they navigate the complexities of digital innovation, growth and regulatory challenges. Jaskaran is committed to giving back through community service. He actively volunteers with various organizations and has provided advisory support to prominent non-profits, helping them strengthen their operations and enhance effectiveness. 

Pankaj Puar

Pankaj is a senior MD student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a passion for advancing medical knowledge. He is a concurrent PhD candidate at the University of Toronto and a leader on the executive steering committee of large global multinational randomized clinical trials. Alongside one of his most influential mentors Dr. Subodh Verma, an internationally renowned surgeon-scientist at the University of Toronto, Pankaj has worked to investigate novel treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes and has presented his work in cities across Europe and North America. As a senior last author on multiple research endeavors, he has mentored students and resident physicians in different areas of clinical research. Recently, he was named the Chief Scientific Officer for an innovative start-up aiming to develop, introduce and integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the medical field. With a passion for education, Pankaj has assisted with the UBC medical school accreditation process aiming to improve the educational experience for future medical students. He is also the co-founder of Phulkari Designs, a fashion and social media brand that embraces his cultural heritage and showcases traditional South Asian clothing as modeled by people of colour. 

To view the full list of 2025 recipients, visit the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page.

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Scott D. Tanner receives 91亚色 U Alumni Award for outstanding achievement /science/2024/09/17/scott-d-tanner-receives-york-u-alumni-award-for-outstanding-achievement/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:30:40 +0000 /science/?p=34914 Congratulations to Scott D. Tanner (BSc 鈥76, PhD 鈥80) for receiving a 91亚色 Alumni Award in the Outstanding Achievement category. The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Outstanding Achievement category is reserved for […]

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Congratulations to Scott D. Tanner (BSc 鈥76, PhD 鈥80) for receiving a 91亚色 Alumni Award in the Outstanding Achievement category. The 91亚色 U Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Outstanding Achievement category is reserved for alumni who have achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Scott Tanner

Tanner arrived at 91亚色 in 1972 to join the gymnastics team and stayed through his BSc (鈥76) and PhD (鈥80). After his doctoral work, he joined Sciex 鈥 an innovative developer of mass spectrometry instruments and became a world leader in atomic mass spectrometry. During his 25 years at Sciex, he invented successful instruments for the measurement of pollutants in air, dioxins in soil and most notably a series of instruments for measuring the atomic composition of matter. In 2005, he joined the faculty at the University of Toronto where he was 2011 Inventor of the Year in Biomedical and Life Sciences and co-founded DVS Sciences, to bring the new power of mass cytometry to the world. 

He is currently a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Plasma Spectrochemistry, the Human Proteome Organization Award for Science and Technology, the Manning Innovation Award of Distinction and the WAE McBryde Medal from the Canadian Society for Chemistry. Upon retirement in 2015, Tanner enjoyed an appointment as adjunct faculty in the Department of Chemistry at 91亚色 and sat on the board for Ontario Life Sciences and Ontario Genomics.  After moving to Nova Scotia in 2020, he became chair of the Three Churches Heritage Foundation in Mahone Bay. 

Read the full awards announcement.

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Grads innovate skincare with cutting-edge technology /science/2024/05/09/grads-innovate-skincare-with-cutting-edge-technology/ Thu, 09 May 2024 15:00:32 +0000 /science/?p=33155 Anna Kotova and Ksenia Timonina, former 91亚色 PhD students, converge science and cosmetics in their venture Agenek 鈥 a gene diagnostic skincare company that leverages emerging technology in innovative ways. The root of Agenek 鈥 which offers personalized skincare reports and recommendations 鈥 began at 91亚色 during Kotova and Timonina鈥檚 graduate studies in the […]

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Anna Kotova and Ksenia Timonina, former 91亚色 PhD students, converge science and cosmetics in their venture Agenek 鈥 a gene diagnostic skincare company that leverages emerging technology in innovative ways.

The root of Agenek 鈥 which offers personalized skincare reports and recommendations 鈥 began at 91亚色 during Kotova and Timonina鈥檚 graduate studies in the Department of Biology. A focus on molecular biology and genetics laid the foundation for their venture, as their shared expertise and passion for understanding genetic mechanisms naturally led them to explore innovative applications in skincare technology.

Notably, they recognized the potential of transcriptomic analysis, which looks at ribonucleic acid (RNA), which has structural similarities to DNA.

鈥淲hile the DNA testing market may be saturated, we are pioneering the use of RNA biology to develop a direct-to-consumer skin test for personalized skincare,鈥 explains Kotova.

Their company鈥檚 groundbreaking transcriptomic analysis dives deep into the RNA molecules within facial skin cells, offering dynamic insights into skin health. It differs from DNA-based tests, providing a comprehensive view of the skin鈥檚 current condition and guiding personalized recommendations based on gene expression profiles. The methodology is unique to the beauty industry, placing Agenek at the forefront of personalized skincare solutions, Kotova says.

The process begins with a testing kit ordered from Agenek鈥檚 website, which includes a microneedle patch applied to the skin for 10 minutes. The sample is then sent to the company鈥檚 Kitchener, Ont., laboratory, while users provide additional insights via a digital questionnaire. Then, Agenek delivers a personalized report outlining unique skin needs and customized product recommendations.

Through the analysis of gene expression profiles, Agenek identifies specific 鈥減roblem genes鈥 and provides targeted recommendations for existing skin-care products, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Supported by 91亚色鈥檚 ELLA Women Accelerator, Lab2Market, MaRS and other agencies, Agenek benefits from a robust network offering essential resources and guidance to Kotova and Timonina to scale their innovative skincare venture.

A future goal is to advance skincare science while offering individuals enhanced skincare options, potentially improving their quality of life.

鈥淲e hope to empower individuals to better understand their skin鈥檚 unique needs and make informed decisions about skincare products and treatments,鈥 Kotova says. 鈥淏y providing comprehensive insights into gene expression profiles and offering tailored recommendations, we seek to improve overall skin health and confidence.鈥

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Four Science alumni on 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list /science/2024/05/08/four-science-alumni-on-yorks-top-30-alumni-under-30-list/ Wed, 08 May 2024 15:49:21 +0000 /science/?p=33071 Congratulations to our alumni Katrina Carver (BSc 鈥22), Pablo Gonzalez (BSc 鈥22), Adrian Leva (BSc 鈥16), and Brian Serapio (BSc 鈥18) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2024. Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young […]

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Congratulations to our alumni Katrina Carver (BSc 鈥22), Pablo Gonzalez (BSc 鈥22), Adrian Leva (BSc 鈥16), and Brian Serapio (BSc 鈥18) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 for 2024.

Launched in 2021, 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

鈥淭he 91亚色 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program showcases the remarkable work that 91亚色鈥檚 young alumni have done to create positive change at home and abroad,鈥 said Julie Lafford, assistant vice-president, alumni engagement, in an in YFile. 鈥淭he 2024 cohort is an accomplished group featuring creative artists, innovators in science, business leaders and champions for social justice.

Katrina Carver

Katrina Carver

Katrina Carver is a graduate student in the field of computational neuroscience at the University of Toronto, where she utilizes novel machine learning techniques to understand and explain Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease. With the results of her research, she aims to guide drug development, improve diagnosis and enhance patient care. Katrina has been awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Medical Biophysics Excellence Award for her work, continuing the recognition of her dedication to academic and research excellence established as an Honours Physics student at 91亚色. At 91亚色, she was awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship, three Undergraduate Student Research Awards and the Iristel Undergraduate Scholarship. Notably, her undergraduate thesis research using neural networks to improve adaptive deep brain stimulation in Parkinson鈥檚 Disease has been published in Nature Communications and presented internationally. Katrina鈥檚 ultimate motivation is to serve society by advancing diagnosis, treatment and care for those living with neurodegenerative diseases using artificial intelligence, while considering and advancing the highest standards of ethics and privacy.

Pablo Gonzalez

Pablo Gonzalez

Pablo Gonzalez, a medical student at the University of Toronto, is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. He founded the Canadian Association of Latin Medical Students (CALMS) to unite those interested in Latin American culture and healthcare. As CALMS president, Pablo and his team empower marginalized Latin American youth to pursue healthcare careers, addressing underrepresentation in the field. Pablo's community-building extends to his role as an ally to Jewish community leaders in the fight against antisemitism. As a keynote speaker at provincial interfaith events, Pablo fosters empathetic dialogues, seeking common ground with diverse cultural and religious communities. Furthermore, he is passionate about supporting underserved and marginalized groups through his academic endeavours. Collaborating with leading diabetes researchers at the University of Calgary, he sheds light on the healthcare barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness. He has presented his research at national and international medical conferences to drive policy discussions. Pablo's advocacy stems from his experiences at 91亚色, where he graduated from the Bachelor of Science Biotechnology Program. Active in student life, Pablo represented 91亚色 students through the President's Ambassador Program and as a Student Representative on the 91亚色 Alumni Board. In these roles, he collaborated with university executives and stakeholders to ensure that 91亚色 remains a vibrant place for diverse learning experiences.

Adrian Leva

Adrian Leva

Adrian is the COO and co-founder of Nu-Rise Construction Management, a firm specializing in mid to high-rise construction in the Greater Toronto Area. Prior to co-founding Nu-Rise, Adrian founded New Mission Investments, a real estate company focused on building generational wealth through multifamily properties and increasing access to housing in Ontario. Adrian Leva's humanitarian background began in 2013, when he was an international missionary for The Samaritan Foundation. Adrian visited the Dominican Republic to help build homes for at-risk families who lived on less than $1 dollar per day. Adrian helped with fundraising and building over 25 homes between 2013 and 2019, which were equipped with basic electrical and plumbing services. To support this goal, Adrian inspires youth to engage with their community and to take philanthropic action. Since 2019, Adrian has influenced 800 students through keynote presentations, raising funds to further home construction in the Dominican Republic.

Brian Serapio

Brian Serapio

Brian Serapio is a resident physician in psychiatry based in Toronto with a strong interest in the psychiatric care of older adults and adults with complex health needs. Brian is exploring a newfound interest in psychotherapy. Throughout his career, Brian has been involved in geriatrics interest groups at the local and national levels that raise awareness about the health challenges older adults face and promote a career in geriatrics amongst medical learners. Brian has engaged in research on the impact of volunteers on hospitalized older adult patients and the views of long-term care staff on technological innovation. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines who has had to overcome significant hurdles in his career, Brian is also passionate about rectifying the underrepresentation of minorities, including Filipinos, in medicine. While in medical school, he was involved in programs and initiatives including the Filipino Association of Medical Students (FAMS), Community of Support (COS) and Altitude Healthcare Mentoring that provide mentorship to pre-med and medical students from underrepresented groups. As Brian continues to progress through his training, he aims to equip himself with the necessary knowledge to provide care to underserved communities.

To view the full list of 2024 recipients, visit the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 web page.

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2022 91亚色 Science Highlights /science/about/annual-reviews/2022-annual-review/2022-york-science-highlights/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:11:55 +0000 /science/?page_id=24838 Supporting and reconnecting our people Created in consultation with our members, we launched our Community 2022 initiative to help faculty, staff and students reconnect in person and to support the return to a more robust on-campus presence. 鈥淲e conducted a survey of our community and many expressed a sense of disconnection stemming from the COVID-19 […]

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Supporting and reconnecting our people

Created in consultation with our members, we launched our Community 2022 initiative to help faculty, staff and students reconnect in person and to support the return to a more robust on-campus presence.

鈥淲e conducted a survey of our community and many expressed a sense of disconnection stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥 said Dean Rui Wang.

Survey respondents overwhelmingly asked for more opportunities to connect in person within the Faculty, according to Melissa Hughes, senior advisor, Strategic Engagement & Policy. 鈥淥ur community also wanted more streamlined access to information on health and well-being and University policies related to COVID-19, seminars on research office policies and procedures and hybrid remote work, and improved technological supports for teaching.鈥

Community 2022 was composed of 24 events, covering five areas of community engagement:

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In-person events to connect with your Science community in meaningful ways

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Seminars for faculty, staff, and researchers

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Improvements to physical spaces within our Faculty to function, look, and feel better

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Resources for instructors and improved channels for technology support

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Increased accessibility of information on health and well-being supports

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Internationalizing our programs and learning opportunities

Our Office of International Collaborations & Partnerships, led by Hugo Chen, director of International Collaborations & Partnerships, spearheaded several new international education experience programs and initiatives.

Among them was our 2+2/2+3 Undergraduate International Collaboration Education Programs, which allow students from participating institutions to complete their first two years of study at their home university and their last two or three years at 91亚色. Students graduate from 91亚色 with a BA or a BSc degree. In 2022, our office negotiated five agreements with international partners for this program, with more to follow in the coming year.

鈥淭he program allows students from abroad to internationalize their degrees in a more affordable way, since they only spend two or three years studying in Canada, rather than their entire undergraduate career,鈥 said Chen.

The office also created the 91亚色 Science Hainan Learning Centre to support some of our international students studying online due to COVID-19.

Hugo Chen
Hugo Chen

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New programming expands career pathways

Data Science

The Department of Mathematics & Statistics launched a new Data Science program (starting fall 2023), which was designed with input from industry. Data Science is a booming field that uses computing and statistical reasoning to generate valuable insights from data. Unique aspects of the new program include students selecting streams in areas of practice such as business or health, and taking a capstone course in fourth-year to work on real-world problems for clients.

The program offers students a middle ground between computer science and statistics to ensure they are well prepared to obtain meaningful employment in a wide range of industries.

STS courses focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

The Department of Science, Technology & Society (STS) revamped its roster of courses and major and minor options. Included in the refresh were two new EDI-focused courses: Exploring Gender in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and Science, Technology and Racial Social Justice. Both courses offer students the opportunity to examine EDI in a unique way through explorations of past and present issues and controversies in science and technology.

The Division of Natural Science also created its first field course, Plants in the City, to provide students with an experiential education opportunity as they discover urban ecosystems at 91亚色.

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New Associate Dean position leads curriculum and pedagogical innovation

In an effort to further enhance our excellence in teaching and learning in the Faculty of Science, the Dean鈥檚 Office created a new Associate Dean role to provide leadership and direction for academic programming and pedagogical innovation in Science at the Keele Campus and upcoming Markham Campus.

The inaugural Associate Dean, Curriculum & Pedagogy position, filled by Professor Hovig Kouyoumdjian (Chemistry), was created to provide leadership on teaching and learning initiatives in the Faculty, such as improving undergraduate pedagogy; enhancing experiential education experience and opportunities; guiding curricular and program development and innovation; steering the inclusion of equity, diversity and inclusion principles, as well as Indigenous knowledge in science education; and much more.

Hovig
Hovig Kouyoumdjian

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Integrating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all that we do

The Faculty of Science is working hard to embed principles of EDI into how we lead, research, and teach. At our Leadership Retreat, we explored how we can Indigenize our curriculum with a discussion led by Professor Nicole Redvers, director of Indigenous Planetary Health, University of Western Ontario, who co-developed the first Indigenous Health PhD degree program in North America. In partnership with 91亚色 Libraries, we also created Indigenous knowledge reading lists relevant to our areas of research and study and distributed them to the Departments for further sharing amongst faculty and graduate students.

The Faculty鈥檚 Committee on Teaching and Learning and Committee on EDI launched and hosted three EDI Book Club meetings for instructors to discuss the book 鈥淚nclusive Teaching-Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom,鈥 and three EDI Science Reading Group meetings for instructors to review academic articles on topics of EDI and science. A syllabus/course outline template for instructors that centres on EDI and welcomes students into their courses was developed and distributed (read more). And, the Department of STS introduced two new courses for students to examine EDI through explorations of past and present issues and controversies in science and technology (read more).

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New Observatory domes improve night sky viewing, collaboration

Two new state-of-the-art domes replaced the original 1960s domes at the Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory, opening the night sky for better viewing of planets, stars, nebulae and more.

鈥淯nlike the old domes, the new domes have an automatic control system that goes to a computer where you can tell the dome to follow the telescope. Not only is this a huge timesaver, it means we can collaborate with other astronomers and teachers anywhere in the world for research and outreach,鈥 said Observatory Director Elaina Hyde (Physics & Astronomy).

鈥淭hese new domes will give us a massive upgrade in terms of our technology. We can come at the beginning of the night, set up the telescope, and then operate them from home,鈥 said graduate student Sunna Withers.

The design of the new domes also allows for a larger viewing area as the top part of the shutter opens up and the bottom part flips down, exposing more of the sky.

91亚色 Observatory Dome Installation
Aerial view of crane installing new domes at the Allan I. Carswell Observatory

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Three Science alumni on 91亚色鈥檚 Top 30 Under 30 list /science/2023/04/05/three-science-alumni-on-york-universitys-top-30-under-30-list/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:04:57 +0000 /science/?p=24892 Congratulations to Science alumni Batool Barodi (BSc 鈥19), Clarelle Gonsalves (BSc 鈥18) and Shalini Iyer (BSc 鈥20) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 2023 Top 30 Alumni Under 30. Launched in 2021, the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the […]

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Congratulations to Science alumni Batool Barodi (BSc 鈥19), Clarelle Gonsalves (BSc 鈥18) and Shalini Iyer (BSc 鈥20) for being named among 91亚色鈥檚 2023 Top 30 Alumni Under 30. Launched in 2021, the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 program seeks to highlight the success and diversity of the University鈥檚 young alumni community, while inspiring the next generation of young alumni leaders to make a positive difference locally and globally.

Batool Barodi

Batool Barodi

Health equity advocate
BSc 鈥19, Faculty of Science

In 2016, Batool arrived in Canada as a Syrian newcomer. Upon graduation from 91亚色, Batool was selected to represent Canada as a youth delegate at the Open Government Partnership Global Summit 2019. Following her selection, she received a scholarship to start her master鈥檚 degree in Global Affairs and Justice at the University of Toronto where she received the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Award to study the impact of the Canadian medical, economic and social policies to promote successful integration of refugees and newcomers. Batool is currently a second-year medical student at Central Michigan University where she focuses her research on heart transplant surgeries with an emphasis on developing measures to improve outcomes of heart primary-graft dysfunction. She was awarded the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research scholarship in 2022 by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre due to her extensive work on heart research in Canada and US. Batool creates videos documenting her journey of becoming a doctor and supporting students who don鈥檛 have access to mentorship opportunities. Her goal is to make the journey accessible to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion or socioeconomic background.

Clarelle Gonsalves

Clarelle Gonsalves

Health equity advocate
BSc 鈥18, Faculty of Science

Clarelle is a first-year paediatrics resident at the University of Toronto based out of The Hospital for Sick Children. Clarelle is dedicated to standardizing and optimizing health outcomes for children who do not readily have access to tertiary paediatric centres through research and clinical practice. She completed her MD at McMaster University where she co-developed a quality improvement and patient safety workshop for health professionals and trainees aimed at recognizing and speaking up against racism in healthcare and medical education. During her time in medical school, she worked closely with local organizations to develop resources for children new to Canada to connect them with primary and preventative healthcare and ensure food security. Her research work has been featured in leading paediatric journals and has been cited in the Canadian Paediatric Society position statement on protecting adolescents against the harms of vaping. Clarelle is also a passionate mentor to students pursuing careers in medicine. She is currently involved in working towards removing systemic barriers and increasing equity in the medical school application process as well as developing medical education curricula that fosters sustainable and equitable healthcare delivery.

Shalini Iyer

Shalini Iyer

Scientist, STEM educator and EDI advocate
BSc 鈥20, Faculty of Science
MSc 鈥22, Faculty of Health

Shalini is a scientist, leader and equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) advocate. One of Shalini's goals is to help break down systemic biases and barriers in the scientific community and to provide equitable opportunities for marginalized communities in Canada. At 91亚色, Shalini was dedicated to increasing accessibility to STEM education for youth across Canada through her work with Let's Talk Science. As the former site coordinator for 91亚色, Shalini increased the site's outreach to marginalized communities by organizing hands-on STEM workshops catered towards different learning styles. She helped establish several large STEM events and obtained several sponsorships to help break down socioeconomic barriers for less affluent communities. As the program assistant for Let's Talk Science, she developed online STEM workshops to increase accessibility in the pandemic. She also helped design STEM activity kits which were delivered to the homes of youth from communities where online content was not accessible, such as low-income, Indigenous and rural communities. Shalini had also been actively involved in increasing science accessibility for Black youth in the Jane and Finch community, where she conducts weekly STEM workshops and organized career workshops highlighting people of colour. Following her MSc in Neuroscience at 91亚色, she began her PhD in Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia and looks forward to continuing her advocacy work.

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Driving community change with data science /science/2022/11/21/driving-community-change-with-data-science/ Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:11:10 +0000 /science/?p=22419 Bo Cheng (BSc '17, Faculty of Science; MMAI '20, Schulich School of Business) Manager in Data Science, Rogers Communications It was curiosity that led Bo Cheng to enrol in the specialized honors degree in biophysics at 91亚色. Now, he鈥檚 a manager in data science at Rogers, where he leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence […]

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Bo Cheng (BSc '17, Faculty of Science; MMAI '20, Schulich School of Business)

Manager in Data Science, Rogers Communications


Bo Cheng
Bo Cheng

It was curiosity that led Bo Cheng to enrol in the specialized honors degree in biophysics at 91亚色. Now, he鈥檚 a manager in data science at Rogers, where he leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real world problems for millions of people across Canada.

Cheng, who graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science, and went on to achieve a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence from 91亚色鈥檚 Schulich School of Business, says his time at the University helped him to grow both personally and professionally. Now, he鈥檚 paying that back into his community.

鈥淲hen I look back at my time at 91亚色, I not only learned math and physics, I also learned what it means to take responsibility for my own actions, to grow up,鈥 says Cheng. 鈥淏eing in the biophysics program was like attending a small and intimate university. You become lifelong friends with your peers and professors, who are like a family that help each other to grow professionally, and personally.鈥

Cheng participates in AI events where he applies his quantitative skills in AI and machine learning to build solutions for the benefit of society.

In the summer of 2019, he implemented a flood warning application to help Canadians nationwide predict and monitor natural disasters, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada. He helped to promote and drive traffic to underutilized Toronto community stores through the Data for Good initiative. And, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, he collaborated on an app to help elderly people cope with social and physical isolation. The app enables volunteers to assist with daily errands without risking exposure to the virus.

Cheng is the recipient of a Top 30 Under 30 Award from 91亚色, reserved for alumni who are exemplary leaders in creating positive change and impact, at home and abroad.

鈥淢y education at 91亚色 gave me confidence and served as a great opportunity for my future success,鈥 Cheng says.

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