PhD in Management graduate Samin Shaaban-Nejad awarded 2026 TMU Gold Medal

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Gold Medal is the university’s highest honour, awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement and exceptional involvement in the university, their profession and their community. The Fall 2026 winner from the Ted Rogers School of Management is PhD in Management graduate Samin Shaaban-Nejad.

Shaaban-Nejad is an exceptional doctoral scholar whose academic excellence is reflected in the highest GPA among PhD students at the Ted Rogers School, alongside numerous competitive scholarships and awards.

Her interdisciplinary dissertation on electric vehicle adoption demonstrates originality, methodological sophistication and significant societal relevance, earning unanimous support from her examining committee.

Beyond scholarship, Shaaban-Nejad has made meaningful community contributions as a Disability Justice Ambassador, helping organize TMU’s second Annual Student-Led Accessibility Conference, and through Diversity Institute initiatives. Her sustained academic and community engagement exemplifies the distinction the Gold Medal recognizes.

Here is what Shaaban-Nejad had to say about her time at TMU, receiving the Gold Medal award and her plans for the future: 

What does receiving the TMU Gold Medal mean to you?

Receiving the TMU Gold Medal is one of those moments that is difficult to put into words. I came to TMU hoping to learn, grow and contribute something meaningful through my research, but I never imagined that this journey would lead to such an honour.

To me, the medal is not simply a recognition of academic achievement, it represents years of learning, persistence and the kindness of people who helped me along the way. It also carries a sense of responsibility. Being recognized in this way makes me want to do more, give back and make sure that the opportunities I've been fortunate to receive can help open doors for others.

I'm deeply honoured, but above all, I am grateful. This recognition will always remind me of the people and the university community that helped me become who I am today.

What advice would you give students entering their first year?

Be curious, be kind to yourself, and don't be afraid to take a different path.

I think students sometimes feel pressured to have everything figured out from the beginning, but university is also about discovering who you are, what matters to you and what you're capable of.

Get to know your professors, ask questions and don't be afraid to reach out when you need help. Some of the most important opportunities begin with a simple conversation.

And please don't compare your journey to someone else's. Progress isn't always a straight line, and taking longer or doing things differently doesn't make your achievements any less meaningful.

Do you have any favourite classes/teachers, and what made them stand out?

What has stayed with me most from my time at TMU is the people. I've been fortunate to learn from professors and mentors who did much more than share their knowledge. They made time to listen, encouraged me when things were difficult and challenged me to see beyond what I thought I was capable of.

I'm especially grateful to the faculty members who supported my doctoral research and believed in its potential. Their guidance helped me grow not just as a researcher, but as a person.

Now that I teach university students myself, I often think about the kind of impact a professor can have through a small act of encouragement. I hope my students feel the same support and confidence that my mentors gave me.

How did Ted Rogers School and TMU support you during your time here?

The Ted Rogers School and TMU have given me much more than an education. They gave me a place to explore my ideas, challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally.

My research brought together sustainability, artificial intelligence and transportation, and I was fortunate to be in an environment that encouraged me to think across disciplines and pursue questions that I genuinely cared about.

I am forever grateful to the Ted Rogers School and the Rogers family for their generosity, and for helping create an environment where students from so many different backgrounds can learn, discover their potential and build their futures. Having a place where people can come together, exchange ideas and feel that their ambitions matter is something I don't take for granted.

Beyond the academic opportunities, it was the people who made my experience special. The professors, mentors, colleagues and staff who offered their time, guidance and encouragement made a real difference in my journey. I will always carry that gratitude with me.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?

Finishing my PhD and receiving the Gold Medal are certainly among my proudest moments, particularly because I know how much perseverance went into reaching them.

But I also take great pride in being an educator and researcher. There's something special about seeing a student who once doubted their abilities begin to believe in themselves. Those moments remind me why I love teaching.

If I had to choose one thing I'm most proud of, it would be that I kept moving forward, even when things didn't go according to plan, and that I've been able to use what I've learned to support others along the way.

What are your future plans?

I hope to continue my work in research and teaching, particularly at the intersection of sustainability, emerging technologies and public policy. I'm interested in how research can move beyond academic discussions and contribute to practical solutions that improve people's lives.

At the same time, I want to become more involved in work that advances equity, accessibility and inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities and Indigenous communities. I believe education and research should not only create knowledge, but also challenge the barriers that prevent people from fully participating and having their voices heard.

As an educator, I want to help create learning environments where students with different backgrounds, experiences and abilities feel they belong and have a genuine opportunity to succeed. I also hope to continue learning from Indigenous perspectives and communities, and to support work that respects their knowledge, priorities and leadership.

I don't know exactly where the next chapter will take me, but I know I want my work to remain connected to people and to have a positive impact beyond the university. If my journey has taught me anything, it's that achievement becomes even more meaningful when you can use it to make things a little easier for someone else.