91ɫ graduate students at the and have been named among Ontario’s top AI talent, earning prestigious Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence.
Awarded by the Vector Institute, an Ontario-based AI research organization, the merit-based scholarships are support Ontario graduate students advanced studies in fields including business analytics, AI management, and computer engineering and science.
In addition to financial support, recipients are given access to networking opportunities with researchers and industry professionals, along with the Vector Institute’s Digital Talent Hub which connects AI specialists with potential employers.
About the recipients
Mitali Chaudhary
Chaudhary is a graduate student in the Master of Business Analytics program at Schulich, with experience in building AI-ready data infrastructure and deploying scalable cloud-based solutions. Her work examines how AI can solve complex business problems and support decision-making, with a focus on generative AI and business applications.
“Receiving the Vector Institute Scholarship is both an honour and a strong validation of my work,” she says. “It motivates me to continue building impactful, real-world solutions using artificial intelligence and to contribute meaningfully to the growing AI ecosystem in Canada.”
Romisaa El-Saidy
El-Saidy is pursuing graduate studies in computer engineering at Lassonde, focusing on AI applications. She has contributed to a range of applied AI and data-driven projects, including systems to predict geomagnetic storms using NASA data developed during international hackathons. She has also completed internships in research, development and 3D deep learning, supporting the design of AI-enabled applications and contributing to project planning and development. Her experience reflects a broad interest in using AI applications to address real-world challenges.
Harshit Gupta
Gupta recently completed an undergraduate degree in computer science focused on a AI, computer vision and graphics research. As he begins his MSc at 91ɫ, his work will explore how AI can support the creation and understanding of 3D environments, with the goal of making immersive 3D experiences more accessible.
“I believe the next major shift in computing will be from 2D content to interactive 3D," he says. "My research focuses on making that transition possible by developing AI systems that can efficiently understand, represent and render 3D worlds. The Vector Scholarship helps me continue working toward that goal.”
Amir Mohammad Jafari
Jafari is an incoming MSc student in computer science at Lassonde, where he will be supervised by Professor Ruth Urner. His research focuses on the safety of machine learning systems, including the robustness of large language models against adversarial attacks, with the goal of contributing to more reliable and trustworthy AI.
“Receiving the Vector Scholarship is a great honour and a strong motivation for me. It not only supports my graduate studies but also reinforces my commitment to advancing safe and reliable AI,” Jafari says. “I’m especially excited to be part of the Vector community and to learn from researchers who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence.”
Maxwell Levy
Levy is a graduate student in the Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence program at Schulich. Building on hands-on experience as an operations analyst at BNY Mellon, he is interested in how organizations can use AI and data analytics to improve decision-making and create competitive advantage.
“I chose Schulich because of its strong reputation and the depth of its AI programs,” he says “Now, being named a Vector Scholar not only supports my journey as an international student but also connects me to Canada’s growing AI community.”
Fu Yao (Fuyao Q) Qiu
After working in the finance sector for several years, Qiu went back to being a student, now in the Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence program at Schulich. He focuses on designing AI systems that can support routine financial tasks and improve efficiency in corporate settings.
His aim is to design internal data-trained AI systems that handle tasks under human supervision, and to prepare for a future as an AI Implementor and product manager within corporate finance.
"Being named a Vector Scholar validates my transition back into academia and allows me to focus on building AI-driven financial solutions,” he says.
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