��ݮ��Ƶ News - Talent

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

Resilience and research in motion

Angie Docking — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:29:17 +0000

After rebuilding her academic path in Canada, graduate student Kseniia Buzko is advancing AI in sport with award-winning research.

When war disrupted her studies in Ukraine, Kseniia Buzko faced an uncertain future.

Determined not to let her education be derailed, she built a new future in Canada — earning top grades, forging international research collaborations and producing award-winning work in sports analytics at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ.

A new beginning in Canada

Buzko’s journey to Canada began in 2022, when studying at her home institution in Ukraine became untenable. She applied and was accepted into the first cohort of the summer program for students from Ukraine whose studies had been disrupted by the war, a joint initiative between the ��ݮ��Ƶ and the University of Toronto. Buzko spent her first summer at the University of Toronto, and through the program, began to build early connections with the ��ݮ��Ƶ community — an experience she describes as life-changing.

“The summer program gave me the chance to resume my education after the war disrupted my life,” says Buzko. “It offered academic stability, helped me refocus on my future and introduced what could be possible for me in the Canadian academic system.”

She later transferred to the ��ݮ��Ƶ to complete her final undergraduate year in computer science, graduating with top marks. An internship at ��ݮ��Ƶ.AI followed, and under the guidance of Dr. Paul Fieguth, a systems design engineering professor and ��ݮ��Ƶ’s associate vice president – academic operations, she led a joint research project bridging her home university and ��ݮ��Ƶ. That work became her undergraduate thesis and set the stage for her graduate research.

Inspired by that early momentum and a strong sense of belonging, Buzko knew ��ݮ��Ƶ was the right place for her to continue her studies.

Breakthrough research in sports analytics

Now a master’s student in the Department of Systems Design Engineering’s Vision and Image Processing (VIP) Research Group — which is focused on visual processing, perception and responsible AI for real-world applications — Buzko is conducting research under the supervision of Professors David Clausi and Yuhao Chen focused on action recognition in ice hockey broadcasts.

Generic AI models often struggle with hockey, where players are smaller on screen, wear bulky gear and use sticks that standard systems don’t account for.

To improve accuracy, Buzko developed a custom pipeline called CP-Hockey. It helps the AI system better interpret hockey footage by adjusting for differences in player size on screen and by adding important visual details — like head position and stick movement — that most models ignore. These improvements make it possible to tell apart similar actions, such as different skating directions, quick stops, stickwork and puck strikes.

“These contextual priors significantly improve recognition accuracy and enable more reliable analysis of game strategies and player performance,” Buzko explains. “While developed for hockey, the methods show promise for other equipment-heavy sports as well.”

In June, her work earned the Best Paper Award at the Linköping Hockey Analytics Conference for her publication Ice Hockey Action Recognition via Contextual Priors.

Kseniia Buzko with fellow members of the Vision and Image Processing (VIP) Research Group, where she develops AI models to improve action recognition in ice hockey.

Building a community

For Buzko, ��ݮ��Ƶ has become much more than an academic home. It’s also a place where she’s found belonging and support.

“I love being part of the VIP Lab where I can engage in meaningful research and collaborate with brilliant peers and mentors,” she says. “Beyond academics, I’m grateful to continue here my lifelong passion for playing badminton. It’s helped me build close friendships that make me feel truly at home here.”

She is equally grateful for the space that ��ݮ��Ƶ has offered for her to heal and thrive.

“The environment at ��ݮ��Ƶ supports not only my academic development but also my personal well-being,” Buzko says. “I feel incredibly motivated here, and I look forward to continuing my journey at ��ݮ��Ƶ as a PhD student.”

Go to the Global Emergency Student Relief Fund to make a gift and support students like Kseniia whose education has been impacted by conflict, war, changing political environments or natural disasters.

Feature image: Kseniia Buzko with members of the Kitchener-��ݮ��Ƶ Ukrainian community. Photo supplied by Kseniia Buzko.

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

WatSPEED appoints Aaron Pereira as executive director

Angelica Sanchez — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

New leadership to accelerate growth and global engagement

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Pereira as executive director of WatSPEED, the University’s professional, executive and corporate education arm.

Pereira assumes the role following a successful tenure as managing director, client partnerships at WatSPEED, where he led the development of high-impact collaborations with industry, government and university partners. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding WatSPEED’s engagement with both Canadian and international organizations and deepening its involvement in national skills development efforts.

“WatSPEED is uniquely positioned to help shape Canada’s future workforce by connecting academic excellence with real-world skills development,” Pereira says. “It’s a privilege to lead this next chapter alongside a talented team, as we continue to build transformative learning experiences that support professionals and organizations through rapid technological change.”

With more than 15 years of experience at ��ݮ��Ƶ, Pereira brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and cross-sector expertise to this role. His career has spanned research administration, corporate partnerships, and advanced education, with past roles including client manager, corporate research partnerships manager and manager of institutional research in the Office of Research. From managing multi-million-dollar strategic initiatives to facilitating research collaborations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science, Pereira’s contributions have connected cutting-edge research with real-world impact.

Pereira’s appointment comes at a time of accelerating momentum for WatSPEED, as the unit continues to scale its offerings in emerging areas such as AI, cybersecurity and health technologies. Positioned at the intersection of technology, talent and industry, WatSPEED plays a critical role in advancing ��ݮ��Ƶ’s mission to drive innovation and societal impact.

A Message from Aaron Pereira

Watch video on YouTube

Leadership for WatSPEED’s next chapter

Joining Pereira in shaping this next phase is Karina Graf, who has been appointed managing director, marketing, brand and growth. Graf brings a strong track record in strategic marketing, digital engagement and program innovation. In her expanded role, she will lead efforts to amplify learner impact, strengthen the WatSPEED brand and drive institutional growth through high-performance marketing.

To further strengthen WatSPEED’s engagement with global and corporate partners, Jean-Paul Mouton has assumed the role of associate director, strategic partnerships and global growth. In this expanded role, he will lead efforts to deepen existing relationships, forge new global partnerships, and identify opportunities for international expansion.

These new appointments complement the continued leadership of Dean Perkins, associate director, systems, finance and operations, whose work ensures the infrastructure, resourcing and operational rigor that support WatSPEED’s mission.

Together, the team will continue to strengthen WatSPEED’s role in delivering impactful, future-focused learning experiences that support professionals, executives and organizations navigating technological change.

For more information about WatSPEED and its programs, visit watspeed.uwaterloo.ca.

Technological Futures

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

WatSPEED and Vector Institute collaborate to accelerate AI adoption in Canada

Stephanie Longeway — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:47:51 +0000

Strategic partnership brings cutting-edge AI training to today’s workforce

WatSPEED, the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s professional, executive and corporate education arm, has partnered with the Vector Institute on a new pilot program to help professionals turn AI ambition into meaningful business results.

“This collaboration unites WatSPEED’s strength in professional education with the Vector Institute’s AI expertise to address a critical skills gap in the market,” says Aaron Pereira, executive director of WatSPEED. “By equipping professionals to lead AI initiatives more effectively, we’re helping Canadian organizations turn their AI investments into real competitive advantage.”

Running on June 19, Managing AI Projects is a one-day, live online course is designed for project managers, team leads and functional experts responsible for driving AI initiatives forward. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in business operations, professionals in non-technical roles are playing a part in shaping and steering adoption efforts — ensuring that emerging technologies translate into real-world impact.

The pilot program represents an important step in advancing AI adoption in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. It recognizes that traditional project management tools and approaches must evolve to meet the realities of AI technologies. By equipping participants with actionable strategies to plan, lead and deliver AI projects, they can effectively bridge the gap between innovation and organizational success.

“Vector Institute is committed to accelerating the safe and effective adoption of AI across Canada,” says Craig Stewart, executive director of applied AI programs at the Vector Institute. “By equipping leaders with the right tools and frameworks to drive their AI initiatives forward, we’re helping organizations unlock this technology’s potential and translate AI ambition into real-world results.”

The Vector Institute — an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence — works with a broad network of academic experts, corporate partners and subject matter experts to develop cutting-edge research, training programs and projects that help organizations harness AI to drive productivity and foster economic growth. They are funded by the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada through CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and industry sponsors across Canada.

As Canada looks to strengthen its position in the global innovation economy, the need for skilled professionals who can confidently lead AI projects and adapt established practices to new technological concepts has never been more urgent. The collaboration between WatSPEED and the Vector Institute signals a shared commitment to making advanced AI training more accessible, helping organizations overcome adoption challenges and build a future-ready workforce equipped to lead in the digital economy.

Campus

Talent

Economic Futures

Technological Futures

Creating belonging, opportunity and momentum

Elizabeth Rogers — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:27:25 +0000

“I’m excited to be in a place where I’m adding value, learning fast and living up to the ��ݮ��Ƶ reputation of pushing boundaries.”

From fostering student engagement on campus through the Arts Student Union to winning an interdisciplinary Velocity pitch competition, Sehaj Raj Singh has spent five years at ��ݮ��Ƶ driven by a passion for connection and a desire to improve himself and the world around him. He’s excited to graduate this spring with an Honours degree in Economics and Business and a minor in Entrepreneurship.

What drew you to Economics and Business at ��ݮ��Ƶ?

What sealed the deal for me was ��ݮ��Ƶ’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. There’s an energy here, a startup mindset to experiment, build, fail fast and bounce back faster. I knew if I was going to hustle, this was the place to do it.

Economics was a discipline I genuinely enjoyed, not just because it made sense, but because it made everything else make sense too. It’s one of the most transferable subjects out there. It trained me to think clearly, act rationally and break down complex problems, and that’s a skill set that quietly wins in any room.

Between the Model UN Club, the UW Entrepreneurship Society, and the Arts Student Union, you’ve done a lot of work in student engagement. Why is that important to you?

The drive to be in the room, to contribute, to shape things, is what first pulled me into student engagement. Over time, I realized these roles were about something much bigger. The little things – organizing events, rebuilding societies, showing up for students – they add up. They create belonging, opportunity and momentum.

I’m proud to say that I was part of the leadership when two of these student societies went from completely dormant to thriving. From “no budget, no buzz” to becoming real communities for like-minded people to grow, share and lead. It might sound cheesy, but I say this with real humility – maybe my own hustle gave or will give someone else a platform. Maybe someone found their voice in something I helped build. That thought? It stays with me.

You recently won the Velocity Future City Innovation Challenge. What made you decide to enter the competition, and what was the process like of collaborating with an interdisciplinary team?

This was hands down one of the most fulfilling moments of my undergrad. I used to sit in the audience at Velocity pitch competitions, completely inspired by students turning bold ideas into real solutions. In my final year, I stumbled upon the Future City Innovation Challenge. No pre-existing team or startup required, just ambition and a good idea.

I met three incredible teammates – one in architecture, one in urban planning and one in computer science. We came up with the idea of Permitly, a platform to tackle Canada’s housing crisis by fast-tracking planning and building permits. Tech, policy, design and business all coming together.

That didn’t just get us to the finals. I got to pitch to two mayors … and we won. One of the judges, a huge home developer in Ontario, even invited us to Ottawa to explore making it real. Standing there, pitching Permitly, felt like the perfect full-circle moment. From being in the crowd to being on stage, I’m just glad I bet on myself.

What are you most excited for post-graduation? What’s next?

My family is here from India for my convocation, so I’m looking forward to spending time with them. I also just accepted an offer from Caivan Communities where I’ll be working as an Analyst in their Land Development Engineering team. Their CEO, Frank Cairo (UW BES '05), was one of the Velocity judges who we visited in Ottawa, so in many ways Permitly led me to this opportunity. And so that drive to be a part of something bigger sparked conversations, opened doors and gave me a taste of what it means to turn ideas into action.

I’m excited to be in a place where I’m adding value, learning fast and living up to the ��ݮ��Ƶ reputation of pushing boundaries.

Empowering student voices from marginalized communities

Angelica Sanchez — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Lucas Shumaker is cultivating equity and inclusion for racialized and 2SLGBQTIA+ students at ��ݮ��Ƶ and beyond

Lucas Shumaker (He/They) understands the importance of community and dialogue in driving action and change. Growing up Mennonite in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Shumaker witnessed various environmental and social justice issues, sparking their pursuit in community aid work.

From organizing a Youth Climate Strike and protesting the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline to participating in school walkouts for gun control and starting their high school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Shumaker champions the creation of safer and more equitable spaces for all.

“The work I do comes out of necessity,” says Shumaker, a third-year student at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. “There are a lot of institutional barriers and issues; I can’t avoid taking action. If I don’t do anything, nothing will change. There is no other option.”

"Remembering Ashton Clatterbuck — my mentor and close friend from high school. We worked on many projects together, including this one with the Lancaster Against Pipelines. His guidance and friendship throughout high school will always be cherished,” Shumaker says.

Shumaker takes pride in his community aid work as a full-time international student in the Environmental Engineering program, balancing between his studies, supporting the trans and queer community and working as a research assistant for the WAMPUM Lab — an Indigenous research lab at ��ݮ��Ƶ.

He believes that when individuals unite as a community and create space for diverse voices, they can combine resources, skills and knowledge to address issues more effectively, enhancing impact and creating meaningful change.

Cultivating inclusive communities on campus

Shumaker first joined UW EngiQueers — the ��ݮ��Ƶ chapter of EngiQueers Canada — as a first-year student seeking community on campus. Now, they serve as the vice-president of Events for UW EngiQueers, organizing social events open to all faculties and providing a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

“It is much easier to work in community than it is to work alone,” Shumaker says. “I would recommend finding people with similar ideas, passions or beliefs in the work you want to do and then work together to build community spaces.”

Their goal is to make EngiQueers as welcoming as possible, ensuring everyone feels safe to join anytime. Often, visiting students from other schools would join their meetings, enriching the community experience.

��ݮ��Ƶ students, Shumaker and Arden Song, presenting EngiQueers at the OK2BeMe conference to a group of high school students.

In the winter term of 2025, the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) launched their EDI-R Student Ambassador program, welcoming the first cohort of ambassadors to observe campus life, identify concerns and facilitate discussions with staff to drive positive changes for racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

Shumaker’s role as an EDI-R Student Ambassador began after participating in a knowledge-sharing session for trans and queer students. Recognizing the institutional barriers faced by marginalized communities, he applied for the ambassador role to help address these issues.

“The program is a good first step. It’s important to hear from students, and that’s what much of the program is about: hearing what students’ experiences are,” Shumaker says.

Shumaker’s leadership role in EngiQueers and the EDI-R Student Ambassador program reflects his belief in building supportive communities by amplifying diverse voices and offering a safe space for queer and trans individuals. It also helps ease students as they face daily stressors during a pivotal chapter in their lives.

Developing resources for Transgender individuals globally

Shumaker, a young white trans man, witnessed firsthand the gap in gender-affirming care and trans health-care data, driving him to co-create HRTimelines. Shumaker and his co-founder developed HRTimelines to research the effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in transgender individuals and address the lack of research in gender-affirming care.

Their surveys in 2022 and 2024 collect self-reported data from trans individuals worldwide, forming the basis of their online database. The goal for this research is to provide trans people and medical professionals serving the trans community with more accurate information on HRT effects and timelines, considering factors like age, ethnicity and medication type.

“As far as we know, we have the largest database of trans health care in the world. But it’s not that large because there is limited to no research in trans health care,” Shumaker says.

He acknowledges that the limited research on trans and queer health care available today is due to the loss of valuable studies caused by the burning of books from the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin during the Nazi occupation. Shumaker encourages those interested in learning more about the pioneering Institute for Sexual Research, established in 1919, to read the National Public Radio interview with medical historian, Brandy Schillace.

HRTimelines has gained attention and partnerships, including with Dr. Delena Thompson, a physician in Kitchener-��ݮ��Ƶ and a professor at McMaster University, to develop academic research and raise awareness of critical issues in gender-affirming care.

In 2024, Shumaker received the Bateman-Minello Award for their positive contribution to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the Abundance Canada’s Spirit of Generosity Award for their advocacy in transgender health care and environmental justice, donating $500 to the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, ��ݮ��Ƶ and Area.

Their leadership on and off campus has become a vital resource for trans and queer students navigating their identities and finding their place at ��ݮ��Ƶ. Shumaker’s relentless dedication not only amplifies voices but also serves as an inspiring influence for future generations of students to persevere in the pursuit of equity and inclusion.

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

The engineer’s iron ring is part of Canada’s national identity

Angelica Sanchez — Thu, 22 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Dean Mary Wells pays tribute to the iron ring's 100 year legacy

This opinion piece by Dean Mary Wells of ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering and Dean Suzanne Kresta of the University of Prince Edward Island's Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering recently appeared in the Globe and Mail.

Dr. Mary Wells
Dean, Faculty of Engineering

Nearly a century ago, Canadian engineers conducted the first iron ring ceremony, a way for the profession to symbolize its commitment to the public good following a moment of failure and broken trust.

The ceremony traces its origins to Canadian mining engineer and professor Herbert Haultain, who was deeply affected by the tragic collapse of the Quebec Bridge in 1907, a disaster that claimed 75 lives.

In the early 1920s, Haultain envisioned a future where engineers would uphold the highest standards of integrity, competence and responsibility. He believed this could be achieved through a formal commitment to ethical principles and professional conduct, leading to the first iron ring ceremony in 1925.

That ceremony is now referred to as the “Calling of an Engineer,” where graduating Canadian engineers receive their own iron ring, a simple band of stainless steel worn on the pinky finger of their dominant hand.

Just as Haultain imagined more than 100 years ago, the ring is not merely an adornment but an ever-present reminder of an engineer’s professional obligations to society. The physical presence of our rings symbolizes the ever-present moral and ethical responsibilities of the engineering profession, taken on as our students emerge into their professional lives.

This ceremony is a tradition that binds our engineering community to the values of integrity, responsibility and trust. These values have never been as important as they are today. This commitment has not only shaped the identity of Canadian engineers — it has also driven their contributions to Canada’s economic development and prosperity.

Consider the engineering feats that have defined Canada: the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island across the Northumberland Strait to New Brunswick; the oil-sands technologies balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship in Alberta and Saskatchewan; and the cutting-edge work in artificial intelligence emerging from hubs like Montreal, Toronto and Kitchener-��ݮ��Ƶ, Ontario.

As we celebrate the last 100 years of Canadian engineering, we must also look forward. The challenges of the 21st century — climate change, digital transformation and global inequality among them — require engineers to act not just as innovators but as stewards of public trust. The iron ring is one example that underscores the ethical obligations engineers in Canada must undertake to safeguard the public and ensure their work benefits society.

A century ago, engineers primarily focused on ensuring the physical safety of the public. Today, as engineering and technology innovations shape nearly every aspect of daily life, their impact extends far beyond physical safety. Engineers must now also consider psychological well-being, environmental sustainability and the broader societal implications of technology.

Today, Canadian engineers are trained to prioritize safety, sustainability and inclusivity. This training extends beyond technical skills to encompass ethical decision-making and societal impact. Whether designing bridges that withstand extreme weather or algorithms that are fair and transparent, engineers must ensure their creations are trusted by design and, to a larger extent, by the public at large.

Canadian engineers are uniquely positioned to lead in designing and deploying technologies for the public that are equitable, reliable and ethical. Initiatives like the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ’s TRuST scholarly network exemplify the commitment to fostering public confidence in technology through collaboration with industry, academia and government, as does UPEI’s forward-thinking Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, which centres transdisciplinary education and co-design in its collaborations with community partners and technical staff.

The iron ring ceremony’s centennial offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and to reaffirm our commitment to ethical engineering. It also provides us with an opportunity to emphasize how the values symbolized by the iron ring – integrity, responsibility and trust — continue to guide Canadian engineers in having a positive effect on their fellow Canadians and the rest of the world.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us honour the legacy of Canadian engineering and inspire the next generation to uphold the principles that have made our profession a cornerstone of Canada’s success. Let us lean on the values that this simple band of metal represents, and share them with all Canadians as we look to tackle the next century of innovation challenges.

The future demands engineers who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to the well-being of society. The iron ring, with its century-old legacy, will continue to remind us of this noble calling.

The Iron Ring at 100 - Trust, Transformation and the Future of Canadian Engineering

Join Dean Mary Wells, ��ݮ��Ƶ Engineering and TVO to celebrate 100 years of the Iron Ring with a conversation on the future of engineering in Canada. A dynamic panel will explore how ethics, public trust and responsible innovation can guide the next century of engineering to better service society. “The Iron Ring at 100” is part of the TRuST Scholarly Network lecture series.

Engineering

Awards, Honours and Rankings

Co-op and Experiential Education

Community

Talent