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University of Toronto

Employee Anniversaries

Two staff members celebrate 30 years in the Department of Physics, for a combined total of 60 years!

Peter Hurley
Celebrating 30 Years

Peter Hurley

October 2021 marked Peter Hurley’s 30th anniversary as a much-valued staff member in the Department of Physics. He was initially hired as the Manager of Physics Technical Services in 1991. His title changed to Director of Physics Learning and Research Services in 2010, and in 2014, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer.

Peter’s association with the Department goes back even further, as he was a student here, earning both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics, with a focus on geophysics. After graduating, he took up various research positions in geophysics, including a position at Atomic Energy of Canada working on Nuclear Fuel Waste Management, and was a principle, responsible for Research and Development, at Acuris Geophysical Ltd., a start-up geophysical services consulting and research company, before returning to U of T. He took some leave to earn B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees and he also has PEO certification as an electronics engineer.

While managing PTS and PLRS, Peter provided mechanical design, project management and administrative support to PTS clients; developed and implemented machine shop and electronics workshop courses for students; enabled undergraduate and graduate student projects; and supported the professional development of technical staff. His superior performance resulted in his receiving a Dean's Outstanding Technical Service Award.

As CAO, Peter is responsible for the administrative, financial and operational management of the Department. He is deeply engaged in keeping the Physics Department running well so that we can achieve our teaching and research goals. This includes hiring and supervising staff, managing building issues, overseeing the budget, assisting with lab renovations and procurement of research equipment, and even providing logistical support for conferences. Peter is a consummate professional who knows the workings of the Department inside and out, and works tirelessly to deal with the myriad of issues that arise in a Department as large and complex as ours. We have also been exceptionally fortunate to have had Peter on our side and on site throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m sure that we all congratulate Peter on this anniversary and thank him for his 30 years of service to the Physics Department!

By: Kimberly Strong

Aloma Namasivayam
Celebrating 30 years

This year marks a significant milestone for Aloma Namasivayam in the Department of Physics that we are honoured to celebrate. On November 1, 2021, Aloma will have achieved 30 dedicated years of service with the Department.

Aloma has been an integral member of the Department through the years, providing exceptional financial and procurement services to our faculty, students, and staff. She started in the Department in 1991 in a casual position and continued to develop her career in procurement and financial administration. The achievements of our research and teaching programs are attributable to Aloma’s efforts in the procurement of the many instruments within our research and teaching labs.

Congratulations to Aloma on her tenure achievement! We applaud the dedication and resilience she has demonstrated during her time with us, and we look forward to her ongoing contributions and prosperous future in the Department of Physics.

By: Michael Manley