Momentum - Summer 2025
In my first few months as dean, it’s been inspiring to witness all the activity, hard work, and achievements happening across our FEAS community. To continue this momentum, I’ve been working with the faculty leadership team to develop the Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science (FEAS) Strategic Plan 2025-2030. This plan will outline a vision for the future, with actionable goals and metrics to guide us forward.
Your input on this plan is welcome and encouraged! Faculty and staff members are invited to review the draft “Elevate FEAS” plan (external link, opens in new window) and provide feedback. There will also be a faculty-wide Town Hall on Sept. 25th to gather input – stay tuned for an invite.
From pollination to innovation: Habiba Bougherara Awarded $5M Weston Foundation Grant for sustainable farming breakthrough
Professor Habiba Bougherara from the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering and Lesley Campbell, a professor from the Faculty of Science have been awarded $5 million in the final phase of the Weston Family Foundation’s Homegrown Innovation Challenge. Their invention, MoFarm, is a self-pollinating, vertical farming system that enables year-round, bee-free berry production.
"Our innovative pollination system is a unique, efficient, and cost-effective solution specifically designed for the cross-pollination of berries. Engineered for precision and scalability, it enhances yield while reducing labor and operational costs, redefining how pollination is done in modern vertical farming,” said professor Bougherara.
The technology uses air circulation and biosensors to optimize growing conditions, offering a sustainable, scalable solution to food security challenges. With student involvement across engineering and science, this cross-disciplinary project is set to revolutionize agriculture in Canada and beyond.
Read the full article here (opens in new window) .
FEAS takes centre stage at Venice Biennale with bio-architecture showcase
Professor Vincent Hui and students from the Department of Architectural Science represented Canada at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, which runs from May to November. Their project, Picoplanktonics, is a living installation featured in Canada’s pavilion, created by the interdisciplinary Living Room Collective.
"Representing Canada at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale with Picoplanktonics is a profound honor, as it highlights how inter- and multidisciplinary collaborations with architecture can address urgent environmental challenges,” said professor Hui. “This project demonstrates the potential for buildings to actively participate in ecological restoration, inspiring new approaches to sustainable design. Involving my student researchers in this international initiative empowers them with invaluable experience and positions them as future leaders in designing, detailing, and delivering innovative, environmentally conscious architecture."
The exhibit integrates cyanobacteria into 3D-printed structures, exploring how architecture can regenerate ecosystems rather than exploit them. Professor Hui’s role emphasizes TMU’s leadership in sustainable design and experiential learning, with students directly contributing to and maintaining the installation.
"This was an incredible experience that expanded my perspective on what architecture can achieve,” said Raya Allataifei, Master of Architecture student and Canada Council for the Arts Fellow. “This research at the Venice Architecture Biennale inspired the direction I'm taking with my own work at TMU, exploring living systems and material experimentation. Engaging with conversations while being there and seeing how well-received the work has encouraged me to believe in the value and urgency of pursuing this path.”
This prestigious platform highlights TMU's global impact in reimagining the future of architecture.
Congratulations to Professor Hui and team! Read the full article here (opens in new window) .
Powering what’s next: Clean Energy Expo showcases real-world solutions
On May 22, the Centre for Urban Energy (CUE) hosted the 2025 Clean Energy Expo, bringing together energy experts, researchers, startups, and students to accelerate progress toward a net-zero future.
Highlights included a keynote from Sheikh Nahyaan (Toronto Hydro) outlining a $6B grid modernization plan and joint research presentations on AI-powered grid modelling and demand response innovations from Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, and TMU faculty.
Startups from Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Clean Energy Zone also took the stage, showcasing scalable geothermal systems and smart energy storage. A thought-provoking panel tackled Ontario’s electric vehicle surge, data centre demands, and the importance of university-industry collaboration.
The event also showcased FEAS’ own Toronto Hydro Student Award winners who are each contributing to clean energy research.
Read more about the event, key takeaways and see the award recipients. (opens in new window)
FEAS leads first-in-Canada quantum-AI training program to tackle complex decision-making
Sharareh Taghipour, the Canada Research Chair in Physical Asset Management and an associate professor from the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering, is leading a groundbreaking new initiative at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU): Canada’s first training program, QAI4DO (opens in new window) , which integrates quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and operations research. Backed by $1.65 million from NSERC CREATE, the QAI4DO program will equip over 200 graduate students with cutting-edge skills to solve complex decision optimization challenges advancing sectors like healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity.
Students will gain hands-on experience through technical courses, boot camps, internships, and industry collaboration. QAI4DO also sets a new standard for inclusive STEM training by embedding equity and accessibility into every stage of the program.
Led by a pan-Canadian network of universities and industry leaders, the QAI4DO program brings together some of Canada’s top minds to deliver education and develop new methodologies, toolkits, and solutions through research. The team includes TMU colleagues and Canada Research Chairs, Bilal Farooq and Atty Mashatan, who are co-principal investigators.
Congratulations to Professor Taghipour and the QAI4DO team for shaping Canada’s next-generation tech talent.
AERIAS on display at the Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace conference.
This past June, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Advancing Engineering, Innovation and Research in Aerospace (opens in new window) (AERIAS) joined provincial and federal partners at the Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace conference. Aerospace engineering Professor and AERIAS Director, Paul Walsh and Professor Joon Chung represented the TMU team, meeting with government leaders, peers, and prospective partners from around the world.
Cheryl Atkinson and team transforms single lot into homes for 10 families.
In Toronto’s east end sits a brand new housing development that could change the way our cities are built – for the better. Cheryl Atkinson, an associate professor from the Department of Architectural Science, has designed an eight-unit multiplex and two laneway houses for P&R Developments, gently intensifying the site to now accommodate 10 families where previously only a single family home used to exist.
The design concept supports the idea of “missing middle” housing, the need for diverse and sustainable housing options in existing, transit served urban neighbourhoods.
Robin Chhabra and students develop the first fully untethered soft robot using electromagnetic actuation.
Robin Chhabra, an assistant professor and director of the Embodied Learning and Intelligence for eXploration and Innovative soft Robotics (ELIXIR) lab, and his research team have unveiled the first fully untethered soft robot (external link, opens in new window) that walks using electromagnetic actuation. Unlike traditional soft robots that rely on bulky air pumps or wires, this breakthrough design integrates compact magnetic components, enabling free and autonomous movement. The team’s versatile prototype can travel on land, swim, and carry a payload with a maximum walking speed of 3.74cm/s – the fastest speed ever documented by a soft robot. Behind these technical achievements is the work of 17 inspired undergraduate students who spent the last 5 months refining the design, alongside professor Chhabra and PhD researchers.
TMU to Lead Ontario’s Lab2Market Hub with $4.25M Investment
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has received $4.25 million over five years to lead Ontario’s Lab2Market Hub, part of a national $32 million investment to scale up support for research commercialization, drive economic growth, close the innovation-to-market gap, and build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem across Canada.
Led by TMU and anchored through the Innovation Boost Zone (IBZ) and the Science Discovery Zone (SDZ), the hub will support innovation across 11 partner institutions. To date, Lab2Market programming has supported 215 teams, launched 38 startups, and created 93 jobs – a testament to TMU’s leadership in fostering inclusive innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
Making a global impact
This work, along with other research and initiatives across FEAS is helping to address the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). By demonstrating how our faculty contributes to these goals, we also bolster TMU’s global rankings. View the latest rankings (opens in new window) .
Each issue, we’ll spotlight an update from an office in FEAS and its associate dean, offering a closer look at the work happening across our faculty’s leadership portfolio. If you have an update to share in an upcoming issue, reach out to the Creative Communications Group (CCG) to be featured.
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies marks a decade of distinctive growth and impact at TMU
The FEAS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS), now over 10 years old, plays a unique and influential role at TMU, supporting over 1,000 students across 30 graduate programs. Roel Reyes’ leadership in operations and student engagement, Kitty Choi’s personalized recruitment advising, and Ketan Marballi’s career support for graduate and postdoctoral fellows are just a few examples of how this office is redefining the grad school experience for students. From funding innovations to national outreach, the OGPS is strengthening graduate education, elevating faculty research, and enhancing the university’s national visibility.
Read the full update from the Associate Dean to learn more (opens in new window) .
Amirnaser Yazdani honoured with IEEE Technical Achievement Award
Congratulations to Professor Amirnaser Yazdani on receiving the 2025 IEEE Modeling and Control Technical Achievement Award (opens in new window) . The award recognizes his groundbreaking work in the “modeling, analysis, and control of power-electronically interfaced distributed energy systems.” It also highlights not only professor Yazdani’s leadership in the field, but the collaborative impact of his students and research partners.
Congratulations professor Yazdani! Your contributions continue to advance the future of power electronics.
Khaled Sennah earns trio of prestigious honours in civil engineering
Congratulations to Professor Khaled Sennah on a remarkable season of recognition, which has included the following:
- Received a research grant from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation for his continued work advancing sustainable and resilient bridge infrastructure.
- Awarded the Horst Leipholz Medal by the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering for outstanding contributions to engineering mechanics research and practice.
- Named a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), one of the highest distinctions in the field.
Professor Sennah’s leadership and innovation continue to shape the future of civil engineering. Congratulations on these achievements! Read more about professor Sennah’s recent achievements. (opens in new window)
Areeba Amjad receives TMU’s highest honour: The Gold Medal
Areeba Amjad, a biomedical engineering graduate and former First-Year Engineering Office student ambassador, has been awarded TMU's highest academic honour, the Gold Medal. Recognized for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community impact, Areeba exemplifies the excellence FEAS strives to inspire.
She has also been named a recipient of an NSERC research grant and will begin her Master’s of Applied Science and Computer Engineering at TMU this fall.
Let’s give Areeba a well-deserved round of applause — and keep an eye on her journey. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
Morteza Zihayat named Canada Research Chair in Human-Centered AI
Congratulations to Morteza Zihayat, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, on being the newly appointed Canada Research Chair (Tier II) (opens in new window) in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. After recently joining FEAS from the Ted Rogers School of Management, professor Zihayat’s research explores how AI, particularly search technologies, can better reflect human values like fairness, trust, and accountability. By shifting the focus from pure efficiency to equitable, responsible outcomes, he aims to ensure AI serves people, not just data.
This prestigious appointment highlights the vital role FEAS researchers play in shaping the ethical future of AI. We’re excited to see professor Zihayat’s work make waves in Canada and beyond!
Liping Fang honoured with IEEE Pioneer Award for conflict resolution research
Congratulations to Professor Liping Fang from the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering, for receiving the 2024 IEEE SMC Lotfi A. Zadeh Pioneer Award (external link, opens in new window) . He was recognized alongside colleagues Keith W. Hipel and D. Marc Kilgour for developing the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR), a groundbreaking methodology used to analyze and resolve complex, real-world systems challenges.
This prestigious international award honours pioneering contributions to systems science and engineering, human-machine systems, and cybernetics.
Bravo, professor Fang! Your work continues to shape the future of decision-making in complex systems.
Ravi Ravindran first Canadian to receive the ASM International Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award.
Congratulations to Professor Ravi Ravindran who was recognized with the 2024 International Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award by ASM International (opens in new window) , the world’s largest and most established materials information society.
In ASM International's award announcement, they recognized professor Ravindran “for his superb teaching attributes, outstanding research achievements in the processing of materials, and a lifetime commitment to excellence in professional service, all of which have provided inspiration for his students.”
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 TMU award recipients
Congratulations to the many FEAS staff and faculty who were recognized by the university in 2025 (opens in new window) for their outstanding contributions, including:
- Mehrab Mehrvar / YSGPS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Awards / AVP International’s Global Learning Award
- Terri Peters / Dean’s Teaching Award –Faculty (TFA)
- Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi / Dean’s Teaching Award –Faculty (TFA) / Collaborative SRC Award / Dean’s SRC Activity Award
- Scott Sørli / Joe Zboralski Teaching and Community Engagement Award
- Naimul Mefraz Khan / Dean’s SRC Activity Award
- Nariman Yousefi / Dean’s SRC Activity Award
- The Innovation Boost Zone team / President’s Blue and Gold Award of Excellence
- Yew-Thong Leong / Alan Shepard Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Employee Award
- Hitesh Doshi / Recognized for 30 years of service
Yew-Thong Leong honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal at 2024 RAIC Congress.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Yew-Thong Leong from the Department of Architectural Science, who was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal at the 2024 RAIC Congress on Architecture in St. Andrews, NB. Professor Leong is among 30 architects from across Canada to receive this national honour, recognizing significant contributions to their communities and the architectural profession. The medal, commemorating His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation, celebrates individuals who have brought credit to Canada through their work.
Office of the Vice-Provost boosting ISLA scholarships for upcoming intakes.
To help support international undergraduate recruitment efforts, the Office of the Vice-Provost has announced that there will be an increase in International Student Leadership Award (ISLA) scholarships made available for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 intakes. In total, there will be up to 53 awards of $10,000 available for incoming students.
FEAS engineering programs and faculty rising in global university rankings
Based on the 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects by ShanghaiRanking (external link) , TMU has been named in the top 150 globally for mechanical engineering and telecommunication engineering, as well as in the top 200 for civil engineering and electrical and electronic engineering. Notably, several TMU engineering disciplines ranked in the top 12 in Canada for World Class Faculty and Research Impact.
Creating better co-op experiences: FEAS hosts first Employer Orientation
The FEAS Co-op team welcomed 65+ industry partners to its inaugural Employer Orientation, focused on strengthening the student work-term experience. The session highlighted the core skills students are expected to develop, and explored best practices for onboarding, mentorship, and aligning student contributions with organizational goals. It also offered a valuable forum for industry partners to share insights and deepen collaboration with FEAS.
Know an organization we should invite next year? Share your suggestions with the Co-op team.
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat launches new office at DAS
The Department of Architectural Science (DAS) is excited to announce that the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has established a new office in the Architecture building. As the world’s leading authority on tall buildings and vertical urbanism, CTBUH will collaborate with members of the DAS community on research, events, and student engagement. DAS students and faculty can also gain full access to CTBUH’s Tall Building Database, research tools, and global professional network. Stay tuned for future programming, including the upcoming 2025 International Conference (external link) in October and stop by ARC 307 to say hi to the CTBUH team!
What does industry want? FEAS hosts labour market consultation with top employers
On May 27, FEAS and TMU’s Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre welcomed leading industry voices for a Labour Market Industry Consultation focused on Engineering and Architectural Science programs. Employers from Aecon, Enbridge, WSP, Boston Scientific, and more shared critical insights on emerging trends, hiring needs, and how to better prepare students for a shifting workforce.
Top skills identified? Curiosity, communication, initiative, emotional intelligence — and a readiness to learn and adapt.
Career-ready from day one: 400+ students join FEAS Career Pathway Program
The FEAS Co-op team has launched this year’s Career Pathway Program (CPP), a 10-week experience equipping 400+ co-op eligible students with the skills, tools, and confidence to succeed in co-op and beyond. From standout resumes and interview prep to understanding workplace rights and building lasting networks, CPP is more than job training, it’s a launchpad for success.
The program wraps in July with Launch & Iterate: The Engineering Co-op Challenge 2025, where students will tackle real-world challenges alongside alumni and employers.
FEAS partners with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia on international learning.
The FEAS International Office has launched a new partnership with the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC). Four ITC graduate students, awarded Global Affairs Canada scholarships (external link, opens in new window) , will study at TMU under the supervision of civil engineering professors Medhat Shehata, Khaled Sennah, and Anwar Hussain. This initiative supports FEAS’ commitment to global collaboration and (PDF file) TMU’s 2025–2030 International Plan (opens in new window) .
DAS co-hosting first Canadian exhibition recognizing acclaimed architect Mario Cucinella
Running until September 11th, the “Architecture for a Sustainable Future - The Vision of Mario Cucinella” (opens in new window) exhibition is on display at the Department of Architectural Science (DAS), in partnership with ICFF Architettura & Design. Celebrated for his innovative and sustainable approach to architecture, Cucinella brings to Toronto a compelling body of work that bridges design excellence with environmental and social consciousness. Explore the exhibition at the Architecture Building ( the Paul H. Cocker Gallery, 325 Church Street).
First-year students explore structures of storytelling through new Bridge Building Challenge
Led by Javeriya Hasan, a Department of Architectural Science (DAS) instructor and 2024 PhD Building Science graduate, the Bridge Building Challenge provided first-year architectural science students an opportunity to experience structures through a human-centered lens. Student teams were encouraged to explore concepts like load distribution and failure through hands-on making and had the freedom to choose their design, materials, and test ideas. Throughout the challenge, teams filmed their project development with video styles ranging from mockumentary reality shows to rap music videos. View the student work and videos. (opens in new window)
Bold visions: Students reimagine Toronto Metropolitan University’s Architecture Building.
The Department of Architectural Science (DAS) posed a challenge to third-year students: help transform the department’s Architecture Building into one of the most innovative and sustainable learning spaces on the university’s campus. The results? New gallery spaces, innovative facades, workspaces for next-generation technologies, and much more.
Student work was judged by architects Andrew Frontini, Principal and Design Director at Perkins&Will, and designer of TMU’s Daphne Cockwell Complex Building, and Siamak Hariri, founding Partner of Hariri Pontarini Architects, and designer of TMU’s new Student Wellbeing Centre, as well as FEAS leaders. View the students’ work. (opens in new window)
GenAI and Written Assignments
August 25th
This online workshop will discuss how to make writing assignments meaningful and challenging for students while guarding against the misuse of generative AI. Register today (opens in new window) .
TMU Alumni Reunion 2025
September 20th
Featuring presenter Martin Regg Cohn, this half-day gathering offers alumni from years 1950, 1955, 1960 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 a chance to reunite and celebrate with classmates. Learn more. (opens in new window)
Grad Fair: Canadian Graduate Engineering Consortium (CGEC)
September 24th
This event provides students interested in pursuing graduate studies the opportunity to explore engineering and architectural science graduate studies programs from seven institutions – all in one place on campus. Register today. (external link)
2025 Times Higher Education Global AI Summit (Hosted by TMU)
October 27 - 29th
Register (external link) and explore the transformative potential of AI in #education, research, creative activities, and society.
Discover TMU: Open House
November 8th
Prospective students will be touring campus and exploring FEAS programs. Learn more. (opens in new window)
CCG recent work & what’s next
A snapshot of current Creative Communications initiatives and upcoming projects across FEAS.
Help Us Showcase Your Impact
Your research, leadership, and collaborations are putting FEAS on the map, across Canada and around the world. Whether you're leading a breakthrough, mentoring students, or shaping your field, we want to celebrate and share your story. Let’s highlight the work that’s making FEAS a leader in engineering and architectural innovation.
(google form) Submit your story here (external link, opens in new window) to be featured in future newsletters, web content, or media opportunities.
CCG website redesign updates
The Creative Communications Group is redesigning the FEAS website including updates to the following recent milestones that are shaping a smarter, more student-centered digital experience:
- Smarter Tagging Launched: New system enables dynamic content, curated experiences, and simplified supervisor search.
- 700+ Pages Retagged: Site-wide cleanup improves content discoverability, internal search, and consistency.
- Student Content Overhauled: Audits and strategy streamline 600+ award listings, forms, and resources.
- Research-Informed Prototype: Student interviews and analytics is shaping a new, needs-based current student section.
- Program Pages Aligned: FEAS content model adopted by TMU undergrad pages to unify student experience.
- New Spring Webpages: Launched targeted microsites for Entrepreneurship, AERIAS, QAI4DO, and more.
For more events, news and stories, visit the FEAS Stories & Events webpage.