Dean's Service Award Recipients

2026 recipients

Alagan Anpalagan

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Dr. Anpalagan is a Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering. Since joining TMU in 2001, he has held various administrative positions in the Departmental undergraduate and graduate programs, served in numerous committees at the Faculty and Departmental level. In addition, he served in international conference technical program committees, editorial boards and review panels. He was recognized for his outstanding and sustained service to engineering profession and education with IEEE Canada J.M. Ham Outstanding Engineering Educator Award, TMU YSGS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Award, and IEEE M.B. Broughton Central Canada Service Award.

Judith Bernhard

Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Judith Bernhard is a respected colleague who exemplifies the spirit of the Dean’s Service Award. This is demonstrated through her visionary leadership and innovation in field education, her commitment to student experiential learning through mentorship of students, along with her revitalization and support of the ECS Alumni Association. As Associate Director, Field Education, Judith’s research and teaching has enhanced how students connect theory with practice to ensure that their field placements are not only educational, but transformative. Her work with the alumni association and in partnership building has substantially enhanced the reputation of the school, faculty, university and profession.

Jason Boyd

Faculty of Arts

In the 2024-2025 academic year, Dr. Jason Boyd demonstrated exceptional service to the Department, Faculty, and University in three impactful leadership roles. As Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH), Dr. Boyd significantly promoted TMU’s reputation as an international DH leader through the launch of the inaugural Interactive Digital Arts, Research, and Education Summer University, and a dynamic series of digital creation training opportunities. Dr. Boyd contributed to the Faculty as Chair of a successful Digital Humanities Tier 2 CRC search, and as Graduate Program Director of the MA in Literatures of Modernity, developed a transformative program renewal proposal.

Claire Deng

Ted Rogers School of Management

Dr. Claire Deng exemplifies outstanding service through her deep contributions to TMU and the broader academic accounting community. Internally, she has taken on major responsibilities such as course coordination, curriculum leadership, research and awards adjudication, and mentorship. Externally, Claire’s leadership as co-chair of the 2025 Canadian Academic Accounting Association Conference and service on multiple CAAA committees have significantly elevated TMU’s national and professional profile. A recipient of the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Reviewer, Claire also supports colleagues’ success by mentoring grant applications and student case competitions, embodying a spirit of service that is collaborative, impactful, and enduring.

Karen Harnisch

The Creative School

Assistant Professor Karen Harnisch is recognized for her exceptional leadership and transformative service to the BFA Film Program and the School of Image Arts. Professor Harnisch was the driving force behind the program’s most significant curriculum revision in over two decades, reimagining it for contemporary and future creative landscapes. She led this complex process with remarkable inclusivity and vision, engaging faculty, staff, and students in a shared rethinking of film education. Her work demonstrates outstanding administrative skill, collegial leadership, and creative foresight—exemplary achievements that far exceed expectations for a pre-tenure faculty member.

Krzysztof Krystosiak

The Creative School

Krzysztof Krystosiak brings remarkable enthusiasm and generosity to every facet of the School of Graphic Communications Management. Whether co-advising the Phoenix Challenge Competition team, representing faculty within the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association, or supporting recruitment events such as the Ontario Universities’ Fair and program Open Houses, Krzysztof consistently steps forward with professionalism and positivity. His eagerness to help and steady engagement with students and colleagues strengthen the sense of community within GCM. Through his energy, reliability, and collaborative spirit, Krzysztof exemplifies service in action and contributes meaningfully to the success and reputation of our school.

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan

Ted Rogers School of Management

Dr. Mashatan has demonstrated exceptional service to TMU and the broader community. She has contributed extensively to TMU through key committees, including faculty and departmental hiring, research chair searches, and strategic planning initiatives. She founded and chairs the Blockchain Technology Symposium, established TMU’s Cybersecurity Research Lab, and serves on national advisory councils, including Canada’s National Quantum Advisory Council. Her leadership fosters critical dialogue among academia, industry, and government, advancing cybersecurity, quantum-safe technologies, and digital risk mitigation. Dr. Mashatan’s service has strengthened TMU’s reputation and positioned Canada as a leader in cybersecurity innovation.

Kateryna Metersky

Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Kateryna Metersky, Assistant Professor and Interim Associate Director of the Collaborative Nursing Degree Program, is recognized for her exceptional service and leadership at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, the Faculty of Community Services, and Toronto Metropolitan University. A dedicated servant leader, she has advanced inclusive and innovative nursing education through curriculum leadership, simulation development, and mentorship of students and faculty. Her contributions to Senate governance, equity-focused award adjudications, and professional nursing organizations have strengthened both TMU’s academic reputation and the nursing profession. Dr. Metersky’s commitment exemplifies transformative service, equity, and community-building.

Laura Nenych

The Creative School

Dr. Laura Nenych exemplifies the spirit of the Dean’s Service Award through her extraordinary leadership, integrity, and sustained contributions to TMU. In 2024–2025, she held multiple leadership roles: Interim Chair, Associate Chair, Graduate Program Director, and Co-Program Director, impacting over 800 students across four programs. We recognize that Chairs and Program Directors are not typically eligible for this award, but Dr. Nenych’s contributions were so exceptional that we felt compelled to nominate her. She is an unsung hero, so impactful, she deserves an award in her name. Her legacy of service is distinguished, inspiring, and deeply deserving of recognition.

Khaled Sennah

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Dr. Khaled Sennah is recognized for his exceptional record of professional and university service. He served on numerous departmental, faculty, and university committees and Councils, including DHC, EDI, Strategic Planning, Faculty Tenure, and the Academic Integrity Council and TFA. Internationally, he acted as Foreign Expert Chief Reviewer for Chinese national bridge design standards and Vice President of the International Association of Jointless Bridges. His leadership on Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code committees, editorial boards, and global conference organizations has advanced both structural engineering practice and Toronto Metropolitan University’s international reputation for excellence and global collaboration.

Past recipients