Student Awards
Momentum Builders Scholarship
The Department of Physics is delighted to announce that Taha Aboshanab and Ezra Msolla are the inaugural recipients of the Momentum Builders Scholarship.
Our appeal for donations to establish the Momentum Builders Scholarship to support Indigenous and Black undergraduate students in Physics has been very successful, resulting in an endowment of more than $100,000. In spring 2023, once sufficient expendable funds were available, a call for applications was sent to students, with the first two recipients announced at the Physics Start-of-Year Party in September.
Taha Aboshanab
Taha Aboshanab is starting his third year in the Physics Specialist program. Taha is an Egyptian student who is pursuing a physics degree at U of T in hope of finding a nurturing environment through which he can achieve his main two goals: to solve the energy problem worldwide, and to improve on the existing theoretical physics knowledge. As a young amateur enthusiast, Taha reports that he enjoyed reading articles in physics about black holes and quantum mechanics. He also watched all the Feynman lectures he could get his hands on. Not understanding 99% of what was written or discussed made him love this subject called physics. He says that he doesn’t think the pleasure in pursuing physics lies in knowing there's an answer to every question. Instead, the pleasure lies in the pursuit of an answer. And he hopes that will be his career: an enthusiastic, lifelong-learner of physics!
Ezra Msolla
Ezra Msolla is starting his third year in the Astronomy and Physics Specialist program. Ezra is originally from Tanzania but grew up in Italy, where he first developed a curiosity for the sciences. Studying physics more deeply in high school, Ezra grew to love astronomy and cosmology which led him to U of T, where he believed his expertise and talent would be nurtured. He says that he took an interest in learning about the use of fast radio bursts in cosmological research during his involvement in the Directed Reading Program. He is now looking forward to continuing this journey in physics, exploring the areas of cosmological research at a higher level.
The Department of Physics congratulates Taha and Ezra on their accomplishments to date and wishes them every success in their studies and future endeavours.
The Momentum Builders Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more full-time Indigenous and/or Black undergraduate student(s) enrolled in a Major, Specialist, or Joint Specialist program in the Department of Physics, on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This scholarship has been established through the generosity of donors who wish to support the next generation of physicists and build momentum for greater diversity in physics. The Department aims to create opportunities for Indigenous and Black physics students to achieve their educational goals and contribute their ideas, insights and knowledge, thereby enriching our collective understanding of physics and the universe.
The Department sincerely thanks everyone who has supported this initiative. Donations to the Momentum Builders Scholarship are still being accepted at this link.
The Loudon-Hines Gold Medal in Physics
The recipient for 2022-23 is Nicholas Sullivan, Physics Specialist Program.
The Loudon-Hines Gold Medal and Scholarship is presented annually to an outstanding graduating student in the Specialist or Major program in Physics who also demonstrates creativity and a clear promise in the discipline of physics.
Originally awarded as the Loudon Gold Medal, named for James Loudon, the first Canadian-born Professor of Physics at U of T, it was renamed the Loudon-Hines Gold Medal in 2018, in honor of distinguished atmospheric physicist and mathematician Colin O. Hines (who himself received the Loudon Medal in 1949).
This year's recipient is Nicholas Sullivan, a graduating student in the Physics Specialist Program. Nicolas excelled in his physics courses, including his lab courses and two graduate courses, and is now pursuing graduate studies in the Department.
Van Kranendonk Awards
The Van Kranendonk Award is given every year to four graduate students who have done the best job as Teaching Assistants during the current year, based on nominations from undergraduate students.
Named in honour of U of T Physics Professor Jan Van Kranendonk, who was the recipient of many awards (including the 1976 Gold Medal for achievement in physics awarded by the Canadian Association of Physicists) but who was also renowned as an excellent teacher.
Nathan Carlson PHY151, PHY152
“He is the best TA that students wish to have! He was supportive and kind. He cares about students even after the practical hours. For example, he stayed after our lab to explain the concept we were struggling. He was organized, and he sent the slides shortly after each lab. He always, provided us with solutions after each session. He always explained about our mistakes from previous lab session. He was informative and useful during the practical class”.
Alistair Duff PHY100, PHY450
“Alistair has been an incredible TA throughout this semester. He is helpful, knowledgeable, and cares a lot about the classes he teaches. He is clearly passionate about physics and helping people understand it. My first semester has been a great experience because of his classes”.
Dylan Jow PHY483
“Dylan Jow has provided some of the best teaching I've received throughout my four years at UofT and is very supportive and understanding of the class and its needs.”
“Dylan Jow is an exceptional example of going to great lengths to ensure you learn the material, and then going a step beyond to do a little more.”
Emily Zhang PHY250, PHY256
“She is the only reason I survived the courses. Best TA. Caring and teaches extremely well.”
“The concepts taught and the derivations done during the tutorial sessions are crystal clear, and they never get intermingled and rushed over.”
CQIQC Scholarship awarded to four Physics students
Four undergraduate Physics students at the University of Toronto spent their summer conducting cutting-edge research in quantum science and engineering — a unique opportunity for undergraduate students.
Their research projects were funded through the Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control (CQIQC) Undergraduate Summer Research Scholarship Program. CQIQC is a research centre in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts and Science, whose mission is to advance quantum science and technology research at U of T. CQIQC’s faculty members are professors in different departments at the University, including Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. The summer scholarships allow recipients to undertake summer research projects in the research groups of CQIQC members.
This year, CQIQC received 65 outstanding applications. Four students were selected through a process based on academic performance and a supplementary application.
Amirali Atrli (2nd year, Physics Specialist with a Math minor) CQIQC supervisor: Professor John Sipe (Physics)
Tanmay Grover (2nd Year, Physics and Math Specialist) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Arun Paramekanti (Physics)
Nicholas Taylor (3rd year, Physics Specialist with a Math Major) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Arno Jacobsen (ECE)
Qinyuan Yang (3rd year, Physics and Math Specialist) CQIQC supervisor: Professor Li Qian (ECE)
The number of applications CQIQC received is a testament to the stellar talent and brilliance in U of T’s undergraduate community. "We were delighted to have received so many outstanding applications from top students. It was difficult to disappoint so many of them,” says Dvira Segal, CQIQC’s Director and a professor in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry. “To all students – those who have joined CQIQC this summer and those we could not extend an offer – I hope that each of you maintains your passion for research wherever your journey continues”.
More information here: https://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/news/recent-news/nicholas-taylor-earns-top-prize-at-dsis-suds-showcase/
Faculty Recognitions
Nikolina Ilic
Assistant Professor Nikolina Ilic has been promoted to the position of Institute of Particle Physics Continuing Research Scientist and to the rank of Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2023.
Faculty Awards
Physics Student Union (PhySU) Teaching Awards
The PhySU Teaching Award is an annual award started in 2021 to recognize exceptional pedagogy in undergraduate Physics courses. The award is given to two individuals (one per semester) at the end of each academic year. The winners are selected by the PhySU Executive based on student nominations.
Fall 2022 - Ania Harlick - for exceptional pedagogy in PHY224, PHY293, and PHY424
“Professor Harlick is a very good lecturer and always made sure we understood the lecture content and had really interesting demo's to demonstrate concepts. They also went above and beyond to help me during labs when it comes to understanding theory, they reinforced my passion for physics and gave me career advice that helped me make decisions about 3rd year and onwards.”
“Prof. Harlick actively caters to different learning styles by embracing different teaching methods. Their accessibility for students outside of regular lecture hours was exceptional.”
“Professor Harlick deserves to be recognized for their commitment to teaching excellence and their ability to inspire and motivate students. The passion and dedication demonstrated in their classroom, combined with their extensive knowledge in physics, makes them an exceptional candidate for the PhySU Teaching Award.”
Winter 2023 - Robert Orr - for exceptional pedagogy in PHY250
“Prof. Orr's enthusiasm for physics provided a refreshing respite from the dreary winter atmosphere; I would always look forward to their lectures. Their dedication to the course and undergraduate population is evident, most clearly exemplified in this quote from the second week of lectures: "There's no such thing as paranoia, since your worst fears can come true. I was writing my lecture notes last night when my laptop died. Did I give up and not deliver the lecture? No! Because I'm like a boy scout, I'm always well prepared.”
“The way Professor Orr engages and teaches the class by incorporating their funny stories and experiences, along with their traditional lecture style of going slow and in depth, has allowed me to fully grasp concepts in a way that I never understood before. It is also amazing how perfectly they pace the lectures whilst also being able to incorporate short pauses. Their funny, inspirational, and in-depth style of teaching is exceptional.”
Professor Hoi-Kwong Lo has been awarded the 2023 IEEE Photonics Society Quantum Electronics Award
Prof. Lo has been honoured with this achievement for establishing the theoretical and experimental foundation for practical quantum cryptography and quantum network.
Professor Hae-Young Kee has been awarded the 2023 CAP/DCMMP Brockhouse Medal for Outstanding work in Theoretical Quantum Research
This medal recognizes significant experimental or theoretical contributions to condensed matter and materials physics. Dr. Hae-Young Kee is recognized as one of the world’s foremost theoreticians in identifying new quantum materials with desirable functionalities. Her work has emphasized identifying appropriate model Hamiltonians that have led to new insights and predictions.
Professor Jason Harlow has been awarded the 2023 CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics
This medal is in recognition of Jason Harlow's comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of the subject and the ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding in such a way as to lead their students to high academic achievement in physics. Prof. Harlow is known as an inspiring instructor who encourages students to think independently, critically, and analytically.
Professor R.J. Dwayne Miller named Fellow of U.K.’s Royal Society and recipient of the 2023 ACS’s Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach
In May 2023, Prof. Miller was named a Fellow of the Royal Society for his substantial contribution to the advancement of science and, having “pushed forward the boundaries of their respective fields and had a beneficial influence on the world beyond.”
Prof. Miller received ACS’s Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach in August 2023 for his passion and achievements in science advocacy, education, and outreach. His commitment to science promotion extends beyond urban centers as he actively works with remote and Indigenous communities in Canada.
Professor Debra Wunch appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s 2023 College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
Professor Debra Wunch has been honored by the Royal Society of Canada for her pathbreaking leadership in atmospheric physics. Members of the RSC's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists are selected for demonstrating exceptional accomplishment.
Professor Dick Bond honoured by Canadian and American physics communities
The Canadian Association of Physicists has named Prof. Dick Bond a CAP Fellow, a distinction that recognizes service to the Canadian physics community and noteworthy contributions to physics research. In addition, the American Physical Society has awarded Bond the Hans A. Bethe Prize for developing conceptual and quantitative tools that have enabled cosmologists to measure the geometry, content and age of the universe.
More: https://www.utoronto.ca/celebrates/dick-bond-honoured-canadian-and-american-physics-communities
Staff Awards
Department of Physics Staff Awards
Michael Manley - 2023 Award for Administrative Excellence
Manager, Finance and HR Administration
"2022-23 saw the departure of 66% of our core administrative team, with the retirements of two staff members who together had more than 60 years of administrative experience at UofT. Michael was responsible for recruiting new staff, and for planning and implementing what turned out to be a very smooth and successful transition. He is also leading the adoption of an online time management process for casual employees and was instrumental in moving staff absence recording to the University’s ESS online system. All of these remarkable achievements, on top of his exemplary management of the department’s payroll, including faculty PTR, and his outstanding contributions to the Department’s financial management, deserve special recognition."
Lilian Leung - 2023 Award for Technical Excellence
Senior Learning Services Specialist
"Lilian is a mainstay of our first-year learning program, and especially the teaching labs and practicals. Her extensive experience and deep care for students and instructors gives her an amazing ability to predict what will be required regardless of what is requested, and her hard work and technical wizardry insures the delivery of everything that is required. Besides her work in the labs, her efforts to maintain the A/V equipment in our meetings, seminars and colloquia is indispensable. Most important of all, she carries out all of these fantastic support activities with irrepressible good humour and enthusiasm."
Dean’s Outstanding Staff Awards
Steven Butterworth - Dean’s Outstanding Technical Service Award
Manager, Physics Computing Services
The Dean’s Outstanding Technical Service Award in the Faculty of Arts & Science is presented to a technical staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to technical services and, as a result, has had a direct impact on improving teaching and/or research. This award recognizes, for example, innovative solutions to problems, improvements in efficiency, and cost-savings in labs, computer areas and shops.
Steven was selected for his outstanding contributions as the Manager of Physics Computing Services and anchor for IT services in the Physics Department over the past 20 years.
The award recognizes his professionalism and teamwork, his demonstrated commitment to the Physics and A&S, his contributions to morale, and the strong positive impact he has made within the Department and beyond.
His contributions this year have been above and beyond, including additional work to improve the security of our systems and to move our entire computing infrastructure from the Data Centre in McLennan Physics to a temporary location.
Congratulations to Steve on this well-deserved award!
More: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/news/2023-outstanding-achievement-awards
