Presented in partnership with our York Circle Chair, Giuseppina D'Agostino (BA ’96, LLB ’99), Associate Vice-President Research (AVPR), we are excited to welcome you back to Keele campus for the York Circle Lecture series. Hear from York's leading faculty members on a wide range of interesting topics that speak to some of the key themes that define ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ. Join us on March 28 in the Life Sciences Building.
From Molecules to Meaningful Impact: Translating sustainable chemistry into real-world solutions
Dr. Christopher Caputo, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Canada Research Chair
Chemistry is quietly behind almost everything in our daily lives — from the materials we touch to the technologies that shape our world. Dr. Caputo will share how his research group is developing new sustainable approaches to chemistry using Earth-abundant elements, and how some of these discoveries have even made their way into real products. He will highlight how the same principles that guide his lab work are connected to much bigger questions about climate, health, manufacturing, and the future of innovation. This talk will explore how chemistry sits at the foundation of solutions to many of the most pressing challenges facing our planet and why that matters now more than ever.
Too Good to Be True? Investment Fraud in a Digital Age
Poonam Puri, Professor of Law, York Research Chair in Corporate Governance, Investor Protection & Financial Markets
Investment fraud is becoming one of the most serious financial threats facing Canadians. As investing increasingly goes digital, scams have grown more sophisticated, blurring the line between legitimate opportunity and deception. In this talk, Professor Puri explores how digital platforms are reshaping both opportunity and risk in financial markets, and highlights emerging research and innovative initiatives like the Osgoode Investor Protection Clinic can teach us about protecting investors and rebuilding trust in a digital age.
The Untapped Potential of Solar Energy in Canada
Dr. Thomas Cooper, Associate Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering and Head of CooperLab
This talk highlights the promise of solar energy in Canada challenging the conventional perspective that solar energy is not viable in the north. Professor Cooper will illustrate how solar energy is one of the most evenly distributed, equitable, and economical energy resources on the planet, with Canada being no exception. This talk will explore how the right combination of solar technologies, coupled with energy storage, could pave the way for Canada to become a leader in solar energy.
Underground and Underappreciated: Protecting Canada’s groundwater resources
Magdalena Krol, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering
This presentation will highlight the vital role groundwater plays in sustaining ecosystems, communities, and industries—especially in Canada, where it supplies drinking water to over 30% of the population and represents around 75% of Canada’s freshwater supply. Professor Krol will give an overview of Canadian groundwater resources, discuss the challenges we face in managing this resource sustainably, and the need for improved monitoring, protection, and policy.
For more information on The York Circle Lecture Series, call us at (416) 650-8159 or email us at alumnievents@yorku.ca.