Research &amp; Innovation

Department of Chemistry

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Robert Morris (supplied image)

Robert Morris, a professor in the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has received the American Chemical Society (ACS)'s Award in Organometallic Chemistry.

The award, which is among ACS's 2025 National Awards, celebrates recent advancements in research in organometallic chemistry.

In its award citation, ACS said Morris has "significantly advanced our understanding of transition metal hydride and dihydrogen complexes and the role they play in catalytic organometallic reactions."

Morris said he has been overwhelmed by the support of colleagues who have congratulated him on this achievement. “It is very generous of the American Chemical Society to share its National Awards with international scientists," he said.

"I also have to thank the fantastic students – both graduate and undergraduate – and postdoctoral fellows who have done research in my lab over 44 years, and NSERC for funding this fundamental research.”

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PhD student Alex Gabbey recognized by Women Chemists Committee

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:45:10 +0000

PhD student Alex Gabbey recognized by Women Chemists Committee

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:45

Students

Department of Chemistry

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Alex Gabbey (supplied image)

Alex Gabbey, a PhD student in the research group of Professor Sophie Rousseaux in the department of chemistry at the Faculty of Arts & Science, has received the Merck Research Award from the Women Chemists Committee.

Gabbey's research explores Ni-catalyzed reactions of redox-active esters, as well as the synthesis and functionalization of strained rings. She previously received a number of awards from the department of chemistry including the Adrian Brook Graduate Scholarship in Organic Chemistry and Merck Canada Ltd. Chemistry Conference Award.

"These awards are a testament to what a fantastic research group I’m part of. No one conducts research in a vacuum and I’ve been fortunate to have amazing lab mates to bounce ideas off of and troubleshoot problems with," said Gabbey.

"I’ve also had a phenomenal supervisor in Sophie. She has been incredibly supportive of me from day one, whether it’s applying for scholarships, trying new ideas, applying for conferences – you name it. I couldn’t be more grateful for the research environment and support in the Rousseaux group."

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51 faculty members receive Connaught New Researcher Awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:15:00 +0000

51 faculty members receive Connaught New Researcher Awards

Connaught New Researcher Awards

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 08/23/2024 - 19:15

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The University of Toronto has recognized 51 faculty members across its three campuses with Connaught New Researcher Awards.

The annual awards support early-stage researchers in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering and other fields – and aim to enhance their competitiveness for external awards. They are part of the Connaught Fund, Canada’s largest internal university research funding program.

“The Connaught New Researcher Awards are designed to help accelerate the research programs of our hugely talented early-career scholars as they establish themselves in their respective fields,” said Leah Cowen, �山ǿ��’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“I am excited to see their work on a range of important issues such as next-generation vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases, decarbonization retrofits and housing affordability, and the physics of wildfire-generated storms."

Read the �山ǿ�� Engineering story on Aereas Aung

Read the Temerty Medicine story on Linna Tam-Seto

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9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:04:44 +0000

9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 08/22/2024 - 19:04

Connaught Community Research Partnership Award

Scarborough

Connaught Fund

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Department of Anthropology

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Rotman School of Management

Faculty of Dentistry

�山ǿ�� Scarborough

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Nine researchers from the University of Toronto have received Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards.

Given by the Connaught Fund, the awards support research carried out in collaboration with non-academic community partners and driven by their needs and priorities. For the 2024-25 funding cycle, the Connaught Committee made the decision to exceed its $300,000 allocation to award a total of $820,000 to nine research initiatives.

“It is a testament to the range and excellence of research proposals that the Connaught Fund will, this year, support more Community Partnership Research Programs than ever before,” said Leah Cowen, �山ǿ��’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“In recent years, projects supported by this program have blossomed into established relationships that are enriching research at our university and poised to have a sustained impact on communities.

“I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case with this year’s awarded projects, which address complex challenges that range from tracking contaminants in traditional foods in First Nations to enhancing the wellness of older adults in retirement living.”

The recipients of the 2024-25 Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards are:

Elyse Caron-Beaudoin, department of health and society, �山ǿ�� Scarborough – Kihcinahowin kîspin piscipowin astîk kimîcowinân (Tracking contaminants in traditional foods)
Mark Chignell, department of mechanical and industrial engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Activity spaces for community-living older adults: Implementing a pilot space in a naturally occurring retirement community and evaluating its impact on physical and cognitive function, and social interaction
Bernhard Ganss, Faculty of Dentistry – Chalky teeth in Ontario’s children: Determining prevalence and raising awareness in the Durham region
Daniel Grace, department of social and behavioural health sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Advancing 2-spirited health equity: Learning through the narratives of 2-spirited people impacted by HIV
Matthew Hoffmann, department of political science, �山ǿ�� Scarborough – From envisioning to empowering a just transition in Scarborough
Sheng Liu, operations management and statistics, Rotman School of Management – Enhancing support for survivors of abuse through intelligent volunteer management
Angela Mashford-Pringle, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Rivers of plenty: Enabling heart healthy eating in James and Hudson’s Bay
Laura Risk, department of arts, culture and media, �山ǿ�� Scarborough – Old sounds, new stories: A partnership with the Canadian Museum of History to activate the Fonds Jean Trudel
Daniel Sellen, department of anthropology, Faculty of Arts & Science – The ecosystem of birthing and lactation in Toronto: Lived experiences of marginalized parents and the role of community support providers

Amy Bilton receives 2023-24 McLean Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:17:52 +0000

Amy Bilton receives 2023-24 McLean Award

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 08/21/2024 - 19:17

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Connaught Fund

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

McLean Award

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Amy Bilton (photo by Pam Walls)

Amy Bilton, an associate professor in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and director of the Centre for Global Engineering, has received the 2023-24 McLean Award.

Jointly funded by the University of Toronto’s McLean endowment and the Connaught Fund, the McLean Award is given to an early-career scholar to assist in attracting and supporting graduate students and post-doctoral fellows involved in basic research in physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering sciences or statistical sciences.

Bilton’s research lies at the intersection of theoretical design and control techniques and the development of physical electromechanical systems – with applications in water purification, desalination and renewable energy. She is the director of the Water and Energy Research Lab, which focuses on developing innovative water and energy technologies and computer-based design methods.

“Amy Bilton has distinguished herself as an exceptionally accomplished researcher in the field of sustainable energy and design for global development,” said Leah Cowen, �山ǿ��’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “From finding ways to encourage adoption of rainwater harvesting to leveraging solar-powered systems to improve water quality for fish aquaculture, her research stands to have a real-world impact on communities in Canada and around the world.

“I would like to congratulate her on this most deserved recognition of her work.”

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Three PhD candidates receive 2024 Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:19:32 +0000

Three PhD candidates receive 2024 Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Awards

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:19

Students

Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomedical Research

Jennifer Dorrington Award

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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L-R: Heta Lad, Delaram Pouyabahar and Justin Sing (supplied images)

Three PhD candidates in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine have been selected to receive Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Awards.

Heta Lad, Delaram Pouyabahar and Justin Sing received the award in support of their research in bioengineering muscle tissue to study critical illness myopathy, mapping the liver at single-cell resolution, and improving mass spectrometry data analysis for personalized medicine, respectively.

The award was established in 2006 as a tribute to Jennifer Dorrington, who was a professor in �山ǿ��'s Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, where she conducted cutting-edge research in reproductive biology and ovarian cancer. It is designed to support outstanding graduate students in achieving their research goals while contributing to the Donnelly Centre's history of excellence in advancing discovery, medicine and health.

“On behalf of everyone on the Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Award committee, I would like to offer my congratulations to this year’s winners,” said Gary Bader, professor of molecular genetics and chair of the award selection committee. “Heta Lad, Delaram Pouyabahar and Justin Sing are all exemplary researchers who embody the innovative and collaborative spirit of the Donnelly Centre.”

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Sheena Josselyn recognized by American Association for the Advancement of Science

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:53:28 +0000

Sheena Josselyn recognized by American Association for the Advancement of Science

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 08/08/2024 - 09:53

AAAS Fellows

Department of Physiology

Department of Psychology

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

The Hospital for Sick Children

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(photo courtesy of The Hospital for Sick Children)

Sheena Josselyn, a senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and a professor in the department of psychology in the Faculty of Arts & Science and the department of physiology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, has been elected a 2023 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow.

The AAAS is one of the world’s largest scientific societies and publisher of the Science family of journals. Its fellowships, launched in 1874, represent a distinguished lifetime honour within the scientific community.

Josselyn, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Brain Mechanisms Underlying Memory, was recognized for her contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly for establishing the existence of engrams – physical or chemical changes in the brain that correspond to memories.

Understanding how engrams are formed and connected in the brain may lead to effective therapies that target conditions disrupting memories, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The 2023 AAAS Fellows were announced in April 2024.

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Five �山ǿ�� researchers recognized for student mental health research

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:40:35 +0000

Five �山ǿ�� researchers recognized for student mental health research

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 07/24/2024 - 09:40

Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Inlight Student Mental Health Research Initiative

IHPME

OISE

�山ǿ�� Scarborough

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(L-R) Notisha Massaquoi, Megan Boler, Daniel Grace, Emily Seto and Antje Budde (supplied images)

Five researchers from across the University of Toronto have received 2023-2024 Inlight Research Development Grants.

The grants support early-stage research, knowledge synthesis and partnership projects that advance post-secondary student mental health and wellness. They are awarded by Inlight Student Mental Health Research, a �山ǿ�� institutional strategic initiative.

The projects address critical areas such as needs, experiences and access to mental health services for LGBTQ2S+, Black and international students as well as the impacts of technology like generative AI on anxiety. All projects include students as co-investigators or collaborators.

The recipients are:

Megan Boler, professor in the department of social justice education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
Antje Budde, associate professor in the Centre for Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies at the Faculty of Arts & Science
Daniel Grace, associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Notisha Massaquoi, assistant professor in the department of health and society at �山ǿ�� Scarborough
Emily Seto, associate professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Amanda Uliaszek, Inlight's associate director of research and an associate professor of psychology at �山ǿ�� Scarborough, said the researchers are "using unique and innovative approaches to enhance our knowledge and understanding of not only the mental health needs of our diverse student population, but also the ways in which artificial intelligence and other forms of technology are creating a bigger impact.”

“That is exciting for us to see, and we are proud to be able to continue to support this important research and work.”

Mark Lautens recognized with E. C. Taylor Senior Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:20:33 +0000

Mark Lautens recognized with E. C. Taylor Senior Award

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 07/19/2024 - 10:20

Department of Chemistry

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Mark Lautens (supplied image)

Mark Lautens, a University Professor and chair of the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been selected to receive the E. C. Taylor Senior Award from the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry.

The biennial award, named after the late Princeton University chemist Edward C. Taylor, recognizes researchers for outstanding contributions to the field of heterocyclic chemistry.

Lautens's research group focuses on making bioactive natural products and medicinally relevant structures using catalytic reactions. “Being recognized for what we make rather than how we make it was a very nice feeling,” said Lautens. “Most people view our work as being primarily focused on catalysis – that is, making reactions happen faster and finding new reaction pathways using metals as catalysts.

“We identify new and efficient ways to make drugs and analogues – drug-like molecules – so that pharmaceutical researchers can explore how those molecules might be useful as medicines."

Professor Mark Taylor, associate chair of graduate studies in the department of chemistry, noted Lautens joins a list of distinguished scientists to be recognized with the E. C. Taylor Senior Award. “This well-deserved honour celebrates his group’s sustained contributions to the advancement of heterocycle synthesis," Taylor said.

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Jeremy Quastel awarded inaugural Paul Lévy Prize in Probability

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:11:12 +0000

Jeremy Quastel awarded inaugural Paul Lévy Prize in Probability

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 07/18/2024 - 15:11

Department of Mathematics