Assistant professor Linda Zhang has received (ERA) from the Government of Ontario to support innovative, homegrown research that benefits Ontario’s workers and communities.
Zhang is rethinking heritage preservation through equity-focused, community-led approaches. Her research challenges traditional methods by recognizing local histories and collective stewardship practices. In partnership with the Toronto Chinatown Land Trust, Zhang is piloting a digital platform in Chinatown West that enables residents to document, protect and shape their own heritage.
The Early Researcher Awards program supports early-career faculty members by providing funding to build research teams and pursue transformational research. Each recipient is awarded up to $140,000 over five years. The awards were announced as part of a to advance research and innovation across Ontario.
“Our government is investing in made-in-Ontario research that will protect our economy, jobs and workers,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By driving cutting-edge research at our world-class postsecondary institutions, hospitals and research institutions, people in Ontario, Canada and around the world will benefit from discoveries made in our own backyard.”
Zhang is one of five professors from the ݮƵ Faculty of Engineering to receive the award.