Tag: Awards

Approved tag

Researchers receive grants to advance Indigenous scholarship

person reading a book on couch with pile of books nearby BANNER

Six Indigenous scholars at York University have been awarded a combined $204,298 in new funding from the latest round of Indigenous Research Seed Fund Grants to explore language revitalization, Indigenous-led land restoration, decolonizing physical education curriculum and more.

The York Indigenous Seed Fund was established in 2021 by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President Equity, People & Culture, the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges & Languages (CIKL) and the Indigenous Council, an internal committee at York that works to improve access, input and opportunities for Indigenous peoples in higher education. The fund aims to build on the University’s ongoing commitment to support Indigenous early career researchers, their knowledge creation and the Indigenous communities they are working with.

“York University is wholly invested in advancing Indigenous research excellence, recognizing the critical importance Indigenous perspectives have in the pursuit of new knowledge and learning capable of creating positive change,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “The seed fund grants contribute to an emerging area of research expertise at York focused on Indigenous futurities, which emphasizes scholarship that can directly benefit Indigenous communities and imagines a brighter future for nations, communities and individuals.”

Recipients of these grants, supported through CIKL and the Office of the Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, include:

  • Rebecca Beaulne-Stuebing, assistant professor, Faculty of Education
    “Gekinoomaadijig Mashkiki Gitigaaning Endazhi-Baakwaanaatigikaag: Restoring Urban Land Relations through Indigenous Leadership, Towards Establishing a Land Education Collaboratory”
  • Kiera Brant-Birioukov, assistant professor, Faculty of Education
    “Research Support to Conduct Literature Review for 2024 SSHRC Insight Application”
  • Ashley Day, assistant professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science
    “Wiisokotaatiwin – Gathering to Discuss & Re-Imagine Health & Physical Education”
  • Jeremy Green, assistant professor, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
    “Tehontenhnhonterontáhkwa ‘That by which they are connected’ – Co-creating supportive learning environments for second language learner teachers of Kanien’kéha ‘Mohawk’, an indigenous language”
  • John Hupfield, assistant professor, Faculty of Education
    “The miikaans: movement lab”

“These projects cultivate positive relationships between university-based researchers and Indigenous communities,” said Susan Dion, associate vice-president Indigenous initiatives, who served as co-chair of the committee that reviewed the applications alongside Sean Hillier, interim director of CIKL.

“The institutional commitment to supporting these scholars through the Indigenous seed grant will have impacts beyond their own work and will reverberate throughout the Indigenous communities and peoples they engage with, as well as the wider York community,” said Hillier, as institutional grants for early career researchers provide not only support for foundational and pilot projects but often lead to larger grant proposals.

“The seed fund program is not only about supporting these specific researchers and research programs; it represents a longer-term and wider-ranging commitment to creating conditions in which Indigenous students, colleagues and communities can thrive at York,” said Laina Y. Bay-Cheng, interim vice-president equity, people and culture.

York’s University Academic Plan 2020-2025 affirmed its commitment to the Indigenous Framework and identified six priorities for action for building a better future, including stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. 

Additionally, York’s Strategic Research Plan 2023-2028 (SRP) identifies Indigenous futurities as an opportunity to help research make a positive impact on Indigenous communities and advance social, cultural, artistic, legal, policy, economic and justice areas that holistically shape Indigenous experience.

The Indigenous Research Seed Fund supports the goals of York’s Academic Plan and SRP. The pilot round of the fund awarded a total of $204,298 to 10 scholars in May 2022.

SAS students shine at prestigious Canadian case competition

Celebration,party backgrounds concepts ideas with colorful confetti,streamers on white.Flat lay design

Two School of Administrative Studies (SAS) students, and one alumnus, took top prizes at the 16th annual Canadian Marketing League (CML) – the largest marketing case competition in the country – which gives passionate marketing students the opportunity to demonstrate and gain real-world business experience.

Formerly known as Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec, CML recently hosted 270 student contenders hailing from 26 universities nationwide. Participants engaged in complex marketing challenges ­– provided by leading companies such as Microsoft, McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz and Environics Analytics – to win top spots in the competition.

For several years, CML has provided York marketing students an opportunity to excel, succeeding in the competition itself, gain experiential learning, and demonstrating their abilities. “This platform has offered fantastic opportunities,” says Professor Pallavi Sodhi, who dedicated countless hours this year mentoring students in preparation for CML. “For students, it has provided transformative experiences to showcase their marketing skills, determination and passion. Companies have benefited from groundbreaking ideas to address their most challenging business issues and access ready-to-go marketing talent.”

This year, Amanda Volpato, a fourth-year York SAS student majoring in marketing, won the first place, securing the esteemed CML grand prize of $20,000. It marked not just a professional accomplishment but a personal one, too. Seven years ago, Volpato arrived in Canada from Mato Grosso, Brazil knowing little English and struggling with mental health challenges. Nonetheless, she persevered to become an up-and-coming – and now award-winning – marketer. “Participating in CML has truly shown me that sticking to a strong work ethic is always worth it. For any international student who is struggling with mental health and may be reading this, don’t give up, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.

In addition to Volpato, other members of SAS also won awards.

The Top CML Alumni award was presented to Jacky Li, a former student and Top 10 CML winner in 2014, who is now a strategy director at renowned creative marketing and communications agency Cossette, and continues to serve as a mentor to numerous students, emphasizing the value of experiential learning.

Nicole Rodrigues, a fourth-year bachelor of commerce student, was also recognized, earning her the second prize of $750 for her role as a campus engagement leader. As one of the 47 campus managers, Rodrigues actively promotes CML at York through information booths and class talks.

These York community members add to an ever-growing catalogue of students and alumni who have earned top prizes at CML – a tradition bound to continue.

About the Competition: Canadian Marketing League/Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec was launched in 2007, with the goal to bridge the gap between classroom and industry. Today it has grown to be the largest marketing case competition in Canada, structured in a 3-phase process mirroring the intensity of NHL/NBA. To date more than 50 competitors have been awarded career-starts at major corporations and more than $575,000 in prize money has been awarded.

Dahdaleh Institute accepting global health research grant applications

growing seed in hand

Now in its fifth year, the Critical Social Science Perspectives in Global Health (CPGH) research program looks to continue to provide seed grants to support research that meets the three themes of the Dahdaleh Institute: planetary health; global health and humanitarianism; and global health foresighting.

Every year, the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research provides four seed grants, each valued at up to C$7,000, to initiate novel and innovative ideas that take a critical social science approach to global health research.

In past years, funded projects have advanced research to improve safe water optimization in the Canadian North, study Black anxiety among families with children in and out of the criminal justice system, harness social media data to aid infectious disease outbreak surveillance and more.

The grant is tied to the annual CPGH Workshop, which will take place this year on Tuesday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. All are welcome to attend this hybrid workshop.

The grant application deadline is Tuesday, May 14 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more about the application details and eligibility requirements.

York recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity, Greenest Employers

York University top 100 employer banner

Continued sustainability and decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) progress has earned York University a spot on Canada’s Greenest Employers list for the 12th year in a row, and its first ever inclusion in the Best Diversity Employers list.

Organized by the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, both lists are annual editorial competitions that spotlight institutional excellence across the nation. The Greenest Employers list recognizes those that “lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations,” and the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers list recognizes those with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

“This is the first time York University has achieved two top employer designations. This impressive milestone is a testament to our community’s commitment to our values as a progressive university dedicated to excellence, social justice, diversity, inclusion and sustainability”, said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “I am grateful for the significant contributions community members continue to make toward driving positive change locally and globally.”

“Being recognized as Canada’s Best Diversity and Canada’s Greenest Employers is possible because of the values and dedication of York employees, staff and faculty alike. I hope York and all our colleagues can take pride in how hard we work to be a place where so many different people, all taking so many different paths in their careers and lives, can thrive and feel like they belong,” said Laina Bay-Cheng, interim Vice-president of Equity, People and Culture.

Laina Ya-Hui Bay-Cheng
Laina Bay-Cheng

One of the reasons York was selected for Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the first time was the launch of the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which formalizes and co-ordinates DEDI efforts across the institution. Importantly, the strategy appreciates that there are many forms of discrimination and oppression that exist in society that must be addressed to create an equitable and inclusive world. At York, DEDI values are also infused into other key planning documents, and existing frameworks, including the Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework.

The DEDI Strategy also includes the “rights of the planet,” reflecting York’s determined leadership and ambitious goals in advocating for environmental justice and sustainability. Over the years, the University has made considerable investments and proactive efforts to safeguard the environment in response to the burgeoning climate crisis, placing York’s campuses ahead of other post-secondary institutions, organizations and entire municipalities.

For over a decade, those efforts have consistently led to York being named on the Greenest Employers list due to its sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the overall environmental impact of the University through conservation and measurement, decarbonization and innovation. Among recent examples is the release of York’s own detailed emissions data and ecological footprint assessment, compiled by the Ecological Footprint Initiative at York. With its release, York became the first Canadian institution to compile and publicize its own comprehensive data of this nature.

The University also recently announced it would be accelerating its timeline and aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 – a decade sooner than its previous commitment.

This year’s Greenest Employers list recognized employee and senior-level involvement in new and ongoing sustainability projects across the University, such as annual Earth Month tree planting and campus clean-up events, community partnerships with organizations like the Global Footprint Network and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, and York’s leadership in hosting the 2023 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, the largest fair-trade event in Canadian history.

Other notable sustainable features highlighted through the editorial competition were long-standing York waste management initiatives such as Zero Waste, York’s comprehensive, multifaceted waste management program that was first established in 1990 and has been expanding for over three decades. The program has continually surpassed its targets, growing from an initial goal of 50 per cent waste reduction to a recent achievement of 70 per cent of waste diverted from landfills in 2019.

In areas of teaching and research, York’s over 500 sustainability-focused courses supported its application in being named as a Greenest Employer, in addition to its Eco-Campus in Costa Rica that operates as a local, national and international school dedicated to education and research on neotropical conservation, eco-health, community well-being and sustainable livelihoods for neighbouring communities.

“York’s collaborative and holistic approach to sustainability has played a large part in why we continue to excel in sustainability leadership,” said Mike Layton, York’s first chief sustainability officer. “This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of students, faculty, instructors and staff. Community adoption of green initiatives and a continued desire to support the University in expanding its impact to create a more sustainable future is integral. This recognition is a reflection of community efforts.”

For more information about the Top 100 Awards that York has been recognized for, visit the Diversity Employers site or the Greenest Employers site.

Prof and composer Noam Lemish strikes chord with new album, book

Noam Lemish at piano 2 copy

Noam Lemish, a composer and pianist, has risen to prominence in the contemporary music scene with his innovative approach to blending jazz with Middle Eastern influences. A new book and a Juno-nominated album are only building on his ongoing success.

Noam Lemish
Noam Lemish
(photo credit: Jenna Marie Pinard).

The York music professor’s genre-fluid compositions and performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him recognition as a noteworthy figure in the niche genre of crossover music.

Lemish’s newest album, Twelve, recently earned him a coveted nomination for Jazz Album of the Year – Solo at the 2024 Juno Awards, one of Canada’s top music accolades, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in jazz and cross-cultural exploration.

“It is very gratifying for my music-making to be recognized by this Juno nomination,” says Lemish, who has nine other albums to his credit. “Twelve was a large-scale project that was many years in the making, and so many wonderful people contributed to its creation. I am very proud of this record, and so it’s meaningful for this music to have been recognized in this way.”

“A labour of love,” as Lemish describes it, Twelve spans multiple years, with the title referring to the age he was when he penned his first jazz composition. Lemish began his music training in high school. He later studied jazz at Sonoma State University in California, where he immersed himself in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene.

Lemish’s global adventures eventually led him to Bhutan, where he taught at the country’s sole music school and composed a piece for the king’s 30th birthday. These experiences in Bhutan left a lasting impression, influencing his musical identity and expanding his creative horizons.

Noam Lemish album 12

On his new album, Lemish seamlessly intertwines different elements of jazz, incorporating the richness of European classical music alongside Israeli popular rhythms. This fusion reflects his diverse influences and showcases his ability to draw from various musical traditions.

“I love making music, teaching, as well as thinking and writing about how music intersects with society and culture,” Lemish says. “I enjoy collaborating with others, being a part of a community and helping to build community through music.”

His passion for community engagement at York University is evident through initiatives like the Nick Nurse Foundation Summer Jazz and Groove Lab, which nurtures young musical talent under the guidance of the University’s renowned music faculty.

“When Noam joined the Faculty,” says fellow York music Professor Mike Cadó, “he energized our vision through dedication to music pedagogy and innovative curriculum development. Noam’s collegial approach has been invaluable, and his commitment to enhancing the student experience is inspiring. The students in the program absolutely love him.”

Jaasmaan Singh, a second-year music student, concurs. “He embodies more than his title of professor – he’s a true teacher at heart, exemplified by his kindness towards students. His impact on me has been profound; whether it’s academic guidance or personal support, he always goes above and beyond.”

Transcultural Jazz by Noam Lemish

In addition to his musical endeavours, Lemish has also made significant contributions to music scholarship with his latest book, Transcultural Jazz: Israeli Musicians and Multi-Local Music Making, exploring the transcultural practices of Israeli jazz musicians and their global impact, offering valuable insights into the nature, role and politics of transcultural music making in contemporary jazz practice.

Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with musicians, educators, journalists, producers and scholars, Transcultural Jazz provides a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of Israeli jazz and its cultural significance.

With its broad appeal to students and scholars from diverse fields such as jazz studies, ethnomusicology, Jewish studies, Israel studies and transnational studies, Transcultural Jazz is poised to make a significant impact in academic circles and beyond.

“My book suggests that much of today’s jazz practice around the world can be viewed through a transcultural lens,” Lemish says. “There is much to be gained by moving away from American exceptionalism and beyond ‘jazz nationalism’ to an approach that highlights the dynamic, fluid, complex, sometimes contradictory work of artists who blend a myriad of musical influences from a wide array of localities.”

The book, and Twelve, only serve to advance Lemish’s work, which can be described in the same way – dynamic, fluid and complex.

Read more about York University’s impact on the jazz music scene in the latest issue of the York University Magazine.

York demonstrates global, national education leadership in latest QS subject rankings

York University commons pond

With three placements in the top 100 of the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject report, York University builds on ongoing momentum to right the future as it positions itself as a global leader in post-secondary education through its academic programming.

Each year, the QS Subject Report ranks a total of 55 disciplines grouped into five subject areas: arts and humanities; engineering and technology; life sciences and medicine; natural sciences; and social sciences and management.

The most recent report – which evaluated more than 15,000 programs from 1,561 institutions – placed York among the top 100 in the world in three subject areas: education, English language and literature, and philosophy. Within Canada, the University also received top-five placement across 11 subjects.

“These rankings reflect the high quality education and impactful research that define York University,” says York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We continue to drive positive change locally and globally guided by our values as a progressive university dedicated to excellence, social justice, diversity, inclusion and sustainability. It is gratifying to be recognized for our leadership in the higher education sector. We are providing the talent needed for the 21st-century workforce and solving the complex problems facing society today and in the future.”

The new QS rankings add to the momentum of York’s continued impressive results over the past year in other prestigious rankings. Notably, in June 2023, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings placed York among the top 40 institutions advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Then, in July, the QS World University Rankings saw the University strengthen its global position as a leading research-intensive university by climbing more than 100 spots from the previous year.

Faculty of Education advancing its leadership

In the new QS subject rankings, released this April, the University placed particularly high in education, demonstrating its ongoing efforts in advancing the future of pedagogy.

That leadership has been shepherded by York’s Faculty of Education, which offers a broad range of programs, research initiatives and community partnerships, all of which embody its long-running dedication to practices of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization.

Last year, the Faculty advanced those efforts for the occasion of its 50th anniversary and developed its new five-year strategic plan. Through the plan, the Faculty reaffirmed its commitment to providing an environment where students are encouraged to challenge the status quo to uncover new possibilities in the advancement of education and social justice.

Opportunities – like its Concurrent Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies – also have helped the Faculty stand out, as have initiatives like its Public Lecture Series, Additional Basic Qualifications courses and the Wüléelham offering, which engages participants in learning from Indigenous peoples.  

The Faculty of Education also this year launched a new international consultancy called ED Global, offering education and professional learning consulting services to school boards, educational organizations and diverse communities.

Top five in Canada

In addition to York’s placement in the top 100 globally in three subjects, it was represented further within the top 150 in eight other subject areas: anthropology, history, accounting and finance, communication and media studies, psychology, performing arts, sociology, developmental studies and psychology (at Glendon college). The University was also represented in the top five for each of these subjects within Canada.

The rankings reflect a range of Faculties and schools at York, including the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.

QS World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) that serves as an important indicator for global post-secondary education leadership and success.

Professor Christina Sharpe named 2024 Guggenheim Fellow

3d golden star golden with lighting effect on black background. Template luxury premium award design. Vector illustration

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has awarded its prestigious fellowship to Christina Sharpe, a professor in York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Department of Humanities.

Christina Sharpe close-up portrait
Christina Sharpe

The Guggenheim Foundation is a beacon of excellence in supporting scholars, artists, and researchers in their endeavours to push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. This year, 188 culture creators working across 52 disciplines were named Guggenheim Fellows, selected on the basis of prior career achievement and exceptional promise, and rewarded with both recognition and monetary prizes.

This honour is a testament to Sharpe’s contributions to the field of Black studies and her innovative approach to research and writing. Her trailblazing work has resonated with scholars and readers alike, shedding light on important issues related to what she calls the “ordinary extraordinary matter of Black life.”

“As a member of our faculty, we are truly delighted and honoured to witness her exceptional achievements,” says J.J. McMurtry, dean of LA&PS. “She is not simply being acknowledged for her outstanding contributions but is being rightly celebrated on a global scale. Her outstanding success serves as a source of inspiration and pride for our entire academic community, highlighting the calibre of talent and dedication that thrives within our Faculty.”

Sharpe’s recent works have garnered significant acclaim, with her book Ordinary Notes (Penguin Random House Canada, 2023) earning her the Hilary Weston Writer’s Trust Prize for Nonfiction and being selected as a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction. Ordinary Notes was further recognized as a best book of the year by esteemed publications such as the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, NPR, New York Magazine and literary magazine Granta. This month, Sharpe was also awarded a Windham-Campbell Prize for nonfiction.

Beyond the many recent accolades, Sharpe remains immersed in her upcoming projects – What Could a Vessel Be? and Black. Still. Life. – showcasing her ongoing commitment to exploring and engaging with important themes through her writing.

“I am very glad for the support of the Guggenheim Foundation toward completing What Could a Vessel Be? and to be among so many writers, artists and thinkers whose work I respect,” says Sharpe.

York research projects receive over $3.1M in provincial funding

innovation image

Eighteen York University researchers have received more than $3 million in combined funding from the government of Ontario in support of their innovative research projects designed to bring new products, ideas and technologies to the market.

The funding for York, totaling $3,166,842, comes from the Ontario Research Fund and the Early Researcher Awards. The funds are intended to help institutions attract and retain top research talent and to help grow Ontario’s innovation sector.

“York University makes innovation its tradition and we are grateful to the provincial government’s support of the ingenuity of our pioneering researchers,” said Amir Asif, vice-president research and innovation. “Their projects hold the promise to stimulate growth, ignite creativity and fuel invention across a variety of industries in Ontario.” 

Some of the York projects to receive funding include the creation of a new class of micro-mobility vehicles ($995,881), led by mechanical engineer Andrew Maxwell; the opening of a research apiary on campus to conduct cutting-edge studies on the genetics of bees ($212,990), led by biologist Amro Zayed; and the development of a new research field called global legal epidemiology to improve the equity and effectiveness of international law and to better prepare Ontario for global health threats ($200,000), led by health scientist and legal epidemiologist Steven Hoffman.

The York projects were among 406 projects to receive the new funding at universities, colleges, research institutes and research hospitals across Ontario.  

“By investing in cutting-edge research, we are safeguarding Ontario’s position at the forefront of innovation that continues to be competitive on a global scale and has the ability to attract the best and brightest talent to our province,” said Jill Dunlop, minister of colleges and universities. “This will help ensure the social and economic opportunities that result from discoveries made in Ontario benefit Ontarians and the Ontario economy.”  

The York projects to receive funding include:

Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence

Andrew Maxwell, associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering
Creating a new category of micro-mobility electric vehicles for local and last mile fleet applications
$995,881

Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure

Jennifer Pybus, assistant professor, Department of Politics, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
The Centre for Public AI (CPAI)
$69,385

Deborah Harris, professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science
Next generation of neutrino detector for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment
$125,000

Shital Desai, assistant professor, Department of Computational Arts, School of the Arts, Performance, Media & Design
Social and Technological Systems (SaTS) lab
$50,000

Ozzy Mermut, associate professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science
Biophotonics Diagnosis, Treatment and Dosimetry in Age-Related Disorders and Human Diseases
$160,000

Matthew Keough, associate professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health
Centre for Research on Addiction Vulnerability in Early Life (CRAVE Lab)
$50,000

Taylor Cleworth, assistant professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health
Neuromechanics of Balance Deficits during Dynamic Stance
$125,000

Andrea Josse, assistant professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health
Novel Targets of Whole-food Dairy Products for Human Muscoloskeletal and Cardiometabolic Health
$125,000

Steven Hoffman, professor, School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School, Dahdaleh Distinguished Chair in Global Governance & Legal Epidemiology
Building infostructure for quasi-experimental analysis in global legal epidemiology
$200,000

Amro Zayed, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Research apiary to study honey bee behaviour, genetics and health
$212,990

Thomas Cooper, associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering
Multifunctional aerogel innovation platform
$140,000

Jaclyn Hurley, assistant professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health
Exploring Variability in Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics Related to Shoulder Movement and Health
$140,000

Andrée-Ann Cyr, associate professor, Department of Psychology, Glendon College
Effects of aging and curiosity-states on learning and memory
$75,001

Shayna Rosenbaum, professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health
REIL: Realistic Environment Interaction Logistics
$140,000

Ali Abdul Sater, associate professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health
Targeting TRAF1 to devise novel therapies for inflammatory arthritis
$140,000

Arash Habibi Lashkari, associate professor, School of Information Technology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Behaviour-Centric Cybersecurity Research Lab
$140,000

Reza Rizvi, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering
Raman Microscopy Facility for Nanomaterials Characterization in Clean Energy and Environmental Research
$138,585

Early Researcher Awards

Hossein Kassiri, associate professor, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Lassonde School of Engineering
Next Generation Wireless and Battery-Less mm-Scale Implantable Optogenetic Neurostimulators
$140,000

For further information, read the government’s full announcement.

Benjamin Berger wins Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Teaching Award

gold and red stars

The 2023-24 Faculty of Graduate Studies’ (FGS) Teaching Award recipient is Osgoode Hall Law School Professor Benjamin Berger, who teaches in the graduate programs in law and socio-legal studies and has been recognized for his unwavering support for students and commitment to his local graduate community.

Benjamin Berger
Benjamin Berger

The Faculty Teaching Award is bestowed annually to a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies who has displayed sustained excellence, commitment and enthusiasm to the multifaceted work of teaching at the graduate level at York University. The award recognizes teaching and supervisory excellence and considers scholarly, professional and teaching development, along with initiative involving graduate program and curriculum development. The nominator may be any member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, including regular or adjunct faculty, graduate students or staff.

“Dr. Berger’s record of supervision is notable not simply due to the large number of students successfully supported through to degree completion under his guidance but for the quality and care to which those relationships were cultivated,” said Alice MacLachlan, vice-provost and dean of graduate studies, when she presented the award to Berger at the Faculty Council meeting on April 4. “Former graduate students spoke admirably on the generosity of time Dr. Berger provided to them, and the capacity by which feedback and direction was delivered in an understanding but supportive manner.”

Also in attendance was Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic, who equally praised Berger: “It is so great to see you here today, Benjamin, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all that you have done to support the personal and intellectual growth of your graduate students here at York.”

A researcher in the areas of law and religion, criminal and constitutional law and theory as well as the law of evidence, Berger shares his expertise through lectures, class readings and one-on-one support developing students’ thesis and dissertation projects. His graduate students underscored his ability to carefully design his courses, balancing attentive learning, active discussion and expert guest speakers.

The nomination letters spoke widely of Berger’s commitment to his students. One such example was shared by an international student who began their studies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: “Prof. Berger took active steps to ease my adjustment into my new life, including putting me in touch with other graduate students that could offer support and advice, checking in regularly to gauge my emotional experience of the transition, and offering resources to support the practical cost of settling into the graduate program.”

Berger’s commitment to his local graduate community was also a key factor. He dedicates his time to support both the research and professional development focuses of Osgoode Hall Law School through academic leadership for master of laws specializations, colloquium organization, and contributions to workshops for students applying to major scholarships and awards.

Throughout his career, Berger has received other teaching accolades, including the Terry J. Wuester Teaching Award twice and the First Year Class Teaching Award, all while at the University of Victoria Law School. Additionally, he received the Osgoode Hall Law School Teaching Award in 2013.

“Graduate supervision and teaching are among the great joys of my career,” said Berger in his award acceptance speech. “This award reflects that joy and the inspiration that I have drawn from two sets of relationships: with my own supervisors, who patiently, caringly shaped my approach to scholarly inquiry; and with my brilliant, sincere and committed students, in whose growth and insights I continually delight.”

For more information, visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Teaching Award website.

Call for nominations: Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence

LAPS teacher interacting with students

The Ian Greene Award for Teaching Excellence is an annual, merit-based award given to one professor and one teaching assistant (TA) in York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and supporting their students.

The award was created by former students of Professor Emeritus Ian Greene – from York’s School of Public Policy & Administration – in recognition of his outstanding drive and efforts to make learning a unique experience. The award is overseen and presented by the Student Council of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (SCOLAPS).

Award nominations are open to LA&PS students only, ensuring that truly outstanding professors and TAs receive the recognition they deserve. Each student is eligible to nominate one professor and one TA of their choice. Nominees do not need to have taught the students this academic year, but they must be current, practising members of the University’s academic staff.

Recipients are selected by a five-person adjudication committee made up entirely of students. The committee is formed by the award director, a student position elected within the SCOLAPS executive.

To submit a nomination, students can fill out either the online nomination form or the PDF nomination form.

For more information, email Hale Mahon at hmahon@my.yorku.ca