York to host pop-up fair-trade event with free beverages
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York community members are invited to attend a fair trade pop-up event on Wednesday, May 8, to celebrate a new University recognition. The event will take place outside the front doors of Vari Hall – or inside, if it rains – from 10 to 11 a.m., with complimentary, fair-trade Las Nubes coffee, iced tea and chocolates, while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mugs to reduce waste.
Las Nubes Coffee, which will be served hot at the event, is a high-grown specialty coffee produced by a co-operative of small farms in areas adjacent to York University’s Las Nubes Rainforest in southern Costa Rica. It has been given certification of sustainability by the Ministry of Agriculture in Costa Rica based on the following criteria:
a fair and just price to local farmers;
sound ecological production and milling processes;
biodiversity protections;
investment in community development; and
ethical trade practices.
After nearly a decade, Las Nubes has made its way back to Canada and is available in select locations on York’s campuses. Part of the proceeds from the coffee will go towards supporting York’s Las Nubes Research and Conservation Program.
At the pop-up event on May 8, attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about ongoing and new fair-trade initiatives at York. The University currently offers a variety of fair-trade products on its campuses. The York University Bookstore continuously updates its supply of sustainable items, working closely with suppliers that provide high quality, fair-trade products, such as fair-trade clothing from Green Campus Co-op and a wide selection of fair-trade, organic chocolate. Through York’s Food Services partner Compass Group, the York community can find fair-trade coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas at all YU Eats locations.
In addition to attending the pop-up event, York community members are encouraged to learn more and get involved in the fair-trade movement on campus by visiting York’s fair-trade web page.
Prevent respiratory viruses this spring
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Spring is in full swing and the weather is finally warming up, but it is important to remember that respiratory viruses are still around.
To protect yourself and others, experts recommend keeping the following public health guidance in mind:
consider wearing a mask in indoor public settings, especially in crowded and/or in poorly ventilated spaces;
keep a physical distance of six feet from others, when possible, especially indoors;
stay home if you are sick or have symptoms of illness, even if the symptoms are mild; and
stay up to date with your vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters.
Anyone with new symptoms of illness, or who has recently tested positive for COVID-19, is encouraged to complete the Ontario Ministry of Health’s self-assessment tool for further direction and guidance.
For those with questions regarding respiratory virus protocols, students can contact SCHW@yuoffice.yorku.ca and employees can contact SFCCM@yorku.ca. The hours of operation for these resources are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Web page update: community members can now access up-to-date, relevant public health trends on York’s Humans Resources and Student Health websites. Look for the heading “Public Health Updates” at the bottom of the Communicable Diseases pages.
A new direction for Glendon College
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Since the fall of 2021, Glendon has been engaged in a repositioning exercise to ensure that program offerings are compelling, career-relevant, geared toward student needs and sustainable.
Throughout the repositioning process, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other community members have been actively engaged in a thoughtful consultation process about the future direction of Glendon College. Town hall events, community conversations, meetings with Senate and Faculty Council, and polls were regularly held as community touchpoints over the past three years.
The future direction for Glendon includes the restructuring of academic units to promote greater interdisciplinarity and to support research, teaching and the student experience. The revised structure also focused on embracing efficiency in the delivery of Glendon’s programs and strengthening enrolment.
“This new structure presents an opportunity to establish an environment that supports the kind of academic renewal that is needed among today’s universities, where new and innovative ideas are born at the intersection of disciplines,” says Marco Fiola, principal of Glendon College. “I would like to thank all Glendon and York University community members who have participated in this process to create a vibrant future at Glendon.”
On April 30, 2024, York’s Board of Governors approved the restructuring of Glendon’s academic units, bringing into place the following new departmental structure as of September 1, 2024:
Glendon Department of Global Communication and Cultures;
Glendon Department of Science;
Glendon Department of Economics, Business and Mathematics; and
Glendon Department of Global and Social Studies.
“A more integrated structure supports creativity in thinking across disciplines when it comes to renewing our curriculum and building our research culture. Above all else, academic programs must remain responsive to the changes we are seeing across higher education today,” says Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. “I want to recognize the Glendon colleagues who will ultimately ensure the success of the repositioning. This new structure supports sustainability and enables us to deliver the best learning experience possible for our students.”
In the coming months, changes will continue to unfold, including adjustments to academic programming to enhance the student experience, creating co-ordinated recruitment efforts that align with the University-wide strategy and modifications to Glendon’s administrative service model. All these efforts will support the delivery of an enhanced educational experience for students at Glendon starting this fall.
“We have the know-how and we have the ingenuity to be a bold and forward-thinking part of York University,” says Fiola. “This new, streamlined academic structure will help us make better use of our resources, for the benefit of our students and faculty members.”
Une nouvelle orientation pour le Collège Glendon
Depuis l’automne 2021, Glendon se prête à un exercice de repositionnement pour s’assurer que ses offres de programmes sont non seulement pertinentes et en rapport avec une carrière professionnelle, mais aussi durables et axées sur les besoins de la population étudiante.
Tout au long de ce repositionnement, le corps professoral, le personnel, la population étudiante, des diplômés et d’autres membres de la communauté ont participé activement à un processus de consultation approfondi sur l’orientation future du Collège Glendon. Des conversations communautaires, des réunions avec le Sénat et le Conseil de la faculté et des sondages d’opinion ont été organisés régulièrement au cours des trois dernières années afin de rester en relation avec la communauté.
L’orientation future de Glendon comprend la restructuration des unités académiques afin de promouvoir une plus grande interdisciplinarité et d’appuyer la recherche, l’enseignement et l’expérience étudiante. La structure modifiée privilégie aussi l’efficacité de la prestation des programmes de Glendon et le renforcement des inscriptions.
« Cette nouvelle structure nous donne la possibilité de créer un environnement qui favorise le renouveau académique essentiel aux universités d’aujourd’hui et dans lequel des idées nouvelles et innovantes voient le jour au croisement des disciplines, déclare Marco Fiola, principal du Collège Glendon. Je tiens à remercier tous les membres de la communauté de Glendon qui ont participé à ce processus visant à assurer un avenir prometteur au Collège. »
Le 30 avril 2024, le Conseil d’administration de York a approuvé la restructuration des unités académiques de Glendon qui met en place la nouvelle structure départementale suivante à compter du 1er septembre 2024 :
Département de la communication et des cultures mondiales de Glendon
Département des sciences de Glendon
Département des sciences économiques, des affaires et des mathématiques de Glendon
Département d’études mondiales et sociales de Glendon
« Une nouvelle structure simplifiée plus intégrée favorise la créativité dans la réflexion interdisciplinaire en vue du renouvellement de nos programmes d’études et de la consolidation de notre culture de la recherche, explique Lisa Philipps, rectrice et vice-présidente aux affaires académiques. Les programmes doivent notamment demeurer très réactifs aux changements que nous observons aujourd’hui dans l’enseignement supérieur. Je tiens à reconnaître les collègues de Glendon qui assureront au bout du compte le succès de ce repositionnement. La nouvelle structure favorise la durabilité et nous permet d’offrir la meilleure expérience d’apprentissage possible à notre population étudiante. »
Dans les mois à venir, des changements continueront à être apportés aux programmes académiques pour améliorer l’expérience étudiante, entraînant des efforts coordonnés de recrutement conformes à la stratégie globale de l’Université et des modifications du modèle de service administratif de Glendon. Tous ces efforts appuieront une expérience éducative améliorée pour la population étudiante de Glendon dès cet automne.
« Nous possédons le savoir-faire et l’ingéniosité nécessaires pour devenir une composante dynamique et avant-gardiste de l’Université York. Grâce à cette nouvelle structure académique rationalisée, nous pourrons mieux utiliser nos ressources au profit des membres de la communauté étudiante et du corps professoral », ajoute Marco Fiola.
Student-led group tackles Indigenous food sovereignty
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After personally experiencing food insecurity, and witnessing its effects first-hand, a group of York University Faculty of Health students decided to do something about it.
The Learning Spirit Alliance is an Indigenous student-led group, open to all York students, committed to educating the community about food sovereignty and helping to prevent poverty and food insecurity on campus. Led by current students Leo Manning and Rainingbird Daniels, and former student Shanice Perrot, the initiative was established as a result of discussions with Indigenous students about access to food – particularly healthy and traditional food, and especially for students who had moved away from home.
Leo ManningShanice PerrotRainingbird Daniels
“Members of our leadership team have personally experienced the effects of food insecurity and lack of food access throughout their time in post-secondary education,” explains Daniels. “There are many Indigenous students facing the increasingly high cost of housing both on and off campus; required meal plans at institutions and/or inflation of food costs; transportation costs associated with travelling home; and a lack of sufficient funding while completing post-secondary education.”
Launched last year with funding from a national organization called Indigenous Youth Roots, the Learning Spirit Alliance held three Food is Medicine workshops this semester, where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students were welcomed at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig – the gathering space for York’s Indigenous community – and taught how to make traditional Indigenous foods such as elk stew, bannock, three sisters salad and various soups. Each participant was also given an honorarium towards groceries.
According to Daniels, the feedback received from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The different dishes we learned to make gave me the knowledge to make affordable and healthy meals while in residence and away from my traditional territory,” said workshop participant and York student Doreen Scow.
“The workshop helped me feel more culturally involved and connected,” said another participant, student Miigwan Mainville. “This initiative allows us to share stories and laughter with others while sharing cultural food; food is truly medicine.”
In addition to the workshops, the Alliance held weekly free lunch events for the community, to help bring more traditional and nutritious meals to students in need.
With no plans currently in place for the next academic year, the group’s leadership is using its resources to apply for more grants in hopes that they can continue to host events and workshops on culturally relevant food and food sovereignty, giving Indigenous students the tools they need to cook at home at a low cost.
“We are striving to make a difference in ways that strengthen community and provide relief,” said Manning.
Fund advancing China studies relaunches with new scope
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The York Centre for Asian Research (YCAR) has relaunched the research-focused China Insights Fund (CIF) with a broader scope to reflect the ongoing evolution of China studies.
Bernie Frolic
Originally established to foster research specifically on Canada-China interactions, the CIF’s renewal – made possible by the support of the Asian Business & Management Program (ABMP) – looks to address the dynamic evolution of China studies and the importance of understanding China across historical periods, within its social complexities, and as a key player on the global stage.
“In a world where perspectives are constantly shifting, gaining in-depth, multifaceted knowledge of China is crucial,” states Professor Bernie Frolic, ABMP executive director. “With this relaunch, the CIF supports research that digs deeper, embraces inclusivity and helps us forge stronger connections across borders.”
The heart of the CIF’s renewal lies in its expanded funding opportunities. York faculty, graduate students as well as YCAR associates can apply for support in several key areas: organizing workshops, symposia and conferences that bring leading voices in China-related research to York; pursuing innovative research projects that align with CIF’s mandate; facilitating international collaborations between York scholars and those at educational institutions in China; and providing field research opportunities that offer vital, on-the-ground experiences for graduate students.
Qiang Zha
“This fund is an opportunity to establish YCAR as a hub for forward-thinking research into modern China and its rich historical, cultural and geopolitical significance,” says Professor Qiang Zha, YCAR interim director. “As such, YCAR and CIF are keen to cultivate emerging scholars and promote research that delves into the experiences of Chinese communities in Canada to build Canada’s China competency in the new context.”
By supporting diverse projects, the CIF will generate insights that shape research conversations, contribute to informed policymaking, foster intercultural understanding and strengthen vital international relationships.
YCAR encourages the York community and its associates to explore the potential offered by the relaunched CIF. With significant funding available (a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $20,000 per application, depending on the type of application), the CIF provides scholars with an opportunity to make a difference in the field of China studies.
The CIF Committee has identified specific priority themes for 2024, reflecting its commitment to reimagining China studies and fostering research on the Chinese diaspora in Canada. These themes include training future China studies scholars, networking Canadian scholars in this field and exploring the experiences of Chinese students in academic settings.
Review the full application guidelines and submit proposals by Monday, May 27. For additional information, visit the CIF website.
York researchers advancing global health, sustainability and Indigenous scholarship
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Welcome to the April issue of Aspire, a special issue of YFile highlighting research and innovation at York University.
Aspire is produced by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in partnership with the Communications & Public Affairs Division.
Renowned for its high-profile, research-intensive environment, York University fosters a community of forward-thinking scholars and changemakers dedicated to creating positive, global change.
York-led research team invents sustainable de-icing solution Professor Alidad Amirfazli, along with researchers at Jiangsu University of Technology in China, have led an initiative to create more sustainable ways to de-ice vehicles and more.
Innovators look to commercialize research with York fellowship
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By Diana Senwasane
Four aspiring researchers have completed York University’s Commercialization Fellowship program, advancing their potential to bring to market innovations driven by the latest in emerging technologies.
The Commercialization Fellowship program is aimed at preparing and supporting postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows in understanding the process of transforming academic research into a product or service.
Funded by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, the program started in 2021, providing a group of annual fellows education on intellectual property (IP) and commercialization, exposure to industry and community partners, experiential learning opportunities, and a $7,500 stipend to use towards creating a proof of concept, testing their prototype and completing validation studies.
“Research commercialization can lead to real-world solutions, turning York community’s great ideas into products and services that provide both social and economic benefits,” said Suraj Shah, associate director of commercialization and industry partnerships.
Aspire spoke with this year’s fellows about the program and their products.
Hamed Esmaeili, mechanical engineering Project title: An accelerated strategy to characterize mechanical properties of materials
Hamed Esmaeili
A PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Esmaeili’s research leverages the power of machine learning to create new software that could have widespread application in the automotive manufacturing and construction industries.
His software innovation streamlines the way in which materials’ mechanical properties are characterized, eliminating the need for extensive physical testing.
“For designers and engineers, this software offers a way to prototype new parts or evaluate existing materials without ever having to set foot inside a lab,” said Esmaeili.
This could prove useful in many industries such as infrastructure – when it comes to designing and testing structures, like buildings and bridges, to ensure they can withstand forces and automotive manufacturing – where components of a car, like the doors or brakes, consistently operate under various load conditions.
Esmaeili’s software allows users to input specific parameters – such as material composition, environmental conditions and processing factors – resulting in a comprehensive prediction of a material’s behaviour when subjected to external loads.
While the project, under the supervision of Reza Rizvi, an associate professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering, is still under development, the implications are vast. Being able to predict how materials will respond in different environments – without the need to physically test each variation – can dramatically accelerate innovation, reduce costs and promote sustainability in manufactured components, making this an advancement in the manufacturing industry with far-reaching impact.
Esmaeili said the Commercialization Fellowship has helped him utilize code development software and allowed him to conduct validation experiments in the laboratory to ensure the software effectively predicts material behaviour.
He has completed the back-end code of his software and is currently working on developing the front end for the desktop version in the coming months.
Lauren Turner, kinesiology and health science Project title: Digital Decision Support for Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes
Lauren Turner
A PhD candidate in the School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Turner’s doctoral research has resulted in the creation of a decision support platform designed to transform how individuals with Type 1 diabetes approach exercise.
Addressing the fine balance between maintaining glucose levels and staying active, the platform allows users to input data about their current glucose levels and planned physical activities. Based on an extensive database of research and insights, it provides personalized recommendations on carbohydrate intake to maintain safe glucose levels during exercise.
“Anyone with Type 1 diabetes can use it,” said Turner. “We’re also hoping that it can be a clinic tool to help individuals, especially those newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, understand how their needs may differ depending on their different types of activity and their current blood glucose levels.”
While exercising has numerous health benefits for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, it can also make blood glucose management difficult and, in extreme cases, lead to potentially severe consequences, such as low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which could result in dizziness, confusion, seizures or even death.
The platform, led under the supervision of Michael Riddell, a professor in York’s School of Kinesiology & Health Science, Faculty of Health, directly addresses and alleviates these risks, offering a layer of protection and confidence to those affected. And unlike traditional insulin pumps, which may only adjust glucose targets and/or insulin delivery, this platform offers actionable advice for its users.
Turner credits the fellowship with helping her to advance the project and said the monthly check-in meetings, advice on how to bring her idea to market, and hearing about events and opportunities were highlights of the program.
Turner and her team have been working closely with a web developer to develop the platform and they hope to launch it shortly.
Parham Mohammadi, electrical engineering and computer science Project title: PowerSync: Intelligent V2G Charging with TinyML Analytics
Parham Mohammadi
A PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Mohammadi’s project hones in on tiny machine learning (TinyML) to infuse electric vehicle (EV) chargers with unprecedented levels of intelligence and autonomy, giving them the ability to make decisions without relying on a centralized control system.
TinyML uses artificial intelligence algorithms within the EV charger to independently manage and adapt its operations – ensuring grid stability, predictive maintenance, fault analysis and more. It aims to not only streamline operations but significantly mitigate the potential for system-level power issues as the number of EVs and chargers continue to enter the market.
The project, supervised by Afshin Rezaei-Zare, an associate professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering, reflects a broader shift toward a smarter, more efficient way of managing energy resources, especially as we pivot to renewable and clean energy solutions. Through the integration of TinyML technologies, EV chargers can seamlessly synchronize with the energy grid, efficiently distributing power without overwhelming the system.
“For the everyday consumer and the environmentally conscious, this project is a pivotal step toward sustainable electric vehicle adoption,” said Mohammadi. “By integrating smart, autonomous chargers into the energy grid, we’re looking at a smoother, more reliable transition to green mobility solutions across the globe.”
Mohammadi said the Commercialization Fellowship provided him with critical information for commercialization, IP management and connections with lawyers through the IP Innovation Clinic.
He is currently in the process of developing a prototype, which is anticipated to be completed mid-summer.
Siamak Derakhshan, electrical engineering and computer science Project title:Fully Soft-switched AC/DC Bi-directional Converters with High Power Factor and Minimal Low-Frequency Voltage Ripple
Siamak Derakhshan
A third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Derakhshan’s research aims to revolutionize on-board EV chargers. Deviating from traditional unidirectional charging methods, which function only to charge, Derakhshan has created a bidirectional converter, allowing the charger to not just power a car but also harness its battery power.
The innovation unlocks tremendous possibilities – from lighting up homes during blackouts or emergencies to contributing power back to the grid during peak demand.
Under the supervision of John Lam, an associate professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering, Derakhshan’s converter enhances existing on-board EV chargers in the market by making modifications such as reducing the size of the traditionally bulky capacitor by 20 times, which improves the lifespan of the on-board charger, its efficiency and reduces the potential for thermal issues such as overheating.
“What we are trying to do is to improve the reliability, efficiency and power density of these converters,” he said. “We are designing better and more robust control systems to better support the power grid.”
Derakhshan says the fellowship’s workshops helped him understand the importance of IP and patenting his idea. He also found value in being able to connect with industry and showcase his work to industry partners.
Derakhshan has designed the prototype for his converter and has successfully tested it for charging. He is currently working on the next phase to test the bidirectional component.
SAS students shine at prestigious Canadian case competition
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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.
York student becomes 3D printing CEO
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Nick Di Scipio, a master of applied science candidate in mechanical engineering at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, is the CEO and founder of Pantheon Prototyping, an additive manufacturing (3D printing) company that has grown to provide services to major corporations.
Launched in 2021, Pantheon Prototyping is supported by a team of engineering, design and manufacturing experts who look to create functional products for various companies, layer by layer, leveraging the many benefits of additive manufacturing such as low production cost and enhanced product function.
Nick Di Scipio
Di Scipio’s interest in 3D printing began in his first year as an undergraduate student at Lassonde. “After getting my own 3D printer, I started printing different tools and parts for my classmates, charging a small fee. From a single printer in my basement, I created my own company.”
He credits his ability to do so, in part, to the diverse courses and experiential learning opportunities he had at York and Lassonde, which exposed him to interesting technologies that inspired his curiosity and helped advance his technical skills.
“Lassonde is where I honed my skills as a mechanical engineer, learning the art of problem solving, engineering design, professional communication and more,” he says. “Lassonde was also where I first worked with 3D printers, and that exposure helped drive the creation of Pantheon. I learned that I could take 3D printing to the next level for students, business founders and other clientele.”
The Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program was also pivotal to the growth and development of Pantheon Prototyping. Di Scipio’s experience in the program helped him gain essential business skills like accounting, creating a business model and developing a compelling business pitch.
Through the program, he received support, funding, networking opportunities and valuable mentorship from Professor Andrew Maxwell, BEST program director and Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship.
“Nick has demonstrated the entrepreneurial characteristics that enable engineers to be changemakers,” says Maxwell. “Pantheon is a great example of deploying a new technology to maximize benefits for Lassonde and York.”
In recent successes, Di Scipio had the opportunity to work with automotive industry leader Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA). While attending the Collision Conference in 2023, Di Scipio met the president of APMA, and months later, Pantheon Prototyping was hired to create 3D-printed corporate gifts and merchandise as part of the company’s new initiative Project Arrow, which aims to create Canada’s first zero-emission concept vehicle.
Harnessing the power of 3D printing, Di Scipio developed a unique, interactive business card (kit card) and customized, scaled-down model of the Project Arrow car, among other tailor-made products.
Working with prominent companies like APMA has enhanced Di Scipio’s entrepreneurial experience and allowed him to become an important part of monumental projects.
With the support of Lassonde behind him, Di Scipio will continue to advance the capabilities of Pantheon Prototyping and elevate the company to new heights. What started as a simple idea has grown into a well-respected organization with big plans for the future, like launching sub-brands to create highly specific products and tackle different markets.
“When I first decided to create a startup, I was an undergrad engineering student with zero experience in what it takes to run a business,” he says. “You don’t need a business background to be an entrepreneur; all you need is a good idea, a strong vision of where you want to take your idea and the determination to make that vision a reality.”
Dahdaleh Institute accepting global health research grant applications
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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.
