Mohammad Abuyaghi, a PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Waterloo, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Sandford Fleming Foundation (SFF) Teaching Assistantship Excellence Award. This award, presented annually in each academic department, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students and go beyond in their teaching responsibilities. Abuyaghi’s selection for this award highlights his ability to inspire and engage students, as well as his unwavering support for their academic success.
Abuyaghi’s own academic journey has been marked by determination, vision, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Jordan in 2007 and later earned a Master of Applied Science from Dalhousie University in 2021. Abuyaghi is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where he conducts research on scalable 5G network-based positioning for the Internet of Things (IoT) in collaboration with Rogers. He is co-supervised by ECE professor, Dr. Catherine Rosenburg, and ECE adjunct professor, Dr. George Shaker.
Before entering graduate school, Abuyaghi built a distinguished 12-year career in the telecommunications industry, working with major companies like Shaw Communications, Eastlink, Huawei Technologies, and Umniah. His extensive experience in network planning, design, project management, and operations provides him with a unique perspective that enriches both his academic work and teaching.
While his technical expertise is impressive, Abuyaghi’s true passion lies in educating and inspiring the next generation of engineers. Throughout his academic career, he has served as a teaching assistant for several key courses, including ECE 207 Signals and Systems, ECE 318 Communication Systems, and ECE 358 Computer Networks. He has also taught RF Spectrum and Propagation Theory at Conestoga College and is currently a sessional instructor for CS 436/636 Networks and Distributed Systems, where he continues to challenge his students to think critically.
Reflecting on his passion for teaching, Abuyaghi shares: "Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. It allows me to share knowledge, inspire curiosity, and nurture a new generation of engineers who will shape the future. As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to ignite a passion for problem-solving and innovation in our students, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges."
The recognition Abuyaghi has received from the Sandford Fleming Foundation affirms the significant impact he has had on his students’ academic and professional development. With his experience in both industry and academia, his work is helping to shape the future of wireless communication and IoT, while his dedication to teaching ensures that the next generation of engineers is well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Congratulations Mohammad!