EAN Awards
Alumni are a vital part of every university community. The strength of our entire community is made stronger by the involvement and engagement of our alumni. The time donated to mentor students, donations made to fund scholarships and club funds, and continually propelling innovation in the industry. The impact of our alumni is felt in everything we do.
The Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) Awards is one way we recognize and celebrate our alumni for their outstanding achievements. This year’s outstanding winners showcase the range of the engineering field and how we can have a true impact on the world.
As we celebrate 150 years of driving engineering innovation, we look to the past but also forward at all the great things this community has yet to achieve. We celebrate past recipients & leadership volunteers whose successes and achievements have given us so much to be proud of as a Faculty, and we look forward to another 150 years of discovery.
2025 EAN Award Winners
Natasha Baker
Rising Star Award
Rudolf Seracino
Research & Innovation Award
David McColl
Industry Award
Jacquelyn R. MacCoon
Citizenship Award
Michael H. May
Distinguished Alumni Award
Rayla Myhal
Honorary Alumna Award
Click each photo to learn more about the award recipient!
Engineering Alumni Network
The Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) sustains and enhances the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering's academic mission, leadership and worldwide impact by engaging alumni, students and private sector constituents meaningfully building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction.
The EAN wishes to express appreciation to members of the 2025 awards committee.
This committee is comprised of past EAN recipients and Engineering alumni. We thank them for their time and commitment to the award selection process.
Alumni adjudicators
- Caprice Boisvert, Mech 9T3
- Paul Cadario, CivE 7T3
- Janis Chodas, EngSci 7T8, UTIAS MASc 8T0, Hon DSc 1T8
- Phil De Luna, MSE PhD 1T9
- Andrew Forde, MSE 1T1
- Joelle Javier, MSE 1T0
- Mathew Szeto, ECE 0T
- Michael Zahra, ECE 8T8
Thank you to our donor community
U of T Engineering prepares the next generation of engineering leaders and change makers to unlock the future's boundless potential. With ever-changing global challenges, support from our community is more important than ever.
The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is grateful to the members of the Skule™ Society for their generous and ongoing support. Their annual gifts of $1,000 to $24,999 (or of $250 and above for current students and young alumni who have graduated in the last decade) enhance the experiences of our students, contribute to Faculty excellence, and improve our labs and classrooms.
See a full list of our donors https://alumni.engineering.utoronto.ca/contribute/donor-recognition/
Build community
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2025 Engineering Alumni Network Awards Recipients
Rising Star Award
This award recognizes a graduate under 40, working within or beyond engineering, who has achieved remarkable early-career success and significantly impacted their field. These alumni are cross-disciplinary thinkers who make meaningful contributions to ideas that shape the future. Nominees should consistently demonstrate innovative thinking and a pioneering spirit and show potential to transform their industries with bold vision and forward-looking leadership. Nominees must exhibit a clear trajectory of influence, creativity and innovation.
Natasha Baker, ECE 0T8
Natasha Baker is a bold innovator in the electronics design industry, leading the charge to make hardware engineering faster, smarter and more accessible. As founder and CEO of SnapMagic, she built the world’s largest proprietary database of electronic component models and launched an AI-powered co-pilot that is transforming how engineers design circuit boards.
SnapMagic began when Baker hit a bottleneck designing a circuit board early in her career at National Instruments. Frustrated by the slow, manual process, she built a solution — now used by over 2 million engineers and trusted by the world’s largest component suppliers, distributors and EDA companies.
Baker launched SnapMagic (formerly SnapEDA) as a solo founder, coding the initial platform herself and attracting thousands of users at organizations like NASA and Lockheed Martin before hiring her first developer. Today, SnapMagic has grown into a Silicon Valley company with 30+ team members and over 4 million CAD model downloads annually, all with a mission to save engineers millions of hours in design time.
A graduate of Y Combinator, Baker has built SnapMagic into a multi-million dollar business, raised over $4.5 million from top-tier investors and holds a U.S. patent for the company's verification technology.
Baker’s impact extends beyond innovation — she’s passionate about expanding access to opportunity through education. A proud U of T Engineering alum, she mentors aspiring engineers and remains active in the community, driven by the belief that while talent is everywhere, exposure to what’s possible often isn’t.
She believes that great tools unlock creativity and progress and by helping engineers spend more time innovating, they can create better products — and a better world.
Research & Innovation Award
This award honours a graduate or a group of graduates whose groundbreaking research or innovative discoveries in engineering advance knowledge, technology or methodologies. It recognizes engineering or scientific achievements with the potential to transform their field, community or society. Apply if your work emphasizes originality and forward-thinking impact.
Rudolf Seracino, CivE 9T3, MASc 9T5
Dr. Rudolf Seracino is a trailblazer in structural engineering whose innovations are transforming how we preserve and protect the world’s aging infrastructure. As the Paul and Dora Zia Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University, he has spent over 25 years pioneering the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials to extend the life of concrete infrastructure—making them safer, more resilient and more sustainable.
From developing rapid-repair systems for earthquake-damaged bridges to designing North Carolina’s first all-FRP reinforced concrete bridge, Dr. Seracino’s innovations are redefining what’s possible in civil engineering. Reinforced concrete is the backbone of modern infrastructure, yet across North America, it is rapidly deteriorating due to corrosion, environmental stress and aging. His work has helped prevent costly shutdowns, extended the lifespan of aging infrastructure and enabled critical hurricane evacuation routes. His Mechanically-Fastened FRP Repair System is now used across the U.S. and earned the ASCE Innovation Award.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Seracino has guided dozens of graduate students and continues to shape building codes and standards worldwide. His research has been cited over 4,000 times, placing him among the top 2% of engineers globally.
Dr. Seracino’s work exemplifies the power of engineering to solve real-world challenges and improve lives, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Research and Innovation Award.
Industry Award
This award celebrates exceptional contributions to industry, recognizing creativity, leadership and professional excellence in applying engineering principles to solve problems, achieve outstanding results and create meaningful impact on industry and society. Apply if your work inspires others and demonstrates significant influence and a lasting legacy in your field.
David McColl, ElecE 7T9
David McColl is a globally respected leader in elevator safety and standards development whose career spans more than 45 years. As Director of Worldwide Codes Development at Otis Elevator Company, the world’s largest elevator manufacturer, McColl has helped shape the global standards that keep millions of people safe every day.
McColl’s work has been instrumental in uniting Canadian and U.S. elevator safety standards, making it easier for companies to build safer, more reliable systems. He played a pivotal role in pioneering risk assessment frameworks and advanced global safety requirements—including the development of Occupant Evacuation Operation (OEO), a groundbreaking code addition enabling safe elevator use during emergency evacuations.
Beyond his technical achievements, McColl is known for his leadership, mentorship and advocacy for public safety. He has led international committees, advised governments and spoken at conferences around the world, always championing Canadian engineering excellence. His contributions have earned him top honours, including the ASME Safety Codes and Standards Medal and Dedicated Service Award, CSA Award of Merit and ISO Excellence Award.
Citizenship Award
This award honours a graduate or group of graduates who have made a significant impact on the U of T Engineering community through their volunteer contributions or philanthropic vision. Through their leadership, they have enriched the lives of others with generous gifts of time, talent and/or financial support.
Previously the Malcolm McGrath Service Award, this award is presented in memory of the late Malcolm McGrath, a 1954 Civil Engineering alumnus, pioneer of U of T Engineering alumni relations and fundraising, and the first Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations for the faculty. Malcolm was a true champion of U of T Engineering and was instrumental in creating a culture of service and philanthropy in our alumni community.
Jacquelyn R. MacCoon, MSE 1T2+PEY, MEng 1T4
Jacquelyn MacCoon is a dynamic leader whose enduring commitment to the faculty has left a legacy. A proud double graduate of U of T Engineering, MacCoon’s contributions span mentorship, admissions, outreach and philanthropy, each marked by her passion for empowering others.
Through her roles as mentor, guest lecturer, ambassador and applicant assessor, MacCoon has become a beacon of support and inspiration for students and alumni alike. Her leadership in student recruitment has helped shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for engineering, and through her involvement in transformative initiatives such as the Young Women in Engineering Symposium, the Women in Engineering Alumnae Panel, Alumni Applicant Assessor program and the Recruitment Alumni Ambassador program, she has inspired countless prospective students to pursue engineering.
A champion of access and equity, she established the J.R. MacCoon Footsteps Grant, a first-of-its-kind initiative that provides financial support to first-year engineering students taking summer courses, addressing a critical gap in student funding.
MacCoon has dedicated over a decade to uplifting students, advancing equity in engineering and strengthening alumni engagement. Her generosity, vision and tireless dedication creates an impact that extends beyond the classroom and campus. She truly exemplifies the spirit of the Citizenship Award.
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award is the highest honour bestowed by the Engineering Alumni Network. It recognizes a University of Toronto Engineering graduate whose exceptional leadership and professional excellence have culminated in a distinguished career, significantly benefiting society on a global scale. Nominees have achieved remarkable success and made enduring contributions to their field, serving as an inspiration to the U of T Engineering community.
Michael H. May, ChemE 9T1, PhD 9T8
Dr. Michael May is a visionary leader whose pioneering work in regenerative medicine has reshaped Canada’s cell and gene therapy (CGT) landscape and established Toronto as a global hub for biomanufacturing innovation. As President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), he has built a world-renowned public–private partnership that accelerates the development of advanced therapies while delivering profound health and economic benefits.
With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the U of T, Dr. May has spent his career at the intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship and impact. Under his leadership, CCRM has grown into a thriving organization that spans early-stage innovation to commercial-scale manufacturing. His efforts have led to the creation of over 20 portfolio companies, more than $1.2 billion raised by spin-offs and the launch of OmniaBio Inc., Canada’s first commercial-scale CGT manufacturing facility.
His greatest legacy is the ecosystem he has built: a collaborative network of researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers working to bring life-changing therapies to patients. He has championed inclusive training, mentored emerging biotech leaders and helped establish international CCRM hubs, ensuring Canada’s leadership on the global stage.
Dr. May’s career exemplifies the power of engineering to drive innovation and societal change. His leadership has inspired a generation of scientists and engineers to think boldly, act globally and innovate with purpose.
Honorary Alumnus/a Award
The designation of Honorary Alumnus/a is given to a non-graduate who has made significant contributions to the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. This award is given out under special circumstances at the discretion of the Dean and not normally on an annual basis.
Rayla Myhal
Rayla Myhal is the President and Director of the Myhal Family Foundation, President and Director of the Tryzub Gala Foundation, Vice President, Corporate and Social Responsibility for Windermere Investment Corporation and owner of Featherstone Estate Winery.
In addition to her Vice Chair role with the Conservatory, Rayla Member is on the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation.
Rayla brings over 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, sales, and customer relations, with a focus on corporate and social responsibilities. With a firm belief of giving back to the community that has given so many opportunities to her, she focuses on helping to empower younger generations to give back in meaningful ways.
Her philanthropy and volunteerism spans decades, however with the Myhal Family Foundation, she has been able to make significant philanthropic contributions towards health care and education. She has a long-standing relationship with The Royal Conservatory of Music which spans almost two decades. Throughout those years, she has been a steadfast supporter of the various music programs, concert series and a scholarship patron of The Glenn Gould School. In addition, the Foundation has established the Myhal Centre for Engineering & Entrepreneurship at The University of Toronto, the Myhal Family Birthing Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Myhal Family Blood Collection/ECG Lab at Princess Margaret Hospital, the Myhal School of Nursing at Niagara College, as well as supporting various initiatives with Sick Kids Hospital, the Mitacs Program, Canada Ukraine Foundation, Global Medic and Unite With Ukraine. The main focus of her charitable giving remains education, health care and humanitarian efforts globally.
While spending most of her time pursuing a range of business and philanthropic endeavours, Rayla is the Chair of the Tryzub Awards Gala, benefiting Ukrainian charities via the Tryzub Gala Foundation.
See past award recipients