Find Academic Supervisors

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomineralization
• +6 more

Dr. Liza-Anastasia DiCecco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where she leads the Regenerative Biomaterials Innovation Group. Her research focuses on biomimetic implant development for hard tissues, biomineralization processes, and advanced materials characterization using liquid phase electron microscopy. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from McMaster University and completed postdoctoral training at Penn State University supported by the NSERC Banting Fellowship. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, McMaster University (2023) MASc, Materials Engineering, University of Windsor (2019) BASc, Mechanical Engineering, University of Windsor (2017) Research Interests: Biomaterials design for musculoskeletal applications Biomineralization mechanisms at organic-inorganic interfaces In situ liquid transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for dynamic material analysis 3D printing of functionalized medical implants Computational modeling of biomaterial behavior Awards & Recognition: 2023 NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship 2019-2022 NSERC Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2024 M&M Microanalysis Society Creative Canvas Award 2023 McMaster University Fall Valedictorian Professional Affiliations: Councillor-At-Large, Microscopy Society of Canada Core Member, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology Member, Canadian Biomaterials Society Lab Focus: The DiCecco Team develops novel biomaterial characterization workflows linking atomic-to-macro scale structures, with emphasis on hydrated environments. Current projects explore titanium-based implants with genistein coatings and collagen mineralization mechanisms.

Andrew SowinskiView profile

Associate Professor

• Electrostatics in fluidized beds
• Particle charging phenomena
• Reactor wall fouling mitigation
• +3 more

Andrew Sowinski serves as Associate Professor and Vice-dean of Programs at the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa, his office is located in STE 1024Q with contact details including phone 613-562-5800 ext. 6288 and email sowinski@uOttawa.ca. Education: Ph.D. from University of Ottawa His research spans two primary domains: electrostatic phenomena in gas-solid systems and engineering education innovation. In electrostatics, he investigates contact electrification mechanisms in polyethylene fluidized beds, particle charging dynamics, reactor wall fouling, and pneumatic conveying systems, employing both experimental and computational (CFD) approaches. His education research focuses on developing non-traditional multidisciplinary design programs within conventional engineering faculties, addressing curriculum design, student recruitment, and assessment methodologies. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals consistent dual-focus work: electrostatics research emphasizes charge generation/mitigation in industrial polymerization processes, while education studies explore structural and implementation challenges of cross-disciplinary programs. His electrostatics work frequently combines particle-level charging experiments with system-level CFD modeling, while education publications document practical frameworks for program development amid traditional faculty structures. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were documented in provided materials Advising and Grants: Specific details regarding graduate students, research grants, or funding sources were not disclosed in the source documentation, though his program leadership role as Vice-dean of Programs suggests significant administrative responsibilities in curriculum development and resource allocation.

Bettina KemmeView profile

Professor

• Distributed Systems
• Cloud Computing
• Database Systems
• +5 more

Bettina Kemme is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. She leads the Distributed Information Systems Lab (DISL) and specializes in large-scale data management, distributed systems, and cloud computing. Her academic roles include teaching COMP 512 (Distributed Systems) and COMP 421 (Database Systems). Education: Diplom (M.Sc. equivalent) in Computer Science, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany (1996) PhD in Computer Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland (2000) Research Interests: Distributed systems, cloud-native data management, in-database analytics (AIDA project), monitoring-as-a-service frameworks, and scalable pub/sub systems for online games. Current projects focus on integrating machine learning with databases, cloud performance monitoring using SDN, and sustainable data systems for data science. Lab & Collaborations: Leads the Distributed Information Systems Lab (DISL) with active projects in distributed databases, cloud computing, and game systems. Collaborates on EU-Canada initiatives like the SustainSys program for sustainable data infrastructure. Advising: Supervises PhD and M.Sc. students in topics like monitoring frameworks (Mona ElSaadawy), in-database ML (Winnie He), and distributed systems (Maximilian Schiedermeier). Alumni include over 50 researchers from PhD candidates to undergraduate researchers.

Tohid DidarView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Bio-functional Interfaces
• +7 more

Dr. Tohid Didar is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Nano-biomaterials at McMaster University, affiliated with the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering. His work focuses on bio-functional interfaces, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip technologies for diagnostics and therapeutics. He holds a B.Sc. from Sharif University of Technology (2004), a Ph.D. from McGill University (2013), and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University's Wyss Institute (2016). Education: B.Sc., Sharif University of Technology; Ph.D., McGill University; Postdoc, Harvard University Research: Bio-inspired materials, lab-on-chip devices, antimicrobial coatings, and organ-on-chip platforms for drug discovery and personalized medicine Awards: Canada Research Chair in Nano-biomaterials His lab develops innovative biomedical devices, including self-cleaning menstrual cups (Bfree Cup), bacteriophage-based food decontamination systems, and pathogen-sensing smart fabrics. Recent breakthroughs include rapid bacterial detection via color-changing tests and floral-shaped phages enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. Dr. Didar advises graduate students in biomedical engineering, with notable advisees Akansha Prasad and Shadman Khan. His work spans over 50 peer-reviewed publications and patented technologies in microfluidics and bio-functional interfaces.

Yingfu LiView profile

Professor

• Functional Nucleic Acids
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Dr. Yingfu Li is a Professor at the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, leading a research group focused on functional nucleic acids (FNAs), including DNAzymes and aptamers. His work spans diagnostics for pathogens (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, Clostridium difficile ), biosensor development, and applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Research Interests: Molecular diagnostics, aptamer engineering, RNA-cleaving DNAzymes, and biosensor technologies. Key Projects: Development of point-of-care tests for infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 variants and foodborne pathogens like Salmonella . Collaborations: Partnered with institutions like the Soleymani Lab and companies like Zentek Ltd. for translational research. Lab Dynamics: Maintains a collaborative, interdisciplinary team with a focus on innovation and mentorship, as highlighted in lab retreats and student testimonials. Publications emphasize high-impact applications in biosensing, including electrochemical and colorimetric platforms, with recent work addressing viral variant detection and nanomaterial integration.

Nathan C. HallView profile

Associate Professor

• Motivation Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Emotion Research
• +5 more

Nathan C. Hall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University's Faculty of Education. He also serves as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and directs the Achievement Motivation and Emotion (AME) Research Group. Dr. Hall's research explores the psychosocial determinants of optimal development in achievement settings, with a specific focus on motivation (strategies, goals, beliefs) and discrete emotions (boredom, enjoyment, anger). His work examines how these factors influence academic achievement, persistence, and health outcomes through motivational interventions, particularly those delivered via digital and social media platforms. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on understanding how motivation and emotion interact across educational contexts. Key trends include faculty and graduate student experiences, doctoral education, and technology-enhanced interventions. His research spans K-12 education, higher education, and healthcare settings, revealing the cross-domain relevance of motivational and emotional processes. Outstanding Publication Award; American Educational Research Association (SIG-GPDED; 2019) Outstanding International Research Collaboration Award; American Educational Research Association (SIG-TICL; 2017) Faculty of Education Distinguished Teaching Award (2014) Canadian Psychological Association President's New Researcher Award (2011) University of Manitoba Distinguished Dissertation Award (2007) Dr. Hall has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including projects from the National Science Foundation examining motivation as a predictor of faculty research development, SSHRC grants on female academics' experiences of harassment on social media, and CIHR funding for research on psychosocial predictors of health and survival in late life. His international collaborations, particularly through his Humboldt Fellowship in Germany, demonstrate his global research impact. As director of the Achievement Motivation and Emotion (AME) Research Group, Dr. Hall leads a team investigating key questions in educational psychology using diverse methodologies including experimental designs, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses to advance understanding of motivational and emotional processes in educational settings.

• Tourism Management
• Heritage Management
• Sustainable Tourism
• +3 more

Sewnet Tesfaye Lema is a lecturer in the Department of Tourism Management at Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia, where he has worked since 2010. His expertise lies in Tourism, Heritage, and Natural Resource Management, with a focus on sustainable practices and community engagement. Education: B.A. in Tourism Management and M.A. in Tourism and Heritage Management from the University of Gondar. Research Interests include active learning pedagogy, community-based sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and service quality evaluation in hospitality sectors. His work often bridges tourism principles with local community development. Community Contributions include delivering three training projects on Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Management for local communities. His article on hotel service quality in Gondar highlights practical applications of tourism management theories.

Marylynn SteckleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Systems
• Global Health
• Socio-Cultural Determinants of Health
• +6 more

Marylynn Steckley is an Associate Professor at Carleton University, affiliated with the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography and Migration/Ethnic Relations from Western University, with post-doctoral research in Indigenous Health and Food Systems. Her work bridges socio-cultural and environmental determinants of health, particularly in food systems and global inequities. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Haiti, Thailand, and Cambodia, focusing on food sovereignty, climate resilience, and gender equity. Education: B.A., Brock University (Human Geography/English Literature) M.A., University of Waterloo (Human Geography/International Development) Ph.D., Western University (Geography and Migration/Ethnic Relations) Post-Doc, Western University (Indigenous Health and Food Systems) Research Interests: Dr. Steckley’s research focuses on two streams: 1) Food systems and health equity, including political ecology of commodities like coconut water and community-based food sovereignty assessments in Haiti; and 2) Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in higher education pedagogy, emphasizing virtual experiential learning and climate-friendly global connections. Her work critiques food security paradigms that perpetuate dependency, advocating for frameworks centering community agency and environmental sustainability. Global Engagement: Her international experience includes disaster response coordination post-2004 tsunami in Thailand, policy analysis in international development, and over five years living in Haiti. She collaborates with communities to design participatory research tools addressing food systems and health. Teaching Innovations: She co-edits a forthcoming volume on critical pedagogies in Global Development Studies and explores creative methods to enhance student well-being and equity in education. Her research on EDI in Students as Partners (SaP) programs at Carleton highlights inclusive academic practices.

Andrew AllenView profile

Professor

• Race and Education
• Critical Race Theory
• Social Justice in Education
• +6 more

Dr. Andrew Allen is a Professor at the Faculty of Education , University of Windsor, where he serves as Director of the Joint PhD Program and holds the Anti-Racism Pedagogies Teaching Leadership Chair . His work focuses on critical pedagogy and equity in education. Ph.D., OISE/University of Toronto M.Ed. & B.Ed., York University B.Tech., Ryerson University Research Interests span multiple dimensions of educational equity, including: Race, Class, and Gender intersections in schooling Critical Race Theory and anti-racism frameworks Urban education reform Decolonizing teacher education curricula Teacher identity development International service learning pedagogy Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on racial equity, curriculum decolonization, and critical pedagogy. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in teacher training and social justice education. Graduate Supervision highlights cross-cultural educational challenges across Canada, Tanzania, and the U.S., with specific attention to international graduate students, teacher autonomy, and culturally diverse learners. He has contributed to curriculum development through initiatives like: African Heritage Resource Document: K-8 (Toronto District School Board, 2002) Anti-Racist Education Curriculum (North York Board of Education, 1996) African Heritage Curriculum Infusion (North York Board of Education, 1992)

Robert ShepherdView profile

Professor

• Public Policy Evaluation
• Government Accountability and Transparency
• Public Expenditure and Strategic Reviews
• +3 more

Robert Shepherd is a faculty member at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) where he teaches and researches public-sector evaluation, accountability, and Indigenous governance. His recent work concentrates on institutionalizing spending reviews, strengthening internal accountability, and adapting public-administration pedagogy to on-line and crisis environments. Education & Early Awards: PhD studies, Department of Political Science, University of Toronto C.B. MacPherson-Dawson Dissertation Fellowship (2001-02) Doctoral Studies Research Fellowship, University of Toronto (1997-98, 2000-01, 2001-02) Research Interests: Shepherd’s scholarship sits at the intersection of public-policy evaluation and public-management reform. He examines how governments can embed evidence-based spending reviews, monitoring and evaluation units, and internal accountability mechanisms that survive political turnover. A complementary stream explores Indigenous governance, particularly the evaluation of programs designed by and for First Nations communities, with an emphasis on youth engagement and culturally grounded methodologies. Publication Trends: Over 2020-24 he has published extensively on pandemic-era public management, the institutionalization of expenditure reviews in the Canadian federal government, and the challenges of evaluating Indigenous programs. His articles map a trajectory from episodic austerity exercises toward sustained analytic capacity inside government, while simultaneously advocating participatory and decolonizing approaches when evaluating programs in Indigenous contexts. Honours & Awards: SPPA Excellence in Teaching Award (2013-14) C.B. MacPherson-Dawson Dissertation Fellowship (2001-02) Multiple Doctoral Studies Research Fellowships, University of Toronto (1997-98, 2000-01, 2001-02) Graduate Teaching & Program Development: Shepherd has led the design and on-line delivery of graduate evaluation degrees and certificates, including inter-university partnerships aimed at civil servants in the Northwest Territories. His pedagogical research compares student engagement across on-line and blended formats and documents lessons learned from rapid remote teaching during COVID-19. Media & Public Commentary: He is regularly cited in Canadian media on questions of government transparency, accountability lapses, and the need for strategic spending reviews, positioning his research at the centre of contemporary debates on public-service renewal.

Eric LiberdaView profile

Professor

• Toxicology
• Pandemic Planning
• Inhalation Exposures
• +3 more

Eric Liberda is an Interim Co-Director and Professor at the School of Occupational and Public Health, part of the Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University. He holds a doctorate in Environmental Medicine from New York University School of Medicine. His expertise spans Toxicology, Pandemic Planning, Inhalation Exposures, and Risk Assessment. Dr. Liberda’s research focuses on protecting Indigenous communities in Canada and globally from environmental health threats, particularly through community-driven initiatives like land-based programs and food security projects. He actively collaborates with organizations such as the Society of Toxicology and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. His work emphasizes innovative solutions to environmental contamination, pandemic preparedness, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science. Notable projects include assessing methylmercury risks in Indigenous diets, developing opioid treatment programs, and addressing water policy gaps in Indigenous regions. Dr. Liberda is committed to advancing public health equity through interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging technologies like machine learning and AR/VR to enhance risk communication and community engagement.

Douglas D. KarrowView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE)
• Teacher Education
• Curriculum Design
• +5 more

Douglas D. Karrow is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Brock University’s Faculty of Education. His research focuses on Environmental and Sustainability Education (ESE) in teacher education, curriculum design, pedagogy, and policy. He integrates continental philosophy, particularly Martin Heidegger’s work, into educational theory and practice. Karrow is affiliated with the EECOM Standing Committee on ESE-Teacher Education and has guest-edited for the Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies. Education: PhD MEd BEd BSc Research Focus: Karrow examines ESE’s role in K-12 education and teacher training, emphasizing curriculum integration and policy analysis. His current projects include a national survey on ESE in Canadian teacher education and an international literature review. He is author of the upcoming book An Ethos of Mystery for Education Theory and Practice , exploring ‘mystery’ as a foundational concept in education. Funding & Grants: Recipient of multiple Research & Development Committee grants for data visualization, book editing, and literature review analysis. 2022: $1,700 for scoping review data analysis. 2019: $2,000 Brock Research Initiative Award for SSHRC application support. Awards & Affiliations: Member: North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Member: Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (ECOom) Member: Canadian Association for Teacher Education (CATE) Teaching: Leads courses in educational research, curriculum design, and outdoor/environmental education. Supervises graduate students in M.Ed. and PhD programs.

• Clinical Reasoning
• Optometry
• Professional Expertise Development
• +3 more

Caroline FAUCHER is a Professor and Deputy Director at the École d'optométrie (School of Optometry) at Université de Montréal. She holds academic leadership roles in optometric education and research. Her research focuses on clinical reasoning, professional expertise development, healthcare communication, and optometry education. She teaches courses like OPM-1051/1052 and OPM-2051/2052, emphasizing professional competencies in optometry. Education: She earned a Doctorat en optométrie (O.D.) from Université de Montréal (1995), a M.Sc. in Physiological Optics (1998), and a Ph.D. in Education from Université de Sherbrooke (2009). Research Interests: Her work addresses clinical decision-making frameworks, optometric education methodologies, and barriers to eye care access. She leads projects funded by the Fonds de fiducie des optométristes canadiens pour l'éducation, including a 2017-2019 initiative on improving history-taking competence in optometry students and a 2013 pilot study on clinical reasoning assessment via the Script Concordance Test. Awards: While no explicit awards are listed, her sustained research grants indicate recognition in optometric education. She is affiliated with the Groupe de recherche en sciences de la vision (GRSV). Advising & Grants: She supervises research projects and has secured funding for studies on ethical dilemmas in optometry practice, clinical reasoning models, and visual disorders in educational settings. Her recent work explores eye care access among homeless populations and ethical challenges in optometric practice. Labs/Teams: Active member of the GRSV research group, focusing on vision science and optometric clinical practices.

Robert NasonView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioral Strategy
• Economic Inequality
• Entrepreneurship
• +3 more

Robert Nason is an Associate Professor of Strategy & Organization at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management and a William Dawson Scholar. His research focuses on entrepreneurship's societal role, particularly in contexts of poverty and wealth, family business dynamics, and informal economy institutions. He holds a PhD from Syracuse University, an MBA from Babson College, and a B.A. from Wheaton College (IL). Key research areas include behavioral strategy, economic inequality, and informal economy growth. His work has been funded by SSHRC and FRQ-SC, and he serves on editorial boards for journals like Academy of Management Review and Journal of Management . Nason collaborates with non-profits like the Family Enterprise Foundation and Sustainable Livelihood Foundation in South Africa. His articles explore institutional voids in informal markets, feedback mechanisms in innovation, and family business wealth dynamics. Recent work emphasizes entrepreneurship's role in addressing economic disparities through strategic frameworks and practical insights. Awards: 2020 Emerging Scholar Award, 2022 Poets & Quants Top 40 Under 40, 2023 Kauffman Award, and multiple editorial recognitions. Teaching: Courses include Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MGPO 438) and Organizational Strategy (MGCR 622). Supervision: Advises students like Jack Sadek and co-supervises projects with Anicet Fangwa and Henry Mintzberg. His research bridges theoretical contributions with real-world impact, focusing on marginalized entrepreneurial contexts and institutional challenges.

Oana BirceanuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Toxicology
• Aquatic Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Oana Birceanu is an Assistant Professor at Western University, specializing in environmental toxicology and science education. She holds a BSc and MSc from Wilfrid Laurier University and a PhD in Animal Biology from the University of Waterloo, followed by postdoctoral training at McMaster University focusing on metformin’s mode of action and teaching leadership. Her research explores the effects of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental contaminants on aquatic organisms, emphasizing generational impacts and stress physiology in fish like rainbow trout and sea lamprey. She integrates teaching innovations, such as GenAI applications in lab courses, to enhance student engagement. Education: BSc, Wilfrid Laurier University MSc in Integrative Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University PhD in Animal Biology, University of Waterloo Research Interests: Pesticide toxicity in non-target species Metformin’s environmental impact Maternal transfer of contaminants Stress physiology in fish Invasive species control Dr. Birceanu has received prestigious awards, including the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship and McCall MacBain Teaching Fellowship, supporting her work on lampricide efficacy and curriculum integration. She emphasizes mentorship and fostering a collaborative research environment, aiming to inspire students to pursue science with confidence. Awards: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellow in Teaching NSERC CGS-D Scholarship Teaching Contributions: Physiology 1021, PhysPharm 3000E, Physiology 3120 GenAI integration in undergraduate labs