��ݮ��Ƶ News - Math

From biostatistics to transforming community health

Melodie Roschman — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:52:52 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ alum Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman (MMath '03) becomes first Black female president of Ontario Medical Association

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, the first Black female president of the Ontario Medical Association, sees herself as a bridge builder.

A clinical immunologist and allergist, she initially studied surgery in medical school before realizing that her love for communicating with patients made her ideally suited for clinical work. It’s her MMath in Biostatistics (’03) from the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, however, that has given her such a unique perspective.

Abdurrahman was born in Nigeria and grew up in the Middle East and the United Kingdom before settling down in Canada as a preteen. Her father is a pediatrician, and inspired her to follow in his footsteps from an early age. “As a kid, I loved science, and I liked that he seemed to spend most of his day talking to people,” she says.

In high school, however, Abdurrahman also thrived in math: her favorite math teacher, Mr. Savage, was a ��ݮ��Ƶ alum, and he encouraged his students to participate in the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC)’s annual math competitions. At McGill University, she was able to do a combined physiology and mathematics program with a tiny cohort of equally enthusiastic peers.

“We talked about chaos theory, and statistics, and the mathematical modelling of different systems of the body,” she says. “I had professors who were brilliant mathematicians who also loved physiology. When I told them I had fallen in love with statistics and wanted to do a master’s in mathematics, they told me I had to go to the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ – that I would find so much support in their Faculty of Math.”

The Translation Person

Abdurrahman had an unusually difficult introduction to graduate studies: her first day of orientation was September 11, 2001. “It was really shocking for all of us, who were far from home and starting this program together,” she recalls. “But the faculty and administrators in the Biostatistics program were so supportive of us, and we bonded really quickly because of what we went through.”

She was the first Biostatistics master’s student who planned to become a doctor, and her professors were thrilled. “It will be great to have more physicians understanding the background of the research they want to do,” her supervisor, Dr. Jerry Lawless (distinguished professor emeritus of Statistics and Actuarial Science) told her. “It sometimes feels like medicine and statistics are two different languages, and you can be the translation person.”

He helped her find a co-op at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto, where she did statistical research on HIV. “That was just so fascinating, and so transformational,” she says. “We were using these generalized estimating equations to understand the impact of new medications on people’s viral loads, and we were also trying to figure out how to model the impact of social factors on treatment effectiveness. I learned so much about how to work on a team.”

New Ways to Communicate

In medical school at the University of Toronto, Abdurrahman thrived: she served as co-president of her cohort, and as head of the Women in Surgery group. She also changed the curriculum. “I remember approaching our professor advocating that we study more biostatistics, and we ended up working together over the summer to build a second-year biostatistics module that’s still part of the curriculum! I wanted to make sure that my classmates had the skills to interpret research papers effectively and communicate those findings to their patients.”

Eventually, Abdurrahman switched from pediatric surgery to pediatric allergy and immunology. “I love that there are a lot of mysteries to solve, but you also get to help people deal with more common issues involving food allergies, environmental allergies, and asthma,” she says.

Now that Abdurrahman is serving her one-year term as Ontario Medical Association president, she’s balancing time caring for her patients with province-wide leadership and advocacy. “I’ve always loved governance,” she says. “I think it’s related to my love of math. Math is the universal language, and governance is the universal language for organizations and how they work!”

She’s also continuing work that was important to her during the pandemic, combating misinformation through new forms of media like Instagram as well as advocating for culturally informed medical communication in historically marginalized communities. “There are valid historical reasons, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis experiments, for people to be wary of medicine,” she says. “We have to find new ways to communicate and educate people, to meet them where they are.”

For Abdurrahman, one of the most important aspects of her role is the time she gets to spend talking to aspiring doctors, from elementary school to medical school. “It’s important for people to see women of colour in STEM,” she says. “I want to challenge their preconceived notions about who can become a doctor, and the path and skills that will take you there.”

Math

Health Futures

WatSPEED brings industry leaders together to advance Canada’s AI readiness

Angelica Sanchez — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:51:04 +0000

From hype to enterprise implementation: How the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ and the iSchool are helping executives lead in the age of AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global economy, WatSPEED is helping Canadian business and technology leaders strategically position themselves for the future.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s professional, executive and corporate education arm recently convened senior leaders from across sectors for a one-day, in-person course: Operationalizing Generative AI: Executive Insights and Applications. Delivered in partnership with the iSchool Institute at the University of Toronto, the program offered attendees a practical exploration of how generative AI tools can be implemented to drive real value in their organizations.

From left to right: Dr. Jimmy Lin, co-director of the ��ݮ��Ƶ Data and AI Institute, Eily Hickson, head of global data and AI strategy at Sanofi, Dr. Ali Vahdat, director of Applied AI Research at Thomson Reuters Labs, and Javed Mostafa, professor and dean of Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto.

From theory to application

Led by Dr. Jimmy Lin, co-director of the ��ݮ��Ƶ Data and AI Institute and one of the world’s most cited AI scholars, the course examined how large language models (LLMs) can enhance productivity, support data-driven decision-making and improve client and employee experiences.

Lin’s sessions framed prompt engineering as an emerging essential skill, comparable to the early days of digital literacy.

“At some point, you had to learn how to search Google,” says Lin, who is also the Cheriton Chair in Software Systems at ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Cheriton School of Computer Science. “Today, it’s exactly the same thing for prompt engineering.”

Throughout the day, Lin emphasized the need for a culture of adaptability and lifelong learning as generative AI transforms how organizations structure work, evaluate talent and plan for the future.

“The transformational impact of LLMs will be no less than that of the steam engine, than electricity, than the internet,” he notes. “In fact, it will probably be more.”

Building executive AI literacy

With participants from health care, finance, technology and government, the course fostered rich dialogue around the practical realities of AI integration, including enterprise-scale deployment, regulatory compliance and responsible implementation.

Eily Hickson, head of global data and AI strategy at Sanofi, shared use cases spanning pharmaceutical research and development, accessibility technologies and clinical diagnostics. She highlighted how AI could help detect cancer earlier, alleviate long-term pain and enhance independence for people with disabilities.

“If you live in the ‘scary,’ you’ll never get to the ‘good,’” Hickson says. “I’m cautiously optimistic about the benefits — from curative medicine to quality-of-life improvements.”

She also emphasized the importance of executive alignment and storytelling in ensuring long-term AI success.

“If you don’t have executive buy-in, you can have the best strategies, but if the mindset isn’t ready to receive them, it will fall flat,” Hickson says. “AI has to be wrapped into every layer of your business, from how you run a portfolio to how you tell your story to investors.”

Eily Hickson shares use cases spanning pharmaceutical research and development, accessibility technologies and clinical diagnostics.

From hype to implementation: Leadership that drives change

Designed to move beyond AI hype and focus squarely on real-world implementation, Operationalizing Generative AI equipped leaders with the frameworks needed to evaluate tools, assess cost–performance trade-offs and identify both opportunities and risks across business functions.

In a closing panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Javed Mostafa, dean of the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto, panelists explored organizational models for AI adoption, building internal capability and managing the tension between innovation and accountability.

“LLMs are like a bright student that hasn’t done the reading,” Lin says. “At a glance you think, ‘this isn’t bad,’ but then it completely falls apart under closer evaluation.”

Supporting Canada’s innovation ecosystem

“Generative AI is not just a trend,” says Aaron Pereira, executive director of WatSPEED. “It represents a fundamental shift in how organizations operate and compete. This type of programming is tailored to helping industry leaders prepare for what’s next, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to lead through disruption.”

WatSPEED continues to support Canadian organizations in preparing for the future of work through professional and executive education tailored to the realities of rapid technological, societal and economic change. By working closely with industry partners and drawing on ��ݮ��Ƶ’s renowned research expertise, WatSPEED helps organizations stay competitive, resilient and future-ready.

To learn more about WatSPEED’s innovative AI programming, visit watspeed.uwaterloo.ca.

Technological Futures

New horizons for ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Canada 150 Chairs

Angelica Sanchez — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:18:02 +0000

Dr. Anita Layton and Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn complete their C150 terms but their research impacting the future of health and technology continue

Eight years ago, to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Government of Canada invested $117 million to launch a new initiative aimed at enhancing Canada’s reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence.

The Canada 150 (C150) Research Chairs program set out to attract top-tier internationally-based scholars and researchers to Canada – with two international researchers joining the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

As their C150 terms come to an end, both Dr. Anita Layton and Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn who will continue as professors at ��ݮ��Ƶ, look back at their terms fondly and ahead to the future.

As C150 Chair in Intelligent Robotics, Dautenhahn says the Chair was a tremendous opportunity to open the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory (SIRRL) and relocate her family to Canada following her previous role in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“This has worked out really well, and ��ݮ��Ƶ is a great place. Collaboration across the University and with the faculties is encouraged, which is needed as my work is very interdisciplinary,” says Dautenhahn, who is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “I couldn’t have done these projects without ��ݮ��Ƶ. It’s a place with a lot of opportunities.”

Since arriving at ��ݮ��Ƶ, she has advanced and furthered her research in therapeutic and educational usage of social and intelligent robots. The robots have demonstrated the benefits and support that can be provided to children with speech and language challenges, along with helping children to learn about bullying and empathy.

Additionally, intelligent robots offer a tremendous opportunity to teach people without judgement, says Dautenhahn, making them highly suited for the role of a public speaking coach or a mental wellbeing coach, allowing students to practice skills and techniques.

“I really believe that there are many applications where robots can be beneficial, not replacing people, but taking advantage of the specific characteristics of robots,” she says.

For Layton, the C150 Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine, the different funding landscape in Canada meant more research prospects.

Dr. Anita Layton, professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, cross-appointed to Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology.

“With my research funding I was able to have a large group of students, branch out, collaborate, get more support — and do the things I found exciting,” Layton says. “I learned a lot about chronic disease and drug simulation — and was able to take my knowledge to the public through the media.”

She is a professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, cross-appointed to Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology, and this interdisciplinary lens is central to her research.

Her research team uses computational modelling tools to better understand health and disease, in an approach she describes as using mathematics as a microscope. Through the use of computer simulations and mathematical analysis, her research has revealed insights into the progression and treatment responses of chronic diseases, and how sex hormones may explain individual differences. One of her recent studies found adding more potassium-rich foods to a diet may have a greater impact on blood pressure than reducing or eliminating sodium. This work gained significant media attention for promoting a simple change that can make a difference to many people.

As her seven-year term as a C150 Chair comes to an end, she has been named a University Professor at ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Her plans include working with collaborators and the community, supporting the advancement of faculty, guiding postdoctoral fellows in knowledge translation, and training students to become independent thinkers who initiate research direction and communicate research.

“I want to do more to elevate others,” Layton says.

Awards, Honours and Rankings

Technological Futures

��ݮ��Ƶ represents within BetaKit Most Ambitious List of 2025

Sam Charles — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:38:24 +0000

More than 20 founders from ��ݮ��Ƶ highlight the newly unveiled list that celebrates those making the biggest impact inside Canadian tech and innovation

As a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, it’s no surprise that companies and founders linked to the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ have a noticeable presence among those featured within BetaKit’s Most Ambitious List.

��ݮ��Ƶ ranks as the top university in Canada for startup founders and 21st in the world according to the Pitchbook University Rankings. Recently released data shows that Velocity, ��ݮ��Ƶ’s core entrepreneurship incubator, has more than 500 companies with a combined enterprise value of $40 billion.

The Most Ambitious List includes several categories including the “Moon Shots” (Canadians reaching for the stars), “Deep Tech,” “World Savers,” “Category Challengers,” “Expats,” “The Products,” and “The Next Generation.”

From student leaders to established founders and companies, the BetaKit list featured some of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s best and brightest. Of the four organizations listed among the next generation of Canadian tech was Socratica. The social entrepreneurship collective recently hosted an event in ��ݮ��Ƶ that brought together nearly 2500 people to collaborate and share ideas.

"We’re proud to show how when we bring people in, hand them real responsibility and resources, and believe in them, we can do more as an ecosystem," says Jake Rudolph, an engineering student and one of the Socratica’s organizers.

Jetson recognized in the “World Savers” category

Co-founded by Stephen Lake (BASc ’12), Aaron Grant (BASc ’12) and Matt Bailey (BASc ’12), Vancouver-based Jetson is a climate tech product manufacturer that is developing new ways to install heat pumps in residential buildings and homes.

Challengers are breaking open markets and making Canada more competitive

Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), Float, and MappedIn are listed as challengers for reshaping Canadian markets. Bartholomew is the founder and CEO of Hyivy, a company focused on creating therapeutic and remote monitoring devices for gynecological conditions. She is also the founder and lead advisor for Femtech Canada, an advocacy organization for women working in the innovation space.

Former engineering student Hongwei Liu co-founded MappedIn’ while at ��ݮ��Ƶ along with Toby Gu (BASc ’15), Mitch Butler and Leander Lee (BCS ’13). ��ݮ��Ƶ alum Edward Wei (BCS ’06) is MappedIn’s CTO. The Velocity-linked company is an indoor maps wayfinding platform.

Another Velocity-linked company to make the list is Float which is making waves in the corporate credit card market. Last year, Float co-founders Ruslan Nikolaev (BCS ‘20) and Griffin Keglevich secured $50 million to expand its financial products and innovate business-to-business financial services.

Wealthsimple also made the challenger category. Its Chief Legal Officer is ��ݮ��Ƶ arts alum Blair Wiley (BA ’04).

Most ambitious products that have people talking

Among the list of ambitious products are Able Innovations. Able Innovations is a Velocity company that develops solutions for lifting and moving patients within health care settings.

"Being recognized in BetaKit's Most Ambitious list is a great affirmation that Canadian innovation can compete on the global stage when we're willing to take calculated risks and push boundaries,” says Jayiesh Singh, CEO of Able Innovations. “This recognition isn't just about what we've accomplished, it's about the responsibility we have to continue driving solutions that are improving lives and creating better systems."

Rounding out the list are Core Devices, Ideogram, Wave View Imaging and 1Password. Smartware company Core Devices was founded by Eric Migicovsky (BASc ’09). The company recently announced a pair of new smartwatches that run on open-source PebbleOS. Ideogram, a text-to-image platform, was co-founded by William Chan (BASc ’11) in 2022. The following year, it received $16.5 million in seed funding. Wave View Imaging, a non-intrusive imaging system designed to enhance early detection, was co-founded by Elise Fear (BASc ’95) who now serves as CSO.

The CEO of the ��ݮ��Ƶ-led unicorn, 1Password, is Jeff Shiner (BMath ’92). The global cybersecurity company protects more than 150,000 businesses and millions of consumers around the world.

The moon shots reaching for the stars

Two companies with ��ݮ��Ƶ connections were featured for their Canadian-made innovations that are literally reaching for the stars. Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) is led by COO Adam Gryfe (MBET ’11). CSMC is an infrastructure and technology company focused on filling key gaps in future space exploration in areas that address Earth’s immediate challenges. The CEO of MDA Space is Mike Greenley (MSc ’97). The space mission partner supports communications satellites, Earth and space observation, space exploration and infrastructure.

Deep tech working on the next big breakthrough

Photonic and Xanadu were among the companies included within the deep tech category. Photonic was founded by Stephanie Simmons (BMath ’08). Today, she serves as the company’s Chief Quantum Officer. The company is building one of the first scalable, distributed, fault-tolerant and unified quantum computing and networking platforms based on optically-linked silicon spin qubits.

Xanadu recently unveiled the world’s first scalable, networked and modular quantum computer. The company’s CTO is Nathan Killoran (PhD ’12, physics).

Since its founding, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ has always been bold and unconventional. It continues to be a place where ambitious innovators and ideas take root. Through transformational research and inspired learning, ��ݮ��Ƶ is helping to identify and solve the complex challenges facing humanity and our planet.

The Betakit’s Toronto Tech Week Special Issue also includes an interview with ��ݮ��Ƶ professor Larry Smith.

Technological Futures

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:45:21 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ welcomes more than 7,700 new graduates to its alumni club and celebrates their bold new journeys

Spring 2025 Convocation was a spectacular celebration of dedication, resilience and triumph. As graduates crossed the stage, their hard work and perseverance shone brightly after navigating some of the most challenging times in recent history, including beginning their degrees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across five days and 14 vibrant ceremonies, ��ݮ��Ƶ’s campus came alive with the cheers of proud families, friends, faculty and staff — all gathered to honour the incredible accomplishments of our graduating students.

“I was truly inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates,” says Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. “As each new graduate transitions to ��ݮ��Ƶ’s remarkable alumni community, they are poised to tackle global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for humanity and our planet.”  

Behind the scenes, the magic was made possible by a dedicated team of 207 staff and alumni volunteers, 94 student ambassadors and seven retirees. From ambassadors and ushers to stage support and accessibility assistants, these incredible individuals ensured that every moment ran smoothly for thousands of graduates and their loved ones.

A total of 230 PhD, 957 master’s and 6,155 undergraduate degrees were conferred to new alumni during Spring 2025 Convocation. Here are some of the memorable moments from the ceremonies.

‘Curiosity is my own superpower’

In the chancellor’s address to the Class of 2025, Dr. Jagdeep Bachher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00) encouraged graduates to unlock new possibilities by remaining curious and embracing the changes occurring around them.

“��ݮ��Ƶ is a place of change, innovation and new, bold beginnings. ‘What supercharges new beginnings?’ Curiosity,” he said. “That means asking audacious questions of yourself and of others.”

Bachher further encouraged graduates to be steadfast in their values in the face of injustice and external pressures.

“What makes me proud to be your chancellor is your courage. The courage to stand up for what’s right, to challenge the status quo, to be kind when it’s easier not to be, and to choose inclusion, humility and decency … even when the world doesn’t reward those things. These are my Sikh values, these are Canadian values, these are human values,” he shared.

Watch the Chancellor’s full speech on YouTube

‘The perfect year to graduate’

On June 11, Faculty of Mathematics valedictorian Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) delivered a creative address on why 2025 is the perfect year to graduate from ��ݮ��Ƶ. As her fellow mathematicians would appreciate, Isinghood used numbers, equations and percentages to inspire her peers.

“There is something special about the number 2025. 2025 is a perfect square — 45 times 45 gives you 2025,” she explained “Some of you may be thinking that this is not so special, but only those aged 89 or older were alive for the last perfect square year, 1936, and it will be 91 years until the next perfect square year, 2116,” she said. “So, for the majority of us in this room, 2025 is the only perfect square year we will live to see.”

Isinghood also encouraged the graduating class to make the most of every moment even when things don’t seem to add up.

“Our lives are the sums of all the events, the perfect and the imperfect.”

Watch Isinghood’s full speech on YouTube

Remembering Mana Mao (BSc ’25)

After passing away suddenly from a medical issue in December last year, Mana Mao (BSc ’25) was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, which was accepted by her mother, Anisa Mohamed and father Hussein Haji. Mao is remembered by her colleagues and professors in the Faculty of Health as a dedicated student and active member in university sports, who also served as a trainer for the women’s volleyball team. In a show of support, the audience stood and applauded for more than two minutes to honour Mao’s achievement.
Watch the moment her degree was awarded

‘You get to carve your own path’

Learning is continuous. This was the message Faculty of Engineering valedictorian Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) shared with his graduating colleagues on June 14.

“Real learning happens beyond the lectures and labs, in moments when you face problems that weren't listed anywhere on the syllabus,” he shared. “If at any point we stop learning, we stop growing. So don’t just think of yourself as a graduate of the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. Think of yourself as a lifelong undergraduate. Embrace each day with curiosity and a sense of adventure.”

Watch Chigbo's full speech on YouTube

A moment to remember

A proud Faculty of Science graduate celebrates convocation with a heartwarming selfie alongside his baby and the chancellor.

Sarah Dupuis (BA ’25), who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies (Honours), shares how the accessibility of online education at ��ݮ��Ƶ connected her with opportunities she thought to be out of reach.

Together, we celebrated not just a milestone, but the beginning of your bold new journeys. Congratulations, Class of 2025 — your future is bright, and the world is ready for your brilliance.

Celebrating ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Class of 2025 valedictorians

Angelica Sanchez — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Meet the 14 exceptional students representing ��ݮ��Ƶ’s newest grads

Convocation marks a significant milestone for University of ��ݮ��Ƶ graduates. This year, 14 outstanding students have been chosen to represent the graduating Class of 2025.

Their selection as valedictorians demonstrates their dedication and creativity within their faculties. Below, they share parts of their academic journeys filled with inspiring tales of overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities for growth.

Congratulations to our 2025 ��ݮ��Ƶ valedictorians and fellow graduates, who now join a powerful network of more than 255,000 alumni who are making an impact on the world.

Watch video on YouTube

Why did you choose to study at the university of ��ݮ��Ƶ?

Raksha Aravind (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Raksha Aravind’s (BSc ’25) was drawn to ��ݮ��Ƶ for its remarkable Kinesiology program.

“The program mixes everything — biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and even social sciences — and it gave me the full picture of human movement,” Aravind says.

She completed three co-op terms as a research assistant in the Nutrition and Aging Lab, earning the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research award. Her work focused on nutrition risk in older adults and supports the development of screening tools to improve early health assessments for underserved communities.

Aravind is preparing to write the MCAT and aspires to practice medicine in Canada as a surgeon. “For me, medicine is not just about diagnosing or treating — it’s about understanding the humanity of each patient,” she says.

Daisy Birch (BA ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Arts and Business in Honours Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies, and a minor in Human Resource Management, and certificates in Global Experience and Community Leadership.

Daisy Birch (BA ’25) chose ��ݮ��Ƶ for its interdisciplinary Arts and Business program, which allowed her to combine her deep interest in business with her passion for sexuality, marriage and family studies.

A standout moment in her academic journey was studying abroad in Athens, Greece — an experience she describes as transformative. On campus, Birch served as a Student Ambassador for four terms and a Residence Life Don for nine terms. Another highlight was presenting at the 2020 Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers Residence Life Conference, where she earned a Top 5 Presenters award for her work on fostering consent culture.

“One thing you should know about me is that I always have at least five plans in the works, so don’t be shocked if you see me on Broadway or on your television someday,” she says.

Putri Cullinane (BES ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability.

For Putri Cullinane (BES ’25), ��ݮ��Ƶ’s renowned co-operative education program and interdisciplinary pathways made it the ideal place to combine her passions in environmental studies and economics.

A highlight of her student journey include a two-week field course in Atlantic Canada and completing her undergraduate senior thesis on the experiences of women entrepreneurs in informal water markets. Being a valedictorian has very special meaning for Cullinane.

"With both my parents still living in Indonesia and having sacrificed a lot for me to be here, I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated,” she says.

After convocation, Cullinane will join the Canada Water Agency as a policy analyst, a role she worked in part-time while completing her final year at ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Honours Biostatistics and a minor in Pure Mathematics.

Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) came to ��ݮ��Ƶ to pursue her love of numbers and problem-solving. In the Biostatistics program, she discovered a meaningful way to apply math to real-world challenges and a supportive community who deepened her passion.

“I remember one night, I finally solved a problem that I had been stuck on all week — it was a wonderful feeling to figure it out on the whiteboard with the help of my friends,” Isinghood says. “Working on mathematics collaboratively has always been a highlight of my degree.”

Isinghood was active in student life, from Women in Mathematics and MathSoc to participating in the curling club and intramural sports teams. She is especially proud of mentoring 20 first-year students as a peer leader in the Honours Math Living and Learning Community.

Isinghood will begin her Master of Mathematics in biostatistics at ��ݮ��Ƶ this fall.

Salahuddin Said (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Salahuddin Said (BASc ’25) vividly remembers attending a university fair in Grade 11 and asking every booth about their co-op programs. ��ݮ��Ƶ’s emphasis on real-world experience quickly made it his top choice.

“��ݮ��Ƶ has a prestigious name in engineering, and co-op really helped me find what I enjoyed working on and finding my place in engineering as a whole,” he says.

While at ��ݮ��Ƶ, Said supported classmates with resume critiques, job applications and mock-up interviews. He also created a technical interview question database, which more than 30 students contributed to and used for their full-time job applications.

“The achievements I feel the proudest are not so much what I have done myself, but what I have been able to do for others,” Said says. “I’ve been incredibly lucky with my co-op experiences and opportunities across different avenues, and because of that, I’ve been able to pay it forward to other students.”

Lyvia Yanover (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy.

After attending one of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s fall open houses, Lyvia Yanover (BSc ’25) knew she found the right fit.

During her undergraduate studies, she served as a Science Ambassador for three consecutive years and volunteered as a tutor at the Physics Tutorial Centre.

“I’m proud of finishing both PHYS437A and B research courses, where I worked on researching a hypothetical model of the Big Bang with Dr. Niayesh Afshordi,” she says. “I also managed to fit a minor in Mathematics into my degree, which I’m extremely happy with.”

Being named valedictorian holds both a deep and personal meaning for her. “It means I pushed through the difficulties of my university experience, despite everything that happened in my personal life that made it harder,” she says. “It’s something I know my mom, who passed away in 2023, would be proud of.”

She will be returning this fall to pursue a Master of Science in Physics, supervised by Dr. Will Percival, a distinguished research chair in astrophysics.

Tell me about some of the achievements you are most proud of to date.

Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering.

Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) chose ��ݮ��Ƶ for its strong reputation in innovation, co-operative education and academic excellence — especially in computer engineering.

He found joy in hands-on learning like building a hair-cutting robot with a friend. Through UW Blueprint, Chigbo helped develop technical products for nonprofits and later founded his own organization, providing pro bono software maintenance to keep essential tools running effectively.

“Being chosen as valedictorian is deeply humbling,” he says. “It reflects not only my own efforts, but also the support of my peers, professors and family. It’s a privilege to represent our shared journey, struggles and successes.”

After convocation, he will volunteer in Nigeria teaching technical skills to youth.

“I’m passionate about creating opportunities through education,” Chigbo says. “Access to technical skills can empower young people to shape their own futures.”

Viren Pandya (BA ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

One of Viren Pandya’s (BA ’25) proudest achievements is co-founding the Hindu Students Council, which grew from a simple idea into a vibrant community that fostered cultural connection and belonging.

“It wasn’t just about creating a cultural club,” Pandya says. “It was about creating a space where students could connect, celebrate their culture and find support.”

Pandya sees his selection as valedictorian as a testament to the support he received from friends, family and professors. Representing his class and all they have overcome is a memory he will cherish forever.

“It isn’t just a title, but a reflection of my university journey — how much I’ve grown, how many times I have struggled and how every setback was just a steppingstone to something bigger,” he says.

Pandya will be starting a full-time position at Ernst and Young in Toronto.

Mankirat Singh Sains (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.

Mankirat Singh Sains (BASc ’25) describes being named valedictorian at one of the world’s leading universities as deeply meaningful, especially coming from a small school in Uganda.

“It’s more than a personal milestone — it’s a tribute to the sacrifice and unwavering support of my family, to whom I owe everything. Their belief has carried me here, and this moment is for them,” he says.

At ��ݮ��Ƶ, Sains was nominated for Co-op Student of the Year by five employers and won an intramural championship. But it was the friendships and memories — like Engineering Day, with purple ring toss, laughter and professors in the dunk tank — that he cherishes most.

Nina Tan (BCS ’24) graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science.

Before coming to ��ݮ��Ƶ, Nina Tan (BCS ’24) carefully planned her ideal university experience, aiming to complete each co-op term in a different city. She succeeded by living and working in Vancouver, Boston, Mountain View and Munich.

“I’ve always loved adventures and exploring new places, so the co-op program really appealed to me,” Tan says. “I still look back fondly on the memories and friendships I made in each one.”

She also held several executive leadership roles within Women in Computer Science (WiCS), which include serving as director of Publicity, Outreach and Mentorship. Over the course of her degree, Tan helped organize numerous professional, mentorship and community-building events that became a meaningful part of her university experience.

Tan will be returning to Google, one of her former co-op employers, as a software engineer. In the long term, she hopes to build solutions in sustainability, education and women’s health, while reacquainting herself with old hobbies like singing and arts and crafts.

What is one of your fondest memories as a ��ݮ��Ƶ student?

Matthew Jones (BAFM ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management with a specialization in Financial Markets.

Like many ��ݮ��Ƶ students, Matthew Jones (BAFM ’25) used the co-op program to explore different industries and roles, learning more about himself with each experience. Jones was actively involved in the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), supporting first-year students and leading peer initiatives.

“Mentorship played a pivotal role in my own development early on, so it’s been incredibly meaningful to contribute to that same supportive SAF community,” he says.

One of his most cherished memories is playing on ��ݮ��Ƶ’s frisbee team, where he eventually became team captain.

“Being part of the [team] allowed me to connect with an incredible group of people from across different programs. It was a highlight of my university experience,” he says.

He will be starting a full-time position at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.

Michael Hanley (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nanotechnology Engineering with a Nanoelectronics Specialization and a Physical Science Option.

Michael Hanley (BASc ’25) remained deeply engaged in campus life throughout his time at ��ݮ��Ƶ. His fondest memories are the friendships he built — late-night study lounge talks, game nights, snowball fights, parties and countless shared moments that reminded him there’s more to university life than academics.

“I’m very lucky to have met people that I can call life-long friends during my time here at the University,” he says.

Hanley placed second at the Nanotechnology Engineering Capstone symposium and led ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Midnight Sun team in building a solar-powered car from scratch for three years.

“Being able to make something so complicated from nothing, while doing it with a great group of people was amazing,” Hanley says. “I was even able to drive the car during the competition at the Formula Sun Grand Prix — one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

Hanley will be moving to California to join Tesla as an associate manufacturing engineer.

Karen Abdel Sater (BMath ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Honours Mathematical Economics.

Karen Abdel Sater (BMath ’25) began her degree during a global pandemic, balancing her studies and extracurricular activities while adapting to a new environment. She turned these challenges into motivation, becoming deeply involved on campus — joining student clubs, serving as a residence life don and leading the ��ݮ��Ƶ Arab Student Association.

“Building connections and creating spaces where people felt at home added a whole new dimension to my university experience,” Abdel Sater says. “It made me stay grounded in my own culture while encouraging others to embrace both our similarities and differences.”

For Abdel Sater, being named valedictorian is about representation. As a Lebanese woman in mathematics, she hopes her story inspires others to pursue unconventional paths.

Abdel Sater will join the Royal Bank of Canada, where she previously worked as a co-op student, to work full-time as a data engineer.

Meera Thavarajah (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Medical Physiology.

Meera Thavarajah (BSc ’25) reflects on her many different roles during her time at ��ݮ��Ƶ. She held executive positions in student clubs like Make-a-Wish Canada, Big Spoon Lil Spoon, ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Lion’s Club, hera.co and the Science Society. Thavarajah also worked with Campus Housing, research labs and shared her student experience as a TikTok creator.

“As the daughter of immigrants who did not have the opportunity to attend post-secondary, I’m proud to dedicate my degree to them in recognition of all their efforts and sacrifices that paved my way for success,” she says.

Thavarajah will be attending the University of Toronto this fall to pursue a Master of Kinesiology. In the future, Thavarajah plans to pursue medical school and advocate for inclusive, compassionate health care — especially for children.

“I want to make people feel seen, heard and cared for, regardless of their background or circumstances,” Thavarajah says. “As a person of colour myself and second-generation immigrant, I am passionate about bridging communication gaps in the medical field to create more inclusive care for all.”

Awards, Honours and Rankings

Co-op and Experiential Education

Community

Talent

Three ��ݮ��Ƶ graduates earn prestigious gold medals

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

The Governor General Gold Medal awards graduate students for their remarkable academic achievements and transformative research

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ is pleased to recognize three outstanding graduate students as recipients of the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal at Spring 2025 Convocation.

This distinguished award honours graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a remarkable commitment to scholarly excellence. These recipients exemplify the brilliance and impact of our academic community, contributing transformative research and advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

Each year, the Advisory Committee on Graduate Scholarships and Awards carefully reviews nominations to select the medal recipients. Nominees who are not selected will be recognized as University Finalists and will receive a certificate of distinction.

This year, we are delighted to present the Governor General’s Gold Medal to one master’s and two PhD graduands. Please join us in celebrating their extraordinary accomplishments and the inspiration they bring to our academic community.

Laura Pierson (Master of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization)
Faculty of Mathematics
Supervisors: Drs. Oliver Pechenik and Logan Crew

Laura Pierson’s research applied algebraic tools to the study of discrete mathematical structures. She studied colouring problems (like finding all ways to colour a map so that neighbouring countries get different colours) using deep and modern ideas from pure mathematics like homology and K-theory. Pierson proved several unrelated conjectures that had been posed by established mathematicians. She was also the first to make significant progress on multiple other open problems.

“I chose to study at ��ݮ��Ƶ because unlike most schools, it has an entire Faculty of Mathematics, with a whole department uniquely focused on the area of math I'm most interested in,” she says. “I don't think there are many schools where I could have been surrounded by so many people with similar mathematical interests to me.”

Pierson plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics.

Dr. Michelle Anagnostouo (PhD in Geography)
Faculty of Environment
Supervisor: Dr. Brent Doberstein

Dr. Michelle Anagnostou’s research examined global illegal wildlife trade — a significant and growing form of organized crime which intersects with other forms of serious crimes like trafficking in drugs, humans and arms — a phenomenon called “crime convergence.”

Her work also explored the types and global patterns of crime convergence in illegal wildlife trade by uncovering its conceptual and theoretical foundations.

Her dissertation is comprised of data from interviewing 112 law enforcement personnel and other experts in key source, transit and destination regions that include Canada, South Africa and Hong Kong.

“I chose the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Faculty of Environment for its reputation as a leader in innovative research and its vibrant, world-class faculty,” she says. “Throughout my PhD, I received outstanding support in career development, skill-building, and had the privilege of working with exceptional mentors who guided me every step of the way.”

Immediately following her doctoral defense in the fall of 2024, Anagnostou took up a prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Oxford, working with global experts in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science to advance the use of financial investigations to mitigate illegal wildlife trade.

Dr. Fasih Rahman (PhD in Kinesiology)
Faculty of Health
Supervisor: Dr. Joe Quadrilatero

Dr. Fasih Rahman’s doctoral research investigated the role of mitochondrial remodeling pathways in skeletal muscle, emphasizing mitochondria as critical regulators of both energy production and cellular health. His findings have significant implications for therapeutic approaches aimed at maintaining skeletal muscle health.

During his doctoral studies, Rahman authored and co-authored 32 conference proceedings, and published 32 full-length papers and book chapters, including contributions to leading journals such as Autophagy.

Rahman is continuing his research as an NSERC-funded postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, aiming to expand his expertise in bioenergetics and metabolism. His current goal is to bridge the gap between mitochondrial stress responses and metabolic regulation.

“One of the things I will miss the most about ��ݮ��Ƶ is the opportunity to work closely and collaborate with passionate peers in a research environment that consistently fostered curiosity, creativity and growth,” he says.

Master’s finalists

Aparajita Bhattacharya, Public Issues Anthropology

Supervisor: Dr. Alexis Dolphin | Faculty of Arts

Felicia Mae Watterodt, Geography

Supervisor: Dr. Brent Doberstein | Faculty of Environment

Doctoral finalists

Dr. Esther Ai-Leng Foong-Reichert, Pharmacy

Supervisors: Drs. Kelly Grindrod and Sherilyn Houle | Faculty of Science

Dr. Sepehr Hajebi, Combinatorics and Optimization

Supervisor: Dr. Sophie Spirkl | Faculty of Mathematics

Dr. Megan Olivia Kelly, Psychology

Supervisor: Dr. Evan Risko | Faculty of Arts

Dr. Aravind Ravi, Systems Design Engineering

Supervisors: Drs. Ning Jiang and James Tung | Faculty of Engineering

Technological Futures

From discovery to impact: Celebrating our PhD graduates

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Six ��ݮ��Ƶ graduates share their stories of perseverance, innovation and advocacy as they prepare to cross the stage at convocation

The path to earning a PhD is rarely straightforward. It demands not only intellectual depth through rigorous coursework and research, but also creativity, resilience and interdisciplinary thinking.

Throughout their doctoral journey, candidates push the boundaries of conventional knowledge — developing innovative approaches to address some of the world’s most complex challenges. Their research opens new frontiers and contributes to solutions that can shape a healthier, more sustainable future. As we celebrate our PhD graduands at Spring 2025 Convocation, we invite you to learn more about a few of their stories as they prepare to cross the stage and step into the next chapter of their journey.

Dr. Tasneem Alsayyed Ahmad, PhD in Philosophy

While pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, I was introduced to feminist philopsophy and social epistemology and wanted to apply these ideas to contexts familiar to me.

As a woman from a Muslim background, I noticed a troubling gap in scholarship on the topic since the literature was either Islamophobic or contained very strict and narrow views of Muslim women’s experiences. This motivated me to address the marginalization of Muslims in academic discourse.

My doctoral research critically examined hijab debates and veiling practices with a focus on how these discourses are manipulated to marginalize Muslims. Specifically, I explored how both Western imperialist narratives and Islamic right-wing politics exploit hijab-related discourse, reinforcing colonial ideologies while obstructing solidarity among Muslim women.

My work reveals how dominant narratives about the hijab silence diverse Muslim voices and perpetuate epistemic and social injustices.

I chose the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ to work specifically with my supervisor Dr. Jennifer Saul and was happy to find a department supportive of my focus on Islamophobia and gender. Having taken up a position as assistant professor at the University of Canada West, my goal is to grow as an educator, to challenge colonial knowledge and to continue my research on the social and epistemic oppression of marginalized groups.

Dr. Nicole Sandra-Yaffa Dumont, PhD in Computer Science

Six years ago, during my master’s degree, I started learning more about artificial intelligence (AI) at a time when the field was evolving quickly. While I found AI fascinating, I kept wondering, ‘What — if anything — do artificial neural networks reveal about real brains? Can we use models to reverse-engineer cognitive processes?’

Those questions pulled me toward theoretical neuroscience, where my PhD research, under the supervision of Drs. Chris Eliasmith and Jeff Orchard, focused on building biologically plausible neural network models of spatial cognition. I was interested in how the brain represents space and the neural mechanisms behind navigation — and what those mechanisms can tell us about cognition more generally. 

I hope the findings of my research will not only advance our understanding of navigation in the brain but also push the field to rethink how we model cognition more broadly — from memory and planning to social behaviour.

Looking ahead, I’ll be pursuing postdoctoral research since I would like to extend my expertise to understand how computations underlying spatial navigation may apply to other domains like navigating a social landscape.

Dr. Muzi Li, PhD in Astrophysics

At five years old, I was captivated by the vastness of space and time, during a visit to the Beijing Planetarium with my grandmother. I knew shortly after that visit that I wanted to become an astronomer, but never imagined a childhood fascination would one day lead me here.

My PhD research how the energy released by supermassive black holes at their centers can precisely offset cooling in the surrounding hot gas, keeping the system in balance.

I was drawn to the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ after a visit to the Perimeter Institute in 2018 where Dr. Brian McNamara — who later became my supervisor — gave a talk on finding the missing cooling gas in galaxy clusters. That brief visit and talk also gave me a strong impression: ��ݮ��Ƶ is a young, vibrant and intellectually exciting place to be.

As I head back to China to continue my astrophysics research as a postdoctoral fellow, I hope my contribution to the field can be tested and refined by more precise observations in the future, helping to complete a small part of the puzzle in our understanding of galaxy clusters.

Dr. Arlene Oetomo, PhD in Public Health Sciences

I have always been a nature lover and a bit of a technology nerd. In 2018, during the heatwave in Ontario and Quebec, I thought, “What could we do to prevent individuals from dying indoors from extreme heat, especially if they don’t have air conditioning?”

That question was the impetus for my doctoral research at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ where I explored indoor temperatures of low-income homes across British Columbia and Ontario. Importantly, my research intersects with climate science and technology and demonstrates how interdisciplinary action is key to tackling the climate crisis.

My research, under the supervision of Dr. Plinio Morita, supported heat response efforts like checking on vulnerable tenants in person or via phone by using smart thermostats and creating a system to provide real-time temperature alerts.

While the thermostat is a ubiquitous device, it also demonstrates how there are solutions to our biggest problems, including the climate crisis, all around us.

The findings of my research will empower my advocacy efforts to protect vulnerable populations via policy, legislation, and awareness building of the dangers of extreme heat.

Dr. Ade Oyegunle, PhD in Sustainability Management

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges including climate change, my research helps to bridge the gap between climate science and financial decision-making.

Having worked as a sustainability professional in the financial industry, I was motivated to pursue this area of research after realizing that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a systemic financial risk.

My PhD research explored the intersection of climate policy, financial risk and banking regulation, with a focus on how climate transition risks like carbon pricing affect the credit risk exposure and financial stability of banks.

My research found that as carbon prices rise, the risk of financial distress increases for companies with high carbon footprints. This, in turn, increases the risk to banks that lend to them.

I chose to pursue this research at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ because of its strong reputation for interdisciplinary research, innovation and applied problem-solving. The School of Environment, Enterprise and Development offered a unique platform to explore the intersection of climate change, finance and policy, something that few other institutions could provide in such an integrated way.

Looking ahead, I want to help translate my research into action, ensuring that financial systems evolve to meet the demands of the climate transition.

Dr. Fatima Suleiman, PhD in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

After completing my undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, I dreamed of designing the next revolutionary product. In 2015, I attended a conference in Lagos, Nigeria, where Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple was asked, “Who represents the future of engineering innovation?” His answer on the transformative power of an interdisciplinary background stuck with me — and ultimately led me to pursue a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Graduate Diploma in Design Engineering at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ — renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary research.

My PhD research focused on improving temperature measurement for advanced high strength steels (AHSS), which helps the automotive industry produce lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I was drawn to this area of research after taking a course on heat transfer with Dr. Kyle Daun, who later became my supervisor.

At the start of this research project, I hoped to eliminate pyrometry errors entirely. I hope my research will contribute meaningfully to the much larger collective effort towards mitigating climate change, specifically by enabling more precise thermal control during AHSS processing, which in turn supports more sustainable vehicle production through improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced emissions.

Technological Futures

RBC taps into ��ݮ��Ƶ talent to tackle building climate resilience

Chantal Vallis — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:47:48 +0000

For industry leaders like RBC, staying ahead in climate adaptation means exploring the art-of-the-possible with the next generation of thinkers at ��ݮ��Ƶ

As climate risks such as floods, extreme heat, and wildfires grow, commercial buildings are increasingly vulnerable — creating uncertainty for both property owners and financial institutions around which measures are necessary to ensure resilience. It’s a complex challenge that RBC is exploring with the next generation of climate adaptation thinkers at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

Signing on as an industry partner in ��ݮ��Ƶ’s Interdisciplinary Capstone course, Dr. Graham Watt, senior director, head of enterprise climate data and analytics in RBC’s Chief Data Office, and Branko Zdravcovic, head of 3rd party content and services, posed a challenge to students: How might we facilitate sustainable actions by building owners that improve building efficiency and resilience, and contribute to the realization of sustainable cities? A team of undergraduates from the faculties of Environment, Engineering and Mathematics took it on.

“We knew we wanted to apply AI to help with climate change,” says Engineering student Arjun Krishna. “But Graham was able to help us understand the problems RBC was targeting and what to consider in developing solutions.”

With a clearer picture of the larger issue, the project team used Google Gemini as the backbone of their solution. Leveraging Canadian and American retrofit standards and public building inspection reports, the prototype they developed analyzes building conditions to suggest building adaptation strategies that balance resilience to natural disasters with financial viability based on the specific building characteristics.

Over the course of several months, the team met with RBC weekly to refine the project. This frequent feedback loop was valuable for the students to learn about business priorities and working with clients. For RBC, it ensured that the solution generated was headed in a viable direction.

“It makes a huge difference when we can interact often with the students and work through test designs together. This helps refine our proof of concepts and explore the art-of-the-possible,” says Watt.

RBC has a long history of partnering with students to bring fresh skills and ideas to challenging spaces. Having worked with many capstone teams over the years, RBC has been able to explore alternative data applications. “It is always a great pleasure to partner with students to identify new insights,” Zdravcovic says.

“We find it very valuable to work with student teams,” Watt agrees. “What’s unique about ��ݮ��Ƶ’s interdisciplinary capstone is that our team had math and engineering students working with the data and developing the models, complemented by an Environment and Business student providing domain context to the solution, which helped pressure test the return on investment. That was very appealing and something that can be missing when the team is all from one discipline.”

By combining technical expertise with environmental and business insight, students are helping industry leaders chart a more resilient future—proving that the next generation isn’t just ready for the climate crisis, they’re already helping to find solutions. In fact, this solution is one of several original ideas that emerged from this year’s course.

As ��ݮ��Ƶ continues to bridge academia and the workforce, we invite you to collaborate. Whether you share an industry challenge and become an i-Capstone partner, engage an intern or hire a co-op student, let’s solve our greatest challenges together.

Engineering

Environment

Math

Co-op and Experiential Education

Talent

Sustainable Futures

Hitting the right notes to play music by ear

Ryon Jones — Tue, 27 May 2025 21:49:27 +0000

��ݮ��Ƶ human-computer interaction study analyzes YouTube music lessons to create better digital tools for music students

Learning to play music by ear is challenging for most musicians, but research from a team at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ may help musicians-in-training find the right notes.

The ��ݮ��Ƶ team analyzed a range of YouTube videos that focused on learning music by ear and identified four simple ways music learning technology can better aid prospective musicians – helping people improve recall while listening, limiting playback to small chunks, identifying musical subsequences to memorize, and replaying notes indefinitely.

“There are a lot of apps and electronic tools out there to help learn by ear from recorded music,” said Christopher Liscio, a recent ��ݮ��Ƶ master’s graduate in computer science and the study’s lead author.

“But we see evidence that musicians don’t appear to use them very much, which makes us question whether these tools are truly well-suited to the task. By studying how people teach and learn how to play music by ear in YouTube videos, we can try to understand what might actually help these ear-learning musicians.”

The team studied 28 YouTube ear-learning lessons, breaking each down to examine how the instructors structured their teaching and how students would likely retain what they heard. Surprisingly, they found that very few creators or viewers were using existing digital learning tools to loop playback or manipulate playback speed despite their availability for over two decades.

“We started this research planning to build a specific tool for ear learners, but then we realized we might be reinforcing a negative pattern of building tools without knowing what users actually want,” said Dan Brown, professor of Computer Science at ��ݮ��Ƶ. “Then we got excited when we realized YouTube could be a helpful resource for that research process.”

The research, “Helping popular musicians learn by ear: Analyzing video lessons to inform the design of memory-oriented human-recording interactions,” appears in the proceedings of the ACM International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction.

Math

Research