This is Lassonde: Recent Episodes
Lassonde School of Engineering
Bringing you fresh conversations from our School’s community.
Each episode will feature stories from our students, profs, alumni and industry partners, who are designing solutions to complex problems and pushing our world forward.
Tune in as these stories will engage, inspire and delight you to create human impact through science and engineering.
Join us as we dive into the inspiring stories of Lassonde alumni Rita and Michael, who both graduated with master’s degrees in Civil Engineering. Learn what sparked their passion for the field and how they ultimately made their journey to the Yukon after graduation. Along the way, they share the unique challenges they encountered and the unforgettable moments that shaped their trek from the classroom to the engineering frontiers of the Yukon.
In this episode of 'This is Lassonde,' we chat with Joaquin, a Lassonde student who made the bold decision to switch academic programs and pursue mechanical engineering. Discover how his passion for problem-solving and innovation has shaped his journey, the challenges he overcame, and why he’s excited about the role AI plays in his research.
Tune in for an inspiring story about resilience, discovery, and breaking new ground!
Embark on a journey of innovation and inspiration with Civil Engineering Professor Mojgan Jadidi. From her creation of the XR Sandbox teaching tool to envisioning digital twin cities, Professor Jadidi’s passion for transformative learning experiences is clear. Join us in analyzing the intersection of art and engineering and get a glimpse into the exciting initiatives shaping the future of education.
Today, we’re sitting down with Kevin Hui, a fourth-year Computer Science student and Lassonde Scholar, and we invite you to join us to learn about his inspiring journey. From coding and research to digital art and entrepreneurship, Kevin's story is a testament to creativity and passion. Discover how he blends his love for programming with his artistic talents, leading to groundbreaking projects and impactful community involvement. Tune in for an engaging discussion about his experiences, achievements, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.
Today, we’re sitting down with alumna Shelly Sahani on ‘This is Lassonde’ and we invite you to join us and discover her extraordinary journey. From designing award-winning projects in space engineering to making significant strides in the realm of cybersecurity, Shelly’s story is a testament to passion, innovation, interdisciplinarity and commitment to empowering others through technology. Tune in for an insightful discussion about her projects, community involvement and valuable lessons learned along the way.
Join us in a captivating conversation with Professor Matthew Perras from the Civil Engineering department at Lassonde. From deciphering the differences between geological and geotechnical realms to exploring climate-influenced design, this episode takes you on a journey through ancient tombs, innovative research and the transformative Climate-Data-Drive Design (CD3) Facility. Plus, get an exclusive insight into Professor Perras’ engaging YouTube channel, GeoMechanic, and get a glimpse at the future of geotechnical engineering.
Join us on this episode of ‘This is Lassonde’ as we navigate the fascinating world of autonomous trucking with Raghavender, the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of NuPort Robotics. We have an in-depth discussion about his research accolades, entrepreneurial insights and the future of transportation. We also explore how NuPort Robotics is driving sustainable solutions and revolutionizing the way we envision the road ahead.
In this episode, we sit down with Yusra Sani, a civil engineering student at the Lassonde School of Engineering. Yusra shares how her passion for civil engineering was first sparked during high school, through a mentorship-based program she took part in. Join us as we discuss how Yusra seamlessly integrates her artistic passions with civil engineering and her advice about balancing academics and extracurriculars for a fulfilling educational experience.
Join us for a riveting conversation with Professor Terry Sachlos from Lassonde’s Department of Mechanical Engineering who is also the Associate Director of the Bergeron Entrepreneurs of Science and Technology (BEST) program. In this episode, we dive into the dynamic worlds of stem cell engineering, regenerative medicine and entrepreneurship. Then, we discuss the potential impact of his groundbreaking research on bone marrow transplants and autoimmune disorders. Finally, we hear insights about the BEST program and how it bridges science and entrepreneurship.
On this episode of This is Lassonde, we are joined by Lassonde Scholars Kiet and Fatema along with our host (and Scholar!), Shannon, as they share the unique journeys, challenges and the transformative experiences that shaped their paths at Lassonde. From academic excellence to community leadership, get inspired by the resilience and commitment of these exceptional students as they reflect on their time as Lassonde Scholars and offer valuable advice.
In this special episode, we celebrate World Water Day with Ginelle Aziz, a master’s candidate in the Civil Engineering program at Lassonde. We dive into the importance of environmental engineering, the significance of World Water Day, and the real-world impact of Ginelle’s research on geothermal heat pumps and bioremediation. Plus, we explore the intersection of academia and advocacy, as Ginelle shares her commitment to promoting sustainability and water conservation through her involvement with Engineers Without Borders. This episode is a call to action – a reminder that each small ripple can create waves of change.
In this special International Women’s Day episode, we are honoured to be joined by two remarkable Lassonde alumni, Peace and Josephine, who share their inspiring journeys in the world of civil engineering. As we celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, Peace and Josephine leave us with valuable insights and advice, reminding us that innovation in engineering thrives when we embrace diverse perspectives. From overcoming challenges to challenging stereotypes, their stories resonate with the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and perseverance.
Join us in an inspiring episode as we delve into the captivating story of Daphene Solis, a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Lassonde. From her roots in Brazil to her pioneering work in 4D bioprinting, Daphene shares her experiences, the intersection of mechanical engineering and biology, and the exciting future of medical advancements. Tune in to gain insights into her journey, teaching endeavors, and empowering advice for students and women in STEM.
Dr. Alvine Boya Belle is an Assistant Professor in Lassonde’s Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department with a passion for bridging the realms of technology and human expression. In this episode, we unravel her captivating journey into computer science and delve into her groundbreaking research on system assurance. Then, we explore the poetic side of her life and how combining art and science can help communicate complex scientific concepts.
In this episode, Lassonde student Ian Porto takes us on a deep dive into the Space Engineering program. Follow his journey from the start, as he shares experiences with projects like the ESSENCE Space Mission and the LURA program. Then, discover the ins and outs of CubeSat satellites, the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom and hear his favourite aspects of space engineering.
In this episode, we're joined by Artem Solovey and Maedeh Sedaghat to explore Lassonde's Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program. Artem is a master's student in Civil Engineering and Maedeh is the Manager for the BEST program. We talk to them all about what BEST offers, how students benefit from the program and the importance of an entrepreneurial STEM mindset!
Twin sisters, Kene and Kosi Oraka, are second-year Lassonde students and recipients of the Lassonde Scholarship, who are highly engaged in the campus community. In this episode, the duo opens up about their journey as international students and the unique challenges they faced transitioning into university, from overcoming homesickness to adapting to online learning. Then, they share valuable advice on achieving a harmonious work-life balance, empowering listeners to conquer their academic pursuits while nurturing their personal well-being.
Yan Shvartzshnaider is a Software Engineering professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering who focuses on privacy and security in computer systems. In this episode, he takes us on a journey through the challenges of determining proper privacy measures amid an ever-evolving technological landscape. As online learning gains momentum, we uncover the pressing privacy concerns that arise with this shift toward virtual education. From data protection to online surveillance, Professor Shvartzshnaider provides valuable expertise and sheds light on how we can safeguard our digital experiences.
Adonai Garcia, a Masters of Civil Engineering student at Lassonde, is dedicated to promoting safe, accessible and eco-friendly transportation. In this episode, he shares his involvement in research projects centred around electric vehicles, including electric cargo bikes and the SARIT. Adonai also recounts his impactful journey biking across the Dominican Republic to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of single-use plastics. Plus, hear his valuable advice on adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.
This week, we're catching up with Dr. Pirathayini Srikantha, an assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department at Lassonde. Her research focuses on power grid systems and the distribution of electricity. In this episode, you will learn about her career path, the work she does as a professor here at Lassonde.
Lassonde's k2i academy is on a mission to break down systemic barriers in STEM and create an innovative ecosystem by working together with partners to design creative solutions. In this episode, Lisa Cole and Michelle Tsui-Woods share how the k2i academy is fostering equitable access to quality education. Discover the academy's origins and goals, and learn how students can get involved.
Dr. Gene Cheung is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department at the Lassonde School of Engineering. In this episode, he discusses his path to York University and the exciting work he does as a professor. Then, prepare to be inspired as we delve into Dr. Cheung's fascinating research in Virtual Reality. Discover what motivated him to explore this cutting-edge field and the incredible possibilities it holds for education and medicine.
In this episode, we are joined by Stephen Low, a Computer Engineering alumnus. We chat about his current position at Amazon and how he played a key role in the launch of Amazon Music’s podcast platform. We then go back and discuss his undergraduate experience at Lassonde, and he tells us about all the ways he got involved on campus, from extracurriculars to co-op, and the history behind the leather Lassonde engineering jackets you might see around campus.
On this special Earth Day episode, we’re joined by Marina Freire-Gormaly, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Lassonde. Her research aims to make a positive impact on the environment, with a focus on UNSDG #6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. From solar-powered water treatment systems to energy recovery systems for remote communities without access to grid electricity, Professor Freire-Gormaly's work is truly cutting-edge.
In this episode, we chat with Franz Newland, an associate professor in the Earth and Space Science and Engineering department at Lassonde. Professor Newland discusses his journey and passion for the space sciences, including his international experience working at institutions like the European Space Agency, and how he found his way to Lassonde. He will also delve into his research on satellite technologies and his participation in the CubeSat team at York University.
Join us on this special episode as we celebrate World Water Day. This annual United Nations observance on March 22 brings attention to the importance of fresh water and the need for sustainable management of freshwater resources. Our guests today are Dr. Satinder Brar and Dr. Usman Khan, two Civil Engineering faculty members who are making a significant impact in water research while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Clean Water and Sanitation and Climate Action. Listen in as we discuss the various contaminants affecting Canada's water sources, the benefits of using value-added bioproducts for water treatment, and the effects of climate change on urban water systems and how sustainable urban planning can prevent flooding.
Olga Klushina graduated from the Electrical Engineering program Lassonde School of Engineering in 2022. In this episode, we chat about her experience taking part in the BEST Certificate Program at Lassonde and how it led to her current role as a Systems Engineering Lead at KPM Power. We also hear about all the different ways she got involved as a student and how those experiences allowed her to make valuable connections that helped her on her career journey.
In this episode, we are joined by Brandon Loy, an Electrical Engineering alumnus from Lassonde and a current software engineer at Tesla. He talks to us about his journey from an electrical engineering degree to a career in software engineering, as well as his experience working at one of the most innovative companies in the world. He also reminisces about his time at Lassonde and offers valuable advice to new grads.
In this episode, we sit down with Solomon Boakye-Yiadom, an associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Lassonde. He tells us all about his research into materials and structures before diving into a discussion about the equity, diversity and inclusion work being done at Lassonde and in his lab to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of Black scientists and engineers. He also tells us how he's inspiring youth from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM. Finally, we learn all about his involvement in an exciting project with National Geographic.
In today’s episode, we are joined by Chimira Andres, a PhD student in Lassonde’s Earth and Space Science program. Chimira has travelled all around the world throughout her educational journey and worked with various organizations such as the European, Canadian and Italian Space Agencies and NASA. In this episode, she reflects on her educational path and how she ended up here. She also discusses her upcoming travels to France as part of the Coutelle Program, where she will be exploring glacier formations on Mars through a doctoral scholarship. Finally, she describes the parallels between her two passions, professional dance and space, and gives advice on maintaining a work-life balance.
Follow Chimira on Twitter: @RocksNRockets
In this episode, we are joined by Austin Martins, a graduate student studying Civil Engineering at Lassonde. He tells us about his journey, and how the passion and camaraderie he saw from the students and professors at York inspired him to attend Lassonde as an undergraduate student. He then shares some of his most memorable moments and describes the hands-on experiences that his Civil Engineering classes offered him. We also explore his experience doing undergraduate summer research. Finally, he gives advice to students about how to make the most out of their university experience.
Chris Korfmann is an Electrical Engineering student at Lassonde who comes from a kinesiology background. In this episode, he tells us why he chose electrical engineering and how he hopes to apply his engineering education to the medical field. We also learn about the research he is doing with the Hili Group and some of the current discoveries in the field, such as the advancement in DNA reading, editing and storage technology. Finally, tells us a bit about his life at Lassonde and gives advice to future students.
In this episode, we talk to Mechanical Engineering alumna, Jowana Burgan, who tells us how her love of hands-on work led her to pursue engineering and study at Lassonde. We also hear about what inspired her to create the 'Girls Mechanic Team', a group dedicated to teaching girls car maintenance, and all of the doors that decision opened for her. Finally, she shares advice for other women in STEM based on her own experience.
Nicolas D'etremont is a Lassonde alumnus, now working as a Meteorologist in Ottawa. In this episode, he shares how a childhood fear of thunder led him to develop an unexpected passion for weather and ultimately brought him to the Atmospheric Science program at Lassonde. He also tells us about his work predicting the weather using mathematical models and gives us some examples of extreme weather patterns he’s seen. Finally, he talks about his many experiential learning opportunities, and how important it is to get involved as a student.
Dr. Neil Tandon is an Atmospheric Science professor at Lassonde and a researcher in climate dynamics. In this episode, he tells us about his unconventional journey to becoming a professor and how his love of mathematics led to his discovery of atmospheric science. We also chat with him about his experience as a professor and researcher, and he describes the impact that the COVID quarantine had on his work. Finally, he gives us an overview of what climate dynamics is and the real-world implications of his research.
Maira Zafar is a Lassonde Mechanical Engineering Alumna now working in Business Development and Marketing at Morgan Solar Inc, a Toronto-based solar technology innovator. In this episode, Maira discusses her interest in renewable energy, her concerns about the climate crisis, her passion for sustainable fashion and how she found her inspiration for engineering design at the intersection of all these things. She also tells us about her experience as an international student from the UAE, and encourages students to get involved on campus to discover new interests.
Josh Sahota is an alumnus of Lassonde’s Computer Security program, now working as a security consultant for IBM. In this episode, he discusses how his fascination with technology and hands-on learning at a young age transformed into an interest in computer networking, and how that led him to the Computer Security program at Lassonde. He also talks about how his final year capstone project, dealing with malware, introduced him to the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet collecting and sharing data, and his passion for keeping these devices safe and secure. Finally, he advocates for the power of networking, and how you can utilize platforms like LinkedIn to help discover the right career path for you.
Simran Kanda is a Lassonde Computer Science Alumna, currently working as a Project Manager at Montreal New Tech, a nonprofit dedicated to the success of startups and entrepreneurs. In this episode, she tells us about how her love for math and programming led her to Lassonde and describes her learning journey as a first-generation post-secondary learner. We also hear about the many ways she got involved with the Lassonde community and supported her fellow students, through running activities such as a hackathon for women and non-binary students, and a workshop series for skill and confidence building.
Jeff Harris is an Assistant Professor and Director of Common Engineering at Lassonde. In this episode, he tells us how he strives to create impact through engineering education and how he has worked to implement active learning and flipped classrooms. He then gives us a look at how the role of engineering has evolved over time. Finally, he describes what a T-shaped engineer is, and how he and his colleagues work to impart these skills to their engineering students.
Dr. Stephanie Gora is an assistant professor of Civil Engineering at Lassonde. In this episode, she discusses her career path and how she went from a high school student with an interest in biology, to a renowned researcher with a focus on drinking water management in small and Arctic communities and the development and evaluation of light-based technologies for water purification. She also discusses her experience as a woman working in #STEM, and gives advice to students who are struggling to find their place after graduation. Finally, she tells us what she loves about teaching at Lassonde.
In this episode, we meet Connor Dear, a Software Engineering Alumnus. He tells us how Canadian Astronaut, Chris Hadfield, inspired him to pursue engineering, which led him to the Space Engineering program at Lassonde. He then describes his undergraduate student journey, how he caught the software engineering bug, and assures other students that it’s okay to switch programs if they discover a new passion. He also emphasizes the value of the university community and the importance of collaboration.
Mahrus Kazi is a Lassonde Alumnus from the Electrical Engineering program currently working as an Automation Engineer at Apple. In this episode, he describes how joining a FIRST Robotics team in high school sparked his passion for engineering and talks about the impact that a mentor can have on your future.
He then discusses his undergraduate experience, highlighting how taking part in the annual Lassonde Silicon Valley Tech Tour led him to a co-op at Tesla and living and working in California. Finally, he tells us how he landed his current role at Apple and reveals his future aspirations.
Saiba Trisa is a recent grad of the Computer Engineering program at Lassonde. In this episode, she talks about her experience on campus as an international student from Dubai, and how the Lassonde community supported her. She also gives advice to students and talks about what they can expect during their final-year capstone project and how to make the most of the experience. Finally, she tells us about her 16-month co-op experience with Hydro One and how it has helped prepare her for the next stage of her engineering career.
In this episode, we meet Kanishk Singh, who takes us on a journey as he discusses how his interest in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SGDs) led him to the Civil Engineering and International Development program at Lassonde. He then tells us how his education played a role in landing his dream job at the United Nations in Denmark and gives us a look into what a day at the UN looks like. Finally, he describes how he caught the ‘travel bug’ from participating in experiential learning opportunities at Lassonde and gives advice to current students on how to make the most out of their university experience.
Theresa Nguyen is a Lassonde Alumna with a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and International Development, currently working as a Junior Mechanical Engineer at a sustainable startup company in Portland, Oregon. In this episode, she explains how a desire to create societal change and combine her love of politics with technical skills led her to complete the dual degree program. She also discusses how government policy and technical solutions can work together to solve complex issues and gives advice to high school students about how they can combine their passions with engineering.
Gbemisola Akerele is a Lassonde student currently finishing her 4th year in the Computer Science program. In this episode, she discusses how her mother’s mobility issues inspired her to develop a fitness app for people with disabilities as her final year capstone project. We also learn about her involvement with Lassonde’s k2i academy, and how she is working to bring STEM education to underrepresented communities, such as girls and Black youth. She also discusses her plans for the future, and how she hopes to bring awareness to the technical innovations of Africa.
Anson Thomas is an alumnus from Lassonde’s Civil Engineering program. He is currently working as a project coordinator for light-rail transit (LRT). This week, we sit down to talk with him about how he is applying his Lassonde education in the "real world". Anson shares his “a-ha" moment with us – a time in his childhood that helped him realize that he wanted to connect people and cities – which led him to pursue civil engineering.
Alison Evans Adnani is the senior program lead for the Dev Degree team at Shopify. She has more than 25 years of experience as a developer and lead of education and training for global technology companies.
This week, Alison sits down with us to discuss Dev Degree, a four-year integrated learning program offered by the Lassonde School of Engineering and Shopify, as well as her own journey from computer science at York to the software industry.