John Brown, a BEng mechanical engineering graduate who also completed a certificate in entrepreneurship, and Mehakdeep Singh, who earned a BSc (Honours) in computer science, are the 2026 recipients of the Bergeron Medal.

The award is presented by Lassonde and recognizes top graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial achievement throughout their studies by applying their ideas through research, design and real-world work.

About the recipients

John Brown
Brown came to the University as a member of the 91��ɫ Lions men’s basketball team. Off the court, he explored microfluidics projects, designing devices that produce tiny droplets to mimic cellular interactions. This focus has potential applications in medical and biological research.

“I do all this for a simple reason,” he says. “I want to understand how things work and find a way to leave some kind of impact on society while I am at it.”

After three years on the varsity basketball team, Brown turned his attention to academic efforts, taking on research opportunities, securing grants and stepping into a leadership role with Lassonde Motorsports, a student-led Formula SAE team that designs, builds and competes with a race car. In his final year, he led the body and aerodynamics team as the club built its own chassis for the first time.

Brown finished top of his graduating class while building a record that included two conference papers and a patent filing on polymer science and microfluidic processes.

He also contributed to student-led innovation through initiatives such as TranReality, a virtual reality platform that helps new employees bridge the gap between knowledge and practical, on-the-job training.

Brown credits the scope of his accomplishments to the flexibility of 91��ɫ’s learning environment. “91��ɫ gave me room to be a few things at once,” Brown says. “Not many schools would have let me be an athlete, a researcher and a builder at the same time.”

He says balancing these roles wasn't always easy, making this recognition especially meaningful. “I am honoured to receive this,” Brown says of the Bergeron Medal. “I think it reflects the effort I put into leaving a small mark on Lassonde, through seasons that ended in losses, research that failed more than it worked and plenty of late nights that went nowhere.”

Brown sees the medal as a starting point rather than a culmination, saying it “points toward where I am headed next, and I am at the start of that path, not the end. That is the part I am most excited about.”

Now a mechanical engineering specialist at Ekstera, an early-stage energy startup, Brown hopes to learn firsthand about how companies are built. While he is also working toward his professional engineering licence, his longer-term goal is to found a company of his own.

Mehakdeep Singh
Singh joined 91��ɫ with an interest in AI and machine learning. Through his studies, he became increasingly focused on how these systems often operate as “black boxes,” where the inner workings and decision-making processes are not easily visible or fully understood by non-experts.

“This sparked my interest in understanding how AI systems function and how governance, accountability and transparency can be strengthened to support their responsible development and use,” he says.

Singh explored these questions through a combination of research opportunities and experiential learning, including collaborating with other students during UNHack to apply his ideas to today's challenges. His academic achievements were also recognized through scholarships, including the Lassonde Entrance Scholarship and several continuing student awards.

“These experiences allowed me to grow both academically and personally while building skills that will continue to serve me in my future career,” he says.

Singh credits access to opportunities and an academic environment that enabled practical learning and professional development for his accomplishments at 91��ɫ – and for this award.

“Receiving the Bergeron Medal is a tremendous honour for me,” Singh says. “The award reflects not only my individual efforts, but also the support and mentorship I have received from faculty members, family and fellow students.”

The award, he notes, has motivated him to pursue a master’s degree exploring AI governance and policy as evolving technologies continue to influence regulation and use. He hopes to develop frameworks that guide the responsible use of AI while balancing innovation with transparency, fairness and public accountability.

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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 91��ɫ, 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.

Visit the for more information about its scholarship programs.

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To reduce the risk of coyote encounters, follow these guidelines: 

• do not feed coyotes or other wildlife; 

• keep dogs on leash and under control; 

• secure garbage in tightly sealed containers; and 

• do not leave food or pet dishes outdoors. 

Community members who encounter a coyote should remain calm, maintain distance and not run. If necessary, individuals should make themselves appear large, wave their arms, and make noise to encourage the coyote to move away. 

If a coyote appears aggressive or poses an immediate safety concern, contact 91��ɫ Security Services at 416-650-8000 or 416-756-5333.

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The Faculty of Graduate Studies recognizes outstanding research annually through its thesis and dissertation prizes.

The annual prizes – valued at $2,000 for doctoral dissertations and $1,000 for master’s theses – honour work defended in the previous calendar year that demonstrates originality, excellence and impact.

This year’s awards highlight six projects that explored pressing questions with implications for food security, AI, public health, aging, air quality and workplace accessibility. Together, the projects show how graduate research at 91��ɫ connects scientific inquiry with real-world challenges.

Doctoral recipients – dissertation prize

Jie Lin (PhD, biology) examines how phytoalexin biosynthesis is regulated in soybean plants in her dissertation, Identifying missing glyceollin transcription factors in soybean.

Her research identifies and characterizes a network of transcription factors that control plant defence responses and introduces an improved soybean root transformation protocol that supports gene expression studies and research tools to the plant science community.

“Altogether, her work transformed the current views of regulatory networks controlling phytoalexin biosynthesis and introduced better tools that benefited the plant research community at large,” says Associate Professor Peter Cheung.

Matthew Kowal (PhD, electrical engineering and computer science) studies how computer vision models interpret images and video in relation to AI.

His dissertation, Disentangling visual concepts across space and time: from image hierarchies to video dynamics, examines how visual concepts are represented, connected and evolve across data and time. His work introduces new frameworks for analyzing learned representations, helping researchers better understand how AI systems make decisions.

“His dissertation represents an exceptional and cohesive body of groundbreaking work on interpretable and concept-based representations in modern computer vision models,” says Professor Michael Brown.

Congjie Shi (PhD, mathematics and statistics) developed the Information–Cognition–Epidemic (ICE) model, a multilayer network framework that integrates mechanisms of information flow, including rumour transmission and correction. Her dissertation, Integrating cognitive factors in network models of epidemiology with applications to disease control, examines how these dynamics affect disease spread.

The findings show that warning individuals and correcting misinformation can improve epidemic control while accounting for variation in behaviour and access to information.

“In every way – originality, methodological skill, academic impact and relevance to societal challenges – Dr. Shi's thesis surpasses expectations,” says Professor Dong Liang, graduate program director.

Master’s recipients – thesis prize

Yashar Ebrahimi-Iranpour (MSc, chemistry) developed a one-dimensional atmospheric chemistry model to investigate the origin and distribution of nitrous acid, a key factor in air quality.

His thesis, Vertical structure and surface interactions of nitrous acid using a 1D model, integrates surface interactions, meteorology and atmospheric transport to better understand atmospheric processes.

“This thesis substantially exceeds the normative expectations of an MSc degree and approaches the level of our strongest doctoral work,” says Professor Ryan Hili, graduate program director.

In psychology, Patrick Hewan (MA) examines how age-related differences in brain structure affect decision-making in older adults. His thesis, Prefrontal brain microstructural integrity is related to an exploitation bias in older adulthood, explores the relationship between prefrontal brain microstructure and exploitation bias using cognitive neuroscience approaches.

The findings contribute to understanding how brain changes influence behaviour in ageing.

“His committee went so far as to say this was ‘groundbreaking and even paradigm-shifting for the broader field of cognitive neuroscience,’” says Professor Adrienne Perry, graduate program director.

Grace Pawliw-Fry (MA, geography) studies how neurodivergent workers navigate precarious labour markets in Ontario. The thesis, Teetering on the edge of surplus: neurodivergent work, social reproduction and bodyminds in the Ontario labour market, examines the intersections of work, disability and social reproduction.

It contributes to scholarship in labour geography, critical disability studies and workplace accessibility.

“This is a sophisticated and beautifully argued MA thesis, which integrates several literatures with very rich empirical data,” says Professor Alison Bain, graduate program director.

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Tsoukanova joined 91��ɫ in 2004 as an assistant professor, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry.

Tsoukanova’s teaching emphasized the relevance of chemistry to biological and medical challenges, connecting fundamental principles to real-world applications. Colleagues say she also had a gift for helping students grasp difficult material. “She approached teaching with exceptional care, thoughtfully preparing her lectures and presenting complex concepts in a way that students could understand and absorb,” says Professor Dasantila Golemi-Kotra, a colleague in the Faculty of Science.

This approach reflected a compassionate, attentive teaching style. She was always willing to offer guidance and encouragement, and remained committed to supporting her students’ academic and career aspirations.

Tsoukanova was also a respected researcher. “What distinguished Valeria as a researcher was her rigorous attention to detail and her unwavering commitment to fundamental scientific principles,” says Golemi-Kotra.

Her research focused on how extremely thin layers of molecules behave when they form on surfaces, similar to coatings on medical implants. She was particularly interested in how these molecules organize into membrane-like structures that mimic biological membranes. Her work advanced the understanding and design of biomimetic surfaces and materials, with applications in biomedical technologies including drug delivery systems and artificial membranes.

Her research, frequently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), helped guide the development of coatings that reduce protein buildup, allowing medical devices to function more reliably. It also informed the design of drug carriers that can move more effectively through the body. Together, this work contributed to the development of materials better suited for use in biomedical applications.

This integration of fundamental understanding and practical application defined her approach to research. “While pursuing a deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying molecular self-assembly, she consistently recognized the broader practical significance of this knowledge,” Golemi-Kotra says.

She sought to pass this perspective on to her students. According to Golemi-Kotra, Tsoukanova saw the training and mentorship of the next generation of researchers as an essential part of her scientific contribution and legacy.

Colleagues say this legacy extended beyond her academic contributions to her relationships with others. Positive, sensitive and unfailingly supportive, she offered encouragement to those around her. Golemi-Kotra and others will remember her for her intelligence, compassion and remarkable sense of humour, and for the encouragement she offered to colleagues and students alike.

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Colla, a former professor at the (EUC) and a founding member of 91��ɫ's Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc), died in July 2025 at the age of 43. She was among the first scientists in North America to document the decline of wild bee populations, and her work contributed to the rusty-patched bumblebee being federally listed as an endangered species in both Canada and the U.S.

The garden, named "A Flower Patch for Sheila," grew from an idea rooted in Colla's own wishes: her obituary invited those seeking to honour her to plant a flower or tree native to where they live. Led by Laura Newburn of BEEc and Phyllis Novak of EUC, the pollinator garden at 91��ɫ U was planted on World Bee Day, May 20, with 91��ɫ colleagues and the broader community in attendance.

The choice of a native plant garden as a tribute was not incidental. Sandra Rehan, professor of biology and firector of BEEc, says Colla was as passionate about native plants as she was about native bees, and often pushed back against the focus on non-native species in the public and garden culture.

"She was a strong advocate for native biodiversity in all capacity," Rehan says. "By implementing and expanding on wildflower plantings to support wild bees, it's exactly the kind of thing she would have wanted."

The plants were chosen by current and former lab members, colleagues, collaborators and community members who knew both her science and her personal preferences: goldenrod, coneflower, asters, milkweed and flowering edible plants such as blueberries and raspberries.

Briann Dorin, a former PhD student and now postdoctoral researcher in Colla's lab, says the selection and layout reflect principles Colla spent her career advancing. Bloom times in the garden are staggered so bees have food from spring through fall, species are planted in clusters to support efficient foraging, and flower colours are varied to attract different bees.

"Every flower that was planted for Sheila is known to be pollinator-supporting for our native pollinators," Dorin says. "We designed the garden in a way that is based on the science for what pollinators like."

The Maloca Community Garden was a natural site for the tribute. Colla conducted research there with students and brought classes to the garden to connect them with living ecosystems beyond the lecture hall. The garden carries an Indigenous focus that resonated with her cross-disciplinary values, and was one of the sites connected to her collaboration with EUC professor Lisa Myers on the Finding Flowers project, which explored the intersections of ecology, Indigenous artistic practice and conservation.

The garden was funded by World Wildlife Fund-Canada, BEEc, EUC and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada through a collaboration involving former members of Colla’s lab, colleagues and the wider 91��ɫ community.

On June 25, from noon to 2 p.m., the garden will be acknowledged with a formal dedication during a public event co-hosted by BEEc and EUC. EUC Dean Alice Hovorka will speak, as will Victoria MacPhail, a longtime collaborator and former PhD student in Colla’s lab.

Other presenters include Myers and researchers from both BEEc and Colla's former lab. Topics will cover pollinator conservation, native plants and the intersection of art, ecology and Indigenous practices.

Rehan says the event is an opportunity for the public to learn how to support pollinators in their own spaces – from identifying local wild bees to choosing native plants and designing gardens that are ecologically useful and visually appealing. The event is open to the 91��ɫ community and the public.

MacPhail says the tribute reflects what Colla herself would have valued: a living space that supports pollinators, educates the public and carries her work forward.

"This is a nice way to continue her legacy," MacPhail says. "By continuing to educate people, and share knowledge, enthusiasm and love for these creatures."

Colla’s work continues to shape bumblebee conservation through research, public education materials and the students she trained. BumbleBeeWatch.org, the community science initiative she co-founded in 2011, continues to track bumblebee sightings across the continent. And the Maloca garden, now planted, will keep flowering year after year.

Learn more about Colla and her work through the .

Visit A Flower Patch for Sheila for more information about the garden.

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91��ɫ alumna Randa Qashoa’s journey from the to a career advancing space technology highlights the growing impact of women in shaping the future of engineering.

Today, Qashoa (BEng ’21, PhD ’25) is a systems engineer at Honeywell Aerospace, where she works on the assembly, integration and testing of quantum communication payloads. While still early in her career, she is already contributing to technologies that could play an important role in the future of secure communications in space.

Her path into the industry was shaped by the people and opportunities she encountered at Lassonde.

"My experience at Lassonde was instrumental in helping me pursue a career in the space sector," Qashoa says. "The main driver was the wealth of experience in space engineering that Lassonde faculty carry."

Exposure to faculty-led research gave her firsthand insight into how engineering can tackle complex challenges and create meaningful impact beyond academia. Seeing professors lead innovative projects inspired her to pursue a career that contributes to advancements in the field.

That goal became reality when she joined Honeywell Aerospace – one of the world’s largest suppliers of aviation and defense systems. Among her proudest accomplishments is the opportunity to work on flight hardware that is planned for future operations in space.

Her experience also highlights the importance of mentorship and community in the study of engineering. Throughout her time at 91��ɫ, and now early in her career, she noticed she was often the only female on a project team or in a meeting. Rather than viewing this as a barrier, she stayed focused on contributing her skills and expertise while building a network of mentors and peers with shared experiences.

One of those mentors was Professor Regina Lee, who supervised Qashoa’s PhD studies and helped her navigate the transition from academia to industry.

That support, says Qashoa, provided valuable insight into the realities of the engineering workforce – and continued in a new way after graduation.

Through Honeywell Aerospace's mentorship program for women in engineering, she was paired with a more senior colleague who offers advice and career guidance.

Together, those experiences reinforced the value of strong support networks in helping women thrive in technical fields.

As more women enter engineering and space-related professions, Qashoa expects the industry to benefit from a wider range of perspectives and experiences. Increased diversity, she believes, will help drive innovation and bring new ideas to some of the sector's most complex challenges.

For students considering a future in space engineering, her message is simple: persevere.

“My advice to current students is to never give up no matter how impossible the challenge,” she says. “Even if you are the only woman on your team now, you are bringing something valuable to the table.”

She encourages students to stay confident, embrace challenges and recognize the impact they can make. As the industry continues to evolve, she sees increasing opportunities for women to help shape the future of space exploration.

Her path from Lassonde to work in aerospace highlights how education, research and mentorship can shape careers in emerging areas of engineering – especially for women.

Watch Qashoa discuss her Lassonde experience and what it means to contribute to the future of the space sector.

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BuildHER Future: Newcomer Women in Construction, developed by non-profit organization Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW), brings together post-secondary and community partners to support workforce development, improve access to employment and strengthen pathways into the construction industry.

NEW is a non-profit organization that provides settlement, employment and language services to immigrant and refugee women and their families and will deliver the program in collaboration with Schulich ExecEd and Humber Polytechnic.

It aims to bring together expertise in executive learning, workforce development and applied, hands-on training to ensure learners benefit from industry-informed curriculum design, practical skills and pathways opportunities.

“Schulich Executive Education is proud to partner with Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto on BuildHER Future,” says Rami Mayer, executive director of Schulich ExecEd. “By contributing our expertise in construction project management, we are supporting newcomer women in accessing meaningful career opportunities in a sector that will benefit from their skills.”

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP), BuildHER Future aims to improve labour market integration, advance gender equity and address critical workforce shortages while expanding access to construction careers for internationally trained women.

It responds to the growing demand for skilled workers across Canada’s construction industry and the persistent systemic barriers that many newcomer women face related to credential recognition and limited access to industry networks.

“With the support of the Government of Canada, we are equipping highly skilled newcomer women with the training, mentorship, and work experience needed to succeed in the construction sector,” says Sara Asalya, executive director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto. She adds the program is focused on creating opportunities for employment and recognizing the value of internationally trained professionals.

“We look forward to the impact this initiative will have on participants and the broader workforce,” says Mayer.

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The Presidential Search Committee is responsible for the search for 91��ɫ’s ninth president and vice-chancellor.

As part of the process of developing the mandate and position profile for the University’s next president and vice-chancellor, the committee members would like to hear from as many members of the University community as possible.

We invite you to offer your perspectives. We have scheduled our second consultation for: Wednesday, June 24 on the Keele Campus at 10 a.m. to noon in the Dr. Robert Everett Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building.

The session will be in-person with virtual available to those who are unable to join in-person.

Registration for the session: .

The Search Committee has prepared questions to consider in advance of the sessions (or if you would like to prepare a written response). The questions can be found here.

If you prefer to write your response, please take a moment to comment in confidence to: yorkpvc@boyden.com or by completing the survey available at . Your comments will not be attributed to you, but will be shared with the committee.

Antonio Di Domenico
Chair Presidential Search Committee 

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Building on past participation and renewed community engagement, 91��ɫ invites faculty, staff, instructors, students and alumni to join a dedicated 91��ɫ Pride group walking in the parade. Participation is open to those who wish to take part in a shared, visible expression of support and inclusion alongside colleagues and peers from across the University.

The 91��ɫ Pride group will walk together in 91��ɫ-branded t-shirts and will have the opportunity to contribute to a long-running show of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.

Space is limited to 100 participants. Register to participate through

Pride Month at 91��ɫ recognizes the contributions of these communities while underscoring the ongoing work to address systemic barriers and build a more inclusive and equitable environment. Visit 91��ɫ’s Pride Month website for more.

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