Find Academic Supervisors

Professor Jason H. Anderson is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. He specializes in computer engineering, with a focus on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and related computer-aided design (CAD) tools. BSc in Computer Engineering from the University of Manitoba MASc and PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto His research spans FPGA architecture, circuit design, and CAD tool development. He has contributed to strategic R&D projects through his academic and industry roles. Scientific awards include multiple Best Paper Awards at IEEE and ACM conferences (2017, 2014, 2011, 2010, 2009), the Xilinx Ross Freeman Award (2000), and teaching accolades such as the Gordon Slemon Award (2012) and several ECE Departmental Teaching Awards (2009-2014). He served as General Chair and Program Chair for leading FPGA conferences. As Chief Scientific Advisor and Co-Founder of LegUp Computing Inc., he bridges academic research with industry innovation. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and an active IEEE/ACM member.

• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• +3 more

Stephen Brown is a Professor at the University of Toronto within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering under the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He earned his B.A.Sc and M.A.Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto and New Brunswick, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto (1992). His career spans over two decades in academia and industry collaboration. Education : B.A.Sc, University of New Brunswick M.A.Sc, University of Toronto Ph.D, University of Toronto Professor Brown’s research focuses on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) , CAD algorithms , and computer architecture , with applications in machine learning and high-level synthesis . He is a principal investigator in the LegUp project , an open-source high-level synthesis framework that bridges software and hardware design. His work also extends to optimizing FPGA interconnect delays, physical synthesis, and logic block architectures. Key trends in his publications include advancements in high-level synthesis tools, FPGA architecture evaluation, and timing-driven design methodologies. His contributions often intersect with design automation , resource sharing , and embedded systems . Scientific Awards : NSERC 1992 Doctoral Prize Hart Professorship for Innovation in Teaching (2017) Multiple teaching excellence awards Best Paper Award at ICCAD 1990 Best Paper Award nomination at Canadian Conference on VLSI (1989) As Director of the FPGA University Program at Intel Corporation, he leads industry-academia initiatives. His teaching portfolio includes courses like ECE253 (Digital Logic) and ECE1733F (Switching Theory).

• Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
• Computer Architecture
• CAD Algorithms
• +4 more

Gary Grewal is an Associate Professor at the School of Computer Science , University of Guelph. His research focuses on developing intelligent Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) , integrating classical optimization techniques with machine learning and deep learning to address challenges in placement and routing for heterogeneous devices. He has received the Michal Servit Award (2017, 2018) for outstanding FPGA research and the University of Guelph Faculty Association Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching (2017) . Grewal has held NSERC Discovery Grants annually from 1999 to 2023. Co-founder of the Guelph FPGA CAD Group Key collaborator with institutions like Ryerson University , University of Toronto , and University of British Columbia His work extends to health technology through the IronTracker mobile app , developed with Andrew Hamilton-Wright and students (A. D'Angelo, J. Carter, F. Liu, R. Pattison) to manage Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HHC) . The app, available in four languages and adopted in 100+ countries, was recognized at Parliament Hill and the Ontario Legislature. Scientific Awards : Michal Servit Award (2018) Michal Servit Award (2017) Distinguished Professor Award for Teaching (2017) NSERC Discovery Grants (1999-2023) His recent publications highlight trends in machine learning for FPGA CAD , including reinforcement learning for partitioning, deep learning for congestion estimation, and adaptive algorithms for placement. Grewal remains active in teaching courses like Discrete Optimization (CIS*6070) and Digital Systems I (CIS*3120).

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools
• Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Vaughn Betz is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Cerebras Systems and Faculty Affiliate at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. His research focuses on creating efficient programmable hardware (FPGAs), computer-aided design (CAD) programs to optimize hardware systems, and hardware accelerators for compute-intensive applications like deep learning. He developed the widely used VPR FPGA CAD flow and co-founded Right Track CAD, acquired by Intel/Altera. Education BSc in Electrical Engineering, University of Manitoba (1991) M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (1993) PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto (1998) Research Focus Betz's research spans FPGA architecture innovation, CAD tool development, and hardware acceleration methods. Key areas include: Creating FPGA architectures optimized for deep learning inference Developing datacenter-friendly FPGAs with embedded NoCs Mapping deep learning applications to programmable hardware CAD tools for FPGA debugging and context switching Hardware acceleration for medical applications like photodynamic cancer therapy Awards and Honors Fellow of IEEE, NAI, and Engineering Institute of Canada Professional Engineers of Ontario Medal for Engineering Excellence (2016) 13 best/most significant paper awards NSERC/Intel Industrial Research Chair in Programmable Silicon Google Faculty Research Award (2020) Multiple teaching awards including Gordon R. Slemon Award (2016) Research Leadership Betz leads the Verilog-to-Routing (VTR) project and co-directs the Intel/Vmware Crossroads 3D FPGA Academic Research Centre. His research is sponsored by NSERC, Intel, Google, AMD, IBM, and others.

• Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Hardware Acceleration
• +4 more

Yves Blaquière is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at École de Technologie Supérieure. He is affiliated with the Communications and Microelectronic Integration Laboratory (LaCIME), focusing on microelectronics, integrated circuit design, and power integrity in advanced electronic systems. His research spans VLSI/ASIC design, FPGA-based reconfigurable computing, MEMS for avionics, and radiation effects on electronics. Aeronautics and Aerospace Intelligent and Autonomous Systems Microelectronics and VLSI Power Integrity Modeling MEMS Switch Design Radiation-Resilient Circuits His recent publications highlight innovations in GHz-range power integrity for SiP, FPGA-based SHEPWM inverters, and MEMS switches for avionic power systems. Collaborations with researchers like Frédéric Nabki and Nicolas Constantin reflect his focus on industrial applications and technology transfer. Professor Blaquière co-supervises PhD candidates including Hachem Bensalem, Gabriel Nobert, and Abdurrashid Hassan Shuaibu, covering topics such as heterogeneous optimization, power converter modeling, and MEMS switch development. His work contributes to wafer-scale prototyping platforms like WaferBoard and advanced tools for radiation testing in FPGAs. LaCIME, under his involvement, emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects from materials to communication protocols. The lab's expertise includes micro/nanofabrication, photonic microsystems, and signal processing.

• Microelectronics
• VLSI and ASIC Design
• FPGA-Based Systems
• +6 more

Dr. Andy Ye is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering at Ryerson University, where he conducts research and teaches courses in advanced digital systems. Education : PhD (2004), MASc (1999), and BASc (1996) from the University of Toronto Research Interests focus on: Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architectures Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for FPGAs and VLSI Logic synthesis and hardware implementation Digital communication algorithms and computer vision systems Publication Trends demonstrate expertise in FPGA area modeling, motion estimation architectures, and VLSI design optimization across multiple IEEE and ACM venues. Scientific Achievements : Best Paper Award (2016) at International Conference on Field Programmable Logic and Applications Teaching Contributions include graduate-level FPGA design (EE 8219), low-power digital circuits (ELE 734), and fundamental network theory (ELE 302). He maintains active supervision availability for students.

• Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architectures
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for FPGAs
• Logic synthesis
• +5 more

William D. Bishop is the Director of Admissions for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo and an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He leads the Engineering Admissions Team and teaches courses in engineering design, digital design, and embedded systems. His research focuses on engineering education, configurable computing, and multimedia processing. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2003), University of Waterloo M.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (1996), University of Waterloo B.A.Sc. in Computer Engineering/Management Science (1994), University of Waterloo Research Interests: Engineering education methodologies and outcomes Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for general-purpose computing Image processing and multimedia system optimization Hardware/software co-design for embedded systems Awards: Unsung Hero Award (2024) James A. Field Teaching Excellence Award (2006, 2011) Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2019) Teaching & Service: Teaches ECE 124, ECE 224, and ECE 327 Oversees admissions for all undergraduate engineering programs Professional memberships: PEO, OSPE, CEEA, IEEE Industrial Experience: Co-op at Atlantis Aerospace (1992-1993): Developed flight simulation engines Co-op at Motorola Corporation (1991-1992): Ported software to OS/2 platform

• Engineering Education
• Configurable Computing
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• +5 more

Andrew Boutros is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on reconfigurable computing architectures, FPGA design, and domain-specific acceleration for deep learning and datacenter workloads. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto (2024) and has worked at Intel Labs and MangoBoost. Education: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada (2024) MASc, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada (2018) BSc, Electronics Engineering, German University in Cairo, Egypt (2016) Research Interests: Developing efficient FPGA architectures and CAD tools for reconfigurable hardware, domain-specific acceleration, and application/hardware co-design. Specific areas include 3D-stacked acceleration devices, graph neural network acceleration, and FPGA-based smart NICs for AI training. Publications: Over 30 papers in top venues like IEEE FPL, FCCM, and FPGA conferences, with 4 best paper awards. Recent work includes 3D-stacked architectures, graph neural network inference, and FPGA optimization for deep learning. Awards: Best Paper Award (FPT 2023) Best Paper Award (ICM 2021) Stamatis Vassiliadis Best Paper Award (FPL 2018) Advising/Grants: Currently accepting graduate students. Collaborations include 84 co-authors and industry partnerships with Intel and MangoBoost.

• Reconfigurable Computing
• Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Architecture
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools
• +4 more

Mohamed-Yahia Dabbagh is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He holds a PhD from North Carolina State University (1989), an MSE from the University of Michigan (1981), and a BSE from the University of Aleppo (1976). His research focuses on digital signal processing, image/video processing, and VLSI multiprocessor implementation of algorithms for communication systems and computer vision. He has developed architectures for digital filters and explored video motion estimation, segmentation, and pattern recognition. Dr. Dabbagh has authored numerous articles in IEEE and other venues, including work on wireless sensor anomaly detection, smartphone application monitoring, and FPGA-based digital filter implementations. His teaching includes courses such as Signals and Systems (ECE 207), Linear Circuits (ECE 140), and Probability and Random Processes (ECE 316). His research has spanned VLSI environments, Bayesian classification for video processing, and real-time signal processing techniques. Notable contributions include multiprocessor filter implementations and adaptive motion estimation algorithms. Dr. Dabbagh is a Professional Engineer (PEng) registered in Ontario and has contributed to technical reports on imaging systems and geographic information systems during his tenure at Kuwait-based institutions.

• Digital Signal Processing
• Image Processing
• Video Processing
• +6 more

Dr. Lixuan Lu is a Professor in the Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering at Ontario Tech University, affiliated with the Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC). Their research focuses on nuclear power plant instrumentation, control systems reliability, and risk-informed maintenance strategies. Dr. Lu holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Western Ontario (2005), and prior degrees from Beijing Institute of Technology (MES 2001, BES 1998). Education: PhD (2005), MES (2001), BES (1998) in Automatic Control/Electrical Engineering Research Interests Dr. Lu investigates advanced control methodologies for nuclear facilities, including networked control systems reliability, safety-critical instrumentation, and risk assessment for non-coherent systems. Key applications include CANDU reactor control, hydrogen production via thermochemical cycles, and FPGA-based instrumentation. Their work bridges theoretical reliability analysis with practical implementation in nuclear energy systems. Publications Recent work emphasizes risk-informed maintenance strategies, FPGA systems for nuclear instrumentation, and hydrogen production plant modeling. Key contributions address safety-critical control systems, probabilistic safety assessment using Petri nets, and reliability evaluation of standby systems. Dr. Lu collaborates on projects integrating supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWR) with copper-chlorine thermochemical cycles for hydrogen co-generation. Awards & Grants No specific awards or grants listed in the provided materials. Dr. Lu’s research is supported through institutional and collaborative initiatives. Labs & Teams Affiliated with the Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC), focusing on interdisciplinary energy solutions.

• Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation
• Control Systems
• Reliability Engineering
• +4 more

Steven Wilton is a Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia , where he also serves as Department Head (2019–2023, reappointed in 2024). He holds a BASc from the University of Victoria , and MASc and PhD from the University of Toronto . Education BASc (Victoria) MASc (Toronto) PhD (Toronto) His research focuses on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) algorithms . He explores FPGA architectures, post-silicon debugging, and programmable logic for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) design , aiming to enhance FPGA efficiency and accessibility for small/medium electronics companies. As part of the UBC SoC Research Group and ICICS , he contributes to advanced computing systems. He is also a Professional Engineer (BC) and IEEE Fellow , recognized for his work in electrical and computer engineering. Scientific Awards IEEE Fellow Dr. Wilton supervises graduate students like Andrew David Gunter (PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering) and teaches courses including ELEC 402 , CPEN 311 , and CPEN 513 . His affiliations include the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) and the Quantum Computing Research Cluster .

• Computer Architecture
• VLSI Design
• Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
• +7 more