Engineering Alumni Medal
First awarded in 1939, the Engineering Alumni Medal is the highest honour awarded by the Engineering Alumni Association. High achievement is the common thread that links past recipients of this medal. In their diverse careers, these individuals have demonstrated superior accomplishments and have responded with flair and excellence to the challenges they have faced. They are outstanding role models for Engineering students.
Levente Diosady, ChemE 6T6, ChemE MASc 6T8, ChemE PhD 7T2
Levente L. Diosady is a professor of food engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His research interests include oilseed processing, membrane processes, extrusion, advanced separation processes and micronutrient fortification of food.
Diosady is the author of over 120 publications in refereed journals, including 17 patents. He has supervised more than 75 graduate students — 12 of which are professors on four continents. He is the recipient of the Canada Award for Business Excellence, Professional Engineers of Ontario Engineering Medal, Eva Award of the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, KY Lo Medal of the Engineering Institute of Canada and the Babcock-Hart Award of IFT. He is a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the American Oil Chemists Society, International Academy of Food Science and Technology, The Hungarian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Engineering. He is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and is a member of the Order of Ontario — the province’s highest civilian honour, and a recent recipient of the Order of Canada.
View Levente’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Engineering Alumni Hall of Distinction Award
The Hall of Distinction is an assembly of extraordinary alumni, selected for membership by their peers for their lifelong accomplishments. These are graduates whose performances have ultimately defined what is most exemplary in our graduates and in our profession. The careers of the members stand as examples and add a sense of reality to the aspirations of successive generations of Engineering students. Located in the Sandford Fleming Building, the Hall of Distinction is a familiar daily presence in the lives of students and is often visited by alumni and their families.
Deborah Goodings, CivE 7T5
Deborah Goodings is Associate Dean of Engineering at George Mason University. Her previous appointments included: Director of the Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation Division at the US National Science Foundation; Dewberry chaired professor and Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering Department chair at George Mason University; professor of civil engineering at the University of Maryland; and geotechnical engineer at Tippetts-Abbett-McCarthy-Stratton Engineers and Architects in New York City. In addition to her research and teaching at the University of Maryland, she co-founded and co-directed the UMD Master of Engineering and Public Policy Program. In addition, she established one of the earliest and most active student chapters of Engineers Without Borders-USA, which completed ten international infrastructure projects under her guidance with full integration of engineering and non-engineering students. In recognition of her Engineers Without Borders-USA leadership, a gift was made to the university to endow the Deborah J. Goodings Professorship in Engineering for Global Sustainability.
Dr. Goodings’ experience and expertise have led to her service to the U.S. National Academies and National Research Council, as well as to institutional visiting and review committees both in the United States and Canada, including those for McMaster University and the University of British Columbia. She was elected as a By-Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge University, in 1996. Her career accomplishments have been recognized with awards from the U.S. Department of the Army; the U.S. National Research Council; the U.S. Universities Council on Geotechnical Engineering Research; Professional Engineers Ontario; and the University of Maryland.
Dr. Goodings earned her B.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, and her Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from Cambridge University. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers; a Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineering (ret.); a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario; and a proud Canadian.
View Deborah’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
John A. MacDonald, ElecE 7T9
A savvy entrepreneur, engineer and businessperson, John A. MacDonald is an outstanding role model for the U of T Engineering community and beyond. As president and CEO of Enercare from 2006 to 2018, MacDonald built the company from its first employee to the largest provider of home services in North America. Under his leadership, Enercare underwent 17 acquisitions totalling more than $1 billion. In 2018, Enercare was acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure for
$4.3 billion. Prior to leading Enercare, MacDondald built a number of successful startups, including Hydro One Telecom and Atria Networks.
Since graduating with a BASc in electrical engineering from U of T Engineering in 1979, MacDonald has been generous with his time, returning to campus to speak to students about career opportunities for electrical and computer engineering graduates. In the fall of 2018, he participated in The Entrepreneurship Hatchery’s Demo Day as a judge, applying his decades of experience in building companies to help students embark on their own entrepreneurial paths.
In addition to his leadership at Enercare and his volunteerism at the University of Toronto, MacDonald and his wife have contributed to a number of community groups and agencies. He helped to raise funds to rebuild the York Centre for
Children, Youth and Family, and more recently lent support to Brockville General Hospital and the Thousand Islands Playhouse.
View John’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Shawn Qu, MSE PhD 9T5
Dr. Shawn Xiaohua Qu founded Canadian Solar Inc. in October 2001 and has been its Chief Executive Officer and President since October 2001. Prior to founding Canadian Solar, Inc., Dr. Qu worked at Automation Tooling Systems Inc (ATS), Cambridge, Ontario Canada from 1998 to 2001, where he performed various responsibilities at ATS and at its subsidiaries in the solar power business, Matrix and Photowatt International S.A. including Director for Silicon; Procurement, Director for Strategic Planning and Business Development and Technical Vice President (Asia Pacific) of Photowatt International S.A. From 1996 to 1998, Dr. Qu served as a Research Scientist at Ontario Hydro (currently Ontario Power Generation), where he worked as a process leader in the development of Spheral Solar technology, a proprietary solar technology which Ontario Hydro acquired from Texas Instruments. Under Dr. Qu’s leadership, Canadian Solar Inc. became a publicly listed company on NASDAQ in 2006 and has grown into one of the largest photovoltaic solar product manufacturers and solar power project developers in the world. Canadian Solar Inc. now has delivered accumulatively more than 29GW of solar modules to thousands of customers in more than 100 countries. The Company and its subsidiaries have also connected accumulatively more than 3.8GW of solar power plants to the grid. These solar power plants are located in Canada, the United States of America, Japan, China and the United Kingdom. The company has also developed and constructed solar power plants in Mexico, Brazil, India and Namibia.
View Shawn’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Bob Simmonds, EngSci 7T5
Bob Simmonds is Chair of Lenbrook Corporation, a distributor of electronics and radio products and owner of the Bluesound, NAD and PSB brands of audio/video products.
He was the Founder and Chairman of Clearnet Communications, which pioneered 800 MHz SMR service in Canada, and launched of two state-of-the-art digital wireless networks, a national ESMR network in 1996 known as the “Mike” network and Canada’s first national CDMA PCS network in 1997.
In 2000, Clearnet was acquired by TELUS Corporation for $6.6 billion (CDN) in the largest telecommunications deal in Canadian history. Bob continued to work for TELUS Mobility as its Executive Vice President, Regulatory and retired in 2006.
Internationally regarded as a leading wireless communications engineer and mobile spectrum authority, Bob has played a key role in the development of Canada’s mobile spectrum policies, frequency band plans and certification equipment standards for more than 30 years. He is Chair of the Mobile and Personal Communications Committee of the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC), a body that provides unbiased and technically expert advice to the federal Department of Innovation, Science & Economic Development, and is a past Chair of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA).
Since 2011, Bob has served as a director of BCE/Bell Canada, Canada’s largest telecommunications and broadcasting enterprise. He also serves on the board of 6Harmonics, an early stage Ottawa wireless startup working on cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access techniques.
A laureate and member of Canada’s Telecommunications Hall of Fame, a recipient of the Engineering Medal for Entrepreneurship from Professional Engineers Ontario and a Fellowship from the Wireless World Research Forum, Mr. Simmonds earned his B.A. Sc. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto.
View Bob’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Jeanette Southwood, ChemE 8T6, ChemE MASc 8T8
An award-winning engineer, Jeanette Southwood is Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, at Engineers Canada, the national organization of the 12 engineering regulators that license Canada’s more than 295,000 members of the engineering profession where she leads a team focusing on the future of the profession. Prior to joining Engineers Canada, Jeanette led the Canadian Urban Development & Infrastructure Sector and the Global Sustainable Cities teams at an international consulting firm.
Jeanette is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, and a recipient of the Province of Ontario’s “Leading Women Building Communities Award”. She was honoured as one of Canada’s Clean50 2014 for her work and dedication to sustainable development, leading change, championing innovation and changing our world for the better. In 2014, she was also inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering which recognizes engineers contributing in exemplary ways towards their disciplinary fields and the wider community.
A dedicated volunteer with a number of organizations and on several Boards over the years, Jeanette has received an Honorary Doctorate, the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards (OPEA) Engineering Excellence Medal and was named one of WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2017, she was recognized as one of the Women of Innovation. In 2018, Jeanette was inducted into Professional Engineers Ontario’s Order of Honour and also was selected to provide the Dineen Lecture. In 2019, she received the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal.
View Jeanette’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
2T5 Mid-Career Achievement Award
The Class of 2T5 was the first class in Canada to receive iron rings at The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. Since 1975, the Class of 2T5 annually presents the 2T5 Mid-career Achievement Award. This award recognizes a graduate (11 to 25 years from undergraduate graduation) who has earned respect within the profession as well as the broader Canadian community.
Maryam Shanechi, EngSci 0T4
Maryam M. Shanechi is Assistant Professor and Viterbi Early Career Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California (USC). She is also a faculty member in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at USC. She received her B.A.Sc. degree in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto in 2004 and her S.M. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT in 2006 and 2011, respectively. She held postdoctoral positions at Harvard Medical School and at UC Berkeley from 2011-2013. She directs the Neural Systems Engineering Lab at USC. Her research is focused on developing closed-loop neurotechnologies through mathematical decoding and control of brain networks to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. She is the recipient of various awards including the NSF CAREER Award, the MIT Technology Review’s top 35 innovators under the age of 35 (TR35), the Popular Science Brilliant 10, an ARO multidisciplinary university research initiative (MURI) award, and the ONR Young investigator award.
View Maryam’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
7T6 Early Career Award
The Class of 7T6 annually presents the 7T6 Early Career Award to engineering graduates who have attained significant achievement early in their career and shows promise of further contributions. The award is presented to an individual who is distinguished early in their profession, community, university and other related fields.
Holly Johnson, MechE 1T0
Holly Johnson’s career in the Canadian space industry has spanned nearly 10 years. During her early time as a Systems Engineer, she worked on the Canadarm1 and Canadarm2 space robotic mission teams where she supported on-orbit operations. She went on to lead new development projects in a variety of fields, including initial concepts for Canadarm3, and a medical robotics system that performs brain surgery in an MRI. Holly transitioned into management in 2016 where she spent two years in business development, and is now undertaking a leadership development role as the President’s Business Manager. In one of her initiatives in this position, Holly recently helped to lead the cross-country space advocacy campaign called DontLetGoCanada that resulted in the Government of Canada committing to provide Canadarm3 to the Lunar Gateway – the next International Space Station that will orbit the Moon. Throughout her career Holly has lead charitable initiatives such as the corporate Children’s Wish campaign, and she is a regular speaker and supporter of events that promote STEM and Women in Aerospace and Engineering. Holly was recognized in 2016 as recipient of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Rising Star Award, which honours Canadian women who have made significant contributions to their field, and she was recently selected as a Top 40 under 40 recipient by the City of Brampton in 2019.
View Holly’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Malcolm F. McGrath Alumni Achievement Award
Named in honour of Malcolm McGrath on his retirement as assistant dean — alumni liaison, this award recognizes contributions of personal service to the Faculty, the University or to the community. McGrath was the first assistant dean responsible for alumni affairs and development in the Faculty. Among his many accomplishments are the growth of the Annual Fund, the Engineering Open House, the introduction of the Skule™ Stage Band, and the establishment of the Graditude Campaign.
James Courtney, EngSci 6T6, Physics MSc. 1967, Physics PhD 1971, MBA 1985
Jim Courtney has supported Engineering Alumni activities as both a member of the SKULE Lunch & Learn team and an alumni/ae representative on the Faculty Council. Building on a long time association with Hart House he also serves as a member of the Hart House 100th Anniversary Advisory Committee. Recently he also volunteered for the U.S. Olympic Committee and Paralympics Canada at the Toronto 2015 PanAm Games and for an IT support team at the Toronto 2017 Invictus Games. Holding graduate degrees in Physics and Business, he brings to these activities his 25 years as a senior executive with technology companies serving the educational, healthcare, engineering and commercial research markets followed by another 25 years as a consultant to start-ups building Internet-based businesses, including Skype and other communications services. Jim enjoys working with alumni who can bring their expertise to assist with building world-class technology. His primary joy is to support students who bring their enthusiasm and passion to their engineering education experience, leading to rewarding careers across many endeavors involving space technology, advanced healthcare, machine learning/artificial intelligence and critical infrastructure amongst others. He views engagement between alumni/ae and students is a significant value-add to the Engineering education experience.
View Jim’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Honourary Member of the EAN
Acknowledges the exceptional contributions of an individual who is not a member of the EAN but has contributed in a very significant way to bettering the Faculty, the EAN and/or the lives of current or future members of the EAN.
Laura C. Fujino
A rare volunteer, Laura Fujino dedicates much of her time to mentoring and supporting Engineering Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering students. Laura’s generosity of time, energy and spirit have opened doors to graduate schools, career opportunities and volunteer positions, having an immeasurable impact. In 2012, she received an Arbor Award, University of Toronto, and in 2014 the EETimes and EDN ACE Lifetime Achievement Award (the award goes to an individual whose contributions over a long career in the electronics industry have had a demonstrable impact on technological, business, and cultural advancements in the world),
Spanning several decades, Laura’s commitment to EngSci continues to evolve and currently as a member of the Engineering Science Board of Advisors. In this role, she has helped establish various scholarships and in particular, the Laura Chizuko Fujino Scholarship in Engineering Science. This new scholarship celebrates female students entering 3rd or 4th year in the Electrical and Computer Major. Since the early 80s, she has held a number of positions with the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) where she is currently the Publications Chair and a member of the Executive Committee.
View Laura’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
L.E. (Ted) Jones Award of Distinction
This award was established to acknowledge the contributions of Professor Emeritus L.E. (Ted) Jones and is in recognition of the contributions over his long and distinguished career to students, alumni and the Faculty. It also pays tribute to his continuing support and dedication to the Engineering Society and the Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) of the University of Toronto. The award endorses Jones’ great appreciation of the arts and his love of music.
Robert Bazzocchi, EngSci 1T9
Since graduating from the University of Toronto, Robert Bazzocchi has eagerly been balancing a symbiotic work life of engineering and the arts. During his years in the Engineering Science program, specializing in the Robotics Engineering discipline, he actively involved himself in the UofT arts community. He performed and assisted in choreography for numerous musical productions, competed as a member of the UofT Varsity Blues competitive dance team, and sang at events such as the UofT Drama Coalition Awards and Skule’s Got Talent. Today, Robert conducts part-time machine learning research and works at Fian Technologies, a Toronto startup aimed at improving hand hygiene through interactive handwashing devices. Beyond his engineering pursuits, Robert works as an actor and dancer on numerous TV & Film sets in Toronto, and can be found on networks such as Family, USA Network, and CBC. Some credits include a series regular role on Disney Worldwide’s Backstage, CBC’s Frankie Drake and a recurring role on Netflix’s highly anticipated series October Faction. When Robert’s not on set, he is writing and producing YouTube content for his co-founded production company, Cotton Candy Club TV. Robert is honoured to be receiving the L.E. Jones Award and is excited to continue following his engineering and arts passions.
View Robert’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.
Emma Sexton, IndE 1T9
Since graduating from UofT this past spring Emma has begun her career at Ritual and has taken a more introspective approach to her creative outlets. During her time at U of T Emma poured her time and efforts into Skule Nite, touching many aspects of the production; as a cast member, in the Sound Effects team, and finally as the first female director in 11 years. Emma used this opportunity to write female driven comedy and create a more inclusive team environment and script. Emma is excited to find her next creative community and transition this important outlet into her working life. She wants to express her gratitude for this award and for the people and opportunities that made her creative growth at U of T possible.
View Emma’s video from the 2019 EAN Awards here.