Dorothy Johns receives TMU’s Governor General’s Gold Medal

Congratulations to professor Dorothy Johns, who has received Toronto Metropolitan University’s most prestigious academic award, the Governor General's Gold Medal. The medal is awarded annually to the graduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a graduate degree program. 

With an outstanding 4.25 GPA in the Building Science PhD program, Johns earned highly competitive awards, including the NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship–Doctoral and two Ontario Graduate Scholarships. Her doctoral research produced the innovative CRAMM Risk Assessment Tool, already adopted in major mass timber projects, bridging academia and practice. As the founder of her architectural practice, Woodhouse Studio, a dedicated mentor, and an international collaborator, Johns exemplifies excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service, making her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this award. Most recently, Johns joined the Department of Architectural Science (DAS) as an assistant professor, bringing her TMU journey full circle. 

1. What memorable moments stand out from your PhD experience?

When I think back on my PhD, I will never be able to separate it from the incredible people who made the journey what it was for me. My supervisor, friend, and now colleague, Dr. Russell Richman, my PhD-partner-in-crime and honorary brother, Yash Vyas, and the lab technician of everyone’s dreams Greg (Lab)be. Without these three individuals, I am certain I would not be where I am today. 

One especially memorable moment was when we set out to build our own research test hut. After months of planning, prepping materials, and coordinating resources, our scheduled construction start date arrived – right alongside over a foot of surprise snow on campus. Still, snow or shine, we went ahead. By the end of the day, the hut was framed, our toes were frozen, and the hot chocolate had never tasted better. 

2. What does receiving the Governor General's Gold Medal award mean to you? 

I feel truly honoured and humbled to receive the Governor General’s Gold Medal. I never could have imagined that a simple conversation with my future supervisor back in early 2020 would completely change the direction of my career in architecture. What started as an unexpected turn became a deeply meaningful journey – years of research, long stretches of working in isolation during the pandemic, and experiences that challenged me to think critically and to persevere in ways I could not have predicted have changed who I am today. 

As a woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community in STEM, this recognition holds special significance. It reaffirms my decision to pursue further education and reminds me how important visibility and representation are in these fields. I hope to continue growing as a researcher, professional, and now educator – and to help open doors for others to see themselves reflected in these spaces. 

3. You joined the Department of Architectural Science (DAS) as a professor after graduating with your PhD. How’s the experience been teaching the next generation of DAS students? 

Timing seems to be on my side! I feel that I’ve stepped into this role at exactly the right moment. Now more than ever, students are coming to DAS looking for ways to make an impact in the face of climate change. Students want to make a difference as designers, building scientists, or both, and this is where I feel truly fortunate: to be in a position to guide students towards finding opportunities and solutions that bridge these disciplines. 

Seeing students I’ve taught graduate and move on to become professionals in the construction industry and to take on leadership roles in sustainability has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had in this role so far. It's so exciting to imagine where future generations of students will go and the impact they’ll have!