This is Lassonde

Today, we’re sitting down with alumna Shelly Sahani on ‘This is Lassonde’ and we invite you to join us and discover her extraordinary journey. From designing award-winning projects in space engineering to making significant strides in the realm of cybersecurity, Shelly’s story is a testament to passion, innovation, interdisciplinarity and commitment to empowering others through technology. Tune in for an insightful discussion about her projects, community involvement and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Join us in a captivating conversation with Professor Matthew Perras from the Civil Engineering department at Lassonde. From deciphering the differences between geological and geotechnical realms to exploring climate-influenced design, this episode takes you on a journey through ancient tombs, innovative research and the transformative Climate-Data-Drive Design (CD3) Facility. Plus, get an exclusive insight into Professor Perras’ engaging YouTube channel, GeoMechanic, and get a glimpse at the future of geotechnical engineering.

Join us on this episode of ‘This is Lassonde’ as we navigate the fascinating world of autonomous trucking with Raghavender, the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of NuPort Robotics. We have an in-depth discussion about his research accolades, entrepreneurial insights and the future of transportation. We also explore how NuPort Robotics is driving sustainable solutions and revolutionizing the way we envision the road ahead.

In this episode, we sit down with Yusra Sani, a civil engineering student at the Lassonde School of Engineering. Yusra shares how her passion for civil engineering was first sparked during high school, through a mentorship-based program she took part in. Join us as we discuss how Yusra seamlessly integrates her artistic passions with civil engineering and her advice about balancing academics and extracurriculars for a fulfilling educational experience.

Join us for a riveting conversation with Professor Terry Sachlos from Lassonde’s Department of Mechanical Engineering who is also the Associate Director of the Bergeron Entrepreneurs of Science and Technology (BEST) program. In this episode, we dive into the dynamic worlds of stem cell engineering, regenerative medicine and entrepreneurship. Then, we discuss the potential impact of his groundbreaking research on bone marrow transplants and autoimmune disorders. Finally, we hear insights about the BEST program and how it bridges science and entrepreneurship.

On this episode of This is Lassonde, we are joined by Lassonde Scholars Kiet and Fatema along with our host (and Scholar!), Shannon, as they share the unique journeys, challenges and the transformative experiences that shaped their paths at Lassonde. From academic excellence to community leadership, get inspired by the resilience and commitment of these exceptional students as they reflect on their time as Lassonde Scholars and offer valuable advice.

In this special episode, we celebrate World Water Day with Ginelle Aziz, a master’s candidate in the Civil Engineering program at Lassonde. We dive into the importance of environmental engineering, the significance of World Water Day, and the real-world impact of Ginelle’s research on geothermal heat pumps and bioremediation. Plus, we explore the intersection of academia and advocacy, as Ginelle shares her commitment to promoting sustainability and water conservation through her involvement with Engineers Without Borders. This episode is a call to action – a reminder that each small ripple can create waves of change.

In this special International Women’s Day episode, we are honoured to be joined by two remarkable Lassonde alumni, Peace and Josephine, who share their inspiring journeys in the world of civil engineering. As we celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, Peace and Josephine leave us with valuable insights and advice, reminding us that innovation in engineering thrives when we embrace diverse perspectives. From overcoming challenges to challenging stereotypes, their stories resonate with the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and perseverance.

Join us in an inspiring episode as we delve into the captivating story of Daphene Solis, a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Lassonde. From her roots in Brazil to her pioneering work in 4D bioprinting, Daphene shares her experiences, the intersection of mechanical engineering and biology, and the exciting future of medical advancements. Tune in to gain insights into her journey, teaching endeavors, and empowering advice for students and women in STEM.

Dr. Alvine Boya Belle is an Assistant Professor in Lassonde’s Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department with a passion for bridging the realms of technology and human expression. In this episode, we unravel her captivating journey into computer science and delve into her groundbreaking research on system assurance. Then, we explore the poetic side of her life and how combining art and science can help communicate complex scientific concepts.

In this episode, Lassonde student Ian Porto takes us on a deep dive into the Space Engineering program. Follow his journey from the start, as he shares experiences with projects like the ESSENCE Space Mission and the LURA program. Then, discover the ins and outs of CubeSat satellites, the Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom and hear his favourite aspects of space engineering.

Adonai Garcia, a Masters of Civil Engineering student at Lassonde, is dedicated to promoting safe, accessible and eco-friendly transportation. In this episode, he shares his involvement in research projects centred around electric vehicles, including electric cargo bikes and the SARIT. Adonai also recounts his impactful journey biking across the Dominican Republic to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of single-use plastics. Plus, hear his valuable advice on adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.

In this episode, we're joined by Artem Solovey and Maedeh Sedaghat to explore Lassonde's Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program. Artem is a master's student in Civil Engineering and Maedeh is the Manager for the BEST program. We talk to them all about what BEST offers, how students benefit from the program and the importance of an entrepreneurial STEM mindset!

Twin sisters, Kene and Kosi Oraka, are second-year Lassonde students and recipients of the Lassonde Scholarship, who are highly engaged in the campus community. In this episode, the duo opens up about their journey as international students and the unique challenges they faced transitioning into university, from overcoming homesickness to adapting to online learning. Then, they share valuable advice on achieving a harmonious work-life balance, empowering listeners to conquer their academic pursuits while nurturing their personal well-being.

Yan Shvartzshnaider is a Software Engineering professor at the Lassonde School of Engineering who focuses on privacy and security in computer systems. In this episode, he takes us on a journey through the challenges of determining proper privacy measures amid an ever-evolving technological landscape. As online learning gains momentum, we uncover the pressing privacy concerns that arise with this shift toward virtual education. From data protection to online surveillance, Professor Shvartzshnaider provides valuable expertise and sheds light on how we can safeguard our digital experiences.

This week, we're catching up with Dr. Pirathayini Srikantha, an assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department at Lassonde. Her research focuses on power grid systems and the distribution of electricity. In this episode, you will learn about her career path, the work she does as a professor here at Lassonde.

Lassonde's k2i academy is on a mission to break down systemic barriers in STEM and create an innovative ecosystem by working together with partners to design creative solutions. In this episode, Lisa Cole and Michelle Tsui-Woods share how the k2i academy is fostering equitable access to quality education. Discover the academy's origins and goals, and learn how students can get involved.

Dr. Gene Cheung is an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department at the Lassonde School of Engineering. In this episode, he discusses his path to York University and the exciting work he does as a professor. Then, prepare to be inspired as we delve into Dr. Cheung's fascinating research in Virtual Reality. Discover what motivated him to explore this cutting-edge field and the incredible possibilities it holds for education and medicine.

In this episode, we are joined by Stephen Low, a Computer Engineering alumnus. We chat about his current position at Amazon and how he played a key role in the launch of Amazon Music’s podcast platform. We then go back and discuss his undergraduate experience at Lassonde, and he tells us about all the ways he got involved on campus, from extracurriculars to co-op, and the history behind the leather Lassonde engineering jackets you might see around campus.

On this special Earth Day episode, we’re joined by Marina Freire-Gormaly, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Lassonde. Her research aims to make a positive impact on the environment, with a focus on UNSDG #6 - Clean Water and Sanitation. From solar-powered water treatment systems to energy recovery systems for remote communities without access to grid electricity, Professor Freire-Gormaly's work is truly cutting-edge.