Undergraduate Students

5 undergraduate students receive 2024 RBC Awards for Diversity and Innovation in Technology

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:30:39 +0000

5 undergraduate students receive 2024 RBC Awards for Diversity and Innovation in Technology

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:30

Students

St. George

RBC Scholarships for Diversity and Innovation in Technology

Undergraduate Students

��Ƶ Entrepreneurship

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(clockwise from top left): Isabella Tang, Riya Mathur, Harmandeep Gill, Sarvnaz Ale Mohammad and Jessica Tang (supplied images)

Five U of T undergraduate students – Harmandeep Kaur Gill, Isabella Tang, Jessica Tang, Riya Mathur and Sarvnaz Ale Mohammad – have received 2024 RBC Awards for Diversity and Innovation in Technology.

The award recognizes Black, Indigenous and/or woman-identifying students entering their third year who are interested in careers at the intersection of technology and financial services. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, their demonstrated interest in exploring a future career in technology and their work on creating innovative solutions, which demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset.

This year's recipients are all women and their interests range from researching black holes to helping seniors manage their prescription medication and developing energy-harvesting devices to help patients with heart failure.

“Investing in the future of technology and building key technical skills is core to RBC’s strong engineering culture,” said Kendra Dubyk, director, technology partnerships at RBC. “The RBC Award for Diversity and Innovation demonstrates our commitment to the equity and inclusion of deserving students and recognizes their creativity, curiosity and technical aptitude.”

Each student receives a $15,000 award, renewable for a second year.

Xatoms startup named Hult Prize finalist, wins three prizes at Startupfest

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:27:20 +0000

Xatoms startup named Hult Prize finalist, wins three prizes at Startupfest

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:27

Students

St. George

Artificial Intelligence

Entrepreneurship

Undergraduate Students

��Ƶ Entrepreneurship

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Diana Virgovicova and Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou (supplied image)

Xatoms, a startup co-founded by ��Ƶ students Diana Virgovicova and Kerem Topal Ismail Oglou, has been recognized with three prizes at Startupfest 2024.

The company, which uses quantum chemistry and AI to discover molecules that can efficiently purify water, took home the $100,000 Best of the Fest, $100,000 Women in Tech Investment and $50,000 Front Row Ventures Student Entrepreneur prizes. Those prizes will be matched by the Business Development Bank of Canada, bringing Xatoms’s total winnings at Startupfest to $500,000.

Additionally, Xatoms has also been selected among the top 14 out of 9,400 teams for the prestigious Hult Prize, and will compete for the $1-million grand prize in September.

The startup evolved out of a discovery that Virgovicova, its CEO, made at age 17 when she used quantum chemistry software to model a photocatalyst molecule that can eliminate pollutants from water when exposed to sunlight.

Xatoms, which was part of The Bridge accelerator program at U of T Scarborough and is now part of the SpinUp wet lab incubator at U of T Mississauga, builds on that discovery by incorporating AI and machine learning to discover more – and more efficient – materials and molecules.

Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:59:46 +0000

Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:59

Undergraduate Students

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Ahnaf Rahman (supplied image)

Ahnaf Rahman, a ��Ƶ Scarborough student pursuing a bachelor of business administration, specialist in finance and management, has been named a 2023 Student of the Year by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada.

The award recognizes college and university students for their outstanding work during co-op and work-integrated learning placements.

Rahman completed an eight-month co-op work term at KPMG, one of the world’s “Big Four” accounting firms. He was recognized with the award in part for using software to streamline how the company tracks its progress on projects. The data visualization software is still used at KPMG a year after his work term.

“Senior managers can keep their managers accountable, managers can keep consultants accountable, and the data is used to show clients that we’re on track,” Rahman said. “Data can be overlaid too so it allows for year-by-year comparison.”

Rahman adds this award to several other recognitions, including the most prestigious international student scholarship at U of T – the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.

Read the U of T Scarborough story

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Jason Harlow awarded CAP Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

siddiq22 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 17:49:14 +0000

Jason Harlow awarded CAP Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Teaching

siddiq22 Wed, 08/09/2023 - 13:49

Faculty

St. George

Department of Physics

Faculty of Arts & Science

Undergraduate Students

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Jason Harlow (supplied photo)

Jason Harlow, a professor, teaching stream, in the ��Ƶ’s department of physics in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded the 2023 Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching from the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP).

Awarded annually, the medal honours faculty members who have a comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of their subject and the ability to communicate this to their students, leading to high academic achievement.

The CAP recognized Harlow as “an inspiring instructor who encourages students to think independently, critically and analytically.”

Over his 18 years in the department of physics, Harlow has undertaken many innovative teaching initiatives, including an early adoption of online teaching. During the pandemic, he provided critical advice on pedagogical issues related to the transition to virtual learning.

His excellence in undergraduate teaching was also recognized with an Outstanding Teaching Award from the Faculty of Arts & Science in 2022.

“I’m extremely happy and honoured to receive this award,” Harlow said. “I wish to share the recognition with my talented teaching colleagues at the ��Ƶ, the dedicated support staff, and so many amazing graduate teaching assistants who are in the trenches every day, really connecting with the students.”

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U of T students win McCall MacBain scholarships, awards

lanthierj — Fri, 14 May 2021 18:07:17 +0000

U of T students win McCall MacBain scholarships, awards

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Fri, 05/14/2021 - 14:07

Students

St. George

Faculty of Arts & Science

McCall MacBain Scholarships

New College

St. Michael's College

Trinity College

Undergraduate Students

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From left: AJ Bimm and Grace Ma (Photos courtesy of Bimm and Ma)

Two Faculty of Arts & Science graduands are among 20 student leaders chosen from across Canada for the inaugural McCall MacBain Scholarships.

Grace Ma and AJ Bimm were chosen from 735 applicants for the scholarships, which include tuition and fees at McGill University and a living stipend of $2,000 per month.

Scholars are selected for their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

A member of Trinity College, Ma will graduate this year with a bachelor of science with a double major in environmental science and English literature. She is involved with Trinity’s literary arts journal, The Trinity Review, co-leads a university-wide environmental action group and volunteers to teach violin to youth. She plans to pursue a law degree at McGill.

Bimm is a member of New College who will graduate with an honours bachelor of arts with a double major in sociology and urban studies. Captain of the varsity track and field team, Bimm recently co-founded the BIPOC Varsity Association, a group for Black, Indigenous and people of colour student-athletes. At McGill, he will pursue a master’s degree in urban planning with a special focus on active transportation and access to housing.

Four other U of T students received McCall MacBain awards:

McCall MacBain Finalist Award ($10,000) for use at McGill University

Nicole Machado, St. Michael’s College

McCall MacBain Regional Award ($5,000) for use at a Canadian public university

Hodan Mohamud, St. Michael’s College.
Katherine Schneider, Victoria College
Foti Vito, Trinity College

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Faculty of Arts & Science

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Ikran Jama receives John H. Moss Scholarship

lanthierj — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:59:34 +0000

Ikran Jama receives John H. Moss Scholarship

Community

lanthierj Fri, 04/16/2021 - 11:59

Students

St. George

Awards of Excellence

John H. Moss Scholarship

Rhodes Scholar

Faculty of Arts & Science

Undergraduate Students

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(photo by Ilhaan Jama)

For her academic excellence, inspiring leadership and compassionate service on behalf of marginalized community members, Ikran Jama has received the John H. Moss Scholarship.

The honour is one of the Awards of Excellence presented by the ��Ƶ Alumni Association in collaboration with the university. The prestigious program dates back to 1921 and recognizes outstanding faculty, staff and students.

While completing a double major in international relations and criminology and sociolegal studies, with a minor in African studies, Jama had a remarkable record of effective leadership within many different communities. Now serving a second term as president of the Arts and Science Students’ Union, she represents 26,000 undergraduates and manages a $500,000 budget. She also established the annual Student Success Day Conference, which brings students from racialized communities to campus to encourage them to consider post-secondary studies.

As a Rhodes Scholar heading to the University of Oxford, Jama plans to pursue a Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Forced Migration and Refugee Studies to further her commitment to bringing agency to marginalized communities.

In honouring Jama, the alumni association notes that Jama's professors praised her for her extraordinary intellectual rigour and work ethic, as well as her maturity, compassion and empathy.

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CiQuinya Morton wins Co-op Student of the Year Award

lanthierj — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 14:46:07 +0000

CiQuinya Morton wins Co-op Student of the Year Award

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Wed, 04/07/2021 - 10:46

Co-op Student of the Year

Undergraduate Students

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��Ƶ Scarborough student CiQuinya Morton has been recognized with the Co-Op Student of the Year Award from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL).

A fourth-year management student specializing in accounting, Morton received the national honour for her work as a co-op student at PepsiCo, where she developed a quicker, more user-friendly sales reporting tool for customer outlets right as the pandemic hit. The tool she developed is still being used by the company’s financial leadership team.

She was also involved in the company’s MOSAIC program, an employee resource that supports equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. At U of T, Morton is co-president of the Black Students in Business Association.

“I strive to build pathways for other students of colour,” says Morton, an international student from Saint Kitts and Nevis.

“As a woman and person of colour, I try to be aware that I’m not just representing myself, but other students who may come after me. I always try to remain humble and just put my best foot forward, whether it’s through volunteering or my work terms.”

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Selina Quibrantar wins national award for work-integrated learning

lanthierj — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 14:41:42 +0000

Selina Quibrantar wins national award for work-integrated learning

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Wed, 04/07/2021 - 10:41

Undergraduate Students

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(Photo by Don Campbell)

��Ƶ Scarborough student Selina Quibrantar has been recognized for her work on food insecurity with the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Student of the Year Award from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL).

Quibrantar won the honour for her WIL experience at Black Creek Community Farm, an urban agricultural centre in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood with a commitment to food justice issues. WIL is a type of work experience where students apply their academic learning outside the classroom.

During the placement, Quibrantar co-wrote a document used by the Toronto Food Policy Council, and she and her group proposed a policy recommendation to alleviate food insecurity in Ward 7.

“Food connects us all,” says Quibrantar, a fourth-year human biology and population health student. “There are systemic social, economic and health issues related to food insecurity, but there’s also a human factor.”

Quibrantar also received the 2020 Education at Work Ontario (EWO) WIL Student of the Year Award.

Read the ��Ƶ Scarborough story

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Daniels students win grand prize in Toronto Design Competition

lanthierj — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 19:47:08 +0000

Daniels students win grand prize in Toronto Design Competition

Community

lanthierj Tue, 02/25/2020 - 14:47

Students

St. George

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Landscape and Design

Graduate Students

Undergraduate Students

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Keenan Ngo is in the first year of his Master of Architecture studies and Ozyka Videlia is a a second-year architecture undergrad (photo courtesy John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design)

Keenan Ngo and Ozyka Videlia have won the $2,500 grand prize in a student competition to create innovative and space-saving designs for condo interiors and amenity spaces.

The two students from the ��Ƶ's John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design focused on the kitchen and bathroom – spaces with plenty of design challenges. For the kitchen, they came up with an innovative system of cabinets that slide vertically on the wall, to give the condo occupant easier access to the upper shelves. Hidden catches lock the assembly into place at the desired height. To replace a full-sized breakfast bar, they devised a skinny bar top that could fold away, accordion-style, into the wall of the unit, freeing up precious floor space.

For the bathroom, Ngo and Videlia came up with a plan that allows for a tub, a separate shower and a partitioned-off toilet-and-sink area within 40 square feet.

Ivy Chan and Wesley Fong, both Master of Architecture students, were named semi-finalists for their kitchen and bathroom designs. They won $500.

The contest was a partnership between Toronto developers Urban Capital and Spotlight Development.

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Three students come to U of T as Loran Scholars

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:45:05 +0000

Three students come to U of T as Loran Scholars

Academic Achievement

geoff.vendeville Fri, 10/25/2019 - 10:45

Students

St. George

Undergraduate Students

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Victoria College

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From left to right: Chan-min Roh, Abnash Bassi and Shiqi Xu (Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Three students who excelled in high school and demonstrated “character, service and the promise of leadership” are coming to the ��Ƶ with Loran Scholarships.

Chan-min Roh, Shiqi Xu and Abnash Bassi were among just 35 students who were awarded the prestigious scholarship, valued at $100,000. More than 5,000 students applied.

All three come to U of T with an impressive track record of leadership and community service.

Roh, who comes from Regina, Sask., led the debate and soccer teams, and was on the leadership team of the Saskatchewan Youth Parliament. He is in the Faculty of Arts & Science at Victoria College.

Xu, from North Vancouver, B.C., has a passion for environmental issues and animal rights. She spearheaded a Meatless Monday campaign at her school that spread to her entire school district. She will be studying in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

While still in high school in Delta, B.C., Bassi, who is also studying engineering, led environmental workshops for neighbouring elementary school and helped lead a sustainability campaign with other high schools.

Read the story at U of T News

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Undergraduate Students

5 undergraduate students receive 2024 RBC Awards for Diversity and Innovation in Technology

Read more about the award recipients at U of T Entrepreneurship

Xatoms startup named Hult Prize finalist, wins three prizes at Startupfest

Read more about Xatoms CEO Diana Virgovicova

Read more about the Hult Prize

Ahnaf Rahman named 2023 Student of the Year by CEWIL Canada

Read the U of T Scarborough story

Jason Harlow awarded CAP Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Read the department of physics story

U of T students win McCall MacBain scholarships, awards

Read the Faculty of Arts & Science story

Ikran Jama receives John H. Moss Scholarship

CiQuinya Morton wins Co-op Student of the Year Award

Read the ��Ƶ Scarborough story

Selina Quibrantar wins national award for work-integrated learning

Read the ��Ƶ Scarborough story

Daniels students win grand prize in Toronto Design Competition

Read the Daniels story

Three students come to U of T as Loran Scholars

Read the story at U of T News