91�Թ� Scarborough

Daniel Lysak, a PhD student in the department of physical and environmental sciences at 91�Թ� Scarborough, has been recognized with a Dean's Doctoral Excellence Scholarship.

The annual prize, valued at $25,000, is awarded by the Faculty of Arts & Science to a PhD student whose academic excellence is matched by their contributions to the community.

Lysak's research involves using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study environmental stress at the molecular level. The author of several groundbreaking articles, he has also been a longtime advocate for graduate students.

“Daniel has been working on some of the most challenging interdisciplinary research and his efforts have consistently led to world-class publications,” says his doctoral supervisor, Professor Andre Simpson.

The recipient of numerous academic awards, Lysak says the Dean's Doctoral Excellence Scholarship is particularly meaningful given the often solitary nature of his work. “Graduate school involves a lot of independent work,” he says. “It is often hard to tell if you are doing a good job, which leads to self-doubt and a kind of mental struggle. So an award like this is very encouraging, and it’s truly a great honour."

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9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:04:44 +0000

9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

Research & Innovation

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 08/22/2024 - 19:04

Faculty

St. George

Scarborough

Connaught Community Research Partnership Award

Connaught Fund

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Department of Anthropology

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Dentistry

Rotman School of Management

91�Թ� Scarborough

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Nine researchers from the 91�Թ� have received Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards.

Given by the Connaught Fund, the awards support research carried out in collaboration with non-academic community partners and driven by their needs and priorities. For the 2024-25 funding cycle, the Connaught Committee made the decision to exceed its $300,000 allocation to award a total of $820,000 to nine research initiatives.

“It is a testament to the range and excellence of research proposals that the Connaught Fund will, this year, support more Community Partnership Research Programs than ever before,” said Leah Cowen, 91�Թ�’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“In recent years, projects supported by this program have blossomed into established relationships that are enriching research at our university and poised to have a sustained impact on communities.

“I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case with this year’s awarded projects, which address complex challenges that range from tracking contaminants in traditional foods in First Nations to enhancing the wellness of older adults in retirement living.”

The recipients of the 2024-25 Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards are:

Elyse Caron-Beaudoin, department of health and society, 91�Թ� Scarborough – Kihcinahowin kîspin piscipowin astîk kimîcowinân (Tracking contaminants in traditional foods)
Mark Chignell, department of mechanical and industrial engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Activity spaces for community-living older adults: Implementing a pilot space in a naturally occurring retirement community and evaluating its impact on physical and cognitive function, and social interaction
Bernhard Ganss, Faculty of Dentistry – Chalky teeth in Ontario’s children: Determining prevalence and raising awareness in the Durham region
Daniel Grace, department of social and behavioural health sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Advancing 2-spirited health equity: Learning through the narratives of 2-spirited people impacted by HIV
Matthew Hoffmann, department of political science, 91�Թ� Scarborough – From envisioning to empowering a just transition in Scarborough
Sheng Liu, operations management and statistics, Rotman School of Management – Enhancing support for survivors of abuse through intelligent volunteer management
Angela Mashford-Pringle, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Rivers of plenty: Enabling heart healthy eating in James and Hudson’s Bay
Laura Risk, department of arts, culture and media, 91�Թ� Scarborough – Old sounds, new stories: A partnership with the Canadian Museum of History to activate the Fonds Jean Trudel
Daniel Sellen, department of anthropology, Faculty of Arts & Science – The ecosystem of birthing and lactation in Toronto: Lived experiences of marginalized parents and the role of community support providers

Five 91�Թ� researchers recognized for student mental health research

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:40:35 +0000

Five 91�Թ� researchers recognized for student mental health research

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 07/24/2024 - 09:40

Faculty

St. George

Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Arts & Science

IHPME

Inlight Student Mental Health Research Initiative

OISE

Research & Innovation

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

(L-R) Notisha Massaquoi, Megan Boler, Daniel Grace, Emily Seto and Antje Budde (supplied images)

Five researchers from across the 91�Թ� have received 2023-2024 Inlight Research Development Grants.

The grants support early-stage research, knowledge synthesis and partnership projects that advance post-secondary student mental health and wellness. They are awarded by Inlight Student Mental Health Research, a 91�Թ� institutional strategic initiative.

The projects address critical areas such as needs, experiences and access to mental health services for LGBTQ2S+, Black and international students as well as the impacts of technology like generative AI on anxiety. All projects include students as co-investigators or collaborators.

The recipients are:

Megan Boler, professor in the department of social justice education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Antje Budde, associate professor in the Centre for Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies at the Faculty of Arts & Science
Daniel Grace, associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Notisha Massaquoi, assistant professor in the department of health and society at 91�Թ� Scarborough
Emily Seto, associate professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Amanda Uliaszek, Inlight's associate director of research and an associate professor of psychology at 91�Թ� Scarborough, said the researchers are "using unique and innovative approaches to enhance our knowledge and understanding of not only the mental health needs of our diverse student population, but also the ways in which artificial intelligence and other forms of technology are creating a bigger impact.”

“That is exciting for us to see, and we are proud to be able to continue to support this important research and work.”

Ellie Hisama and Mahua Sarkar named members of the Institute for Advanced Study

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:03:40 +0000

Ellie Hisama and Mahua Sarkar named members of the Institute for Advanced Study

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 07/09/2024 - 13:03

landscape

L-R: Ellie Hisama and Mahua Sarkar (photo of Hisama by Johnny Guatto)

Ellie Hisama, dean and professor of music at the Faculty of Music, and Mahua Sarkar, professor in the department of sociology at 91�Թ� Scarborough, have been named members of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) for 2024-25.

Established in 1930 in Princeton, N.J., IAS is dedicated to advancing fundamental discovery in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment. Each year, the institute welcomes more than 250 of the most promising senior and post-doctoral researchers and scholars to carry out cutting-edge research across four areas: historical studies, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences.

Hisama’s stint at the IAS will see her focus on a book project on composer and musician Julius Eastman, titled The Fragment and the Long Song of Julius Eastman. “It is a highlight of my career to be part of the IAS, an institution I have long admired for its steadfast support of field-changing research,” Hisama said. “It is a special honour to be part of an institution where Natalie Zemon Davis, the distinguished historian and 91�Թ� professor, was a member.”

Sarkar will also work on a book, titled Moving Stories: Contemporary Guest Work and Bangladeshi Contract Migrants. "It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to join the Institute of Advanced Study in Princeton as a member," Sarkar said. "Having spent time at similar institutes in Europe and Asia in the past, I have a deep appreciation for the quality of intellectual exchange possible at such institutions, and the time they afford for reflection and writing.

"And of course, the IAS in Princeton is the oldest of such spaces, and has served as a model for many others. In short, I am thrilled."

Hisama and Sarkar join the ranks of several 91�Թ� faculty members to have been appointed to the prestigious institute, whose past and present scholars include 35 Nobel Laureates, 44 of the 62 Fields Medalists, several MacArthur and Guggenheim fellows and winners of the Wolf, Holberg, Kluge and Pulitzer Prizes.

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Read about Mahua Sarkar's research

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Institute for Advanced Study

Six recent graduates awarded Governor General's Academic Medals

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:53:47 +0000

Six recent graduates awarded Governor General's Academic Medals

Academic Achievement

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 07/08/2024 - 11:53

Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering

Department of Computer Science

Department of English

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Information

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

Clockwise from top left: Karl Manis, Chido Muchemwa, Tatiana Ruiz Bedoya, Jeff Chen, Zehui Yin and Jing Wang (supplied images)

Six recent graduates of the 91�Թ� have been awarded 2023-2024 Governor General’s Academic Medals in recognition of their academic excellence.

Three PhD alumni were awarded gold medals, which are presented to graduate students on the basis of academic performance in courses, evaluation of thesis and thesis defence, and originality and significance of research:

Tatiana Ruiz Bedoya – department of cell and systems biology, Faculty of Arts & Science
Chido Muchemwa – Faculty of Information and the Mark S Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science
Karl Manis – department of English, Faculty of Arts & Science

Three undergraduate alumni were awarded silver medals, which are given to students with the highest academic standing upon graduating from a bachelor degree program:

Jeff Chen – department of civil and mineral engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Jing Wang – department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science
Zehui Yin – department of management, 91�Թ� Scarborough

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Read about the Governor General's Silver Medal

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Andrew Lee recognized with Sanders Prize in Metaphysics

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:03:35 +0000

Andrew Lee recognized with Sanders Prize in Metaphysics

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 07/02/2024 - 13:03

Faculty

Scarborough

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

Andrew Lee (supplied image)

Andrew Lee, an assistant professor in the department of philosophy at the 91�Թ� Scarborough, has won the Marc Sanders Prize in Metaphysics.

Winners of the prestigious, biennial essay competition are recognized with a cash prize and publication in the journal Oxford Studies in Metaphysics. Lee won the prize for his essay A Puzzle about Sums, which offers a novel solution to a metaphysical puzzle.

The puzzle is associated with Riemann’s Rearrangement Theorem, a mathematical theorem stating that the sum of an infinite series of numbers can sometimes depend on the order in which those numbers occur. Lee's essay delves into how to interpret the metaphysical significance of that theorem.

“I feel really grateful to receive recognition for my work,” said Lee, who is best known for his work on the philosophy of consciousness but also explores other topics in contemporary analytic philosophy. “It can be hard to break into a literature outside of one’s main area, so I’m glad that the ideas in this paper will receive attention.”

Lee is already developing follow-up work on related topics to those explored in his award-winning essay.

Rudy Boonstra receives Fry Medal from Canadian Society of Zoologists

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:19:11 +0000

Rudy Boonstra receives Fry Medal from Canadian Society of Zoologists

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 06/13/2024 - 14:19

Faculty

Scarborough

Department of Biological Sciences

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

Rudy Boonstra (photo by Ken Jones)

Rudy Boonstra, professor emeritus in the department of biological sciences at the 91�Թ� Scarborough, has been awarded the 2024 Fry Medal by the Canadian Society of Zoologists.

The annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to knowledge and understanding of an area in zoology. It was established in 1974 in honour of aquatic ecologist and former 91�Թ� professor Frederick E.J. Fry.

Boonstra’s research examines factors that affect animal populations and how animals cope with stressors such as social interactions, predation, lack of food and a changing climate – and has included a special focus on the effects of maternal stress on offspring. His work has spanned the Canadian boreal forest, prairies, mountains and the Yukon and Arctic regions.

“Being awarded the Fry Medal is a great honour,” says Boonstra, who recently retired after 40 years at 91�Թ� Scarborough but remains active in his research.

Long-time colleague Stephen Reid, an associate professor in the department of biological sciences, hailed Boonstra for his relentless advocacy for climate change mitigation and prevention strategies. “Rudy was sounding the alarm at a time when many of us were really just coming to understand that climate change was real and that its effects would be planet-altering and devastating to humans and other animals,” says Reid.

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Maya Ahia receives Kyriakos (Ken) Alexopoulos Memorial Award for Student Mental Health Research

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 29 May 2024 14:15:25 +0000

Maya Ahia receives Kyriakos (Ken) Alexopoulos Memorial Award for Student Mental Health Research

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 05/29/2024 - 10:15

Students

St. George

Inlight Student Mental Health Research Initiative

Institutional Strategic Initiatives

Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

Maya Ahia (supplied image)

91�Թ� Scarborough student Maya Ahia is the inaugural recipient of the Kyriakos (Ken) Alexopoulos Memorial Award for Student Mental Health Research.

The award supports research carried out as part of the Inlight Student Mental Health Research Initiative, a 91�Թ� institutional strategic initiative that aims to support and foster improvements in student mental health and wellness. It was created to honour the legacy of Ken Alexopoulos, a compassionate person who believed strongly in helping others – especially those dealing with mental health struggles.

Ahia, a 2023-2024 Inlight Research Fellowship recipient, is being recognized for her master’s research that examines access to accessibility support services for post-secondary students with a mental health-related disability.

“Receiving this funding allows me to dedicate my time and energy to this research and enables me to ensure a hands-on and collaborative process with students and faculty,” says Ahia. “The goal of my projects is to see more accessible accommodations created for students.”

Laura Risk wins Opus Prize for Album of the Year

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:49:24 +0000

Laura Risk wins Opus Prize for Album of the Year

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 04/18/2024 - 13:49

Faculty

Scarborough

91�Թ� Scarborough

landscape

Laura Risk (photo by Emmanuelle Roberge)

Laura Risk, assistant professor in the music and culture program in the 91�Թ� Scarborough’s department of arts, culture and media, has won the Opus Prize for Album of the Year in the category of World music and traditional Québécois music.

The Opus Awards were created by the Quebec Council of Music in 1996 to celebrate exceptional concert music and musicians across Quebec.

Risk was honoured for her latest album, Traverse, which was praised for its nuance, sensitivity and technical precision. She combined her experience as a fiddler and researcher to create this 10-track exploration of traditional fiddle music, which draws on her extensive studies of traditional music from both Quebec and Scotland.

"With this album, I hoped to capture something of the way that traditional music brings us together across time and place," Risk said.

Listen to Laura Risk's new album on her website

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Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:59:46 +0000

Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:59

Undergraduate Students

landscape

Ahnaf Rahman (supplied image)

Ahnaf Rahman, a 91�Թ� Scarborough student pursuing a bachelor of business administration, specialist in finance and management, has been named a 2023 Student of the Year by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada.

The award recognizes college and university students for their outstanding work during co-op and work-integrated learning placements.

Rahman completed an eight-month co-op work term at KPMG, one of the world’s “Big Four” accounting firms. He was recognized with the award in part for using software to streamline how the company tracks its progress on projects. The data visualization software is still used at KPMG a year after his work term.

“Senior managers can keep their managers accountable, managers can keep consultants accountable, and the data is used to show clients that we’re on track,” Rahman said. “Data can be overlaid too so it allows for year-by-year comparison.”

Rahman adds this award to several other recognitions, including the most prestigious international student scholarship at 91�Թ� – the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.

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91�Թ� Scarborough

Daniel Lysak awarded Dean’s Doctoral Excellence Scholarship

Read the Faculty of Arts & Science story

9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

Read more about the Connaught Community Partnership Research Program

Five 91�Թ� researchers recognized for student mental health research

Read more about the recipients

Ellie Hisama and Mahua Sarkar named members of the Institute for Advanced Study

Read the Faculty of Music story on Ellie Hisama

Read about Mahua Sarkar's research

Six recent graduates awarded Governor General's Academic Medals

Read about the Governor General's Gold Medal

Read about the Governor General's Silver Medal

Andrew Lee recognized with Sanders Prize in Metaphysics

Read more about the Sanders Prize in Metaphysics

Rudy Boonstra receives Fry Medal from Canadian Society of Zoologists

Read the 91�Թ� Scarborough story

Maya Ahia receives Kyriakos (Ken) Alexopoulos Memorial Award for Student Mental Health Research

Read more about Maya Ahia’s research and the Inlight initiative

Laura Risk wins Opus Prize for Album of the Year

Listen to Laura Risk's new album on her website

Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

Read the 91�Թ� Scarborough story