Physics PhD graduate twice honoured for her academic and community achievements
Kalysta Makimoto, TMU Gold Medal and Governor General Gold Medal recipient
The Faculty of Science is proud to celebrate recent physics PhD graduate, Kalysta Makimoto, who was honoured with the TMU Gold Medal and the Governor General Gold Medal at convocation this fall. These highest honours recognize her outstanding academic performance and extracurricular involvement throughout her graduate career.
Makimoto’s journey at TMU began in the medical physics undergraduate program. After discovering a passion for research during her fourth-year thesis, she continued her studies at the university, pursuing a master’s degree before later reclassifying to the PhD program. During her graduate career, Makimoto achieved a perfect 4.33 GPA and earned highly competitive awards, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and the CIHR Canadian Graduate Scholarship.
Under the supervision of professor Miranda Kirby, Makimoto’s doctoral work focused on a deeply personal mission: improving diagnosis and health outcomes for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Makimoto’s connection to the disease began when her grandmother was diagnosed with COPD and passed away from it only a few years later. In 2024, Makimoto earned recognition as one of ten Ontario Women's Health Scholars for her groundbreaking research on using AI models to improve COPD diagnostic accuracy in women. Her findings were published in top journals and presented internationally, significantly advancing the field of respiratory and medical imaging.
Beyond her research, Makimoto demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership and initiative at TMU and beyond. She served on various committees and engaged the community by facilitating medical physics workshops through Science Rendezvous and SciXchange. Professionally, she co-chaired the Imaging Network Ontario student committee and served as a reviewer, chair, and judge at conferences.
Learn more about her journey at TMU:
What does receiving the TMU Gold Medal and Governor General Gold Medal mean to you?
Receiving the TMU Gold Medal and the Governor General Gold Medal is an incredible honour and extremely meaningful to me. Having completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at TMU, receiving these awards feels like a culmination of my academic journey. These awards represent my commitment to my academics and also my involvement within and outside the TMU community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at TMU?
My proudest accomplishment at TMU was defending my PhD thesis on computed tomography imaging features with AI models for predicting COPD outcomes. It was a milestone that symbolized years of hard work and perseverance. Seeing my research come together and realizing the potential impact was incredibly rewarding. Beyond the academic achievement, completing my dissertation also marked the end of my studies at TMU, where I had tremendous personal and professional growth. I will cherish those times, the mentors and the community that supported me throughout my studies, especially Dr. Miranda Kirby, Dr. Michael Kolios, Dr. Elodie Lugez, and my labmates.
What advice do you have for current or future students?
My advice for current and future TMU students is to believe in yourself and always try your best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class or in the lab. Oftentimes, asking questions helps deepen your understanding and can also spark valuable conversations that broaden your perspectives and open unexpected doors.
What are your future plans? How has TMU prepared you for your future?
Currently, I am continuing in research as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In the future, I aspire to continue in research and academia and become a principal investigator of my own research lab. TMU has prepared me for my future by providing opportunities that have expanded my academic, research, and leadership skills. These skills have provided a foundation that will enable me to continue to excel in my current and future roles.
Related stories: