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.
2024 EAN Award Winners
Olugbenga Olubanjo
Rising Star Award
Amir Manbanchi
Research & Innovation Award
Rob West
Malcolm McGrath Service Award
Jeff Karp
Distinguished Alumni 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 2024 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
- Andrew Forde, MSE 1T1
- Deborah Goodings, CivE 7T5
- Dana Kokoska, ECE 2T1
- Alvin Mok, Eng Sci 0T3
- Shawn Qu, MMS PhD 9T5
- Joelle Javier, MSE 1T0
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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Support Skule
Your generous donation will empower future innovators and engineers to tackle the world's greatest challenges – together, we can shape a brighter, more sustainable, tomorrow.
2024 Engineering Alumni Network Awards Recipients
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes a U of T Engineering graduate early in their career, who has achieved outstanding professional achievements and/or had an impact on their field. Nominees may be working within or outside of engineering but must demonstrate impact in their field with the likelihood of continued growth. Nominees should be 40 years of age or younger in the nomination year.
Olugbenga Olubanjo (CivE MASc 1T9)
U of T MASc, Civ/Min 1T9
LinkedIn
Olugbenga Olubanjo exemplifies how one person’s vision can have a global impact. With a master's degree in civil engineering, Olubanjo is driven by a commitment to social impact. His passion for sustainable development led him to found Reeddi Inc., a company that provides clean, reliable and affordable energy to energy-poor regions worldwide.
As a graduate student, Olugbenga conceived the idea for Reeddi and received mentorship from The Hatchery at the University of Toronto. His innovative Reeddi capsule, recognized globally, was named one of TIME magazine’s Best Inventions for 2021. Olubajo’s work has received many accolades, the most important being its direct impact on improving quality of life for many. His lithium battery-based energy solution is available in Nigeria’s energy-poor communities, offering a safer, more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources.
In addition to his work with Reeddi, Olugbenga actively engages in community service. He served as the former Co-Chair of the Massey College Community Service Committee and organized events that raised significant funds for various social causes.
Olugbenga Olubanjo is indeed a rising star, using his unwavering “why-not” attitude and visionary leadership to light the way toward a more sustainable and equitable future. He is a testament to the transformative power of engineering education.
Research &
Innovation Award
The Research & Innovation Award recognizes an Engineering graduate or group of graduates who have developed, implemented or discovered an innovation or research program, process or product. The identified work has had a significant impact on the profession, community or society.
Amir Manbachi (EngSci 0T8, BME MASc 1T0, PhD 1T5)
LinkedIn
Dr. Amir Manbachi is a beacon of innovation and dedication in biomedical engineering, consistently demonstrating an exceptional blend of passion and hard work. His groundbreaking doctoral research led to the formation of Spinesonics Medical Inc., which developed an ultrasound device for real-time visualization of screw implant positioning during spinal surgery, earning him the University of Toronto’s Inventor of the Year award in 2015.
Now an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, he continues to innovate, teach and inspire, earning recognition as a pioneer in his field. Manbachi has received many accolades including the Baltimore Business Journal's 40 under 40 and 2024 Terasaki Institute’s Young Innovator Award. He is the author of 40 journal articles, 55 conference proceedings, 20 inventions, 3 books and one Audiobook and has mentored over 170 students. He is also the co-founder and director of the HEPIUS Innovation Labs, focusing on the next generation of wearable and implantable medical ultrasound devices for spinal cord injury patients.
Dr. Amir Manbachi exemplifies the power of following one's dreams and the impact of relentless dedication to innovation and improvement. He illuminates the path for future engineers and reminds us that innovation knows no bounds.
Malcolm McGrath Service Award
The Malcolm McGrath Service Award Honours a graduate or group of graduates who have made significant volunteer contributions to the U of T Engineering community over a minimum cumulative total of three years. Through their leadership they have enriched the lives of others with generous gifts of time, talent, and/or financial support.
This award is 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.
Rob West (ChemE 8T1)
Linkedin
Rob West has left an indelible mark on the faculty and university through his selfless dedication and community building, bolstering pride and maintaining traditions for decades.
As a student, West was a member of Skule Nite, the student-run sketch comedy musical. Over ten years, he held multiple positions and has since mentored every director. West has been a guiding light, ensuring that the best of Skule Nite’s experience and tradition are passed down from generation to generation. His unwavering commitment to fostering connections and mentorship earned him honorific titles such as ‘Director Emeritus’ or ‘Godfather of Skule Nite’ and two centre seats in perpetuity. His leadership inspires students and alumni to stay engaged and give back, raising over $50k to support students pursuing extra-curricular activities.
West’s volunteer leadership also shines through his involvement with Hart House Theatre. As a founding member of the Hart House Theatre Standing Committee, he played a pivotal role in saving this historic stage, enriching the cultural fabric of the university and Toronto.
Rob West’s impact extends beyond awards and accolades. His legacy is one of inspiration, mentorship and community-building, reminding us that true success lies not only in personal achievements but in lifting others along the way. His life and work embody the power of dedication, service and leadership in the arts.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Malcolm McGrath Service Award Honours a graduate or group of graduates who have made significant volunteer contributions to the U of T Engineering community over a minimum cumulative total of three years. Through their leadership they have enriched the lives of others with generous gifts of time, talent, and/or financial support.
This award is 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.
Jeff Karp (ChemE PhD 0T4)
Linkedin
www.jeffkarp.com
Dr. Jeff Karp is synonymous with innovation, driven by the belief that true innovation directly impacts patients. His research bridges novel scientific discoveries with tangible clinical solutions, solving complex medical problems by harnessing lessons from nature. He leads in fields such as tissue adhesives, bioinspired medical problem solving and stem cell therapeutics.
Currently a Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Dr. Karp’s journey embodies perseverance and passion. Diagnosed with learning differences and ADHD early on, he turned challenges into strengths, becoming a world-renowned scientist and innovator. He developed ‘Life Ignition Tools’ to survive and has evolved these tools for himself and others to thrive through his book ‘LIT’. He has over 165 published papers, 35,000 citations, 100+ patents and has co-founded 12 start-up companies, raising over $500 million to translate his discoveries into real-world solutions.
Dr. Karp's work on new photocurable, degradable elastic polymers have current applications like degradable adhesives and bone reconstruction materials. A champion of diversity and Canadian science, he has launched biomedical engineering programs globally and mentored a diverse group of scientists, many now renowned professors.
Dr. Jeff Karp is a distinguished scientist whose creativity and problem-solving continue to push boundaries. He exemplifies how passion, innovation and dedication can make a significant difference in the world.
Read the Award Winner Stories of Recent Past
Meet the 2019 recipients, and check out photos from the 2019 event on Flickr.