Women in STEM

SciNet

Cybersecurity

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(photo by Daria Korenevska)

The University of Toronto’s Raphaelle Gauriau has been recognized among Canada’s Top Women in Cybersecurity Celebration – an initiative that honours the women who have advanced the Canadian security industry.

Gauriau, the information systems security manager of SciNet, U of T’s supercomputer centre, was nominated by her colleagues for her innovativeness and leadership. She has dedicated her career to cybersecurity operations and compliance projects within various organizations globally, from Canada to France.

“This award is a direct consequence of all the learning experiences the cybersecurity community has provided to me throughout the years,” says Gauriau. “This could not have happened without the help and guidance of all the experts, leaders and friends who went out of their way to empower me as a woman in cybersecurity.”

Gauriau continues to develop cybersecurity solutions and build strong teams at SciNet, which provides Canadian researchers with the computational resources and expertise necessary to perform their research on scales not previously possible in Canada.

“Congratulations to Raphaelle on this well-deserved award,” says Isaac Straley, U of T’s chief information security officer. “The cybersecurity field needs more diversity, and recognizing talent is an important step in making that happen.”

Yong-Baek Kim, Yanqin Wu and John Zilcosky named Guggenheim Fellows

lanthierj — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:59:51 +0000

Yong-Baek Kim, Yanqin Wu and John Zilcosky named Guggenheim Fellows

lanthierj Fri, 04/29/2022 - 15:59

Guggenheim Fellowships

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Department of Physics

Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures

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(L-R) Yong-Baek Kim, Yanqin Wu and John Zilcosky

The University of Toronto’s Yong-Baek Kim, Yanqin Wu and John Zilcosky have been recognized with prestigious 2022 Guggenheim Fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.

All are professors in the Faculty of Arts & Science. Kim is a professor in the department of physics and the director of the Centre for Quantum Materials; Wu is a professor of theoretical astrophysics in the David A. Dunlap department of astronomy and astrophysics and Zilcosky is a professor in the department of Germanic languages and literatures and the Centre for Comparative Literature.

“When honours like the Guggenheim Fellowships are awarded to multiple Faculty scholars, I am always impressed and fascinated by the diverse disciplines of the winners,” says Dean Melanie Woodin. “This year’s cohort is no exception. I am very happy that the fellowships will allow each to pursue their exciting and important work, and I congratulate them all.”

Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, congratulated the researchers on being among the 180 recipients of the fellowships – out of 2500 applicants.

“These fellowships will help support important work,” Cowen says, “from research into the proto-planetary disks of gas and dust around newly developing stars, to work on theoretical quantum condensed matter physics and a new book on the cultural history of wrestling.”

Read the U of T News story

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Gwendolyn Eadie recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physics

lanthierj — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:25:59 +0000

Gwendolyn Eadie recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physics

lanthierj Tue, 01/18/2022 - 15:25

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Department of Statistical Sciences

John Charles Polanyi Prize

Polanyi Prize in Physics

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Gwendolyn Eadie of the Faculty of Arts & Science's David A. Dunlap department of astronomy and astrophysics and department of statistical sciences has won a 2021 Polanyi Prize in Physics for her work in the emerging field of astrostatistics, which is providing new insights into dark matter and its impact on galaxies.

The prestigious John Charles Polanyi prizes are awarded in honour of University Professor John Polanyi, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Funded by the government of Ontario and administered by the Council of Ontario Universities, they recognize innovative researchers who are continuing postdoctoral work or have recently been appointed as faculty at an Ontario university.

Eadie’s research aims to combine the fields of astronomy and statistics and create statistical models that can help astronomers better understand and make more accurate predictions about how dark matter is distributed in galaxies, and how it affects the formation and evolution of galaxies including our Milky Way.

“As the first U of T faculty member to be appointed to both the departments of astronomy and statistics – and the head of Canada’s first astrostatistics research team – Gwendolyn Eadie is no stranger to blazing new trails,” says Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Her novel interdisciplinary research is poised to provide deeper insights into dark matter that will be critical to advancing our understanding of the workings of our galaxy.

“The University of Toronto congratulates Assistant Professor Eadie on this richly deserved recognition.”

Tony Chan Carusone and Joyce Poon named IEEE Fellows

lanthierj — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 19:49:59 +0000

Tony Chan Carusone and Joyce Poon named IEEE Fellows

lanthierj Mon, 01/10/2022 - 14:49

Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

IEEE

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From left: Professors Tony Chan Carusone and Joyce Poon (Photos: Tony Chan Carusone; Joyce Poon by Katja Woldt)

Professors Tony Chan Carusone and Joyce Poon of the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering (ECE) in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering have been appointed IEEE Fellows.

The designation by the world’s largest technical professional association is reserved for members whose outstanding accomplishments in engineering, science and technology have shown significant value to society.

“The commitment and talent that they bring to their work exemplify the ideals of engineering: bettering society while mentoring the next generation,” says Professor Deepa Kundur, chair of ECE. “Sincere congratulations to Tony and Joyce on this prestigious recognition.”

Cited for “contributions to integrated circuits for digital communication,” Chan Carusone is an expert in microchip design.

“That is where the rubber meets the road in electrical and computer engineering,” he says. “And I saw digital communication technologies as the most transformative technology of our age.”

For the past 10 years, says Chan Carusone, “I’ve been working to lower the power consumption of the microelectronics that handle our communication traffic, with hopes of reducing our footprint on the planet.”

Cited by IEEE for “contributions to integrated photonics on silicon and resonant microphotonic devices,” Poon seeks to advance computing and reduce power consumption by using light from the infrared wavelength to the visible spectrum.

“What drives me and my research is envisioning what computers will be like in ten years or so,” Poon says. “Quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, wearable displays, and eventually brain interfaces are all part of that future. I see photonics taking computing technology into new directions.”

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Diana Valencia recognized with Paulo Farinella Prize

lanthierj — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:43:10 +0000

Diana Valencia recognized with Paulo Farinella Prize

lanthierj Wed, 11/03/2021 - 11:43

Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences

Scarborough

Paulo Farinella Prize

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(Photo courtesy of Diana Valencia)

The University of Toronto Scarborough’s Diana Valencia has been awarded a Paulo Farinella Prize for her pioneering work on exoplanets.

Valencia was this year’s co-recipient of the prestigious European research award, for her contributions to our understanding of the interior structure and dynamics of terrestrial and super-Earth exoplanets.

“I have seen the field grow from not knowing anyone else studying these planets when I was a PhD student, to a flourishing research field attracting numerous young scientists,” said Valencia, an associate professor in the department of physical and environmental sciences.

“It feels particularly special to be recognized in the research field I helped to grow from the beginning.”

Valencia was one of the first scientists to combine geophysics and astrophysics to study exoplanets. She developed the first interior model and first mass-radius relationship for rocky exoplanets (1-10 Earth masses). Her exploration into the possibility of plate tectonics on super-Earths spurred a lively debate in the field that continues today.

She has also explored the composition of these planets, which has been essential for comparing them to Earth and other exoplanets. Her work on exoplanet GJ 1214b, in particular, has inspired atmospheric observations of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes to better determine their composition.

Read the U of T Scarborough story

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15 U of T researchers named Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

lanthierj — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:17:23 +0000

15 U of T researchers named Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

lanthierj Mon, 09/13/2021 - 10:17

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

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Fifteen University of Toronto researchers have been named Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in recognition of their “dedication and excellence.”

One of three national academies that make up the Council of Canadian Academies, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences leverages the expertise of Canada’s leading health sciences researchers to evaluate Canada's most urgent and complex health challenges and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.

“The University of Toronto congratulates these faculty members on receiving one of the highest distinctions for academics in the health sciences field,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s associate vice-president, research. “Their scientific leadership and research are making a real impact on the lives of Canadians – and people around the world.

“This is also an important recognition of our hospital and health-system partners. They help make this impact possible.”

The new fellows are:

Reina Bendayan of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
Gillian Booth of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and St. Michael’s Hospital
Adalsteinn Brown of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Catharine Craven of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
David Fisman of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Margaret Herridge of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
Mansoor Husain of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
David Jenkins of the department of nutritional sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and St. Michael’s Hospital
Alex Mihailidis of the department of occupational science and occupational therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
Amit Oza of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
Vincent Piguet of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Women’s College Hospital
Aaron Schimmer of the department of medical biophysics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
Anna Taddio of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
Ming-Sound Tsao of the department of laboratory medicine and pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network
Sharon Walmsley of the department of medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and University Health Network

Read the Dalla Lana School of Public Health story

See the complete list of new Fellows

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Five U of T faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

lanthierj — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:33:55 +0000

Five U of T faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

lanthierj Tue, 09/07/2021 - 16:33

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Royal Society of Canada

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Clockwise from left: Andrea Tricco, Karim Mekhail, Wendy Wong, Ana Andreazza and Laura Rosella (photo courtesy Andrea Tricco, photo courtesy Karim Mekhail, photo courtesy Munk School of Global Affairs, photo by Perry King, photo by Caitlin Free)

Five faculty members at the University of Toronto – experts in data science, epidemiology, mood disorders, political science and genomics – have been appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

“These researchers are transforming our understanding of a wide range of fields – and making significant contributions in areas from human rights to health care,” said Professor Leah Cowen, U of T's associate vice-president, research.

“The University of Toronto congratulates them on this important recognition of their impact.”

The new college members are:

Each appointee receives a seven-year membership in the college, which recognizes and supports academic leadership and collaboration among those who have received their PhDs within the last 15 years.

Wong said she was “excited to learn from colleagues in different fields and at different universities throughout Canada to gain insights into how we can use our research,” to tackle global problems.

“Many of the most pressing and interesting questions before us require interdisciplinary collaboration to solve,” Wong said. “Things like the datafication of human life, or global warming, or human rights are all challenges that cannot be resolved through one approach.”

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Students, faculty recognized with Temerty Awards for Excellence in Professional Values

lanthierj — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:08:24 +0000

Students, faculty recognized with Temerty Awards for Excellence in Professional Values

Community

lanthierj Fri, 08/20/2021 - 14:08

Students

Department of Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation Sciences Institute

St. Michael’s Hospital

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Temerty Awards for Excellence in Professional Values

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Unity Health

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(L-R): Lindsay Beavers, Mena Gewarges, Helen Yang, Reena Pattani, Samira Omar

Lindsay Beavers, Mena Gewarges, Samira Omar, Reena Pattani and Helen Yang of the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine are the inaugural recipients of the Temerty Awards for Excellence in Professional Values.

Supported by James and Louise Temerty and the Temerty Foundation, the awards recognize learners and faculty members who champion collaboration, health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, excellence through equity, and sustainability.

An assistant professor in the department of physical therapy and manager of Unity Health Toronto’s simulation program, Beavers was cited for her “tireless efforts to ensure psychologically, culturally and physically safe learning environments” and her leadership in designing and delivering a new approach to curriculum development on sex and gender.

Gewarges is a cardiology resident at U of T and chief cardiology resident at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Nominators praised the physician for her kindness, respect and civility towards patients, their families, and her colleagues – and for co-founding a resident-led mentorship group that introduces Black and Indigenous students to cardiology.

A doctoral candidate in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Omar previously served as co-chair of the student Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee and was lauded for leading conversations around rehabilitation science and co-facilitating an anti-Black racism workshop for the Centre for Faculty Development.

Pattani is a clinician-educator in the department of medicine, the director of learner experience for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and a staff physician at Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital. She served on the department’s Mentorship, Equity and Diversity Committee and was praised for her “exceptional kindness, humility, collegiality and commitment to learner wellness.”

Master of science student Yang studies geriatric oncology in the Institute of Medical Science. A student representative on the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Faculty Council, nominators described Yang as “embodying advocacy-centered professionalism.”

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Silvia Sellán awarded Dean’s Doctoral Excellence Scholarship

lanthierj — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:17:02 +0000

Silvia Sellán awarded Dean’s Doctoral Excellence Scholarship

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Mon, 08/09/2021 - 12:17

Students

Department of Computer Science

Department of Geography and Planning

Department of Sociology

Department of Statistical Sciences

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Silvia Sellán, a PhD student in the department of computer science, has been awarded the Faculty of Arts & Science's Dean’s Doctoral Excellence Scholarship.

The scholarship recognizes students’ academic excellence, the impact of their research, contributions toward colleagues and other students – and the leadership they demonstrate beyond their research activities.

“It's a real honour and means a lot to me,” says Sellán, whose research focuses on geometry processing, a sub-discipline of computer graphics that spans the three-dimensional real and digital worlds.

“I already consider myself lucky to get paid to do research. To be recognized on top of that makes me very happy.”

Alec Jacobson, an assistant professor in the department of computer science and Sellán’s supervisor, said Sellán exemplifies the qualities that the scholarship rewards.

“Silvia is deeply curious,” Jacobson said. “She participates actively at our conferences and symposia, frequently asking questions and arranging follow-up discussions with fellow researchers. She is discerning about which questions are interesting academically and which questions are important.”

Three runners-up for the scholarship were also recognized with A&S Doctoral Excellence Scholarships:

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Faculty of Arts & Science

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William Cluett and Claire Kennedy recognized by Engineers Canada

lanthierj — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 03:28:17 +0000

William Cluett and Claire Kennedy recognized by Engineers Canada

Community

lanthierj Fri, 07/30/2021 - 23:28

Alumni

Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry

Engineers Canada Awards

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Governing Council