An investment of $2.1 million, , will fund transformative work examining history, human behaviour, digital technologies and critical infrastructure to better understand and improve well-being, equity and resilience across Canada.

The CRC program bolster research excellence and advances the development of knowledge that benefits society, the economy and the environment.

"Canada Research Chairs drive new knowledge that strengthens Canada鈥檚 global competitiveness and addresses real-world challenges," says Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. "Across 91亚色, this research reflects a commitment to tackling complex issues 鈥� from advancing Indigenous knowledge and addressing addiction, to shaping the future of AI and strengthening critical infrastructure 鈥� in ways that deliver tangible benefits for communities in Canada and beyond."

Alan Corbiere 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Indigenous History of North America (Tier 2, renewal)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

An assistant professor in 91亚色鈥檚 Department of History, Corbiere鈥檚 research focuses on Anishinaabe language, oral traditions and material culture.

Corbiere uses approaches such as the study of treaty negotiations and wampum belts to challenge and reshape historical narratives while supporting the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge and culture.

Matthew Keough 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Addiction Vulnerability (Tier 2)
Faculty of Health

Keough is an associate professor in 91亚色鈥檚 Department of Psychology, a clinical psychologist and a senior scientist with Homewood Research Institute. He studies the causes of addictive behaviours and develops evidence鈥慴ased treatments with a focus on heavy drinking, cannabis use, concurrent disorders and digital interventions for young adults.

Keough also received $100,000 through the Canada Foundation for Innovation鈥檚 which supports research infrastructure projects through its partnership with the CRC program.

Jennifer Pybus 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Data, Empowerment and Artificial Intelligence (Tier 2, renewal)
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

Associate professor in the Department of Politics and director of the Centre for Public AI, Pybus studies how social media, mobile platforms and AI use personal data.

Her focus is on strengthening data literacy, supporting informed public debate and examining issues of digital sovereignty and data governance in Canada.

Pirathayini Srikantha 鈥� Canada Research Chair in Reliable and Secure Power Grid Systems (Tier 2, renewal)

Srikantha, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, develops AI鈥慸riven and transactive energy solutions.

The aim of her research is to improve the reliability, security and resilience of electrical power grids and support the design of trustworthy energy systems.

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The initiative, led by Stephanie Gora, assistant professor at the , received $250,000 from the Government of Canada鈥檚 New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) . The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) program supports bold, interdisciplinary research that tests new ideas and aims for real鈥憌orld impact.

Gora鈥檚 project focuses on drinking water quality in multi鈥憉nit rental housing, where water safety is impacted by the actions of water utilities, tenants, landlords/building owners and regulators.

鈥淭his funding gives us the freedom to step back and take a 鈥榩roblem-first鈥� approach to understanding and improving water safety in rental housing that prioritizes the lived experiences of tenants, as well as building owners and management,鈥� says Gora. 鈥淭he goal is to co-develop technologies and frameworks that address the real barriers to safe water in rental housing."

While Canada has invested heavily in protecting drinking water, quality of water from the tap 鈥� particularly in rental buildings 鈥� remains difficult to assess and address, she adds.

Expertise in engineering, housing and urban planning will come together to examine both the technical and social dimensions of water quality. Gora is joined by co鈥憄rincipal investigator Katherine Perrott (University of Waterloo) and co鈥慳pplicants Judy Duncan (ACORN Canada), Liam Butler and Razieh Salahandish (91亚色), along with Brian Doucet (University of Waterloo) for the project, titled 鈥溾�楥an I drink the tap water?鈥� An interdisciplinary action framework for water quality assurance in multi鈥憉nit rental housing.鈥�

According to Gora, research and policy following the 2000 Walkerton water crisis focused primarily on protecting municipal sources, treatment plants and distribution systems. However, conditions within buildings are a separate risk where aging plumbing, construction materials and maintenance practices can significantly affect water quality by the time it reaches residents鈥� taps.

These challenges are particularly pronounced in rental housing, where tenants have limited control over infrastructure and limited access to information.

Multi鈥憉nit buildings constructed before 1960 are more likely to contain lead-bearing plumbing components and lead solder, but water quality issues are not limited to older housing stock. Newer and high鈥憆ise buildings can also experience problems related to water stagnation and interactions between the water and materials used for plumbing.

In January 2024, more than 200 tenants were evacuated from a newly built student apartment building in Hamilton, Ont., due to poor water quality, highlighting the scope of the issue.

The 91亚色鈥憀ed project responds to these gaps by integrating scientific testing with lived experience.

Researchers will begin by testing water samples and interviewing tenants, building owners or managers to understand how water quality issues arise and how they are handled in real-world settings. The team will test how point-of-use and distributed water quality sensors monitor water safety in real time.

The findings will help the team develop a data-driven water safety framework for multi-unit rental buildings using an approach that considers social, environmental and economic impacts while encouraging collaboration among sector partners to clarify shared responsibilities.

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This award, presented by Fairtrade Canada during the National Fair Trade Conference, marks 91亚色鈥檚 first time receiving the honour. The recognition builds on the University鈥檚 Silver Fair Trade Campus designation which it has held over the past two years and reflects its sustained leadership in embedding fair trade principles into everyday campus life.

91亚色 was recognized for its 鈥淔air Trade, Every Day鈥� approach, which has expanded the availability of fair trade-certified products across the University. As a result, tens of thousands of products are purchased each year, increasing access for the campus community while supporting ethical supply chains.

Fair trade-certified products 鈥� such as chocolate, coffee, tea and bananas 鈥� are available at various YU Eats locations including Stong College, Winters College, Central Square (Keele Campus) and Glendon Campus. The initiative also extends to apparel, with the 91亚色 Bookstore offering certified fair-trade T-shirts and hoodies through a partnership with Green Campus Co-op, a student- and faculty-founded organization established in 2011.

The award also acknowledges 91亚色鈥檚 broader leadership role in the sector. By hosting the National Fair Trade Conference in 2025 and maintaining an active presence in national conversations about fair trade in higher education, 91亚色 has become a hub for learning and collaboration.

91亚色 staff are frequently called on to share expertise on advancing fair trade in higher education. Sasa Netsorovic, director, Bookstore, printing and mailing services at 91亚色, recently shared insights on how campuses can translate fair trade values through procurement decisions, community partnerships and student engagement, drawing on 91亚色鈥檚 鈥淔air Trade, Every Day鈥� approach.

Nicole Arsenault, director of sustainability, says the award 鈥渞eflects years of dedicated work by students, faculty and staff who have championed fair trade and embedded it into campus culture.鈥�

These efforts, she adds, support the United Nations鈥� Sustainable Development Goals.

With national recognition as Fair Trade Campus of the Year, 91亚色 continues to demonstrate how institutional commitment and community-driven action can create meaningful change.

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And, the students who take Sodhi鈥檚 course have an affectionate name for themselves after it ends: survivors.

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies course, designed as a compressed version of real marketing work, demands a lot of participants. Over 12 weeks, it pushes them to think strategically, act decisively and communicate with the clarity and confidence expected in professional settings. Part classroom and part boardroom, the experience moves quickly from advanced marketing theory to collaborating directly with external organizations on real business problems. Ideas are tested publicly, feedback is unfiltered and performance matters.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a tough journey,鈥� says Sodhi, 鈥渁nd that鈥檚 why they call themselves survivors.鈥�

Sodhi launched the program eight years ago, inspired in part by the Canadian Marketing League, the country's foremost experiential competition that brings top marketing students together to solve real business challenges for real brands. Sodhi, who judges the competition each year, wanted to create something similar at 91亚色 that would give students exposure to live clients while addressing the job鈥憆eady skills employers told her were missing. 鈥淐ompanies told me they were looking for plug鈥慳nd鈥憄lay talent,鈥� says Sodhi. 鈥淭his course was designed to help participants become that.鈥�

The class blends advanced classroom learning with real industry exposure. Students work through case studies in areas such as consumer behaviour, brand management and digital marketing, learn from industry practitioners and train with data tools aligned to their clients鈥� sectors. That foundation quickly gives way to live-client work, such as cases drawn from this year's organizations including Yamaha Motor Company, Sofina Foods, Clearly Canadian, Queen Steet West and Supaagents. As the cohort immerse themselves in each business, they develop and pitch go鈥憈o鈥憁arket solutions in high鈥憇takes settings that closely mirror workplace marketing practice.

Each year, students apply for the course, submitting r茅sum茅s, transcripts and statements of career intent before being screened and interviewed by Sodhi. From that pool, a small cohort 鈥� usually no more than 12 individuals 鈥� is selected and divided into two competing teams. This year's group included Jacob Barreto, Maegan Chen, Tram Anh Le, Victor Duong, Charles Alatiw, Delilah O., Nandika Kumar and Yousef Abdollahi who formed two teams: InterLnk and Fluidus.

As it does every year, the experience opens with targeted preparation. Sodhi tailors the academic material to the cases students will take on, revisiting or introducing concepts in areas such as brand management, customer relationship management or international marketing. The goal is not exhaustive coverage, but a shared foundation that allows the cohort to apply theory confidently once the live鈥慶lient work begins.

Participants rehearse through instructor鈥慸esigned mock cases, using feedback to fine鈥憈une analysis, presentation structure and question鈥慼andling. Then the course shifts to work with clients.

Over the following weeks, external organizations brief teams on real marketing challenges, often inviting students into their workplaces for deeper immersion. Teams develop and present solutions in extended evening sessions judged by industry experts and the clients, with each case evaluated on criteria such as strategic thinking, leadership and analytical skill.

Presentation nights are demanding. Teams presents in person, followed by a hard鈥慼itting question鈥慳nd鈥慳nswer period that plays a significant role in the judging. Judges push students to defend assumptions, explain trade鈥憃ffs and think on their feet, often from multiple directions at once.

The experience is new territory for many students, including those part of InterLnk and Fluidus

Even after eight years of teaching the course, Sodhi says she is still struck by how much students change over the term. As the weeks unfold, they develop what she calls a 鈥渃ourage of conviction鈥� 鈥� the ability to persuade an audience that their thinking is sound, even without depth of experience. With repeated feedback and escalating scrutiny, students find their footing. 鈥淭hey just become better and better,鈥� she says.

The experience culminates in a final showcase that brings the intensity of the term into one room. After weeks of competition, InterLnk and Fluidus presented their strongest efforts to a grand jury of clients, faculty and program sponsors. Awards recognize both performance and potential, highlighting strategic thinking, leadership and growth demonstrated over the full 12 weeks, as well as an overall winner. Learning partners like Environics Analytics and Oxenham Consultants Inc recognize students with awards for use of data and showing enterprise potential.聽

For many participants, however, the most valuable recognition comes afterward.

In past years, clients have offered jobs or internships following the final showcase. Sodhi recalls instances where companies were so impressed by student efforts that hiring decisions followed quickly. Similar moments continue to emerge. This year, a client reached out to one student for her perspective on the company鈥檚 social鈥憁edia presence. Drawing on the same strategic approach she used during the course, she shared her feedback and is now under consideration for a role that would typically require six or seven years of industry experience.

Participants also gain something less formal but no less lasting: each other. 鈥淎ll eight years of cohorts are connected now, as part of one team community,鈥� says Sodhi.

That network continues to grow, not just with the addition of InterLnk and Fluidus' members. This year, a graduate from the program鈥檚 very first cohort, now the founder of a successful business, returned as a client, bringing his own company鈥檚 case to the experience. Sodhi also brought alumni back in a new role, hiring former participants to coach teams behind the scenes during presentation nights.

Sodhi is proud of what the course has become. 鈥淵ou can talk to all of the students and they will tell you that this course is the most challenging,鈥� she says, 鈥渂ut also the one they learned the most from. It literally prepares them for the real world and their careers.鈥�

That impact is echoed by "survivors." In LinkedIn posts after the course ended, many describe LCL as a turning point. 鈥淕oing into the program, I did not realize just how prepared, challenged and fulfilled I would feel by the end of it,鈥� wrote Kumar. 鈥淚 am leaving this experience feeling far more confident, capable and excited for what lies ahead in my marketing career.鈥�

For Duong, the takeaway came through the pressure as much as the payoff. 鈥淭here were long nights, stressful moments and times when everything felt overwhelming,鈥� he wrote. 鈥淏ut through it all, LCL pushed me, challenged me and helped me grow in ways I did not expect, both personally and professionally. Every part of it was worth it.鈥�

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The program highlights contributions that position 91亚色 as an instutition for research excellence and transformative innovations. 

Research contributed by more than 60 faculty members reflect the breadth of the University's research strengths, spanning sustainability, law, AI, chemistry and the social sciences.

"I am exceedingly proud to be part of an institution that contains the kind of excellence we are celebrating," says Lisa Philipps, interim president and vice-chancellor. "91亚色 is an institution that offers educational experiences to our students that are informed by this deep research, scholarly and creative excellence; and a place where we also make it part of our mission to reach outside the metaphorical walls of the University to share and collaborate with communities, industry, policy-makers, the media and the wider public."

The recipients demonstrate the purposeful research that is fundamental to real-world change, says Amir Asif, vice-president, research and innovation

The annual awards program serves as an opportunity to recognize the excellence, creativity and ingenuity of 91亚色' research community.

Awards

President鈥檚 Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA)
Christopher Caputo, associate professor in the Faculty of Science, received this award for his contributions to sustainable chemistry and materials science. His research advances the use of Earth鈥慳bundant elements as alternatives to rare and precious metals, addressing key environmental and sustainability challenges while influencing catalytic and materials science.

A Tier II Canada Research Chair and recipient of the John Charles Polanyi Prize in Chemistry, Caputo has secured more than $4 million in research funding. His work has resulted in 21 patents and strong industry engagement, demonstrating the translation of discovery into application.  

The President鈥檚 Emerging Research Leadership Award was also awarded to Emily Kidd White, associate professor at , for her pioneering scholarship at the intersection of law, emotion and constitutional theory. Her work applies the philosophy of emotion to legal analysis, examining the gap between formal legal reasoning and the lived realities of legal practice, particularly in international law. 

Her research has shaped scholarly conversations across disciplines and established her as a thinker of global influence, strengthening 91亚色鈥檚 research profile and academic mission. 

President鈥檚 Research Excellence Award
Presented to Jimmy Huang, professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, this award recognizes his contributions to information retrieval, data mining, AI and natural language processing. A Tier 1 91亚色 Research Chair and founding director of the Information Retrieval and Knowledge Management Research Lab, Huang has played a leading role in shaping the future of AI research, including some of the earliest systematic evaluations of large language models.

Huang has secured more than $7 million in external research funding and his work has influenced practice across industry and health care. His mentorship record includes supervising 16 postdoctoral fellows, 23 doctoral students and 32 master鈥檚 students, many of whom have gone on to academic careers.  

President鈥檚 Research Impact Award
Kerry Kawakami, professor in the , received this award聽for the influence and reach of her scholarship on unconscious bias. Her research has reshaped how systemic inequality is understood across academic,聽legal聽and institutional contexts, extending well beyond the聽post-secondary聽sector.

Kawakami鈥檚 work has informed legal practice and judicial decision鈥憁aking, including professional development programs for the Law Society of Ontario, expert testimony and keynote addresses. Her research has been cited in multiple U.S. Supreme Court decisions, demonstrating its impact on public understanding, policy and the pursuit of justice. 

The awards ceremony also highlighted faculty in other categories. 

Book Awards, Literary and Artistic Achievements
Six honourees received this award for their books, creative works and exhibitions that received national or international recognition from peers and leading cultural institutions. 

Major Grants
Recognition for researchers leading significant, externally funded research initiatives that advance knowledge and address complex societal challenges was awarded to seven honourees. 

Other Learned Societies, Fellowships and Awards
91亚色 awarded 12 honourees with this award for their leadership and contributions that have been recognized through election to learned societies, prestigious medals, professional fellowships and national or international honours. 

Outstanding Early Career Awards
Four honourees earned this award to recognize the notable achievements of 91亚色鈥檚 early-career researchers whose work shows strong promise and leadership within their fields. 

Significant Knowledge Mobilization &Impact Awards
For knowledge mobilization and impact outside of academia, 14 honourees were recognized with this award. 

91亚色 Research Chairs, Canada Research Chairs and Distinguished Research Professors
Fifteen honourees were celebrated for these appointments that support research excellence and scholarly leadership at the highest level in their respective fields. 

Royal Society of Canada & Governor General Awards
Two honourees earned this distinction, recognizing faculty who have made remarkable contributions in their research pursuits related to science, humanities and the arts. 

View the slide deck below to see a full list of recipients. 

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Now in its 14th year, the award honours Robert J. Tiffin, who served as 91亚色鈥檚 vice-president, students, for nine years. University community members nominate individuals who demonstrate leadership and make valuable contributions to 91亚色.   

This year鈥檚 recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and leadership pathways, says Yvette Munro, vice-provost, students. 

鈥淭he depth and breadth of leadership shown by our students is remarkable and we continue to see the meaningful ways they contribute to 91亚色," says Munro. 鈥淲hether they are supporting students across the University, within their Faculty or in groups built around shared interests or lived experiences, their leadership helps strengthen the 91亚色 community.鈥� 

Recipients of the award play a vital role in shaping the 91亚色 student experience and enhancing the character of 91亚色, says Tiffin. 鈥淭hey have led, not because they were asked, but because they cared enough to step forward. Through their contributions they have nurtured a 91亚色 tradition of a university that embraces new ideas and innovative thinking.鈥� 

The winners were celebrated on May 6 at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus. 

2026 Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award recipients

Devonte Ellis, bachelor of education

Ellis has made extensive contributions to 91亚色's Music department and the Faculty of Education. He has been a festival coordinator, president of the Music Education Students鈥� Association and previous Chair of music's leadership council. He is also the founder and director of the Lions drumline and marching band. Additionally, Ellis has worked in student governance across the University in multiple positions and says one of his most impactful achievements has been as president of the Faculty of Education Students鈥� Association.

Isabella Gouveia, bachelor of arts (specialized honours) in history and concurrent education

Gouveia has been actively involved in student engagement at 91亚色. She began as an Orientation Week lead captain for Founders College, followed by the Orientation director of partnerships and integration. In this role, she built relationships with various departments and staff and supported transitioning students across the University. Her orientation involvement also led her to serve as president of Founders College Student Council for two years.

Anaum Fatima Iqbal, bachelor of education

Iqbal has been a long-standing active participant of Calumet College and is now president of Calumet College Council. She actively spearheads new initiatives for the council, including converting one of the college鈥檚 spaces into a multi-faith prayer space and tacking food insecurity by providing free monthly breakfasts to college members. Iqbal has also been the vice-president of athletics and a student success mentor lead for the college.

Dipanpreet Kaur, bachelor of arts (honours) in English and professional writing

Kaur has been involved across campus since her first year, with involvement across the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and 91亚色鈥檚 international community. She is the president of the International Student Association of 91亚色, a council member of the Dean鈥檚 Circle of Student Scholars and was the marketing director for Peace by PEACE. Kaur says her most meaningful contribution has been supporting international students as they adjusted to university life, which inspired her to step into larger leadership roles.

Rubaljeet Kaur, bachelor of commerce (specialized honours) in accounting

Kaur is dedicated to creating spaces at 91亚色 where others can feel seen and have their voices heard. She is the founder and president of the Asian Women in Commerce Association, a community of more than 30 members that addresses representation gaps in business leadership, and hosts the Women in Law Association podcast. Kaur also holds leadership roles with the Social Work Students鈥� Association, LA&PS, 91亚色 International and 91亚色's Asian Youth Network.

Jaryeon Lee, master of science in kinesiology and health science

Lee鈥檚 passion for health sciences is apparent through her leadership in the field. As president of the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Graduate Student Association, Lee expanded outreach, strengthened the academic and professional community within the department and launched a new mentor-mentee program. She was also a graduate student representative on the Academic Council of Kinesiology and Health Science and is currently a representative for the Kinesiology and Health Science Curriculum Exercise meetings.

Nikan Movahedi, bachelor of science (specialized honours) in kinesiology and health science

Movahedi has led numerous initiatives at 91亚色 focused on health research and education. He is a coordinator for the largest health-oriented conference dedicated to undergraduate researchers in Canada and established the 91亚色 Blood Initiative, 91亚色鈥檚 first structured transportation system to local donation centres. Additionally, Movahedi is a student health ambassador and a student representative for the and has been both a volunteer research assistant and mentor.

Simone Elizabeth Pimenta, bachelor of business administration (honours) specialization in marketing and strategic management

Inspired after attending Orientation Week in her first year, Pimenta decided to serve as an Orientation Week executive the following year, followed by Orientation Week Chair for the Schulich School of Business. Pimenta has been heavily involved with the as the current president of the Undergraduate Business Society, as a former mentor for Schulich Women in Leadership and as a senior advisor for the Schulich Business Law Association.

Tariq Salim, bachelor of electrical engineering

Salim has been very involved in the throughout his degree. He has served as a WeekZer0 leader and vice-chair, where he executed programming and created an inclusive environment for new students to feel comfortable and confident. Salim has been an electrical engineering program representative within Lassonde, advocating for student concerns, and is currently the Lassonde representative for Bethune College Council.

Cheyenne Schmidt-Harlick, bachelor of arts (honours), double major in psychology and Indigenous studies

Schmidt-Harlick has made a lasting impact on Indigenous student support and representation across the University. During her time as president of the Indigenous Students Association at 91亚色 and as a student success mentor for Indigenous Student Services, she created welcoming spaces through advocacy, programming and relationship building. Additionally, Schmidt-Harlick held roles as a marketing coordinator for the Undergraduate Psychology Students Association and as a student health ambassador.

Amy Yeung, bachelor of science in kinesiology and health science

Yeung, a kung-fu practitioner for more than 16 years, revived and rebuilt the Martial Arts Club at 91亚色, which now has more than 75 members. Through the club, Yeung shares cultural traditions, community building and provides an accessible space for physical activity. Inclusivity is at the forefront of Yeung鈥檚 leadership practices within the Martial Arts Club, where the needs of women, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC and differently abled members are continuously advocated for.

Niemat Yusuf, bachelor of arts (specialized honours) in psychology

As president of Black Students in Psychology, Yusuf successfully restructured the organization and scaled the executive team from six members to 24. She also expanded cross-campus partnerships and launched a peer mentorship initiative to support upper-year Black psychology students. Yusuf has volunteered in peer advocacy and mentorship roles for the Centre for Sexual Violence, Response, Support & Education, the Black Student Mentorship Program and the Undergraduate Psychology Student Association.

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Established with a $200 million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada鈥檚 largest leadership-based scholarships for master鈥檚 and professional studies students.

More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity this year with the top 150 selected for first-round interviews. Interviews for the resulting 91 finalists took place in Montreal in March.

鈥淚 received the news during a call and in that moment, it felt like everything I had worked toward over the years had led to this,鈥� says Timotewos of being one of 20 recipients. 鈥淚t was overwhelming in the best way, filled with deep gratitude. It inspired me to keep pushing forward and continue giving back.鈥�

The scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend and relocation as well as mentorship, coaching and leadership program activities.

Timotewos, a student at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, will graduate this spring with an honours bachelor of arts in global political studies as well as a certificate in public administration and law.

Inspired by his experiences growing up in Ethiopia and Yemen, Timotewos founded and leads three non-profit initiatives that mentor young men, provide essential resources to youth in need and share community-driven stories. He also serves on the TELUS Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Community Board, where he reviews grant applications for charities.

In addition, Timotewos sits on the Global Youth Impact Council representing young Canadian voices. He also serves as a 91亚色 president ambassador and student senator, is a mentor to fellow students and is a past recipient of 91亚色鈥檚 Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award.

鈥淭his recognition means everything to me and it makes me feel seen,鈥� he says. 鈥淲here I come from, education at this level can feel out of reach but someone chose to invest in my journey and believe in it. It doesn鈥檛 just open doors that wouldn鈥檛 otherwise be open; it also gives me the opportunity to grow. More importantly, it will enable me to keep giving back and create opportunities for others.鈥�

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Timotewos will be pursuing a master of management in analytics at McGill University, where he will study management, finance and economics to understand how institutions and markets shape real-world outcomes.

Attending McGill, he says, fulfils a longtime dream and he hopes to use its strong network to advance his learning and turn economic insight into responsible leadership and social impact. 91亚色, he adds, has been part of that journey.

鈥淢y experience at 91亚色 has shaped me both intellectually and personally. Through the many leadership roles I鈥檝e been entrusted with, as well as the community work and rigorous academic study, I鈥檝e learned how to think critically, lead with intention and serve others with purpose,鈥� he says.

Additionally, 91亚色 students Ann Kwarteng and Neh Shah were both selected for a $5,000 Regional Award from McCall MacBain.

鈥淭hese scholarships go beyond financial support,鈥� says Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e about investing in the leadership potential of individuals who dare to pursue unconventional paths and care deeply about improving the lives of others.鈥�

Applications will open in June 2026 for the 2027 cohort. Learn more about McCall MacBain Scholarships .

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The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in interdisciplinary education and research in the field of maternal and child health.

The 2026 recipients are undergraduate students Sobi Mohan, Sana Ebadi, Aaliyah Daruwala and Sarah Belvedere; and graduate students Estreya Cohen, Paul De Luca, Haleh Hashemi, Anh Nguyen, Gillian Shoychet and Vanessa Tassone.

For Ebadi, a direct-entry nursing student at 91亚色鈥檚 School of Nursing, the award marks an important milestone in a journey defined by advocacy, scholarship and a commitment to health equity.

The third-year student鈥檚 academic interests are closely tied to her lived experience. 鈥淕rowing up in a refugee family from Afghanistan, I witnessed first-hand the barriers that many refugee and immigrant women face when trying to navigate unfamiliar health care systems,鈥� she says, highlighting language barriers, financial hardship and limited awareness of available services.

In addition to her studies, Ebadi has taken on a range of roles that demonstrate commitment to community service and student advocacy. She serves as outreach director for the Nursing Students鈥� Association of 91亚色, where she works to strengthen student engagement and connect nursing students with professional development opportunities.

As one of 91亚色鈥檚 student health ambassadors, Ebadi speaks to prospective and incoming students during University events by sharing her academic experiences and offering tips on available supports and resources.

She is also a marketing executive with the 91亚色 Blood Initiative, contributing to campaigns to raise awareness about blood donation and insecurity, and volunteers with the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre.

鈥淭he Lillian Meighen Wright Scholarship is especially meaningful because it aligns closely with my academic interests and future goals,鈥� she says, 鈥淚t reinforces my desire to contribute to more equitable systems of care for women and families who face barriers to accessing health services.鈥�

The award adds to a growing list of achievements in Ebadi鈥檚 academic career. Most recently, her maternal health research was accepted for presentation at Sigma鈥檚 37th International Nursing Research Congress in Toronto, where she will share her work with nursing scholars and experts from around the world.

"Recognition through the Lillian Meighen Wright Scholarship speaks to the promise of these students as scholars and emerging leaders," says Nazilla Khanlou, professor and Women鈥檚 Health Research Chair in Mental Health at 91亚色 and academic leader of the scholars program. "Through their research, leadership and commitment to advancing equity in health care, they exemplify the kind of compassionate and socially responsive practice the University strives to foster."

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The $1.3-million funding was awarded through CSA鈥檚 Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) program, which backs research at Canadian universities that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and space technologies.

A key goal of the program is to give students and early鈥慶areer researchers hands鈥憃n experience, helping strengthen Canada鈥檚 space sector by training highly qualified personnel and equipping students with practical, job鈥憆eady skills. Through applied, interdisciplinary research and exposure, students learn to navigate space career challenges in everything from instrument testing and system design to fieldwork and advanced manufacturion.

That combination of scientific advancement and experiential learning is evident across the FAST鈥慺unded work now underway at 91亚色.

鈥淎s a result, the project will develop, in our students, more specialized scientists who can go on to operational roles not only with our project, but with space exploration missions and space agencies around the world,鈥� says John Moores, associate professor and grant recipient.

Those four projects and their associate professors are:

John Moores, associate professor

Project: Mars Atmosphere Gas Evolution 鈥� Flying Localization Investigation (MAGE鈥慒LI)

Moores received $436,500 to lead an initiative improving how scientists detect and understand rare gases in the atmosphere of Mars. The work relies on a highly sensitive instrument, called an ICOS spectrometer, that can measure tiny amounts of specific gases.

The research focuses on gases such as methane, which may be linked to possible microbial life below the planet鈥檚 surface, and chlorine, which can be associated with volcanic activity. The project aims to shed light on what may be happening beneath Mars鈥� surface and how the planet continues to change.

鈥淭he support of the CSA and the Canadian government is critical to my research. It funds the specialized equipment we need to test our instruments and make more precise measurements," says Moores.

Before the instrument can be used in space, the team will test it in the lab using gas mixtures and soil materials similar to those found on the planet. In the final year of the project, the instrument will be taken to Iceland and mounted on a drone to see how well it can detect gases released from the ground. 鈥淚n doing this work we鈥檙e demonstrating what this instrument is capable of," says Moores, adding the results will help guide how similar tools could be used in future planetary missions.

Nima Tabatabaei, associate professor

Project: Molecularly Imprinted Opto鈥慒luidic Platform for Ultra鈥慡ensitive Detection and Quantification of Biomarkers in Space

Tabatabaei received $288,090 to create compact health monitoring technology designed for use during space missions. The goal is to help astronauts monitor their health in real time using simple, non鈥慽nvasive measurements, even in the challenging environment of microgravity.

The research, conducted with co鈥慽nvestigator Professor Pouya Rezai of George Mason University, combines several technologies into one small, modular system. It includes a device that automatically collects and processes saliva samples, materials that selectively capture health鈥憆elated molecules and a highly sensitive sensor that can detect extremely miniscule changes in those molecules.

The platform is designed to track biological markers linked to stress, inflammation and exposure to radiation, which are key concerns for astronauts on long missions. Together, these measurements could help inform earlier health decisions and reduce risks during space travel.

鈥淭his grant gives us the chance to start a new area of space鈥慺ocused health research,鈥� says Tabatabaei. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also an opportunity to contribute Canadian technology that could advance future human spaceflight.鈥�

Beyond exploration, the technology could also be adapted for health testing in northern communities on Earth, where access to traditional medical facilities may be limited.

Gerd Grau, associate professor

Project: Food Production in Space: 3D鈥慞rinted Capillary Hydroponics with Integrated Sensing

Grau received $291,000 to advance new ways of growing food during long鈥慸uration space missions.

Growing plants in space presents unique challenges, including how to deliver water and nutrients to roots without gravity, manage limited resources and reduce the amount of equipment that must be launched from Earth.

The initiative will advance technology that uses 3D printing to create precise channels that guide water and nutrients to plants. Designed to be manufactured directly in space, the system aids hydroponic food production and can be adjusted for different types of crops. Built鈥慽n sensors will help monitor plant health and detect problems early, improving efficiency and yields.

鈥淭his grant allows us to take a body of work we鈥檝e been developing for years and apply it in a completely new context,鈥� says Grau. 鈥淚t opens up research directions that wouldn鈥檛 be possible without space鈥慺ocused funding from the Canadian Space Agency.鈥�

While the research is aimed at supporting future space travel, the approach could also benefit food production in remote regions on Earth, including northern Canada.

Cuiying Jian, associate professor

Project: Pixelized, Flexible Sensing Network Using Laser鈥慖nduced Graphene for Health Monitoring

Jian received $291,000 to develop a lightweight, flexible sensor technology that can monitor human health in space and in remote environments on Earth.

Working with co鈥慳pplicant Professor Razieh (Neda) Salahandish, Jian鈥檚 team is using a form of graphene 鈥� an ultra鈥憈hin, conductive material 鈥� to create wearable sensor patches that can measure temperature, movement and moisture across different areas.

鈥淭his grant allows us to explore graphene in these new ways,鈥� says Jian. 鈥淭here鈥檚 real potential here to create tools that are both scientifically innovative and widely accessible.鈥�

Unlike traditional devices that monitor just one part of the body, the system is designed to collect data from multiple locations at once. This could make it possible to build a more complete picture of someone鈥檚 physical condition.

A key part of Jian鈥檚 project is also closely aligned with one of the broader aims of the FAST program: student training and hands鈥憃n learning. 鈥淭his grant enables the recruitment and training of emerging researchers,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 aim to create an environment where the next generation not only learns how to conduct research, but also understands the underlying principles. Both the 鈥榟ow鈥� and the 鈥榳hy鈥� are essential.鈥�

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A professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Sharpe has been named a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellowship recipient, recognizing the impact of her award-winning scholarship in Black studies and the humanities.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellowship recognizes accomplished individuals in academia, public service and other sectors whose work addresses major social and public issues.

鈥淚 am honoured to have been selected and grateful to have been nominated,鈥� says Sharpe of the award, which provides recipients with financial and institutional resources over three years to pursue research and public engagement.

Sharpe鈥檚 work aligns closely with the program's mandate through initiatives that bring scholarly inquiry into dialogue with broader communities. Among them is The Alchemy Lecture, an annual, multi-voiced public event she leads that invites scholars and artists from across disciplines to collaboratively explore pressing social and political questions. Another is the BLACK: Lab, a collaborative research and creative space she developed and co-directs at 91亚色 that fosters interdisciplinary scholarship in Black studies, art and critical inquiry.

鈥淭he fellowship, along with the support of the University and our many sponsors, will allow the work of The Alchemy Lecture and BLACK: Lab to continue without worry,鈥� says Sharpe. 鈥淚 most look forward to working with fellows, scholars, graduate students, artists and partners on learning together through creative collaboration.鈥�

These initiatives build on Sharpe鈥檚 extensive record of scholarship, which has had wide influence on the establishment and growth of Black studies and the humanities. A Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Black Studies, her work spans literature, film, theory and the visual and performing arts, with a focus on the Black diaspora.

Sharpe鈥檚 contributions to scholarly and cultural conversations in Canada and internationally have received significant distinctions in recent years. In 2025, she was named a recipient of the Killam Prize, which acknowledges career-long contributions to scholarship in Canada. In 2024, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which recognizes individuals who push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity.

These honours followed a notable year in 2023, when her book Ordinary Notes received the Hilary Weston Writers鈥� Trust Prize for Nonfiction and the Hodler Prize. It was also was shortlisted for major international awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. The book was named among the year鈥檚 notable nonfiction titles by several publications.

Through the fellowship, Sharpe will continue to shape critical conversations in Black studies and beyond.

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