Making teaching and learning equitable, inclusive and accessible for all
Our instructors and staff are committed to enhancing teaching excellence and student learning and experience in the Faculty of Science. One of the areas of focus has been ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility are at the core of every classroom and laboratory.
In 2024, Professor Tamara Kelly, Department of Biology, and Educational Development Specialist Ashley Nahornick continued to update the Faculty of Science EDI syllabus/course outline template based on research and feedback. The EDI syllabus, launched in 2022, provides York Science instructors with a guide to centre diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility in their courses and help make all students feel welcome. By gathering student and instructor perceptions of syllabi and feedback, the team updated the template and guidebook and supported instructors in adopting the template in current and upcoming courses.
As well, Kelly continued to lead a project to increase accessibility and reduce inequities for students with disabilities in laboratories. Since the project was funded in 2023 through York’s Academic Innovation Fund, the team has laid important groundwork for improvements in Science labs. In 2024, the team continued to conduct surveys and interviews with students and instructors to gain insights on their experiences.
Kelly also leads the Canadian Consortium of Science Equity Scholars at York University, a national initiative focused on improving equity in university science courses. The consortium applies critical mixed-methods research to examine classroom climate, student belonging, and systemic barriers. At York, Kelly oversaw the deployment of surveys in 17 foundational science courses; the development of reports for instructors using aggregated student data; and the first meeting at York University to share and collect feedback and to discuss inclusive teaching practices.
Our Faculty also provided support to instructors in enhancing teaching and learning practices. For instance, in collaboration with the Faculty’s Committee on Teaching and Learning, Kelly and Nahornick hosted a monthly book club to discuss innovative assessment practices, and five guest speaker events that provided valuable discussions on inclusive teaching, alternative grading, artificial intelligence in education, and accessibility. They hosted various opportunities for instructors to informally discuss teaching and learning challenges and best practices, such as drop-in and one-on-one sessions. Along with Biology Professors Lisa Robertson and Nicole Nivillac, they also launched teaching assistant training for new Biology graduate students.
Expanding work-integrated learning opportunities for students
Our Faculty has prioritized increasing opportunities for our students to gain real-world, industry experience before they graduate, maximizing their career potential and success.
In 2024, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost Students and the Career Centre at York University, the Faculty of Science received a grant of more than $100,000 from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada to launch innovative work-integrated learning (WIL) programming for its undergraduate and graduate students.
“Our goals through WIL are to help students learn more about career pathways, increase their connections with industry partners, and build their career confidence,” said Michael Scheid, associate dean of students for the Faculty of Science.
WIL was successfully embedded into the curriculum of the undergraduate co-op course for Science students (Keele Campus), led by instructor Kathryn Franklin, and a graduate level course in the new Master of Biotechnology Management and Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology programs (Markham Campus), led by Biology Professor Luz Adriana Puentes Jácome. In 2024, 72 students across 21 teams from both courses worked closely with industry mentors to propose innovative solutions to current challenges faced in different sectors of the bioeconomy. All students had the unique opportunity to present their findings to their industry mentors and attend networking events with these professionals; they also received a stipend for their participation.
Additionally, students in both courses received synchronous online training in bioprocessing from the Canadian Alliance for Skills & Training in the Life Sciences, introducing them to a variety of job opportunities in the biomanufacturing sector. They were also invited to attend the industry-focused MedTech Conference and Canada Synbio Conference in Toronto, providing them with opportunities to meet industry professionals from global companies and meaningfully expand their network.
"Through our new WIL programming, we are helping students discover their career potential and at the same time training them to be the next generation of professionals for Canada's growing bio-economy," said Scheid.
Undergraduate students receive medals for high achievement
Undergraduate students Karina Kofman and Claire Del Zotto from the Department of Biology received the Faculty of Science Gold and Silver Medals at the University’s Spring Convocation Ceremony in 2024.
Kofman received a Gold Medal, which is presented to Science students graduating with the highest GPA, and Del Zotto received the Silver Medal, which goes to a Science student who has combined the highest degree of academic achievement with the greatest contribution to undergraduate student life at York.
Graduate students receive thesis and dissertation prizes, Governor General Gold Medal
PhD graduate Jennifer Porat and MSc graduate Nina Garrett received thesis and dissertation prizes from the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) for their outstanding scholarly work. Porat was also among three York University graduates who received the 2024 Governor General Gold Medal, which recognizes the outstanding scholastic achievements of graduate students in Canada.
Porat received an FGS Doctoral Dissertation Prize for her thesis, “RNA methyltransferases Influence Noncoding RNA Biogenesis and Function Through Catalytic-Independent Activities.” Her study encompassed various aspects of ribonucleic acid (RNA) biology – a molecule essential for most biological functions – while focusing on the lesser-studied functions of a set of eukaryotic RNA modification enzymes. Her dissertation provided evidence supporting the multifaceted nature of these enzymes and underscored their importance in many fundamental biological processes.
Garrett received an FGS Master’s Thesis Prize for her thesis, “Measuring neotropical bat diversity using airborne eDNA.” Her thesis developed the novel technique of capturing airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) for the detection of tropical bat species. She successfully demonstrated that airborne eDNA can accurately characterize a mixed-species community with varying abundances and that the type of sampler does not impact DNA concentration or read count.
Fostering a passion for the sciences among youth
Our Science Engagement Programs (SEP) office delivers innovative and engaging programs for youth in grades three to 12 to explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our programs take place within the Faculty of Science at the Keele Campus of York University, as well in the community through schools, community centres, and other educational institutions.
In 2024, SEP made significant strides in fostering a passion for STEM among youth. Our diverse range of programs, including march break and summer camps, as well as workshops in community centers and schools, reached over 6,300 students and teachers.
- 1,200+ students participated in engaging activities at Keele Campus, including camps and school visits.
- 1,280+ students participated in our outreach initiatives in libraries, schools, and virtual settings.
- 3,875+ students participated in Strategic Science Fund workshops, a fully-subsidized program offered in partnership with the Government of Canada and Actua.
Additionally, our ongoing partnership with the Skills for Change - Black Community Access Program empowered Black high school youth in underserved Toronto communities. Through a series of online and in-person workshops, students explored exciting topics, such as genetics, biomedical science, and space engineering, preparing them for future careers in STEM.
This is the first time sending my child to the York U program. My child was fascinated by what he learned from the neuroscience program … and shared that there were many hands-on activities, which he really appreciated. I really appreciated all the efforts put into giving the children a very positive learning experience.
- Parent, Neuroscience 2.0 (2024)
Our projects have been very interesting and we have gotten a lot of hands-on experience in labs working with different equipment we would never have access to at school. The lab work was easily my favorite part of the camp. Using the VR headsets has been especially memorable, as I've never been able to interact with 3D models in such an environment, and I don't think I would be able to get this experience anywhere else.
- Student, Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2024)
York U's Top 30 Alumni Under 30
Science alumni Katrina Carver (BSc ’22), Pablo Gonzalez (BSc ’22), Adrian Leva (BSc ’16), and Brian Serapio (BSc ’18) were named among York University’s 2024 Top 30 Alumni Under 30, a program that highlights the success and diversity of the University’s young alumni.
xplain Alzheimer’s Disease. Her research aims to guide drug development, improve diagnosis and enhance patient care. Carver was awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Medical Biophysics Excellence Award for her work.
Gonzalez, a medical student at the University of Toronto, is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. He founded the Canadian Association of Latin Medical Students to empower marginalized Latin American youth to pursue healthcare careers. As a keynote speaker at provincial interfaith events, he fosters empathetic dialogues, and is passionate about supporting underserved and marginalized groups through his academic endeavours.
Leva is the COO and co-founder of Nu-Rise Construction Management. Previously, he founded New Mission Investments, a real estate company focused on building generational wealth through multifamily properties and increasing access to housing in Ontario. He has also participated as a humanitarian volunteer to help build homes for at-risk families in the Dominican Republic.
Serapio is a resident physician in psychiatry based in Toronto with a strong interest in the care of older adults and adults with complex health needs. He has been involved in geriatrics interest groups that raise awareness about the health challenges older adults face and promote careers in geriatrics. He is also passionate about rectifying the underrepresentation of minorities in medicine.
Scott D. Tanner receives York U Alumni Award
Scott D. Tanner (BSc ’76, PhD ’80) received a 2024 York University Alumni Award in the Outstanding Achievement category. The York U Alumni Awards recognize alumni who have achieved the extraordinary by creating positive change in their fields.
After completing his doctoral work in York’s Faculty of Science, Tanner became principal scientist at Sciex, inventing successful mass spectrometry instruments. In 2005, he joined the University of Toronto, and was subsequently named 2011 Inventor of the Year in Biomedical and Life Sciences and co-founded the biotech company DVS Sciences.
Tanner is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in Plasma Spectrochemistry, the Human Proteome Organization Award for Science and Technology, the Manning Innovation Award of Distinction and the WAE McBryde Medal from the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
Astronomical Observatory engages community for solar eclipse, launches first podcast
THE ALLAN I. CARSWELL OBSERVATORY.
The solar eclipse in April 2024 was a moment that people across North America reveled in. And although York University was not in the path of totality, the Allan I. Carswell Observatory, directed by Professor Elaina Hyde, Department of Physics & Astronomy, hosted events and educated our community on how to safely engage in the occasion.
Leading up to the eclipse, the Observatory hosted a solar viewing event for the community to learn about viewing the sun safely and how to make pinhole cameras; about 150 people attended. At the event, astronomers from the Observatory answered frequently-asked questions about the eclipse and discussed how to enjoy the partial eclipse from Toronto. The team also distributed solar viewing glasses at multiple sites across the Keele Campus. On the day of the eclipse, York staff, faculty and students were invited to observe the partial eclipse atop the Arboretum Lane Parking Garage, near the Allan I. Carswell Observatory atrium. A total of 350 people participated in the eclipse viewing event at York.
In 2024, Hyde also launched York’s first-ever podcast dedicated to astronomy. Taking the Observatory’s existing Monday night audio program, “York Universe,” she expanded the program’s reach and impact by making it available on all podcast streaming platforms. With a team of seven regular hosts and 10 repeating guests, the podcast covers topics including what the Observatory is up to, current research at York University, and life on other planets.
“Since most of the hosts, cohosts and organizers of ‘York Universe’ are current York students and Observatory alumni, it is a great chance for the community to share in the accomplishments of some of our most accomplished grads – and undergrads,” said Hyde. “The student perspective and knowledge included in the broadcasts offers a chance for everyone to join in the exciting Observatory discoveries and observations.”