This March, 91亚色 is recognizing and participating in , a national initiative to advance collaboration, awareness and engagement around the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Throughout the month, YFile will present a series of articles that highlight contributions from 91亚色 and its efforts to advance the SDGs. These stories reflect the people, research and initiatives that make the University an international leader in sustainability.

91亚色 has launched a new academic partnership with Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China, establishing an international pathway for graduate studies in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The 3+1+1 program 鈥� named for its structure 鈥� allows students to complete three years of undergraduate study at Jiangnan, followed by a fourth year (the first 鈥�+1鈥�) at 91亚色 focused on academic preparation and research skills, and a fifth year (the second 鈥�+1鈥�) dedicated to earning a master鈥檚 degree.

The program is designed to attract high-performing students from Jiangnan University鈥檚 mathematics and applied sciences programs. These students, selected for their academic excellence, will join 91亚色鈥檚 academic community during their fourth year to bridge their undergraduate education with the demands of graduate-level study. While the program primarily targets Chinese students from Jiangnan, it also offers opportunities for cross-cultural engagement with Canadian peers during their time at 91亚色.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about moving students between two institutions,鈥� says Hugo Chen, director of International Collaborations and Partnerships at 91亚色. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about building an academic bridge that equips students with the tools to thrive in research-intensive environments and prepares them to make meaningful contributions in their fields.鈥�

The transition year at 91亚色 is central to the program鈥檚 design. Students take courses in advanced mathematics, research methodologies and academic communication skills while adapting to an English-speaking academic environment. Faculty mentorship plays a key role during this period, helping students navigate 91亚色鈥檚 research-focused learning culture and develop the skills needed for graduate-level work. By the end of this year, they are fully prepared to enter one of 91亚色鈥檚 master鈥檚 streams: Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Probability and Statistics or Data Science.

The fifth year allows students to specialize in areas that align with both academic inquiry and industry demand. The Data Science stream, for example, equips students with computational and statistical expertise sought after in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantitative finance.

鈥淭he program is designed not just to prepare students for academia, but also to position them as leaders in fast-evolving industries,鈥� says Chen.

Jiangnan University nominates candidates based on their academic performance, and 91亚色 conducts a final review to ensure all applicants meet its rigorous admission standards. 鈥淲e hold all our graduate students to the same expectations,鈥� Chen explains. 鈥淭his ensures consistency in quality across all our programs.鈥�

Discussions are already underway about expanding this model to other departments within 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science or exploring similar agreements with additional international institutions.

Chen says: 鈥淚nternational collaborations allow us to create pathways that benefit not only individual students but also advance research and innovation on a global scale.鈥�

Courtesy of聽YFile

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This summer, 12 Chinese students completed an intensive, three-week program at 91亚色 called Jumpstart Your Future: A Career Bootcamp for Undergrads. A collaborative effort between 91亚色 U鈥檚 Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) and the Faculty of Science, the summer program embodied the University鈥檚 commitment to a multidisciplinary educational approach. It brought together students from Shandong Second Medical University and Wuxi Taihu University in China, and blended medical and business insights to prepare them for their future careers.

鈥淭he boot camp was meticulously designed to build critical soft skills, enhance business knowledge, and equip participants to become competitive applicants for post-secondary education and the job market,鈥� said Elena Caprioni, ABMP program director.

Students engaged in a combination of dynamic lectures, workshops, networking opportunities and group activities with 91亚色 U students, culminating in a capstone project outlining their career roadmap. A key aspect of the program was a series of visits to prominent local institutions, including RBC, the IBM Canada Software Lab, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and the 91亚色 Centre for Vision Research, among others.

鈥淭hese experiences provided invaluable real-world perspectives, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry insights,鈥� said Caprioni.

The program not only benefited the visiting students but also enriched the learning experiences of 91亚色 U students, allowing them to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and broaden their perspectives.

鈥淥ne of my best memories was hosting a coffee chat that brought together Chinese students with professionals in the medical fields,鈥� said 91亚色 U student Tien Thuy Hoang, a member of the Global Leaders of 91亚色 Science volunteer group. 鈥淲e had a great time exchanging ideas and exploring cultural differences, which made the whole session really special and memorable.鈥�

Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships in the Faculty of Science, witnessed the impact of the boot camp on students during their final presentations.

鈥淭he program concluded with these bright minds presenting their individual career plans, reminding us of the importance of such initiatives in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,鈥� said Chen. 鈥�91亚色 Science is proud to have played a pivotal role in this transformative educational journey and looks forward to continuing this enriching collaboration, fostering growth and nurturing potential in the generations to come.鈥�

The program鈥檚 success in bridging cultural and academic gaps underscores 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange. Looking ahead, ABMP and the Faculty of Science will continue to provide in-person programs that enhance cross-cultural interactions, thereby enriching students鈥� cultural understanding and academic experience.

Courtesy of YFile

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Outcomes of the Program

1. Experience Life in Canada: Explore Canadian culture through a series of special events and activities.
2. Enhanced Student Academic and Career Prospects: Participate in regular undergraduate courses alongside Canadian and international students, earning credits that directly transfer to your home institution. Enhancing their academic credentials and career prospects in the global job market.
3. Contribution to SDGs: The program develops students' scientific knowledge and skills, enhancing the global workforce ready to tackle sustainability, innovation, and development challenges. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, promoting equitable education and lifelong learning to drive global sustainable development.
4. Build Intercultural Competencies: Immerse yourself in a diverse 91亚色 student community, supported by various campus services and student groups. Enhance your cultural understanding and integration.

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Ruofan Yang's Experience

• Fuzhou, Fujian, China
• 3rd Year, Bachelor of Medicine in Anesthesiology, Shandong Second Medical University (SDSMU)
• 2023-2024 SDSMU Merit Student Scholarship Winner
• 2023-2024 SDSMU Youth Cup University Volleyball Tournament Women鈥檚 Champion

My time at 91亚色 has been truly transformative. As a native Chinese speaker, my English skills have improved remarkably through daily interactions in a diverse language environment. The academic environment, knowledgeable professors, and study in biomedical science program have greatly strengthened my critical thinking, research skills, and personal development. 91亚色 has provided me with a solid foundation for my future career and personal growth.

Dezhi Jiao's Experience

• Tai鈥檃n, Shandong, China
• 2nd Year, Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University (SDSMU)
• Outstanding Student, First National Summer Anatomy Camp for University Students, Chinese Society of Anatomical Sciences
• Excellence Award for 7th Shandong Provincial English Translation Competition
• Merit Student, SDSMU
• Second Class Excellent Student Scholarship, SDSMU

As an ophthalmology and optometry major, my time at 91亚色's Faculty of Science has been transformative. I am grateful for the invaluable experiences, particularly in understanding cultural differences. Engaging with diverse backgrounds at 91亚色 enriched my perspective and reinforced the importance of global harmony. The support and opportunities here have shaped my academic and personal growth, and I deeply value the knowledge I've gained.

Student Support

91亚色 Science has an outstanding support team dedicated to helping international students transition smoothly into life at 91亚色, both academically and in their everyday lives. The Office of International Collaboration and Partnerships (OICP) selects mentors with exceptional academic performance who are recognized as Global Leaders of 91亚色 Science. These mentors possess extensive experience in working with international students and are well-versed in campus life and living in Toronto. They provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that students feel welcomed and empowered to succeed.

This mentorship also ensures that students receive the assistance they need to excel in their courses, integrate seamlessly into the 91亚色 community, and achieve their academic and career goals.

Current Program Mentors:

Amna Imran (Biology with Minor in Psychology)

As a mentor for the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program at 91亚色, I had the rewarding opportunity to guide students through their transition. I assisted them in obtaining their student cards, navigating course selections, acquiring lab materials, and understanding the academic culture. I provided comprehensive campus tours and introduced them to Toronto's attractions, helping them feel connected to their new environment. This experience not only enriched their academic and personal development but also enhanced my understanding of different cultures and improved my communication, organization, and leadership skills. Witnessing their growth was fulfilling and reinforced the importance of mentorship, strengthening my connection to the university community.

Gina Quan (Mathematics Education and Statistics)

As a mentor in the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program, I have supported international students, particularly from China, in acclimating to their new environment and navigating academic and social challenges. Through structured meetings and activities, we foster a sense of belonging and encourage growth. This mentorship has been a two-way exchange, enriching my understanding of the Chinese education system and culture while helping students improve their English and adapt to Canadian life. Our shared experiences, like exploring Toronto and engaging in community events, have built meaningful relationships that transcend borders.

Amit Bijlani (Biomedical Science)

As a mentor in the 91亚色 Science Visiting International Fee-Paying Students Program, I had the exciting opportunity to support medical students from Shandong Second Medical University. Using my leadership experience, I helped them navigate campus life, traditions, and regulations. Through campus tours, mentorship chats, and activities, the students quickly adapted to Canadian culture. I provided insights into course enrollment, assignment management, and balancing extracurriculars while highlighting campus resources. Regular meetings confirmed the program's effectiveness. Additionally, I learned about the medical school journey in China and shared common career aspirations and advice. This experience has inspired me to continue supporting international students at 91亚色.

Bryan George (Biomedical Science)

Being a mentor is about sharing knowledge and helping others navigate university life. My role involves guiding new students through the challenges of heavier coursework and flexible schedules by teaching them effective time management, note-taking, and the importance of balancing academics with recreational activities. Encouraging involvement in sports and making friends can greatly enhance their experience. My advice to new students is to fully engage with campus life and seek out opportunities to feel comfortable and succeed.

Tien Hoang (Statistics)

As a mentor, my role is to help students acculturate and navigate their new environment. By giving them tours of downtown Toronto, I introduce them to essential locations, public transport routes, and cultural hotspots, helping them feel at home and confident in the city. One of the most rewarding aspects has been forming personal connections. During these tours, we鈥檝e shared stories about our backgrounds, favorite places, and discovered common interests. Learning about different cultures and perspectives has made this experience incredibly valuable for me.

Testimonials

Program Leads

HUGO CHEN
Director, International Collaborations and Partnerships

hugochen@yorku.ca

Robert Tsushim

Biology Chair

tsushima@yorku.ca

YINGHUA SHEN

Visiting Scholar At 91亚色 Science,
Vice-Director For International Partnerships, Associate Dean For International Education
Shandong Second Medical University

yinghua@yorku.ca

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Supporting Partners:

Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP)

Moments from the Program

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Program Overview

The iBSc program offers two specialized pathways:

1. Biology: Focusing on fundamental biological sciences and extending into specialized fields such as ecology, molecular genetics, animal physiology and microbiology.
   
2. Biomedical Science: Concentrating on the intersection of biology and medicine, this pathway prepares students for careers in healthcare and biomedical research.

The iBSc degree program requires study in a second language and at least one term of study abroad.

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Degree Requirements

The iBSc program is structured to include 120 credits, distributed as follows:

85 CREDITS IN SCIENCE

These are comprised of core and elective science courses that are aligned with traditional BSc degree requirements.

30 CREDITS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPONENTS

• 12 Credits in Language Study: Students choose from a variety of languages offered at 91亚色, preparing them for their international experiences.
• 12 Credits in International Content Courses: These courses, which must be approved by an iBSc advisor, explore global issues, foreign cultures, and international policies, enhancing students鈥� global awareness.
• 6 Additional Credits in Language or International Content: Depending on their interests, students may opt to further their language proficiency or deepen their understanding of international topics.

5 CREDITS IN FREE ELECTIVES

These allow students flexibility to explore other areas of interest across the university.

Alumni Success Stories

Graduates of the iBSc program are exceptionally well-prepared for careers that demand scientific expertise and a deep understanding of global issues. They are equipped to work in multinational corporations, global health organizations, research institutions, and beyond, or to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools.

Hear from our iBSc alumni about their career paths and how the program shaped their professional lives:

Bahar Madani

鈥淚 studied at 91亚色 from 2009-2014 in the iBSc Biology program. As part of my unique program's requirements, I took advanced courses in French, English literature, European history, and Irish poetry. It was a great way to round out my science course load with opportunities to strengthen my academic writing skills, exercise some creativity, engage in academic debate, and learn about cultures I wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to. I also participated in a number of extracurriculars within Bethune College, making connections and building community with peers. The poetry course made such an impression on me that I chose to travel to Ireland for my exchange semester, where I studied Biotechnology at Dublin City University.

My experience in the Biology program at 91亚色 shaped a very strong foundation of scientific understanding that allowed me to keep up with my courses while I was abroad. I had engaging courses with passionate instructors at 91亚色, and their mentorship inspired me to pursue an Honours thesis in my last year. Research became a path I was no longer intimidated to follow, as I had guidance and encouragement from professors I held in high esteem. I honed my skills in science communication and gained confidence in my scientific literacy. After graduating from 91亚色, I studied Dentistry at McGill University.

My background in French language studies opened up many opportunities in my clinical work, allowing me to connect and communicate effectively with a broader demographic of patients. I returned to Toronto after graduating from McGill, and I have been working as a general dentist in private practice for the last six years. I strongly believe in patient advocacy and education through open communication, which is a skill I cultivated early on as a peer mentor and academic advisor in the Faculty of Science at 91亚色. I have a great passion for the hands-on aspects of dentistry, both surgical and cosmetic.

The lab courses and research projects I was involved in at 91亚色 were engaging and challenging in a way that taught me to be more methodical, disciplined, and detail-oriented; this mindset, combined with my artistic abilities, is essential for the quality of clinical work I take pride in doing every day. It's been ten years since I left 91亚色, but the experiences and connections I had here have stayed with me.鈥�

Dr. Bahar Madani
Pronouns: she/they

Nargol Ghaziantafrishi

Nargol is currently completing her PhD at 91亚色, researching plant-animal interactions and the impact of artificial shelters on animals in specific microclimates. Her research has taken her to places such as the Mojave Desert and the Carrizo Plain National Monument in California. Her future plans are to continue her career as a research scientist.

As an iBSc student, Nargol studied both French and Spanish in addition to completing her science courses. In her third year she went on exchange to the Universidad Aut贸noma de Madrid (Autonomous University of Madrid) in Madrid, Spain.

Thinking about the value of completing an iBSc, she notes that having had experience travelling to and living in a different country while on exchange prepared her in many ways for her work as a graduate student. 鈥淚 was so young and I went to a different country 鈥t鈥檚 different from when you go on vacation 鈥 had to speak the language and survive and live within that system. When I applied for graduate school, I had to live and work in a different country in a remote area for months at a time. Having had the experience of going on exchange at 19, it was very helpful as I felt confident I could handle living and doing field research in another country.鈥�

Her time in Spain also improved her language skills. 鈥淟iving in a different culture, language and system and having to connect with the people there really brought my Spanish to another level. When I came back and had to take third year Spanish for my language certificate, I was in a class with Spanish speakers and I felt like I was at a pretty similar level at that point. Also a lot of desert ecology research takes place in Latin America and many good journal articles are published in Spanish only, so I can actually read them without having to get them translated.鈥� Nargol鈥檚 language skills have also come in handy working with collaborators, as her lab collaborates with researchers in Latin America. She has already published 15 research articles, including one published in February of 2024 in Restoration Ecology titled 鈥溾��

Nargol鈥檚 experience in the iBSc program has helped her develop confidence and independence, learning how to navigate new environments. Not surprisingly, she also met new people and created new lasting friendships. 鈥淚 met a lot of other people on exchange from Europe and South America and many of us are still in touch.鈥�

鈥淚 like the iBSc Program because there are pretty much no other programs like it in Canada for science students. I wanted to do science but wanted electives that were language. It鈥檚 a very niche degree and I really like that about it 鈥� it鈥檚 a fantastic opportunity.鈥�

Nargol Ghaziantafrishi
Pronouns: she/her

Nathan

鈥淎fter graduating from 91亚色 with the iBSc. - Biology, I returned to Hong Kong, where I went on exchange, to work at the University of Hong Kong鈥檚 AIDS institute to support the development of cancer vaccines. Through the guidance of my colleagues there, I determined that generally speaking, medical research was heading towards a computational direction, and that I should plan accordingly. I returned to Toronto and studied at Seneca College to pick up programming and data management skills. After developing those skills, I went down to New 91亚色 City where I worked at the Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill-Cornell Medical College to manage their internal patient database and information portal as a Research Data Specialist. After some time there, I looked for other opportunities locally, and became a Research Data Analyst with Simons Foundation, a non-profit foundation that funds grants and houses multiple organizations devoted to research ranging from computational quantum physics to studying genetic determinants of autism spectrum disorder. When the pandemic hit, I returned to Toronto, where I recently worked with Klick Health, a pharmaceutical marketing agency as a Data Engineer.

In terms of how my undergraduate experience shaped my life, being able to go on exchange broadened my understanding of what was possible. Personally and professionally, I still maintain strong ties to Hong Kong and see it as a second home. Without the year of exchange, I wouldn鈥檛 be able to connect so thoroughly with the family I have there, the local friends I made, and my cultural heritage. I continue speaking and using Chinese on a regular basis, and have the iBSc. program to thank for that fact, I鈥檓 grateful for the unforgettable experience and seeds that the program planted for the life that I have now.鈥�

Nathan

Kelsi Smith

Kelsi is a clinical epidemiologist now living in Sweden who works in both the private and public sectors in Europe. She specialises in real-world evidence and data, using larger register-based studies to help better the lives of people living with disease.

Kelsi completed an iBSc degree in Biology at 91亚色, while playing on the tennis team, studying French and going on exchange to a university in Lyon France where she studied biology and honed her French language skills. After finishing her exchange year, Kelsi remained in France for the summer to complete a summer research internship at INSERM (a world-renowned research institute for biomedical research and human health). She then returned to 91亚色 to complete her degree, continuing her research training by volunteering in a research lab and completing her fourth-year honours thesis working with people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. After graduation she moved to Paris to work, then returned to school for graduate studies. She was accepted at the Sorbonne in Paris, but opted to go to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, where she learned Swedish while completing an MSc in Public Health and Epidemiology followed by a PhD in Epidemiology, Genetics and Neuroscience with a specific focus on identifying risk factors for multiple sclerosis. She now speaks English, Estonian, French and Swedish.

Reflecting on her career trajectory and thinking about completing the iBSc at 91亚色, Kelsi notes, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I would be where I am now if I hadn鈥檛 done the exchange program as part of the iBSc degree. Getting into the iBSc program was the reason I chose 91亚色. Doing the exchange, I discovered how much I liked Europe. Having been able to do the internship in France helped me to know what I wanted to do for graduate studies. I would not even been as aware of other universities outside of Canada where I could study if I hadn鈥檛 done the iBSc.鈥� Her connections with both Canada and Europe have remained strong, as she received competitive funding in her PhD from both Canadian and Swedish funders for innovative and cross-disciplinary research in multiple sclerosis.

She also remembers that her undergraduate university experience was not without challenges. 鈥淚 really struggled in my second year and felt directionless. My iBSc advisor helped me get through that difficult semester, and with her help and encouragement my grades improved, I went to France, found a great thesis project and completed the degree. I was worried that I would have few options after my degree; going on exchange changed all of that.鈥�

How did the iBSc experience support her personal growth?

鈥淚t helped me relate to and try to understand an entirely new culture and a way of thinking and working that initially felt really different from my own. At Lyon I got to play tennis and explore all sorts of new opportunities. I got to meet a lot of different international students too during my time in Franc. Everything was different 鈥� career opportunities, banking, grocery shopping 鈥� it was a whole cultural shift.鈥�

鈥淵ou have to rely on yourself a lot too. I didn鈥檛 know a single person in France 鈥� so that was a really interesting challenge 鈥� I realized I could actually stand on my own two feet and get through things. This really helped me later when I decided to again move countries to Sweden to do my Masters and PhD, again not knowing a single person or even the language.鈥�

鈥淪cience at 91亚色 is so hands-on, with so many opportunities to develop lab skills and get lab experience. I still tell everyone interested in science to go to 91亚色!鈥�

Dr. Kelsi Smith
iBSc 2015, MSc 2018, PhD 2023

Additional Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, iBSc students have access to:

• Summer School Abroad: Short-term programs that provide intensive academic and cultural experiences.
• Internships: Through the 91亚色 International Internship Program, students can gain practical experience in a global setting.
• Research Projects: Opportunities to participate in international research, often led by faculty members, which can enhance their scientific and investigative skills.

Interested in becoming an international collaborative partner with 91亚色 Science?

Please contact Hugo Chen, Director of International Collaborations and Partnerships, at science.international@yorku.ca.

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The COVID-19 pandemic made student mobility and exchange programs challenging, but Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships for 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science, found a way to provide students with a global engagement opportunity nonetheless, by turning to globally networked learning (GNL). Now, post-pandemic, the GNL initiative 鈥� his Faculty鈥檚 first 鈥� is still going strong.

GNL, also known as collaborative online international learning virtual exchange (COIL-VE), refers to an approach to research, learning and teaching that enables students, faculty and non-academic researchers from different locations around the world to participate in, and collaborate on, knowledge-making processes and concrete research projects.鈥疘t dovetails nicely with 91亚色鈥檚 University Academic Plan and its priority of advancing global engagement, as well as the Faculty of Science鈥檚 Strategic Plan with its goal of creating 鈥渕ore opportunities for all students to have international exchange and field course experiences.鈥�

It also reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by contributing to students鈥� overall mental health and resilience; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, by promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal, by emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in achieving sustainable development.

鈥淢any students found the pandemic stressful because they were stuck at home and their opportunities for international exchange were curtailed,鈥� Chen said. 鈥淎lthough I was relatively new to 91亚色, I was experienced in international education and knew the benefits of GNL, or COIL-VE, as it is often called.

鈥淭he Faculty of Science hadn鈥檛 tried GNL previously, but I want to be an innovator and decided to facilitate some cross-cultural communication.鈥�

With support from 91亚色 International, the office that supports GNL initiatives at 91亚色, Chen reached out to Xin Wang, an associate professor at Northeastern University in Shenyang, China. The duo, and an administrative colleague there, agreed to organize a series of Zoom sessions to bring students from 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science together with students from Northeastern鈥檚 School of Information Science & Engineering to increase intercultural understanding.

At 91亚色, Chen invited members of the group Global Leaders of 91亚色 Science (GLYS) to participate. GLYS is a volunteer team that works closely with Chen鈥檚 office to support the Faculty鈥檚 international initiatives, provide undergraduate students with professional development opportunities to enhance their employability skills and help them develop a global mindset. A total of 35 GLYS members and Northeastern students took part in the initial cross-cultural sessions. They began with an international coffee chat over Zoom in November 2021.

鈥淢y objective was to have them meet and talk about their own experiences,鈥� said Chen, who is a certified sociocultural competency training facilitator. 鈥淭he important thing was to build understanding and exposure around different cultures.鈥�

A joint organizing committee comprising students from both universities created a series of virtual sessions, each lasting an hour and a half. The topics they chose included a comparison of their education systems; mental health, including pandemic challenges; artificial intelligence; and the opportunities and risks of globalization. Of course, there was also informal discussion about their favourite books and music, hobbies and interests.

鈥淚 suggested ideas, provided advice and was there to facilitate their conversations,鈥� said Chen.

After each session, he and his Northeastern colleagues asked students to provide feedback and suggest potential improvements.

鈥淭his was an opportunity to broaden their world views without a huge cost,鈥� said Chen. 鈥淣ot all students can afford to travel abroad, so this makes international opportunities accessible and inclusive. Having such an experience may also encourage students to study or travel abroad later. There are benefits to exploring different perspectives and this project opens the door to those possibilities.鈥�

The success of the program was apparent in the comments students provided on their post-GNL surveys.

鈥淓ngaging with students from different countries was enlightening,鈥� wrote one student. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fascinating to see how our approaches to science and education differ and, yet, how much we can learn from each other.鈥�

Another student added, 鈥淭his program opened my eyes to different cultural perspectives and has given me friends from across the globe. I鈥檓 still in touch with my group members and we often discuss our academic and personal life.鈥�

Since 2021, Chen and his colleagues in China have run the program annually, with participants drawn primarily from GLYS. The composition of the group changes each time, with a mix of returning and new participants, and it continues to be popular.

鈥淥ne of the program鈥檚 most gratifying outcomes has been the formation of ongoing relationships and friendships among the participants that have transcended the program鈥檚 duration,鈥� said Chen. 鈥淭his speaks to the depth of the students鈥� engagement and the program鈥檚 success in forming meaningful international ties.

鈥淲e also hope the students will choose 91亚色 for their further studies.鈥�

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More than 30 scientists presented at BeeCon; select recordings of their presentations will be made available on the . Professor Kevin Matteson of the Department of Biology at Miami University presented a keynote talk entitled 鈥淧ollinator Conservation in Cities.鈥� .

Amidst various threats endangering bee populations, collaboration between bee researchers and academics plays a pivotal role in safeguarding pollinators worldwide. BEEc promotes collaborative and innovative research, aiming to advance policy changes essential for the conservation and evolution of bees. By offering free attendance, BeeCon serves as a platform where researchers can disseminate advances in bee research globally and foster a positive impact for the future.

BeeCon 2023 was sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and the Faculty of Science.

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Department of Mathematics & Statistics student Yibin Zheng is the inaugural recipient of the Global Engagement Funding Award (GEFA), created by the Faculty of Science to support 91亚色 science students who want to study or participate in academic activities abroad as part of their degree.

Zheng received the award in recognition of ongoing academic excellence and a profound commitment to expanding his research knowledge and skills across borders. Most recently, he demonstrated those qualities this summer by taking part in the Faculty of Science鈥檚 , which led him to participate in a research internship in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he was responsible for using the Bayesian statistics theory to work with R, a programming language, and help solve statistical problems.

GEFA is part of the Faculty of Science鈥檚 efforts to support a wide variety of global experiences and perspectives for science students, notably eligible degree-seeking undergraduate students (domestic or international), by facilitating international academic experiences.

The award was spearheaded by the Office of International Collaborations & Partnerships within the Faculty and 鈥� recognizing the financial barriers that may deter students from engaging in enriching opportunities 鈥� is designed to extend financial aid to ambitious students like Zheng, enabling them to immerse themselves in global scientific communities and endeavours.

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#10 Enhanced opportunities for undergraduate research and success

Fifty-five students from Science and across the University attended our annual Summer Undergraduate Research Conference to present their summer research projects and network with their peers. The Faculty of Science also established the Earle Nestmann Undergraduate Research Award program, thanks to a generous donation from alumnus Earle Nestmann.

#9 New international education experience programs and initiatives

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

#8 Celebrating new and renewed Chair positions

We welcomed and celebrated new and renewed Chair appointments, including Canada Research Chairs (Professors Chris Caputo, Kohitij Kar and Raymond Kwong), 91亚色 Research Chairs (Professors Jianhong Wu and Jane Heffernan), the Allan I. Carswell Chair for the Public Understanding of Astronomy (Professor Sarah Rugheimer), the Guy Warwick Rogers Chair in Chemistry (Professor Cora Young), and the Mclaughlin Research Chair (Professor John McDermott).

#7 Three Science professors elected to Royal Society of Canada (RSC)

The elected three 91亚色 Science faculty members: Professor Jianhong Wu, as Fellow, Academy of Science; and Professors Sandra Rehan and Sapna Sharma, as members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Recognition by the RSC is the highest honour an individual can achieve in the arts, social sciences and sciences.

#6 New professors join Faculty of Science ranks

We welcomed new faculty members Charlotte de Araujo, Kohitij Kar, Allysa Lumley, Daniela Monaldi, Gloria Orchard, Balint Radics, Kelly Ramsay, Sarah Rugheimer, and Jennifer van Wijngaarden. By recruiting talented new researchers and teachers like these individuals, we are building science for the future and making 91亚色 Science a great place to learn and be a researcher.

#5 Launch of Data Science program

The Department of Mathematics & Statistics launched a new Data Science program, starting fall 2023. The program includes streams in areas of practice such as business and health, together with a capstone course where students work on real-world problems for clients.

#4 Focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for new STS offerings

The Department of Science, Technology & Society (STS) revamped its roster of courses and major and minor options, including two new EDI-focused courses that offer students the opportunity to examine EDI through explorations of past and present issues and controversies in science and technology.

#3 New domes installed at Allan I. Carswell Observatory

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

#2 $7.25M for Global South AI4PEP Network

Professor Jude Kong received $7.25 million from the International Development Research Centre to establish the Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response (AI4PEP) Network. The five-year project is aimed at ensuring vulnerable and at-risk populations are included in disease outbreak management and policies.

#1 Launch of Community 2022 initiative

We launched our Community 2022 initiative, aimed at helping faculty, staff and students reconnect in person and support the return to a more robust on-campus presence. Community 2022 includes events for social reconnection, initiatives to welcome new community members, supports for in-person teaching, seminars to support researchers, promotion of health and well-being, and improvements to the Faculty鈥檚 physical environment.

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The 2+2/2+3 program is an initiative that allows students from participating universities to spend their first two years of post-secondary education at their home university and the last two or three years of their degree program at 91亚色. Once they complete their degree requirements, they graduate from 91亚色 with a BA or a BSc degree.

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 Hugo Chen, director of international collaborations and partnerships for the Faculty of Science. 鈥淲hile they are here, they have more career development options and job opportunities and have North American work experience to put on their resumes.鈥�

The 2+2/2+3 program began on a small scale about 18 months ago, but new partnerships and a recruitment effort are expected to yield larger numbers during the coming years. There is market demand across North America for such programs, called transactional education, said Chen, a type of program that is found at numerous institutions, but is more common in business schools than in science. The Faculty of Science identified a demand and acted upon it. Within the past year, they have negotiated the five agreements with international partners, with more likely to follow.

鈥淲e receive requests from partner institutions who see the potential benefit from their students,鈥� said Chen. 鈥淭hey also want to partner with well-known institutions.鈥�

Current partners are:

• Central University of Finance and Economics, School of Insurance (China);
• Nantong University (China);
• Shandong University (China);
• Sunway University (Malaysia); and
• Xi鈥檃n Jiaotong University Suzhou Academy (China).

Incoming students who are accepted by 91亚色 are eligible for programs in actuarial science, biomedical science, applied mathematics and statistics. Up to two years鈥� worth of credits are eligible for transfer. They pay tuition to 91亚色 for only the two or three years of study here, making it more economical for them than spending four or five years as an international student, while still providing them the same credential.

Xinyu Wang took part in the program after completing two years at Shandong University. He currently works as a sales analyst for Huawei in Shenzhen, China.

鈥淚 chose 91亚色 because of its location in Toronto 鈥� a large, modern city 鈥� and the University has lots of well-known professors to learn from and many Chinese students,鈥� said Wang. 鈥淚 knew 91亚色 was good in math and I wanted to get a different view of the world, too.鈥�

He discovered that 91亚色 offered him not only theory, but hands-on skills, such as programming. Wang also worked part time and obtained international experience to add to his resume. He also found himself interested in education and remained in Toronto to pursue a master鈥檚 degree.

鈥淪tudying in another country can change your life,鈥� said Wang. 鈥淵ou meet professors and make friends. It鈥檚 not only studying, but student life and work experience. There are lots of choices of things in which you can participate. I have lots of good memories.鈥�

Chen anticipates that more than 100 new students from these partnerships will join 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science in the Fall 2023 term. As they prepare for life at 91亚色, they have access to the services available to all international students.

鈥淚nternationalization is part of the Faculty of Science鈥檚 strategic plan, as well as 91亚色鈥檚 Academic Plan,鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd this begins a new chapter.鈥�

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In late August, nine undergraduate students from 91亚色 packed their bags and flew across the pond to join students at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany for the 鈥淎strophysical Laboratories of Fundamental Physics鈥� summer school.

The summer school was the culmination of a larger initiative called EXPLORE: EXPeriential Learning Opportunity through Research and Exchange, which enables students to learn about astrophysics hands on while also experiencing modern international research collaborations. EXPLORE includes students from 91亚色, University of Toronto and Goethe University.

The students who attended the summer school at Goethe University had already been working together virtually during Summer 2021 or Winter 2022 semesters on small teams, tackling research questions related to dark matter. They were mentored by Professors Sean Tulin in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Science; Nassim Bozorgnia and Saeed Rastgoo, who helped launch the program from 91亚色 but are now at the University of Alberta; and Laura Sagunski and J眉rgen Schaffner-Bielich at Goethe University.

鈥淎fter many hours of working and meeting online, it was nice to finally meet everyone in person,鈥� said summer school attendee Tarnem Afify, who graduated from the 91亚色 Biophysics Program. 鈥淚 find EXPLORE to be a unique student-research program, since it truly gives you a taste of all the bits and pieces that go into a scientific research process. Getting a chance to visit Goethe University and meet everyone at the end of the program was the cherry on top to my experience. The summer school not only gave me the opportunity to attend thought-provoking lectures and tutorials given by great scientists, but also allowed me to learn about Frankfurt鈥檚 culture and traditions.鈥�

Over the five days of summer school from Aug. 21 to 26, the students attended talks and lectures by renowned researchers on hot topics in theoretical and observational astrophysics. They participated in collaborative sessions and tutorials that involved analyzing data and hands-on research, as well as in cultural and social events like a stand-up paddling tour on the river Main. They also met the mayor of Frankfurt Nargess Eskandari-Gr眉nberg, who welcomed them on their first day.

鈥淭he entire summer school was devoted to our knowledge and they also ensured we enjoyed our time there,鈥� said 91亚色 physics student Dhyan Thakkar. 鈥淢y favorite was the lecture on relativistic gamma ray burst jets, we did computations regarding the physics of the jet itself after the lectures and I found that really interesting. Overall, I had a great time there, and this project in general gave me a new passion for coding and computational research.鈥�

The creation of EXPLORE was sparked by Sagunski, who completed her postdoctoral fellowship at 91亚色 in 2019 under the supervision of Tulin. After landing a faculty position at Goethe University, she wanted to create an innovative teaching and learning experience for students in astrophysics and reached out to Tulin to collaborate on transforming the idea into a real program. 鈥淭he program allows students to explore their interests; for instance, we see some students discover that they enjoy the theoretical aspects of research the most, while others find that they prefer coding,鈥� said Sagunski. 鈥淭he experience also shows students how amazing it is to be a researcher working on an international team, going back and forth on how to answer a question.鈥�

鈥淎s an engineering student with a passion for space, being able to participate in a research project like EXPLORE really gave me insight on how data is used and interpreted within the science field,鈥� said Megan Gran, a 91亚色 space engineering student. 鈥淔rom an engineering perspective, I can now visualize how to engineer space instruments for scientific use.鈥�

EXPLORE is supported by the Academic Innovation Fund at 91亚色, the DFG Collaborative Research Center CRC-TR 211 鈥淪trong-interaction matter under extreme conditions鈥� and the State of Hesse through the Research Cluster ELEMENTS. The summer school was also supported by the city of Frankfurt am Main via its city partnership with Toronto.

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