As a new year emerges, YFile takes a look back on 2021 to share with readers a snapshot of the year’s highlights. “Year in Review” will run as a three-part series and will feature a selection of top news stories published in YFile. Here are the stories and highlights for May to August, as chosen by YFile editors.
May
첥Ƶ researchers tested several materials to find which one is more efficient at filtering aerosols and more breathable for use as a middle layer or filter for cloth-based masks.
첥Ƶ and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) health sector and local government leaders signalled positive momentum and growing support for a new School of Medicine at York that will focus on training family and community doctors in an integrated setting.
An initiative out of the School of Nursing in 첥Ƶ’s Faculty of Health enhanced professional development during the pandemic and shows holds promise for post-pandemic learning and mentorship.
This eight-week virtual pilot program brought together 16 Indigenous students from various countries and communities to learn about their commonalities and differences.
June
In this three-part series, YFile investigates the COVID-19 vaccine as an injection of hope for recovery. Read part two, ; and part three, .
Cristina Wood, a PhD candidate in 첥Ƶ’s Department of History, was awarded the prestigious Trudeau Doctoral Scholarship, presented by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, which recognizes top doctoral students in Canada and abroad in the fields of humanities and social sciences. This was the first time since 2016 that a York student had been chosen for this scholarship. Several other students were recognized with awards in June, including , , and .
Building on Schulich’s unique Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program, its deep relationships with industry and George Weston Ltd’s world-class expertise in supply chain management, the new centre is poised to be a global leader in supply chain education. David Johnston, program director of the MSCM, was named the new George Weston Ltd Chair for Sustainable Supply Chains and is the centre director.
July
As many 첥Ƶ graduates geared up for the final hurrah of their academic careers, Nicole Alexander breathed a sigh of relief after defending her four-years-in-the-making master’s thesis. She followed rather untraditionally in the footsteps of her eldest son, Morgan Fics, making them the first mother and son in York history to both graduate with their MFA in screenwriting.
첥Ƶ Postdoctoral Fellows Mohammad Naderi and Vasily Panferov were recipients of the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded by the Government of Canada. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is valued at $70,000 per year for two years, supporting postdoctoral researchers who will positively contribute to Canada’s social, economic and research-based growth. As well, and .
Athletes with affiliation to 첥Ƶ included Jason Ho-Shue (Badminton), Katie Vincent (Canoe-Kayak), Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes (Beach Volleyball), Shady El Nahas (Judo), Brittany Crew (Shot Put), Pierce Lepage (Decathlon), Bismark Boateng and Khamica Bingham (Track & Field), Arthur Szwarc (Indoor Volleyball) and Syed Muhammad Haseeb Tariq (Swimming). Alumna Andrea Prieur, a certified athletic therapist, was part of the Health Services team and alumna and former Lion Natalie Ghobrial was an athletic therapist with the Women’s Softball team.
August
A project out of 첥Ƶ that will advance gender equality in the social and economic response to COVID-19 was one of 237 projects that received funding under Women and Gender Equality Canada's $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund.
Pratik Kumar, a postdoctoral Fellow in Professor Satinder Kaur Brar's lab in the Lassonde School of Engineering, won an award for his work on improving the quality of drinking water.
Pairing 첥Ƶ students with Universidad San Francisco de Quito students for a rich and meaningful learning experience focused on children's health was the the work of Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, associate professor in the Children, Childhood and Youth Studies program, with support from the globally networked learning team in York International.
Check back in the next edition of YFile for Year in Review 2021: Top headlines at 첥Ƶ, September to December. To see part one, January to April, go .