Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto
AEMS UToronto Atomic Energy Materials & Systems
AEMS UToronto

People & Partners

Partners and leadership advancing AEMS UToronto.

Leadership and partners advancing AEMS UToronto across education, research, engineering innovation, and collaboration.

Partners

Connecting expertise across the University and beyond

AEMS UToronto integrates expertise from across the University of Toronto with partners from academia, industry, government, healthcare, national laboratories, and Canada’s broader nuclear ecosystem. Together, these collaborations advance education, research, engineering innovation, and professional development while strengthening the partnerships that drive scientific discovery, technological innovation, and societal impact.

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ontario Power Generation Kinectrics Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics University of Toronto Nuclear Engineering Association

Leadership

Guided by experienced leadership in education, research, and engineering innovation

AEMS UToronto is guided by a multidisciplinary leadership team whose expertise spans nuclear engineering, advanced materials, biomedical technologies, education, and engineering innovation. Together, they provide strategic direction for the hub’s educational, research, engineering innovation, and partnership activities while fostering collaboration across the University of Toronto and the broader nuclear community.

Founding Academic Lead

Prof. Nazir P. Kherani

Founding Academic Lead, AEMS UToronto

Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Materials Science & Engineering

Professor Nazir Kherani provides strategic leadership for the hub, guiding the integration of multidisciplinary education, research, engineering innovation, and professional learning while fostering partnerships across the University of Toronto, industry, government, national laboratories, and the international research community. Professor Kherani conceived and established AEMS UToronto in October 2024 with the support of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the founding leadership committee.

Leadership Committee

The Leadership Committee provides academic leadership for AEMS by advancing its educational, research, engineering innovation, and partnership activities.

Prof. Naomi Matsuura

Leadership Committee Member

Vice Chair, Research, Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Professor Naomi Matsuura contributes leadership in biomedical engineering and health technologies, strengthening AEMS’ activities in medical imaging, image-guided therapies, translational health research, and the integration of nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceutical sciences, and engineering innovation.

Prof. Jane Howe

Leadership Committee Member

Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Professor Jane Howe provides leadership in advanced materials characterization and structural materials for demanding engineering environments. Her expertise strengthens AEMS’ research and educational activities in nuclear materials, microstructural evolution, and the long-term performance of materials for advanced nuclear energy systems.

Prof. Yu Zou

Leadership Committee Member

Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Professor Yu Zou contributes leadership in advanced materials, computational engineering, and materials performance. His expertise strengthens AEMS’ activities in structural integrity, manufacturing innovation, and the long-term reliability of materials and components for advanced nuclear technologies while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration across research, education, and industry.

Prof. Hani Naguib

Leadership Committee Member

Chair, Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Professor Hani Naguib contributes strategic leadership in advanced materials, manufacturing, and multidisciplinary engineering innovation. He supports the growth of AEMS by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders.

Strategic Advisory Council

The Strategic Advisory Council provides institutional guidance and partnership support for AEMS UToronto, helping strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, external engagement, and strategic alignment across the University and with industry, government, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Sindhu Menon

Strategic Advisory Council

Partnership Development Officer, Engineering Partnerships

Dr. Sindhu Menon supports the growth of AEMS by fostering strategic partnerships between the University, industry, government, and the broader innovation community. Her expertise in partnership development strengthens collaborative research, educational initiatives, and knowledge mobilization across the nuclear ecosystem.

Dr. Gláucia Lima

Strategic Advisory Council

Business Development Officer, Industry Partnerships
Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO)

Dr. Gláucia Lima strengthens AEMS through industry engagement and business development, fostering collaborations that accelerate research translation, innovation, and strategic partnerships between the University of Toronto and Canada’s nuclear and advanced technology sectors.

Prof. Stark Draper

Strategic Advisory Council

Vice-Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Professor Stark Draper supports the strategic development of AEMS through academic leadership, interdisciplinary initiatives, and institutional engagement, helping expand opportunities in education, research, innovation, and external partnerships.

Prof. Christopher Yip

Strategic Advisory Council

Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Dean Christopher Yip provides institutional leadership that supports the continued growth of AEMS within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the Faculty’s strategic priorities in energy, advanced technologies, and engineering innovation.