Bridging Divides Researchers Recognized with TMU Awards

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, Ali Miri, Sharareh Taghipour, Reza Samavi and Frank Russo awarded for their remarkable contributions

February 23, 2026

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, Ali Miri, Sharareh Taghipour, Frank Russo and Reza Samavi

Five members of the Bridging Divides research team have been recognized in the 2026 Toronto Metropolitan University Employee Awards, which exemplify excellence in research, education and community impact.

Award Recipients from Bridging Divides

Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Award

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, member of the Immigrant Health and Wellbeing and Place and Infrastructure themes. For a mentorship model that combines mutual respect, structured guidance and EDI principles.

Ali Miri, member of the Place and Infrastructure and Citizenship and Participation themes. For his commitment to personalized advising, ethical scholarship and career development.

Sharareh Taghipour, member of the Place and Infrastructure theme. For contributions to graduate student mentorship.

Dean’s Teaching Award

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, member of the Immigrant Health and Well-being and Place and Infrastructure themes. For demonstrating outstanding undergraduate teaching excellence in cybersecurity.

Reza Samavi, member of the Immigrant Health and Well-Being theme. For continuing teaching excellence and profound educational impact, including pedagogical creativity, transformative curricular design and meaningful student engagement.

Social Innovation and Action SRC Award

Frank Russo, member of the Immigrant Health and Well-Being theme. For pioneering the use of group singing as a powerful tool for health and social innovation.

Dean’s Service Award

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, member of the Immigrant Health and Well-being and Place and Infrastructure themes. For demonstrating exceptional service to TMU and the broader community, including Ted Rogers School of Management.

Several researchers affiliated with the Bridging Divides program have also been recognized for their commitment, including Areej Al-Hamad and Kateryna Metersky.

These awards reflect the unwavering dedication and leadership of Bridging Divides researchers in driving meaningful impact, congratulations to all!