Robert Tsushima, Dean
Dr. Tsushima is associate professor and Chair, Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science. Dr. Tsushima joined York University as faculty in the Department of Biology in 2007. He has served as Chair of the Department of Biology since 2017 and, prior to that, held the position of associate dean, research and partnerships from 2012-15.
Prior to joining York, he was faculty in the Department of Medicine at University of Toronto. He holds a PhD in pharmacology from Western University. Dr. Tsushima’s research in physiology examines the basis of heart disease and diabetes. He is a member of the Muscle Health Research Centre (MHRC) Organized Research Unit, author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and abstracts, external reviewer for numerous journals and has received dozens of grants in support of his research. He has an extensive record of service within the University and for external organizations and associations.
Associate Deans
Andrew Skelton
Associate Dean, Faculty
Dr. Andrew Skelton is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, with a primary focus on mathematics education and pedagogy. He won the 2021 Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award and has served as the Academic Coordinator in Bethune College, the Coordinator of the Mathematics for Education major and was the inaugural Director of the Data Science major.
Dr. Skelton is deeply involved in research aimed at supporting first-year students in their transition to university. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Guelph and has extensive experience in both secondary and postsecondary education. Dr. Skelton is committed to enhancing the student experience and supporting academic success through innovative teaching and curriculum development.
Seyed Moghadas
Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Education
Dr. Seyed Moghadas is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and a leading expert in computational epidemiology and vaccine science.
He is the founding director of the Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory at York University, where his research focuses on advanced mathematical and computational modeling of infectious disease dynamics, public health interventions, and health economics. Dr. Moghadas has received several prestigious honors, including the 2022 President’s Research Impact Award and recognition as a York Research Leader. He holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Sharif University of Technology and has led international research efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work bridges theory, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making in public health.
Michael Scheid
Associate Dean, Students
Michael Scheid is an associate professor in the Department of Biology. His research activities have been funded by CIHR, NSERC and CFI. As a molecular and cellular biologist, he is most interested in protein signalling pathways that control cell growth and survival in the development and treatment of cancer.
As the associate dean of students, he provides leadership towards matters of undergraduate programming including course planning, recruitment and retention, experiential education, and cyclical program reviews. His role also supports undergraduate student success, scholarships, advising and degree progression while maintaining sound pedagogical principles.