YSGPS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Awards Recipients

2026 recipients

Anthony Bonato

Faculty of Science

Dr. Anthony Bonato is an exceptional graduate mentor and educator, having supervised over 40 graduate students at Toronto Metropolitan University. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through his effective guidance, insightful feedback, and advocacy for graduate students in achieving their academic and professional goals. His inclusive approach to graduate education teaching fosters a welcoming environment that encourages student engagement and success. His mentorship has empowered students to thrive in both academia and industry, making him a highly deserving candidate for the YSGPS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Award.

Todd Girard

Faculty of Arts

Dr. Girard exemplifies the criteria for outstanding contributions to graduate education. He is an exceptional mentor to Psychology graduate students across his roles as research mentor, instructor, graduate program director, and vice-chair of the Research Ethics Board. He has an outstanding reputation as a supervisor who prioritizes student research, facilitates opportunities, and genuinely cares for student wellbeing. In addition to his own students, he supports and advocates for over 100 students from across the Psychology MA and PhD programs, across TMU, and externally. His students have earned several prestigious awards, scholarships, and achieved successful careers.

Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan

Ted Rogers School of Management

Dr. Mashatan exemplifies excellence in graduate mentorship, having trained 14 PDFs and 43 graduate students in multidisciplinary, industry-relevant cybersecurity research. Through the Cybersecurity Research Lab, she fosters an inclusive, supportive environment that integrates theoretical rigor, applied problem-solving, and professional development. Her trainees have earned prestigious awards (OGS, CGS-M), published high-impact research, and secured successful careers in academia and industry, including major firms and international universities. Dr. Mashatan’s mentorship model combines mutual respect, structured guidance, and EDI principles, preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and making a lasting impact on graduate education at TMU.

Ali Miri

Faculty of Science

Dr. Miri is a transformative leader in graduate education whose mentorship, teaching, and program development have significantly advanced student success. As the inaugural Graduate Program Director of the Master of Cybersecurity, he led its design, approval, and launch, shaping a rigorous, inclusive, and professionally relevant curriculum. He has supervised nearly 80 graduate students, co-authored over 250 manuscripts with them, and built collaborative research environments through the iCaSL lab. His commitment to personalized advising, ethical scholarship, and career development exemplifies the values of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and continues to empower future academic and industry leaders.

Caron Phinney

The Creative School

Caron Phinney exemplifies outstanding mentorship and dedication to graduate students in the MA Fashion program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Through her supervision, instruction, and generous sharing of expertise and professional networks, she consistently fosters academic, professional, and personal growth to her students. Caron’s mentorship has enabled students to pursue research opportunities, conference presentations, technical skill development, and career advancement, while providing support through personal and academic challenges. Her guidance cultivates confidence, resilience, and curiosity, shaping a vibrant, creative, and supportive academic community. Caron’s sustained commitment to student success demonstrates her exceptional contributions to graduate education at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Sharareh Taghipour

Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science

Dr. Sharareh Taghipour is Canada Research Chair in Physical Asset Management, and the Director of the Reliability, Risk and Maintenance Research Laboratory. She has received 29 awards, including PEMAC-Maintenance Management Leadership Award and 7 best paper awards at international competitions. She has published 90 journal papers (80 co-authored by her trainees) and has secured over $5.3M in external research funding. She has supervised 11 postdoctoral fellows, 14 PhD and 28 Master’s students. Her former graduate students have received international and national awards, and all have secured excellent jobs in academia or industry, such as faculty, consulting, or engineering positions.

Erin Ziegler

Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Erin Ziegler has made exceptional contributions to graduate education through her leadership, teaching, mentorship, and curriculum development. As the Nurse Practitioner Program Site Coordinator at TMU and a member of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, she has guided numerous students in their academic and professional journeys. Dr. Ziegler’s innovative approaches, such as the use of simulations and virtual reality, have transformed the learning environment for nurse practitioners. Her inclusive teaching practices and dedication to student success earned her the 2022 Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence, making her a key advocate for graduate education excellence.

Past recipients