About AERIAS
AERIAS is where aerospace innovation meets real-world engineering.
Located in Toronto’s Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) Hub (external link, opens in new window) , we help aerospace companies accelerate research and development (R&D) with expert teams, advanced facilities, and access to top-tier engineering talent.
Our origin story
AERIAS was created by merging two of Toronto Metropolitan University’s most innovative aerospace programs: the Institute for Aerospace Design and Innovation (RIADI), an experiential learning and work-study program, and the Aerospace Engineering Centre (RAEC), known for its cutting-edge R&D. Together, these programs provide over 25 years of industry collaboration with leaders like Bombardier, Safran, Pratt & Whitney, and others into one unified, high-impact centre.
Our mission
At our core, we aim to accelerate aerospace innovation by connecting companies with the right talent, facilities, and expertise to solve real engineering challenges.
Our Canadian roots
You’ll find AERIAS housed in a restored World War II historical aircraft hangar, as part of the DAIR Hub (external link, opens in new window) in Toronto, Canada. We’re proud to be continuing a legacy of aerospace innovation on the same grounds where iconic aircraft have been developed and tested for over 100 years, including the De Havilland Mosquito and Tiger Moth.
AERIAS Advisory Board
The AERIAS Advisory Board offers strategic guidance and expert insight to both the student teams supporting your projects and your organization. Drawing on their diverse expertise, industry knowledge, and professional networks, members can help shape the direction, priorities, and potential impact of your research.
Toronto Metropolitan University Members
Dr. Paul Walsh
Aerospace Engineering Professor & Director, AERIAS
Toronto Metropolitan University
Emma Grant
Executive Director of Advancement (FEAS)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Stephen Waldman
Associate Dean, Research and External Partnerships (FEAS)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Robin Chhabra
Assistant Professor of Mechatronics & Robotics
Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Hekmat Alighanbari
Aerospace Engineering Professor & Chair (FEAS)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Industry Partners
Bang H. Tan
Offset Manager, Business Development
Magellan Aerospace
Nicholas Choo-Son
Director, Business Development
Marsh Brothers Aviation
Natasha Gagnon
Vice-President
Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC)
Dean Carpenter
Associate Director – Product Technology
Pratt & Whitney Canada
Aakash Gohil
R&T Project Engineering Lead
Safran Landing Systems
John Oh
Director, Design & Analysis Engineering
Safran Landing Systems
Ernest Leung
Vice President – Engineering, North America Sites
Safran Landing Systems
Arthur Studzienny
Director, Engineering – DHC 515 Firefighter
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Alexander Tsoulis
Senior Advisor – Business Development & Advanced Technologies
MHI Canada Aerospace
Rosa Gordon
Research and Technology Program Officer
Bombardier
Jeffrey Dunning
Associate Director, Development Engineering
Pratt & Whitney Canada
Drew Hall
Director, Aircraft Development, R&D
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd.
Robert Mobilio
Vice President – Engineering (Aftermarket)
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd.
Richard Lavigne
Founder
Lynx Business Management Group Inc.
Benjamin Lam
Supervisor, Business Operations & Planning
MHI RJ Aviation Group
Brad Baird
Advanced Structures Chief Engineer, Product Integrity & Structures
Collins Aerospace
V-Bond Lee
President and Founder
Advanced Mobility Products Inc.
Research & Academic Partners
Dr. Anant Grewal
Principal Research Officer, Focus Area Leader for Air Travel Research
National Research Council Canada
Phil Arthurs
Executive Director
Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR)