Alumni
Explore the latest news, stories, and groundbreaking research happening at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Stay updated on innovative projects, impactful discoveries, and the achievements of our talented students, faculty, and alumni shaping the future of biomedical science and engineering.
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Three BME students share their graduate experience
Last week, students from the class of 2T4 walked across the stage at Convocation Hall and became the latest engineering alumni. Nevena Musikic, Amber Xue, and Alyssia Sanchez shared their graduate experiences in this video.
BME alum secures $20M in startup funding
BME alum James Lazarovits’ (BME 2019) startup Archon Biosciences debuts with $20M to advance Nobel-inspired protein technology in cancer treatment.
Exploring the intersection of AI and finance
Saba Rahimi earned her PhD in biomedical engineering in 2022 from Dr. Kullervo Hynynen’s Focused Ultrasound lab. Rahimi’s passion for AI and machine learning led her to seek out opportunities to integrate these technologies into her work. Now, as a senior AI research associate at JP Morgan Chase & Co., Rahimi leverages her diverse background to advance AI initiatives within the financial sector.
BME alumnus Dr. Jeffrey Karp honoured with Distinguished Alumni Award
This top accolade is bestowed upon U of T Engineering graduates whose exceptional leadership and professional achievements have significantly benefited society, often on a global scale.
BME alumnus Dr. Amir Manbachi honoured with Research & Innovation Award
This prestigious accolade recognizes U of T engineering graduates who have developed, implemented, or discovered an innovative research program, process, or product that has made a significant impact on the profession, community, or society.
Physiatry, 3D Printed Prosthetics, and the Intersection of Engineering & Medicine: A Chat with Alumnus Dr. Amanda Mayo
After completing her MHSc at BME in 2004, Dr. Amanda Mayo transitioned into medicine, specializing in Physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Recently promoted to Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Mayo has dedicated over a decade to advancing patient care, collaborating on accessible prosthetics, and leading and mentoring in her field.
Empowering and educating entrepreneurship in cardiovascular translation
The Entrepreneurship for Cardiovascular Health Opportunities (ECHO) Program was founded by Dr. Soror Sharifpoor in 2018. Aimed at improving cardiovascular research commercialization, this 12-month program includes workshops, webinars, networking, and mentorship activities, culminating in a public pitch competition where ventures can win $250,000 in startup funding.
Professor Alison McGuigan awarded Senior Scientist Award at 7th TERMIS World Congress
Professor Alison McGuigan has been honored with the prestigious Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society Americas Chapters (TERMIS-AM) Senior Scientist Award. This esteemed award was presented to Professor McGuigan on the final day of the 7th TERMIS World Congress Conference, held from June 25-28 in Seattle, Washington. The Senior Scientist Award is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
BME alumna promoted to Chief of St. John’s Rehab Program
Dr. Amanda Mayo will be promoted to the new Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Mayo is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She completed five years of residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Mayo obtained MSc in Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Grads to Watch – Maneesha Rajora (BME MASc 1T3, BME PhD 2T4)
Having enriched the U of T Engineering community as undergraduate and graduate students, they will join our vibrant, global network of Skule™ alumni, where they will continue to address pressing challenges around the world and inspire the next generation. This year’s 14 Grads to Watch — selected by their home departments and institutes — embody the spirit of U of T Engineering. Their stories illustrate the creativity, innovation and global impact that define our community. Watch their next steps!
Pioneering the future of Textile Computing™
In an era where wearables are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, Myant stands at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing the healthcare landscape with their cutting-edge Textile Computing™ technology. At the helm of this groundbreaking endeavour is Milad Alizadeh-Meghrazi (PhD), Vice President of Research, Development, and Partner Integration at Myant.
U of T Engineering Dean, professor and alumni elected to the Canadian Academy of Engineering
U of T Engineering Dean Christopher Yip and Professor Natalie Enright Jerger (ECE) have been elected fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE). Alumni Benoit Boulet (ElecE PhD 9T6), Susan Doniz (IndE 9T3) and Alfred Yu (BME MASc 0T4, PhD 0T7) are also among the CAE’s 54 new fellows.
U of T Engineering professor and alumni receive 2024 Ontario Professional Engineers Awards
Serena Mandla (EngSci 1T7, BME MASc 1T9) received the Young Engineer Award for an engineer no older than 35 years old who has demonstrated excellence in their career, community and professional service.
From brain-computer interfaces to commercial AI
Dr. Alborz Rezazadeh graduated from Dr. Tom Chau’s lab in 2018 with a specialization in electrical and biomedical engineering. Since then, Alborz delved deep into the AI field and assumed various roles in multinational companies such as Samsung, LG, and Recursion. Now working as a senior applied scientist at Amazon, Alborz reflects on his journey throughout his graduate experience and how his diverse set of experiences shaped his understanding of artificial intelligence (AI).
Getting LIT: An alumni profile with Professor Jeffrey Karp
Professor Jeffrey Karp earned his PhD in collaboration with BME at the University of Toronto in 2004. Focusing on the philosophy of translation, he has since become a professor at Harvard Medical School, translating many of his research topics into commercially viable products – ranging from nasal sprays for disinfection to bioadhesive tapes used in surgery. Professor Karp recently published his first book, “LIT: Life Ignition Tools,” discussing insights and advice gleaned from conversations with internationally renowned experts on building new habits.
Developing wearable technologies as a Senior Signal Processing Engineer
After completing her master’s degree in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) from Professor Tom Chau’s lab in 2019, Rozhin Yousefi embarked on a journey through adjacent industries, capitalizing on her expertise in signal processing, machine learning, and physiological data analysis. Now serving as the Senior Signal Processing Engineer at WHOOP, she specializes in developing and refining wearable devices aimed at tracking health and fitness.
Advancing Drug Discovery Through Cutting-Edge Microscopy: An Alumni Q&A with Amine Driouchi
Amine Driouchi (BME2019) embarked on his science journey at King’s College London in biochemistry, and this eventually led to his PhD work in Dr. Chris Yip’s lab at the University of Toronto. Now he is working as a senior scientist for Eikon Therapeutics, a California-based biotechnology company that develops drug discovery technologies using super-resolution microscopy. Here, Amine shares his academic journey and what he is doing now at Eikon.
Shaping the Future of Medical Device Innovation: An Alumni Q&A with a Director of Product Development at MolecuLight
In this Alumni Q&A, meet Nikola Andric, the Director of Product Development at MolecuLight, where he spearheads the advancement of fluorescence wound imaging devices for bacterial load visualization and wound measurement. Graduated from BME MEng program in 2017, Nikola is leveraging his diverse skill set honed during his U of T Engineering days. His pioneering work not only showcases a transformative passion for revolutionizing wound care but also reflects his dedication to innovation, seamless communication, and staying at the forefront of medical device trends.
MD/PhD student Hannah Kozlowski receives inaugural future leaders prize
Throughout her graduate studies, Hannah Kozlowski recalls her PhD supervisor reminding her that doing a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. As an endurance runner who has completed six marathons — including the Boston and Chicago Marathons — Kozlowski found the advice relatable and memorable.
Exploring Quality Management and Medical Device Innovation: A Q&A with Epineuron’s Quality Manager
After completing his MEng degree at BME in 2021, Eric Wong embarked on his career at Epineuron Technologies, a medical device company that helps surgeons expedite nerve recovery through electro-stimulation after nerve-repair surgeries. Here, Eric provides valuable insights into Epineuron’s breakthrough bioelectronic therapy, the challenges faced in the field, and the role of a Quality Manager in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance.
Navigating Medical Education and Building a Patient-Centered Healthcare System: Insights from a Medical Student
Alison Hacker (BME2023) recently graduated from the MEng program at the University of Toronto. Now pursuing a degree in medicine at Queen’s University, Alison talks about what motivates her in medicine, and how incorporating social considerations when treating patients could produce better outcomes.
Grads to Watch – Alex Gordon
Dr. Alex Gordon co-founded Revolve Surgical, aiming to make complex minimally invasive procedures accessible by developing affordable robotic systems. He is one of the students featured in the Grads to Watch 2023.
Answering business questions with AI algorithms
Meet Ronald Chow, a recent graduate from the MEng program at BME. Now, as a full-time medical student, Ronald is delving into the intersection of artificial intelligence, medicine, and engineering.
Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris – Nika Shakiba
Nika Shakiba (BME PhD 1T7) joins Chris Yip to discuss her work as an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and her research on stem cells.