Momentum: FEAS Newsletter, Winter 2026
A Year of Listening, Connection, and Momentum
Dr. Sri Krishnan reflects on his first year as Dean of FEAS
When Dr. Sri Krishnan stepped into the role of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, he did so with a clear-eyed understanding of both the opportunity and the challenge ahead. His first year coincided with a period of significant transition across postsecondary education, alongside intensive program reviews and growing resource pressures. Yet, as he reflects on the year behind him, Dean Krishnan describes it as unfolding largely as planned.
What anchored that first year was what Dean Krishnan refers to as the “three Cs”: communication, collaboration, and curiosity. Together, they have shaped both his leadership approach and the early foundations of Elevate FEAS (external link) , the faculty’s new strategic academic plan.
Listening first, then acting
Dean Krishnan was intentional about how he entered the role. Rather than rushing to immediate changes, he spent his first months focused on listening.
“I made an effort to make sure that I spent the first 100 days of my job just listening,” he explained. “Everyone was welcome to meet, and I connected with each and every department.”
That commitment to 360-degree listening helped surface both opportunities and shared priorities, directly informing the four pillars of Elevate FEAS. Unlike past academic plans that could feel abstract, Dean Krishnan wanted Elevate to be grounded in accountability.
“I wanted to make sure in this plan, we provided baseline data saying that this is where we stand as an institution and this is the delta we wanted to show in the next five years,” he said. “I wanted more accountability and clarity around how these metrics would be conveyed and communicated to our faculty, so everybody feels they’re part of this growth.”
Building community from the ground up
One of the most tangible outcomes of that listening process is the formation of FEAS’s first Faculty Council, now moving through final reviews and approvals with the aim of implementation next academic year.
“For us, innovation happens in the intersection,” Krishnan said. “If we were to create an innovative curriculum, we need to bring departments together in a forum like this.”
Beyond governance, the Council reflects a broader shift toward collective leadership. The Dean emphasized that this is not a top-down exercise, but one that invites debate, interdisciplinary thinking, and industry perspectives.
“It should be a coming together from the ground up,” he said, noting that the goal is to strengthen both communication and community across the faculty’s six departments.
From research to real-world impact
Strengthening FEAS’s research ecosystem has also been a defining focus of the year. Strategic tenure-track hiring and research chair nominations in areas such as urban systems, AI, quantum technologies, robotics, digital health, digital manufacturing, and advanced materials are part of a deliberate effort to align fundamental research with application.
“Canada has a great reputation of doing solid research,” Krishnan said. “But, we are challenged with translating that into practice. I want TMU Engineering and Architectural Science to be a place where we are successful in translating our technology to practice.”
That same applied mindset is shaping how the faculty is approaching emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. As the Dean noted, “The role of AI is still scratching the surface in the engineering education domain. The AI that we want to implement at FEAS could help digitize the lab environment, synthesize data and personalize each student’s or researcher’s learning journey. The benefit here is that our educational model doesn’t need to be one size fits all.”
This applied orientation reflects FEAS’s polytechnic roots and Toronto’s role as a living laboratory. “We integrate with the city, we work with the city, we work for the citizens of this great place,” he said.
Embracing external perspective and accountability
The Dean’s first year also coincided with a full cycle of accreditation and periodic program reviews across undergraduate and graduate programs. While time-intensive, he views these reviews as an asset rather than a burden.
“These reviews go both ways,” he said. “They are valuable. We get to learn from them, and they learn about us.”
As Dean, he sees this external peer feedback as essential to informed decision-making, particularly across disciplines where no single leader can be a subject-matter expert in every area.
Looking ahead with intention
As FEAS looks toward the years ahead, Dean Krishnan is focused on strengthening trust, reputation, and leadership capacity across the community, while positioning the faculty within a broader global context.
“Our name is helping us. When people think about Canada, the number one city that comes to mind is Toronto. And with all the diversity around us, represented from more than 80 countries, this augurs well for recruitment of global talent... This is the legacy I want to leave. At the end of the day, parents and prospective students see TMU as a destination of choice for quality education and learning in engineering and architecture. If that confidence and trust is held by our broader communities, I think we’ve achieved our goal.”
For the Dean, success is not only measured in rankings or research output, but in people.
“My job is to connect these dots,” he said. “If I can create more and more leaders, either student leaders, staff leaders, or academic leaders, that’s another great achievement.”
As his first year comes to a close, the momentum is clear. What comes next will build on a foundation of listening, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping FEAS’s future together.
At a glance - 2025 Faculty Highlights:
- 360-degree listening to develop the Elevate FEAS (external link) strategic academic plan.
- FEAS’s inaugural Faculty Council to be implemented in 2026-27 year.
- Significant tenure-track faculty hiring and research chair nominations in quantum, AI, robotics, digital technologies, and health.
- Periodic program reviews and quality assurance of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Increased faculty and student nominations for external awards, strengthening peer recognition and FEAS’s reputation.
- Promotion of the Canada Impact+ program to attract top global talent in research and graduate education.
- Strengthened industry partnerships to expand access to high-quality academic, co-op, and internship opportunities.
- Initiated cross-TMU collaboration, including faculty from the schools of Medicine, Business, Law, the Creative School, and Science.
New FEAS report: Four Pillars of Sustainable Urban Transportation (A Synthesis of Group Discussions)
FEAS recently published a public report summarizing key themes and findings to help professionals and academics address the ever-changing transportation field. Informed by October’s Sustainable Urban Transportation Research and Innovation workshop, this report summarizes insights from five expert-led discussions. The report was developed by Workshop Chair, Dr. Said Easa and supported by the FEAS organizing committee and the FEAS Research and Innovation Office.
How TMU’s drone research helps connect remote Indigenous communities
In partnership with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), a team of TMU researchers, led by Professor Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi, are developing drones to deliver medical supplies and reach isolated areas. The team partnered with InDro Robotics, the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island and two other Canadian universities for this project – the first of its kind. “What was unique about this project is that Indigenous community members were involved from day one,” says Janabi-Sharifi. “They took part in our field experiments, learned about the technology and offered valuable input on how it could best serve their communities.”
Practicing Radical Hospitality: Collaborative Exercise 2026
For this year’s annual Collaborative Exercise, Department of Architectural Science facilitators took a truly unconventional approach. Titled Radical Hospitality, the exercise brought together 170 undergraduate students to interrogate the assumptions, norms, and conventions underlying architecture. Over four days, they took part in activities that focused more on the body and interpersonal relationships than on designing a traditional built environment. Students created wearable extensions, transformed studio spaces, and even hosted a building-wide feast.
iBEST funding and mentorship opportunity: Apply by Feb. 22nd
iBEST is announcing its fifth cohort for the Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program, delivered in partnership with the Leacross Foundation.
Program overview: The program will run from May to August 2026 and is a flagship initiative designed to support third-year female-identifying undergraduate students. Hosting a Research Assistant is an opportunity to advance your research program while contributing directly to the development of the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Eligibility: All investigators from TMU’s Faculty of Science and FEAS are encouraged to apply, including those who are not iBEST members at the time of application.
Funding: Each position is supported by a funding allocation of $15,000 per Research Assistant, plus an additional $5,000 to support research materials and supplies.
Application deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026
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.
FEAS Co-op & Internship Office: Resume roasts, networking and a whole lot of confidence-building.
The FEAS Co-op & Internship Office continues building on their momentum year after year to equip FEAS students with the skills and connections they need to thrive professionally. Over the past few months, the team has been busy collaborating with industry leaders and organizing action-packed initiatives, including:
- Sustainability Accelerator Extracurricular Training Program: FEAS students gained hands-on experience through a new industry partnership with Schneider Electric, working on real-world sustainability and energy challenges. Paired with mentorship from industry professionals, the initiative gave students practical insight into how sustainability is addressed in professional practice. Explore the full story
- Hydro One Information Session: A true collaboration between FEAS Co-op and FEAS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, students learned first-hand about opportunities at Hydro One and talked with professionals about potential career pathways.
- FEAS Co-op Mentorship Program Launch: Earlier this month, the FEAS Co-op Office launched their first Co-op Mentorship Program's Meet & Greet! Through this program, third-year engineering students are matched with fourth-year students and graduates. The mentors will be meeting with their mentees once a month until the end of this winter semester to provide help with resume writing, interviews, and career success.
- Industry Resume Roasts: Business leaders, HR managers and researchers came out in full force to help review student resumes and provide actionable feedback. Partners included Avolta Inc., Schneider Electric, Hydro One, INVIRO, Collins Aerospace, Aecon Group Inc., Pomerleau and The Hospital for Sick Children.
- Coffee Chat with AMD Co-op Alumni panel: Four student panellists shared their co-op experiences, including their insights and advice on interviews, placements, and navigating the application processes.
Looking ahead to February, the FEAS Co-op team is preparing to host the Mock Interview Night: Building Confidence for Co-op Applications event. This interactive event helps third-year engineering students who are actively applying for co-op opportunities to practice and sharpen their interview skills.
A special thanks to the FEAS Co-op team members for their hard work and ongoing dedication to student success:
- Ashton Jila, Director, Engineering Coop and Career Readiness
- Gulsen Baysal, Career Development Specialist
- Heejin Kim, Co-op Program Administrator
- Jinnette Basilio, Partnership Specialist
- Meliza Yao Li, Co-op Program Specialist
- Mya Pham, Co-op Program Administrator
- Naetri Naranjan, MarComm and Outreach Assistant
- Sina Kazemeini, Co-op Program Operations Assistant
- Taylan Gunesdogdu, Co-op Program Operations Assistant
- Vanessa Leo, Partnerships Associate
- Laith Al-Ayoubi, Co-op Program Coordinator.
- Caleb Joseph, Career Development Coordinator
- Shrusti Shekhadia, Career Development Coordinator
Shari Hodges appointed as TMU’s Registrar and Executive Director, Strategic Enrolment Management.
Congratulations to Shari Hodges on her appointment as Toronto Metropolitan University’s University Registrar and Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM). Shari officially began the role on January 1, 2026, following her service as interim registrar since March 2024.
With more than 20 years at TMU and deep professional roots connected to FEAS through engineering admissions, graduate recruitment, and work in the Dean’s Office, Shari’s appointment marks a significant milestone in her career and for the university.
Welcome Dr. Patrick Loa to FEAS and the Department of Civil Engineering as an Assistant Professor.
Loa was previously a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis, where he specialized in transportation planning and choice modelling. His shared mobility services research has led him to work with TransLink, the City of Toronto, Metro Vancouver and the California Air Resources Board. Now at TMU, Loa is a member of the Bridging Divides program, where he’s exploring how immigrants’ accessibility is impacted by shared mobility services and new technologies.
Zone Learning’s Hack the World event unites 100+ student innovators
TMU and FEAS students from all backgrounds came together to leverage experiential learning, turning bold ideas into real solutions for global challenges, closing with an inspiring round of final pitch presentations. Students also took in an energizing talk from Stanford University lecturer, Michelle Jia, about what it takes to create meaningful and lasting change. Special thanks to the Zone Learning teams that made this event possible, including the Innovation Boost Zone, Clean Energy Zone and Biomedical Zone.
Congratulations to the 2026 FEAS SRC, Teaching, and Service award recipients!
We’re excited to announce this year’s award recipients, who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to scholarly, research, creative and teaching excellence. Recipients will be further celebrated at the upcoming TorontoMet Awards Gala in Spring.
Dean's SRC Award for Pre-tenured Faculty:
- Dr. ChungHyuk Lee, Chemical Engineering
Dean's SRC Award for Tenured Faculty:
- Dr. Hadis Zarrin, Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Elsayed Elbeshbishy, Civil Engineering
Dean's Service Awards:
- Dr. Khaled Sennah, Civil Engineering
- Dr. Alagan Anpalagan, Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering
Dean's Teaching Award for TFA Faculty:
- Dr. Reza Samavi, Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering
Dean's Teaching Award CUPE1 Contract Lecturer:
- Dr. Kandasamy Illanko
YSGPS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Award:
- Dr. Sharareh Taghipour, Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering
Patrick Neumann named International Ergonomics Association Fellow
Congratulations to Dr. Patrick Neumann on being recognized as a Fellow by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA). As a professor from the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering and the Director of TMU’s Human Factors Engineering Lab, Neumann has made numerous contributions to the ergonomics community locally and globally. Over the past 25 years, he has embedded human thinking in engineering research, engineering teaching, and engineering practice – bringing critical attention to people in the design of supply chain and healthcare systems.
Action required: Help shape how TMU uses generative AI in the classroom and beyond
TMU faculty, contract lecturers, librarians, staff and students are invited to share their feedback and help shape how TMU uses AI to learn, create and work. There will be two Faculty-specific Town Halls on February 26th and March 24th. There is also an (google form) online survey (external link) faculty are invited to submit.
Dr. Narjes Allahrabbi received 2025 Mitacs Innovation Award
Congratulations to Dr. Narjes Allahrabbi for receiving the Mitacs Innovation Award – Canadian Start-Up Innovator of the Year! Allahrabbi is a graduate of TMU’s Biomedical Engineering master’s program and a current Postdoctoral Fellow. This award recognizes her advancements in the field of health and medical technology through her innovative start-up, Fertilead Inc. Using her patented at-home fertility technology, Allahrabbi is on a mission to help make fertility care more accessible and equitable.
Read more about her entrepreneurial journey in Toronto Met University Magazine.
Canada’s AI-powered drones: A new frontier for northern sovereignty
In The Hill Times opinion piece, Dr. Paul Walsh, aerospace engineering professor and Director at the Centre of Advanced Engineering Research and Innovation in Aerospace (AERIAS) argues Canada must develop a homegrown, AI-integrated unmanned aerial capability to sustain continuous northern surveillance and assert sovereignty over Arctic territories. He emphasizes the need for coordinated aerospace research and policy action to protect national interests in an era of technological competition.
Using AI to catch AI: TMU researchers take on fake e-commerce reviews
In a new peer-reviewed study, Dina Nawara (PhD candidate) and Rasha Kashef (Associate Professor, Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering) present a novel approach to detecting AI-generated fake e-commerce reviews. By applying large language models to identify deceptive patterns at scale, their research advances consumer protection, platform trust, and the responsible use of AI in digital marketplaces.
TMU Architectural Science student wins NORR Jack Lemay Memorial Award
Architectural Science student Jake Levy received the prestigious NORR Jack Lemay Memorial Award for his third-year project Terraform, a technically resolved mass timber community centre design integrating sustainable systems and construction innovation. The award honours excellence in construction technology and buildability, reflecting Jack Lemay’s legacy and the next generation’s leadership in thoughtful, detail-driven design.
A redesigned space for learning and connection: Keilhauer furnishes TMU student lounge
Keilhauer has donated lounge furniture to support a newly redesigned architecture student lounge at TMU. The refreshed space enhances comfort, collaboration, and community for over 600 students, while showcasing sustainable, industry-grade furnishings. The project highlights how thoughtful design and industry partnerships can directly shape the student experience.
The Globe and Mail spotlights TMU’s digital twins research
Featuring insights from Dr. Jenn McArthur, this Globe and Mail article examines how integrated digital systems, applied research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can reduce cooling energy consumption, a major drain on critical infrastructure
Read the full article to learn more about digital-twin-powered optimization. (external link)
Law and architectural science students collaborate on Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s building design
During Fall 2025, TMU law and architecture students collaborated to reimagine 277 Victoria Street, the future home of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Blending legal thinking with spatial design, the interdisciplinary studio explored how architecture can express justice, inclusion, and community, offering a forward-looking vision for legal education through space, symbolism, and public engagement.
Read how students are shaping the future of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Watch students reimagine the future of law and architecture (external link)
Architectural Science alumni named to WAF 40 Under 40
Architectural Science alumni Farida Abu-Bakare and Tura Cousins Wilson were named to the inaugural 40 Under 40 list by the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and The Architect’s Newspaper. The recognition celebrates emerging leaders using architecture to advance sustainability, equity, and community-driven design. Congratulations, Farida and Tura!
FEAS alumnus, Mehrnaz Shokrollahi, shares career insights with students
TMU’s “How I Got Here: Advancing Your Career with Purpose” alumni panel featured Mehrnaz Shokrollahi, a graduate of the Electrical & Computer Engineering program who completed her undergraduate, Master’s and PhD at TMU (’07, MSc ’09, PhD ’15). Now the Director of Data Science and Advanced Analytics at RBC Global Asset Management, Shokrollahi, shared insights with attendees about how to be genuine in an interview and tap into AI tools to boost your productivity.
GenAI in Action: A Hands-On Lab for Instructors
February 4, 2026 | 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. I Virtual
This interactive workshop invites faculty to experiment with GenAI tools in a low-stakes, guided environment. Participants will explore the more powerful features of large language models (LLMs).
Intersections: AI, Skills and the Future of Work
February 12, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Off campus
The Canadian AI paradox is that we lead in the development of technology but lag in its adoption. Join TMU’s Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Founder of the Diversity Institute for a discussion about AI and its implications for the future of work.
ChooseTMU: Open House
March 28, 2026 | All day | Off campus
Save the date for TMU’s upcoming Open House, where thousands of prospective students and their parents will be on campus, exploring programs, labs and student life.
Go CODE Girl 2026
March 29, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. | Off campus
Young women in grades 7-11 are welcome to take part in hands-on activities, meet other like-minded students, and hear from our undergraduates about what university life is like in engineering. No prior engineering experience is required in order to participate.
Clean Energy Zone: Power Up Program
Applications open in March | Internship program
If you have students that are interested in entrepreneurship and clean energy, encourage them to apply to this paid summer internship program. They can gain hands‑on experience working directly with startups, contributing to real projects that support Canada’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
CCG Updates
FEAS Website Support & Resources
Faculty and staff trained in AEM are invited to take advantage of new governance resources and how-to guides now available for FEAS site admins and content creators. These materials support consistent, high-quality updates across the FEAS website. We’re also launching weekly AEM support drop-in office hours every Thursday from 11–12. There’s no agenda; join at any point to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, or walk through updates with the CCG team. View the governance overview and guides below:
- (google doc) Governance overview (external link)
- (google slide) How-to: Create & update FEAS News & Stories (external link)
- (google slide) How to: Create & Update FEAS Events (external link)
- (google slide) How to: Create FEAS In the Media (News Pages) (external link)
- (google slide) How-to: Create & update FEAS Biography pages (external link)
- (google slide) How to: Use FEAS Tags on FEAS site pages (external link)
Social Media Audit
With the implementation of a Social Media Policy across TMU, University Relations has asked for the collection of the names of the Account Managers and Account Administrators for all of the social media accounts at TMU. To help with this and to inform the FEAS channel strategy CCG is asking faculty and staff to complete this (google form) survey (external link) .
Standing together through global challenges: Updated statement and resources on FEAS website
On the FEAS website’s homepage, the CCG team has updated the faculty’s statement about fostering a compassionate, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and heard. These updates include linking to President Mohamed Lachemi’s November 2025 statement about community safety, as well as TMU’s Community Building Working Group’s resources and assistance services.
For more events, news and stories, visit the FEAS Stories & Events webpage.