Dear 91亚色 community, 

Today we launch 91亚色's new 2026-30 University Academic Plan (UAP). The UAP sets our academic direction for the next four years, built on six principles that will guide how we teach, learn, research and engage with each other and the world beyond 91亚色.  

The UAP is a plan for the entire 91亚色 community, and we all have a role to play in bringing it to life.  

Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps and I will host drop-in engagement sessions on each campus. Join us to learn more about the plan's principles, ask questions and share your hopes for where the UAP can lead us. You can also explore the new UAP website and read YFile to learn more about the plan.

听
Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.听
Vari Hall Rotunda听

听
Monday, Nov. 2, 9 to 11 a.m.听
Atrium听

听
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.听
Centre of Excellence (COE) Atrium听

Bring your ideas. At the events, you can write your hopes for the plan on seed paper and post them under the principle that speaks to you. The seed paper will later be planted on our campuses, allowing those ideas to grow both symbolically and literally. 

Faculty, staff, students and instructors are all welcome and no registration is required. Stay a while or drop by for 15 minutes. Light refreshments will be served. 

I hope to see you there. 

Laina Bay-Cheng 
Interim Provost & Vice-President Academic 

The post 91亚色 shares University Academic Plan, invites community participation appeared first on YFile.

Each year since 2017, 91亚色 helps students begin their university experience with fewer financial barriers by awarding to incoming students, complementing the scholarships, grants and bursaries available across the University.

For the second consecutive year, one recipient was selected from each of 91亚色's three campuses: Keele, Glendon and Markham. Valued at more than $7,000, the award offers meaningful support as recipients begin post-secondary studies.

Meet the 2026 recipients, read their stories and watch a video to see their reactions to winning free tuition.

Markham Campus: Temi Ahmed ()

When Ahmed began exploring university programs, she was looking for one that aligned with a long-standing fascination with space and technology.

"I've been really interested in space for a long time, and I like working with computers," she says. "I hope to build a rocket someday in the future."

Her search eventually led her to 91亚色's Space Engineering program, where she hopes to turn that passion into a future career.

As she settles into her first year, Ahmed is excited to immerse herself in her studies and take the first steps toward her career goals.

Winning free tuition, she says, was unexpected. After being invited to what she thought was a routine student experience interview, Ahmed says she had no idea what was waiting for her.

"I wasn't thinking I'd win free tuition," she says, explaining that when she opened the letter, she was in shock. "I saw 'tuition,' so I was like, 'Oh my God. Is this what I think it is?'"

The award will make a meaningful difference for both Ahmed and her family. Soon after learning the news, she called her parents and sister to share it with them. Their reactions, she says, were a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"My dad didn't believe me," she laughs. "He was really surprised, and my sister was really happy too."

Keele Campus: Alexandrea Ursino (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies)

When Ursino developed an interest in law during high school, she began looking for a program that would allow her to explore the field from a broader perspective. 91亚色's Law & Society program stood out as the ideal fit, offering the opportunity to examine legal issues through social, political and cultural lenses.

91亚色 appealed to Ursino because of the possibilities available inside and outside the classroom. As a commuter from Woodbridge, being close to home while still having access to a large campus and a wide range of ways to get involved was a key driver in her decision.

"I chose 91亚色 because of the community and the opportunities that they have," she says. "I liked how it was so diverse and how they had a lot of programs that I could choose from, and a lot of clubs."

As she begins her first year, Ursino is eager to expand her knowledge through university-level coursework and discover new perspectives through her studies.

"I'm looking forward to what I'll be learning and what content the professors will provide me with," she says. "I'm excited to get into the assignments, get into the readings and learn a lot."

The excitement of starting university was made even greater when Ursino learned she had been selected as this year's Keele Campus free tuition recipient. Caught completely off guard by the announcement, she says the award came as a welcome surprise.

"It means it's a super big gift, a big surprise," she says. "Free tuition gives me the ability to pursue my goals of having a good first year, to focus more on my education and my growth as I begin this new chapter of my life."

Glendon Campus: Xander Venne (Ethics and Political Philosophy)

Venne's connection to Glendon runs deeper than academics; the campus is part of his family history.

"My parents actually both went here to the Glendon campus and they met here," says Venne. "So, I've been hearing great stories about it my whole life."

Now in his first weeks as a student, he says he has already experienced the close-knit and diverse community that drew him there.

"I've been able to make a wide variety of friends from across the world, which I've really enjoyed," he says.

Venne is eager to embrace the opportunities that come with university life, from new experiences and friendships to expanding his knowledge and developing new skills.

Winning free tuition, he says, will make a meaningful difference for both him and his family, easing financial pressures and allowing him to focus more fully on his studies.

"It means a lot for me and for my family," he says.

Watch the video below for more.

The post 91亚色 students awarded free first-year tuition appeared first on YFile.

This fall, 91亚色 U welcomes new full-time, permanent faculty members in the , the Faculty of Education, the , the , the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Markham Campus and the Faculty of Science. 

In this issue:

AMPD scholars offer diverse expertise across arts, media, dance

New faculty members bring expertise to 91亚色's Faculty of Education

Faculty of Health welcomes leaders in psychology, nursing

Lassonde School of Engineering welcomes machine learning innovator

Faculty joining LA&PS bring scholarship on diverse disciplines

New Makham Campus faculty enhance sport management teaching, learning

Inclusive, student-centred learning focus of new Faculty of Science prof

The post Welcome to 91亚色: New Faces 2026听 appeared first on YFile.

Markham Campus welcomes two full-time, permanent faculty members this fall.

鈥淒aniel and Vinu bring complementary expertise that reflects the breadth of the sport sector and where it鈥檚 heading,鈥� says Dan Palermo, deputy provost, Markham Campus. 鈥淪port Management is a great example of what we鈥檙e building at Markham: programs that respond to evolving industries, connect students with employers and communities, and create opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom." 

Daniel Sailofsky

Sailofsky is an assistant professor of sport management with an interdisciplinary academic background that includes formal training in law, sport management and sociology. His research examines violence, gender, harm and the political economy of sport using both qualitative and quantitative methods.  

He is the author of Playing Through Pain: The Violent Consequences of Capitalist Sport, published by the University of North Carolina Press. He has also published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters, reports and journalistic contributions.鈥�  

Sailofsky has worked in research and industry contexts with sport organizations including the F茅d茅ration Internationale de l鈥橝utomobile, World Athletics, Adidas and the Canadian Olympic Committee. A former collegiate and university basketball coach, he has served as an assistant coach at Brock University, McGill University and Champlain College Saint-Lambert.  

Vinu Selvaratnam

Selvaratnam is an assistant professor of sport management whose research explores the intersection of sport, technology and consumer behaviour.  

His work focuses on how people adopt and engage with technology in sport and leisure settings, with research interests spanning technology adoption, physical activity, recreational sport and leisure participation. His expertise aligns with a rapidly evolving sport sector in which technology and data are increasingly shaping how organizations operate and how people participate in and experience sport.  

Alongside his research, he is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of industry leaders and is passionate about enhancing the student experience and driving positive student outcomes.   

The post New Markham Campus faculty enhance sport management teaching, learning appeared first on YFile.

This year, the 91亚色 community is invited to participate in a special Heart Garden that asks them to reflect on how reconciliation informs their learning, teaching, research, professional practice, daily work or personal lives.

Community members can share their reflections by writing them down on a paper heart at select in-person events and tabling locations at 91亚色鈥檚 three campuses on Sept. 28.

A digital submission option is also available through 91亚色鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website. These reflections will become part of a Heart Garden installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig on Sept. 30.

Community members are also encouraged to centre the experiences of residential school survivors and engage in reconciliation by:

• wearing an orange shirt, a symbol that raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and affirms that Every Child Matters;
• exploring reports, films, podcasts and other resources available through the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website; and
• attending one of the events being offered throughout the month, including the University鈥檚 Sept. 30 commemorative gathering.

Film screenings

From Sept. 21 to 24, the University will host screenings of The Knowing by award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga. The four-part documentary series follows Talaga's search for answers about her family history while exploring the enduring effects of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous families and communities. Viewers should be aware that the series includes content that may be distressing for survivors and their families.

One of four episodes will screen daily at 2:30 p.m. in 91亚色 Lanes, Room 301A, in the following order: The Knowing; Stolen Children; Lost, Found and Lost Again; and The End is the Beginning.

is required, as space is limited.

Heart Garden community reflections

On Sept. 28, community members can visit Heart Garden reflection tables from noon to 3 p.m. at Vari Hall (Keele Campus), the Welcome Desk (Glendon Campus) and the West Atrium (Markham Campus).

Participants will be invited to respond to the reflection question and add their thoughts to the Heart Garden. Reflections will be incorporated into the Sept. 30 installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig.

Indigenous community gathering

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Indigenous community members are invited to gather on a drop-in basis, at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect through informal conversation and shared time together. Medicines, beading materials and refreshments will be provided. This event is open to those who self-identify as Indigenous.

Commemorative event

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 91亚色 community members are invited to attend the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorative event in person or online. Advance and bringing YUCards is encouraged.

Beginning at 10 a.m.in the Helliwell Centre at the Keele Campus, the event will be livestreamed, with in-person viewing locations available at MK2050 on the Markham Campus and the Theatre at the Glendon Campus. A panel discussion will respond to this year鈥檚 Heart Garden reflection question and reflect on themes from The Knowing, highlighting reconciliation in action within the 91亚色 community.

Following the event, in-person participants will be invited to Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig for light refreshments and an opportunity to engage with the Heart Garden installation.

For additional information and resources, visit the鈥�National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website.

The post Learn, reflect, connect at 91亚色 U events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation听 appeared first on YFile.

For technology leader Adrian Lee-Kwen, that belief is at the heart of a $1-million gift to the 91亚色 Markham Campus that will give students new opportunities to explore creativity, experiment with technology and bring their ideas to life.

The gift and the opening of the newly named Adrian Lee-Kwen Makerspace, located in the Markham Campus Library, were celebrated at an event on Aug. 21.

The Makerspace provides equitable access to space, equipment and resources for students to learn through making and creation. Featuring digital fabrication tools, 3D printers and prototyping equipment, this dynamic space gives students the tools to experiment with new technologies, develop new skills and discover new interests.

The Makerspace reflects the role of universities as places of discovery and learning as technology continues to transform how people study, work and interact, says Lisa Philipps, 91亚色鈥檚 interim president and vice-chancellor. 鈥淲hile Adrian is deeply engaged with technology, his focus has always been on people: developing their potential and preparing them to take on the challenges ahead. His generous support and mentorship of students at 91亚色 reflects the depth of his commitment to developing the next generation of innovators.鈥�

For Lee-Kwen, the significance of accessible spaces for creative pursuits is deeply personal. During the celebratory event, he shared that while in high school, he made an investment that seemed to others to be unusual at the time: he bought his first computer. That computer, he recalled cost more than the run-down car he was driving. While his math teacher was skeptical about this investment 鈥� as personal home computers were rare at the time 鈥� his history teacher cheered on the decision. That first computer would become an early step in a much longer journey.

As an early adopter of technology, this investment led to a lifelong interest in technology and computer science. Today Lee-Kwen is the senior vice-president of AI research and development for Workforce Engagement Management at Genesys, where he leads a global team of more than 350 engineers.

He sees the Makerspace as an environment he wishes had been available to him when he was a student: a place to explore curiosity and access modern equipment and technology.

鈥淲hat makes Adrian鈥檚 gift especially meaningful here is his connection to 91亚色 Region,鈥� says Dan Palermo, deputy provost, Markham Campus. 鈥淪tudents can see someone from their own community who followed their curiosity and went on to build a global career in technology.鈥�

As an extension of Lee-Kwen鈥檚 commitment, he will serve as the inaugural Innovation Partner with the Markham Campus Library. In this role, he will share his experience and expertise directly with students through mentorship, complementing his investment in the Makerspace.

For Markham Campus students Sasha Tarassova and Jesse Tsang, what makes the Makerspace distinct is its openness. 鈥淭he Makerspace鈥檚 greatest draw is its accessibility in all aspects: physically, financially and in the philosophy and culture that it cultivates,鈥� says Tarassova.

鈥淚n today鈥檚 highly digital world, the Makerspace is an important bridge between the digital and the physical, to see first-hand the impacts of what we create,鈥� Tsang adds.

This connection between technology, creativity and real-world application is at the core of the Markham Campus, a made-in-Canada model of higher education. The campus is connected to industry, energized by experimentation and built to inspire innovators, makers and entrepreneurs in one of the country鈥檚 fastest growing and most diverse communities.

Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville and a long-standing champion of the Markham Campus, reflected on its potential to develop the workforce for jobs of the future. During the celebratory event, he said he hopes the impact of the Makerspace will help educate but also help foster a culture of innovation that encourages young people to build their careers and lives in Markham.

Lee-Kwen鈥檚 philanthropy and mentorship support student access to new opportunities to explore technology, creativity and innovation at the Markham Campus.

The post $1M gift makes space for creativity at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus appeared first on YFile.

For many Indigenous learners, choosing a post-secondary institution involves more than academics. A community of support, culturally responsive spaces and a sense of belonging can influence where students see themselves succeeding.

In partnership with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, 91亚色's Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the five-day Indigenous Pathways Program helps aspiring Indigenous learners ages 18 and older build meaningful and intentional connections ahead of their academic journeys. The immersive experience introduces participants to 91亚色's academic offerings while connecting them to the University鈥檚 Indigenous-focused spaces, resources, supports, staff and faculty across its three campuses.

By helping learners feel welcomed, supported and able to envision a future at 91亚色, the program fosters belonging and helps build confidence, clarity and purpose leading up to the transition to post-secondary education. It also reflects a broader institutional commitment to Indigenous student success, says Holly LaForme, manager, Indigenous initiatives at 91亚色鈥檚 Division of Equity, People & Culture.

鈥淔or many Indigenous learners, education systems have not always felt safe, welcoming or full of possibility. Arriving at a large urban institution, often far from family, community and familiar supports, can feel overwhelming,鈥� says LaForme, who helped lead the IPP project. 鈥淎t the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, connection and community-building are foundational to the way we support student success. My hope is to bring a sense of care, familiarity and relationality to the university experience so Indigenous learners feel grounded as they adapt to a new environment, explore their identity and define their path forward.鈥�

Throughout the week, participants stayed in residence and engaged with faculty, staff, current students and alumni. In collaboration with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, programming highlighted a range of academic pathways through experiences that included a session with Indigenous scholar, 91亚色 assistant professor and acclaimed author Jesse Thistle; workshops in creative writing and social work; hands-on engineering and AI activities at the ; career-focused programming at the , including an Indigenous alumni panel; and a visit to 91亚色's Markham Campus for a immersive day that concluded with a sacred fire.

For participant Sheena Kitchemokman, meeting other Indigenous students and learning about resources available at 91亚色 were key reasons for joining the program.

"The reason why I signed up for the Indigenous Pathways Program is to see what opportunities are available and to meet other Indigenous students who are going to 91亚色," she says.

That sense of connection is a central focus of the program, says LaForme. By introducing participants to Indigenous faculty, students, alumni and support staff, the program helps learners build relationships and gain a clearer understanding of what life at university can look like.

鈥淩ather than asking students to imagine whether they belong in a post-secondary environment, the program provides a meaningful way for participants to experience that community firsthand,鈥� says LaForme, who notes some learners travelled from northern communities to participate.

Those connections, she adds, extend beyond the classroom. Participants are introduced to Indigenous spaces across 91亚色鈥檚 campuses, including Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig, an Indigenous support centre at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus where Indigenous students can use the space for community and cultural connection. For Kitchemokman, it was a welcoming space that left a lasting impression.

"My favourite space on campus is the native student lounge," she says of Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig. "It really does make me feel at home."

Finding this strong sense of community, as well as a clearer understanding of academic options, strengthened her confidence in choosing 91亚色 for her post-secondary studies. She describes one session she attended as inspiring, noting she had 鈥済oosebumps listening to the panel talk about their life experiences and education stories.鈥�

She says the program would benefit all Indigenous learners 鈥� especially those considering 91亚色.

"Coming to the Indigenous Pathways Program has convinced me that this is the right university for me because of all the love and support you get from faculty and student bodies," she says.

Although the Indigenous Pathways Program spans five days, its impact extends beyond a single week.

鈥淏y helping prospective students explore university life, connect with Indigenous community and experience the care and shared hopes offered by non-Indigenous allies, friends, peers and partners across the 91亚色 U community, the program creates meaningful pathways into post-secondary education,鈥� says LaForme.

鈥淏eing able to physically experience these spaces, build relationships and see oneself at 91亚色 is an important first step in making that future feel real, supported and full of possibility.鈥�

LaForme says the program, which ran July 27 to 31, has already encouraged some of the participants to apply.

The post 91亚色 program builds belonging for Indigenous learners appeared first on YFile.

The 10-storey, 400,000-square-foot facility, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, received Canadian Interiors鈥� 2026 Best of Canada Award in the institutional category for 鈥渁 design that places emotional comfort, social engagement, wellness and intuitive movement at the centre of the design agenda.鈥�

The award adds to recent recognition for 91亚色鈥檚 newest campus, which was created to expand educational opportunities in one of Canada鈥檚 fastest-growing urban regions. Markham Campus previously earned top honours at the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards and was named a winner in the LEARN category of the 2025 ARIDO Awards.

According to Canadian Interiors, this year鈥檚 winning projects reflected a growing emphasis on spaces that support meaningful experiences and respond to culture, heritage and contemporary design priorities.

鈥淭he design of Markham Campus reflects the kind of community we鈥檙e building here: open, inclusive and connected," says Dan Palermo, deputy provost of Markham Campus. "The spaces are intentionally designed to bring people together, encourage collaboration across programs and create stronger connections between the University and the broader community. This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates not only the design of the building, but how that design supports the experience of the people who learn, work and connect here every day.鈥�

Located in Markham, the campus is organized around a five-storey atrium that serves as a gathering space. A central staircase links classrooms, study areas and collaborative spaces, while glazing and daylight help maintain sightlines across multiple floors.

The facility supports interdisciplinary learning and research through flexible teaching, collaboration and community-focused spaces. Its interior design encourages interaction among students, faculty, staff and visitors by connecting learning, research and informal activity spaces.

The post Markham Campus earns national design award appeared first on YFile.

91亚色鈥檚 Master of Biotechnology Management (MBM) program provided an answer. One of a kind in Canada, the program offers students training in biotechnology theory and practice, a diploma in business management and two to three terms of paid internship experience. The double credential offered at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus allowed Fazeli to maximize career options by adding business to her STEM background.

What she didn鈥檛 yet know was the MBM program would give her multiple meaningful points of access to the biotechnology industry. Hands-on projects, immersive technical training and mentorship from a 91亚色 alum during her internship shaped Fazeli鈥檚 confidence, skills and career exploration.

鈥淢BM is designed with sustained industry interaction throughout the student journey,鈥� says Jade Atallah, graduate program director, biotechnology. 鈥淭hrough internships, interdisciplinary capstone projects and industry-centred work-integrated learning experiences, students graduate with partner collaborations on their CVs, an expanded professional network and professional credibility that strengthens future employment outcomes.鈥�

Capstone and experiential learning projects in the program鈥檚 curriculum give students a chance to build a practical foundation while engaging with real-world initiatives. For Fazeli, this included a work-integrated learning project during her first term at 91亚色 exploring regulatory frameworks for alternative proteins.

The project was a collaboration with 91亚色's Co-op & Career Centre with support from a Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) grant.

Fazeli also participated in a project to design a business case for a smart-model prototype for a health care equipment company, offering her meaningful exposure to regulatory frameworks. She notes this knowledge and experience were relevant to subsequent work she undertook with a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO).

The capstone experiences reconfirmed her interest in working at the intersection of science, technology and business as she began her search for an internship, a second foundational component of the MBM program. The competitive process inspired Fazeli to network, attend conferences and actively pursue opportunities.

At 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus, internship placements are supported by faculty members and a dedicated employer partnerships team that works closely with organizations to align students with roles that support their goals.

鈥淚 submitted my resume and cover letter through the portal. It was easy,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淎 coordinator got back to me quickly and connected me with the employer.鈥�

That employer was Dalton Pharma Services and the hiring manager was Saif Mia, a 91亚色 alum who is the associate director, informatics and technology services at Dalton Pharma Services, a CDMO that leads pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services for the biotechnology industry.

Mia graduated with a BSc in chemistry from 91亚色 and says his degree was an entry point to the biotechnology and biomanufacturing industry. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be in this industry if I didn鈥檛 study chemistry,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he technical foundation I learned at 91亚色 still applies now.鈥�

Today, he passes his support and expertise forward by mentoring 91亚色 students who are entering the field. Mia and his team engage students in collaborative, problem-solving roles that expose them to the complexities of a highly regulated environment. 鈥淚t鈥檚 our goal to shape future science students that are entering this field during their work terms with us,鈥� says Mia. 鈥淥urs are typically short-term projects, which are well supported by 91亚色鈥檚 co-op program since it offers a flexible hiring timeline.鈥�

In May 2025, Mia hired Fazeli as a digital systems implementation and data migration intern to support his team with implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and to work closely with the organization鈥檚 Electronic Quality Management System (eQMS). She worked with Mia and Huyen Bui, senior specialist, QMS and lab informatics, to help design and troubleshoot workflows, migrate data and translate calibration forms.

Fazeli says she was thrilled to benefit from mentors closely connected to 91亚色 and committed to developing student talent.

鈥淢entorship played a significant role in shaping my experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淲orking at a CDMO is very dynamic 鈥� there was always something I had a question about. Huyen and Saif always met me with guidance and support. I鈥檓 grateful for such a collaborative and supportive team.鈥�

Mia echoes gratitude and says the benefits go both ways. 鈥淣ot only do 91亚色 students like Ida bring value to Dalton Pharma, but we also learn from them, based on the new teaching methodologies and techniques they鈥檙e getting from their curriculum.鈥�

鈥淪tudents come into their roles very curious, which is important,鈥� adds Bui. 鈥淭hey鈥檒l ask questions that inspire us to think of things in a different way, resulting in a process improvement or a modification in the way we do things.鈥�

Early in her role, Fazeli was invited to join four other 91亚色 students for a week in Montreal to participate in the CASTL BioBridge Co-op Training Program. Delivered by the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), the program provided hands-on training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-simulated facilities to boost students鈥� technical and compliance skills. It gave her another access point to industry and expert instruction in the field.

鈥淭here were many connections to my work experience, including the chance to go into the labs and see the cleanrooms,鈥� Fazeli recalls. 鈥淲hile I鈥檇 come to understand regulatory processes in my job, I got to experience them first-hand at the training facilities.鈥�

Now in her final semester of the MBM program, Fazeli is preparing to graduate with both a professional master of biotechnology management and a graduate diploma in management. She comes away with career-defining insights, confidence and professional connections gained from her mentors and industry experiences.

Programs such as BioBridge, and support for students like Fazeli, advance the Co-op & Career Centre and Markham Campus鈥� commitment to developing industry-ready talent and delivering value to employers.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a win-win,鈥� says Mia, of experiences like Fazeli鈥檚. 鈥淲e gain fresh perspectives from the students and they get a head start experiencing cross-functional collaboration on the job. In class, everyone studies the same thing. Coming into an environment where there are different departments working together on challenges is a great advantage and an opportunity to learn.鈥�

The post Unique master鈥檚 program opens doors to biotechnology careers appeared first on YFile.

Sadia Tasnim (data science) and Brianna Nguyen (digital technologies) have been named 91亚色鈥檚 Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning students of the year.

The鈥疌o-op Student of the Year award鈥痳ecognizes an outstanding student who has made a significant impact during a co-op work term in the 2025 calendar year. This year marks the inaugural launch of the award as an institution鈥憌ide competition, and invited nominations from students across all programs.

The Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year award recognizes an outstanding student who has made significant impact in an activity defined by (CEWIL) as work-integrated learning in the 2025 calendar year.

Both awards acknowledge students鈥� ongoing efforts to promote work-integrated learning within their campus, communities and industry.

Sadia Tasnim: Co-op Student of the Year

鈥淔or as long as I鈥痳emember, I鈥檝e noticed how numbers quietly dictate what the world pays attention to,鈥� says Tasnim, a鈥痜ourth-year data science student.

Long before entering 91亚色鈥檚 Data Science program in the Faculty of Science,鈥痵he marvelled at the figures she saw in news鈥痟eadlines. She reflected not just on the鈥痳esponse they generated, but鈥痮n the hidden work behind them 鈥� who collected them, how they shaped decisions鈥痑nd how they drove outcomes.鈥��

When she decided to pursue co-operative education鈥痑s part of her undergraduate degree, instead of working at a鈥痩arge tech company, financial institution or consulting firm,鈥疶asnim鈥檚 work term took her to an鈥痷nexpected place: a local鈥痜ood bank.鈥���

Working first in鈥痑gency relations and then as a data administrator,鈥痵he joined Food Banks Mississauga on a growing data team and found a space where her鈥痶alents at鈥痠nterpreting鈥痑nd presenting data鈥痑ligned with her desire鈥痜or community impact.鈥��

Among four student hires, she was one of two selected to鈥痗o-lead鈥痶he organization鈥檚 largest annual initiative: the Annual Visitor Survey.鈥疭he led鈥痑 team of 20 volunteers responsible for collecting data from food bank鈥痗lients, assessing service satisfaction and gathering demographic information to help the organization better understand its community鈥檚 needs.鈥��

One of her鈥痬ost significant contributions鈥痗ame as鈥痶he result of an鈥痷nexpected鈥痗hallenge, when she鈥痜aced鈥痶he sudden鈥痙eparture鈥痮f a direct supervisor. Tasnim welcomed the opportunity to lead her team to the project鈥檚 completion on time.鈥疭he helped compile and analyze the data to produce鈥痑n exceptionally detailed report that her鈥痙irector鈥痙escribed as 鈥渢he first of its kind鈥� for the organization.鈥��

Tasnim also showed initiative by attending external workshops hosted by non-profits鈥痶o understand鈥痟ow data鈥痗an鈥痓e communicated effectively. By the end of her co-op term, she had completed nine reports, including a comprehensive organizational analysis, and presented her findings at a board meeting.

The鈥痬ost rewarding鈥痯art of her experience, she says, was knowing she had contributed to key food security insights that may guide future programs and resource allocation.

鈥淔rom the moment I interviewed Sadia, what stood out most was that her values and integrity drive the work she does,鈥� says Nicole Norris, director of programs and agency network, Food Banks Mississauga.鈥�淎s a food bank, our organization has evolving data needs and seeks talented鈥痠ndividuals to elevate our data approach.鈥疕er combination of technical鈥痚xpertise, leadership potential and commitment to the organization鈥檚 mission made her an asset to our team and left a lasting positive impact.鈥濃��

In addition to making a difference through her co-op role,鈥疶asmin is an active leader in鈥痗hampioning and contributing to WIL. She attended the 2025鈥疌EWIL Canada鈥疧ntario Regional Conversation, where鈥痵he鈥痟elped surface鈥痗hallenges in the landscape of WIL鈥痺ith peers and leaders. She also represented 91亚色鈥檚 co-op program as an ambassador during the Ontario Universities Fair, where she shared her experiences with prospective鈥�91亚色鈥痑pplicants.鈥��

Tasnim also demonstrates leadership in her program as鈥痶he founder鈥痮f鈥�91亚色鈥檚 Data Science Club.鈥� In this role, she has鈥痚stablished鈥痑 membership of more than 120 students and secured sponsorships from local organizations to provide financial support for鈥痶he club's growth.鈥�

In recognition of her achievements and her work inspiring鈥痽oung women to pursue careers in technology,鈥痵he鈥痟as been鈥痭ominated鈥痜or CS-CAN-INFO-CAN's W. Powley Woman of Inspiration Award.鈥�

Brianna Nguyen: Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year

鈥疦guyen, a second-year digital technologies student at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus鈥痑nd a Dev Degree intern at Shopify,鈥痟as distinguished herself through initiative, persistence and a commitment to community impact.鈥�

Her academic,鈥痯rofessional鈥痑nd creative pursuits demonstrate鈥痟er engagement and advocacy for WIL as a tool for empowerment, innovation and growth.鈥��

In the fully work-integrated鈥疍igital Technologies program鈥痑t Markham Campus, Nguyen dedicates 80 per cent of her time to working full-time at Shopify, and 20 per cent to completing her academic courses in intensive five-day blocks.鈥��

鈥淚 chose digital technologies because it offers a work-integrated experience unlike any other program,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hrough this immersive program, I was pushed to take initiative, apply my knowledge in real-world settings and step into meaningful roles.鈥�

As a Dev Degree intern, she has spent the past鈥痵everal鈥痬onths contributing to technical projects within Shopify鈥檚 Activation team. Her work helps support new merchants鈥痑s they onboard and begin to use the platform.鈥��

Early in her internship, she helped build back-end functionality for Shopify鈥檚 new Retail Yearly subscription, gaining foundational experience in shipping production code.鈥�疻ith more experience, skill and confidence, Nguyen moved to more鈥痗omplex challenges involving AI.鈥疭he proactively sought opportunities for 鈥減air programming鈥� with senior engineers, data scientists and product managers 鈥� a practice in which one developer writes code and another provides review and feedback. This initiative accelerated her learning, she says, and grow her relationship with different members of the organization.

Nguyen is proud to have鈥痗ontributed to development of Shopify鈥檚 AI-powered voice assistant, as well as a new tool that enables non-developers to quickly test prompts across AI models, reducing iteration time and improving鈥痺orkflows.

Nguyen's manager acknowledged her performance, noting she exceeded expectations in her role.听Despite being a first-year intern, her performance听was recognized as demonstrating听capabilities听equivalent to a full-time junior developer.

Beyond her technical skills, Nguyen has shown leadership by building inclusive spaces for peers. She has hosted Lightning Talks for Shopify staff and interns, presented openly about overcoming imposter syndrome, mentored new Dev Degree cohorts and served as a student executive for ElleHacks, Canada鈥檚 largest hackathon for women and non-binary students.

She also鈥痳epresented 91亚色 and engaged in meaningful connection-building at the conference where she was鈥痵ponsored by鈥疻omen in Science and Engineering (WISE) at 91亚色.

Her achievements reflect her advocacy for inclusive innovation and her belief in the power of WIL to build confidence and community.

鈥淲ork-integrated learning has been an integral part of my university experience and a model that I have continued to promote,鈥� she says.

The post 91亚色 recognizes co-op and work-integrated learning students of the year appeared first on YFile.