Laurent Mydlarski is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, particularly turbulent flows and scalar mixing. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University and B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. Research interests include turbulence statistics, scalar dispersion, differential diffusion, and industrial cooling applications such as hydroelectric generators and microelectronics. His work combines experimental methods like hot-wire anemometry, laser-induced fluorescence, and particle-tracking velocimetry. Key contributions include studies on multi-scalar mixing in jets, wall shear stress in turbulent flows, and thermal anemometry probe design. His Mydlarski Lab at McGill explores both fundamental fluid dynamics and practical engineering solutions. Recent publications (2023-2025) address multi-scalar mixing metrics, electronic cooling innovations, and drag reduction on porous cylinders. Collaborations with industry focus on applying fluid mechanics principles to real-world thermal management challenges.
Peter J. Kohler is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at York University, Toronto. He is eligible to supervise graduate students in the Biology Graduate Program and leads the Kohler Visual Neuroscience Lab, which is part of the Centre for Vision Research at York University. His research lies at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and visual perception, focusing on mid-level visual processing. This involves understanding how the brain, within the first few hundred milliseconds of visual input, constructs representations of shape, motion, location, and perceptual organization—including figure-ground segregation, grouping, and constancy. His work integrates functional MRI (fMRI) , electroencephalography (EEG) , and visual psychophysics to probe the neural mechanisms underlying these processes in humans. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on symmetry processing, perceptual grouping, numerical estimation, and multisensory integration. His work often involves advanced neuroimaging techniques and collaborative international research, particularly with teams in Belgium and Luxembourg. The articles span high-impact journals such as PNAS , Nature Communications , Current Biology , and Journal of Vision , indicating a robust and influential research program in visual neuroscience. Scientific Awards and Funding: NSERC Discovery Grant (awarded April 2020) VISTA Research Grant (funded June 2023) Prof. Kohler actively mentors students, including graduate students such as Rachel Moreau, Sara Chaparian, Yara Iskandar, Shaya Samet, and Shenoa Ragavaloo, as well as undergraduate researchers. His lab has presented at major conferences including the Vision Sciences Society (VSS) and the Lake Ontario Visionary Establishment (LOVE), where he joined the organizing committee in 2024. The Kohler Visual Neuroscience Lab also develops experimental tools, as evidenced by GitHub repositories for stimulus generation and behavioral testing using jsPsych.
Nicolas Godbout is a Full Professor and Department Director of the Department of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal. He holds a Ph.D. from Polytechnique Montréal and serves as Head of the Fiber Optics Laboratory and as a Researcher at the Center for Optics, Photonics and Lasers (COPL). His academic leadership extends to teaching courses including Fundamentals of Photonics, Waveguide Optics, Lasers, Quantum Optics, and Current Subjects in Photonics. Dr. Godbout's research spans multiple areas of photonics with particular emphasis on optical fiber components, quantum cryptography, quantum information, optical telecommunications, and nonlinear optics. His work bridges fundamental theoretical investigations with practical applications in telecommunications, biomedical imaging, and quantum technologies. He has made significant contributions to photonic lantern development, quantum key distribution systems, and optical fiber component design. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining photonics with biomedical applications, quantum information processing, and advanced computational modeling. His work demonstrates consistent innovation in optical fiber technology, with increasing focus on quantum applications and biomedical instrumentation over the past decade. The development of open-source tools like SuPyMode and PyMieSim highlights his commitment to advancing research methodology in the field. $377,000 awarded for Quantum Photonics Quebec projects (2022) Appointment as director of INTRIQ (2019) Dr. Godbout has supervised an extensive number of graduate students, with 9 completed Ph.D. theses and 21 Master's theses under his guidance, plus one currently in progress. His research has been supported by significant funding, including semiconductor research initiatives that received $120 million from the Canadian government as recently as July 2024. He actively collaborates with industry through Castor Optics, a company he co-founded with Professor Caroline Boudoux that specializes in optical fiber components. As Head of the Fiber Optics Laboratory and researcher at COPL, Dr. Godbout leads a dynamic research team focused on advancing photonics technology. His laboratory work spans from fundamental quantum optics research to practical applications in telecommunications and biomedical imaging. Recent activities include significant contributions to semiconductor research initiatives at Polytechnique Montréal, reflecting his leadership in positioning the institution at the forefront of advanced technology development.
Ghyslain Gagnon is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, Canada. He leads research activities within the LACIME – Communications and Microelectronic Integration Laboratory, focusing on cutting-edge developments in microelectronics, sensors, and communication systems. His work bridges theoretical research and practical applications across multiple domains including health technologies, wireless communications, and quantum engineering. Education: B.Ing. from École de technologie supérieure M.Ing. from École de technologie supérieure Ph.D. from Université de Carleton Professor Gagnon's research spans several interconnected domains with emphasis on Radiofrequency circuits and antennas, Microelectronics, Wireless communications, Sensors and monitoring systems, Machine learning applications, Health technologies, and Quantum engineering. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions with real-world impact, particularly in the areas of health monitoring systems and advanced communication technologies. His recent publications reveal a clear trajectory toward increasingly interdisciplinary research, combining traditional electrical engineering with machine learning, health monitoring, and quantum technologies. The trend shows growing emphasis on practical applications in automotive safety systems, wireless communications for next-generation networks, and health monitoring technologies that leverage flexible electronics and novel sensor designs. Professor Gagnon has successfully supervised numerous graduate students through their doctoral and master's research, with recent theses focusing on smart hearing protection devices, machine learning applications, energy monitoring systems, and flexible sensor technologies. His supervision record demonstrates consistent productivity and relevance to contemporary engineering challenges. He is an active member of the LACIME research laboratory, which focuses on six key areas: Functional materials, Micro- and nanofabrication processes, Conception and design of integrated circuits, Design and fabrication of hybrid components, Photonic and electronic microsystems, and Signal processing and communication. This environment provides students with access to cutting-edge tools and fosters innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Nicholas Kevlahan is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McMaster University. He holds a BSc in Physics from the University of British Columbia (1985–1989), a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge (1990–1994), and completed a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship at École Normale Supérieure in Paris (1998). He has held visiting positions at institutions including Université Grenoble-Alpes, INRIA, and the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on advanced computational and mathematical methods for fluid dynamics, including the development of the WAVETRISK code for adaptive climate modelling, data assimilation techniques, fluid-structure interaction, and compressive sampling. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches across applied mathematics, geophysics, and engineering. Key research areas include geophysical fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, and wavelet-based methods. He has published extensively on topics such as ocean circulation models, turbulence simulation, and adaptive numerical methods. Dr. Kevlahan teaches courses in numerical methods, differential equations, asymptotic analysis, and mathematical physics. He mentors a diverse group of PhD, MSc, and BSc students in his active research laboratory.
Jacob Beck is a Professor of Philosophy at York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and holds the York Research Chair in the Philosophy of Visual Perception. He is affiliated with York’s Cognitive Science Program (served as Director 2018–2022) and the Centre for Vision Research. His research bridges philosophy and cognitive science, focusing on pre-linguistic mental representation, perception, and numerical cognition. He has published in top-tier journals like Mind , Noûs , and The Journal of Philosophy , and co-edited the Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Animal Minds . Beck earned a PhD from Harvard University and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, with postdoctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis. He has received grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and fellowships from ACLS and NEH. His teaching includes courses on perception, philosophy of mind, and cognitive science. His recent work explores analog mental representation, the perception-cognition boundary, and the nature of perceptual confidence. Key themes include how sensory systems interact with higher cognition, the role of non-linguistic representation, and the philosophical implications of cognitive neuroscience findings.
Daniel Kneeshaw is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), where he holds the UQAM Strategic Research Chair on the resilience and vulnerabilities of temperate and boreal forests to climate change. He is a Regular Member of the Center for Forest Ecology (CEF) and has been actively contributing to forest ecology research since joining UQAM in 2001 after serving as a researcher at the Forest Research Branch of the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources. His educational background includes a Post-doctorate in forestry sciences (1999, Laval University), Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (1997, UQAM), M.Sc. in Forest Ecology (1992, University of British Columbia), and B.Sc. in Forestry (1989, University of Toronto). Before his academic career, he worked in softwood forests in Manitoba and British Columbia. Dr. Kneeshaw's research focuses on sustainable forest management tools, mortality and population dynamics in forest ecosystems, and the dynamics of forest gaps in maintaining old-growth forests. His work aims to develop and integrate indicators of sustainable forest management by better understanding forest dynamics, particularly in advanced development stages, tree mortality and regeneration, and competition in gaps. He employs modeling approaches to assess ecosystem responses to different management strategies across multiple spatial and temporal scales. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on climate change impacts on boreal forests, tree physiology in urban environments, forest insect outbreaks (particularly spruce budworm), and biogeochemical processes in forest ecosystems. His research spans from fundamental forest ecology to applied management solutions, with a growing emphasis on climate change adaptation and resilience. Prix de la Faculté des sciences de l'UQAM 2024 - Prix de la recherche - Professeur – volet carrière Prix de la ministre de l'éducation, du loisir et du sport for the book Aménagement écosystémique en forêt boréale (2009) Dr. Kneeshaw has supervised an extensive number of graduate students (over 50 Master's and PhD students listed) and has collaborated with numerous researchers across Canada and internationally. His work has been supported by various grants, including NSERC funding for his postdoctoral research and ongoing projects related to forest dynamics and climate change. He has contributed significantly to developing ecosystem-based management approaches that mimic natural disturbance regimes in boreal forests. His laboratory focuses on understanding forest dynamics at multiple scales, from tree-level physiological processes to landscape-level patterns. His team employs a range of methodologies including field measurements, dendrochronology, remote sensing (particularly LiDAR), and ecosystem modeling to address complex questions about forest resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change and other disturbances.
Michael Jonz serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa, where he has held academic positions since January 2007 (promoted to Associate Professor in May 2013). His office is located in GNN 260 with contact number 613-562-5800 x6051. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from McMaster University (2004), M.Sc. in Biology from Brock University (2000), and B.Sc.H. in Biology from the University of Guelph (1997). Ph.D., Neurobiology, McMaster University (2004) M.Sc., Biology, Brock University (2000) B.Sc.H., Biology, University of Guelph (1997) Dr. Jonz's research program centers on the morphology, neurophysiology, and development of sensory systems in vertebrates, with particular expertise in oxygen-sensing mechanisms. His laboratory primarily utilizes zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), goldfish ( Carassius auratus ), and Xenopus laevis larvae as model organisms to investigate fundamental questions about chemoreception and neural development. His experimental approach integrates multiple advanced techniques including whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, and various immunohistochemical methods. His teaching portfolio includes BIO 3153 Cell Biology, BIO 4175 Membrane Physiology, and BIO 8102 Advanced Cell Physiology, reflecting his expertise in cellular and molecular physiology. His research interests span Visual System Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, Physiology Organisation and Biological Functions, Cellular Neurophysiology, and Ion Channels Neurophysiology, with particular focus on the role of ion channels in O 2 chemoreceptors, the morphology and neurochemistry of chemoreception, and the development of O 2 -sensing pathways. Dr. Jonz's laboratory represents an important component of the University of Ottawa's neuroscience research infrastructure, contributing to the Faculty of Science's $37 million annual research funding and supporting the institution's position among Canada's most research-intensive science faculties.
Nathalie Bisaillon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Didactics at the Faculty of Education Sciences, Université de Montréal. Her research and teaching focus on mathematics education, particularly for primary school students who experience difficulties in learning mathematics. Dr. Bisaillon began her career as an orthopedagogue in primary education and worked for five years as an educational advisor in school adaptation. She has extensive experience as a sessional lecturer at both Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke, spanning ten years. She earned her Master's degree in mathematics didactics and completed her PhD in mathematics didactics at Université de Montréal in 2021. Her research interests center on the development of number sense and numeration among primary school students, particularly those experiencing learning difficulties in mathematics. Dr. Bisaillon investigates how visual-spatial skills interact with mathematical cognition and how these can be leveraged to improve mathematics instruction. She has developed innovative assessment tools and teaching sequences to support students struggling with mathematical concepts. Her work bridges theoretical didactics with practical classroom applications, focusing on making mathematical concepts accessible through visual representations and concrete manipulatives. Dr. Bisaillon's publication record shows a consistent focus on visual approaches to mathematics education, number sense development, and strategies for students with learning difficulties. Her recent work explores the connection between visual-spatial skills and numeration understanding, with particular attention to 'groupitizing' phenomena and their application in teaching practices. She has developed the 'Tour Model' (Model of the Tower) and other visual frameworks that have gained recognition among educators working with students who face challenges in mathematics learning. Among her notable achievements, Dr. Bisaillon was awarded the Prix Marc Gagnon for the best Master's thesis of the year at the Faculty of Education Sciences of Université de Montréal. Her work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences, including the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (CERME) and various professional associations focused on learning disabilities and primary education. Dr. Bisaillon actively collaborates with educational professionals and researchers across Quebec. She currently leads two major research projects funded by FRQSC and SSHRC, focusing on orthopedagogical practices that foster number sense development and visual-spatial skills (2024-2028) and an evaluation of mathematics assessment practices in orthopedagogy in Quebec (2024-2027). She also contributes as a co-researcher to a large-scale project on developing highly qualified workforce in applied mathematics for Quebec's cutting-edge domains (2022-2026).
Shengrui Wang is a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sherbrooke, specializing in data mining, pattern recognition, and machine learning with applications spanning bioinformatics, business intelligence, and image analysis. His academic credentials include: D.E.A. from Université Joseph Fourier (1986) Ph.D. in Sciences from Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (1989) Professor Wang develops statistical and structural approaches for clustering/classification of high-dimensional and complex data (sequences, trees, graphs), addressing challenges in similarity measures, cluster number determination, outlier identification, and graph comparison. His work integrates fuzzy logic, neural networks, and statistical analysis for symbolic processing like hypothetical reasoning. Applied research includes the CLUSS server for global protein sequence analysis, web community identification systems, business intelligence through socio-economic data mining, radar target detection (boats/oil spills), road extraction in satellite imagery, and intelligent environment activity recognition.
Eric Margolis is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts. He holds a Ph.D. from Rutgers University and has held prior positions at Rice University and the University of Wisconsin. His research focuses on the philosophy of cognitive science and philosophy of mind, particularly the developmental origins of human concepts, the relationship between language and thought, and the explanation of distinctively human cognition. Margolis emphasizes innate features of the mind and their role in conceptual systems, exploring how these interact with cultural and linguistic factors. His work includes a notable book, The Building Blocks of Thought , which defends a rationalist account of concept origins. Margolis teaches courses ranging from introductory philosophy to advanced seminars on the philosophy of cognitive science and philosophy of mind. He is also deeply involved in graduate training, offering seminars that engage with current debates such as mental time travel, concept nativism, and language-thought relationships. Margolis' research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed articles and edited volumes, addressing topics like domain specificity, numerical cognition, and cross-cultural conceptual differences. His approach integrates philosophical analysis with insights from psychology, neuroscience, and anthropology, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary methodology. He actively engages students through seminar-style courses requiring critical participation. His teaching philosophy emphasizes developing independent research skills, as seen in assignments like final research projects in PHIL455. Office hours are conducted via Zoom, with schedules updated regularly on his website.
Logan Walsh, PhD serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University and is affiliated with the Goodman Cancer Institute. His research laboratory employs integrated experimental and computational methodologies to investigate the genetic basis of cancer and the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in therapeutic response. Dr. Walsh's research spans cancer genetics , tumor immunology , and translational oncology , with concentrated efforts on pediatric gliomas , lung adenocarcinoma , and osteoarthritis-related immune dysregulation . His laboratory leverages advanced spatial immune mapping and bioinformatics to dissect cellular interactions within tumor microenvironments, emphasizing myeloid population dynamics and immune suppression mechanisms. Analysis of recent publications reveals a pronounced trend toward spatial biology and immune microenvironment characterization across multiple cancer types. Key methodologies include imaging mass cytometry , digital pathology AI workflows , and computational modeling to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in gliomas, lung cancer, and melanoma metastases, with emerging work on obesity-cancer interactions. Dr. Walsh leads the Walsh Lab, a collaborative environment comprising clinicians, scientists, and bioinformatic specialists focused on translational cancer research. The laboratory's work bridges basic discoveries with clinical applications to improve cancer diagnostics and develop novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting microenvironmental interactions.
Darko Odic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts. He holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University (2014) and is affiliated with the Early Development Research Group, focusing on language, learning, and social understanding in infants and children. His research spans cognitive development, psychophysics, and the interface between language and number representation. Odic teaches courses in developmental, social, and clinical psychology, and his work has been recognized through awards like the Jacobs Foundation Fellowship and APS Rising Star honor. Research Interests: His primary areas include numerical cognition (approximate number system), developmental psychophysics, and how language acquisition interacts with semantic-cognitive processes. Notable projects explore how children’s intuitive number sense develops, the role of non-numeric features in perception, and metacognitive confidence judgments. Publications & Awards: Odic has published extensively on topics like number representation, perceptual discrimination, and educational interventions. His work appears in journals like Developmental Psychology and Perception. Awards highlight his contributions to both research and teaching. Academic Engagement: He advises students in cognitive and developmental psychology and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving robotics education and visual perception studies.
Yousry El-Kassaby is a Professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Forestry. His research focuses on quantitative genetics and genomics, particularly in tree domestication, seed orchard genetics, and climate adaptation. He actively supervises graduate students in programs like Forestry (MSc, MASc, PhD). Research Interests: Applied Genetics Conservation Genomics Tree Breeding Association Genetics Genomic Selection Scientific Awards: International Union of Forest Research Organizations Scientific Achievement Award (2010) Professor Honoris Causa – Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (2011) Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award (2017) His recent work explores genetic mechanisms underlying drought tolerance, dormancy, and wood formation in conifers and hardwoods, with applications in sustainable forest management and biofuel production.
Professor Joshua Alexander Folk is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Science. He leads the Quantum Devices Group, conducting research on electronic properties of nanoscale quantum circuits using semiconductor platforms and van der Waals heterostructures. His work focuses on ultra-low temperature measurements (0.01K to 1K) where quantum mechanical effects dominate electronic transport. Professor Folk's educational background includes: Bachelor's Degree: Stanford University Doctoral Degree: Stanford University His research centers on quantum electronic phenomena in low-dimensional systems, with expertise in entropy measurement techniques for mesoscopic circuits and exploration of emergent electronic phenomena in van der Waals heterostructures. The research spans quantum transport in 2D materials, topological states, strongly correlated systems, and quantum thermodynamics. His group develops novel measurement techniques to probe quantum systems at the nanoscale, with particular emphasis on entropy as a tool to understand interacting quantum circuits and phase transitions. Professor Folk's recent publications reveal a strong focus on twisted graphene systems, particularly moiré superlattices that host exotic quantum states including topological insulators and superconductivity. His work bridges fundamental quantum physics with potential applications in quantum information processing, with significant contributions to understanding quantum thermodynamics in nanoscale systems. The research often involves international collaborations to investigate novel electronic states in engineered 2D materials. Professor Folk's major scientific awards include: Department of Defense Graduate Research Fellowship (1998-2002) Stanford Graduate Fellowship (2002-2003) Pappalardo Postdoctoral Fellowship (2003-2004) Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2010-2012) CRC Tier II Chair (2005-) Professor Folk actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students in the Quantum Devices Group. His current PhD students include Zhenxiang Gao (focusing on magnetotransport in twisted double bilayer graphene), Vahid Movahed (working on entropy measurements in GaAs heterostructures), and Elena Cornick (working on GaAs heterostructures). Undergraduate researchers include Raveel Tejani (measuring entropy in fractional quantum Hall states) and Ray Su (fabricating van der Waals heterostructures with graphene and WSe2). He has secured significant research funding through his Canada Research Chair and collaborative grants with the Quantum Computing Research Cluster and Quantum Matter Institute. The Quantum Devices Group operates in rooms 245 and 111 of the Brimacombe Building and room 101 of the Hennings building on UBC's Vancouver campus. The group utilizes advanced nanofabrication facilities and ultra-low temperature measurement systems to investigate quantum phenomena. They have pioneered techniques for direct entropy measurement in quantum systems, which has become a signature capability. The lab maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with institutions working on quantum materials and quantum information processing.
