Recipients of the Rising Star Alumni Achievement Medal

Read the 2022 awards annoucement.

Dhananja P. Jayalath
BASc 2012, Electrical Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of co-founding and leading Athos with grit and determination to become an innovative wearable technology company that has helped athletes train more effectively and reach their performance goals faster, as well as for inspiring future entrepreneurs by mentoring Waterloo Engineering students through the co-operative education program.

 

Read the 2021 awards announcement and watch the video.

Nashin Kelash Mahtani
BAS 2014, Architectural Studies
MArch 2015, Architecture

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of her exceptional achievements as director of the Indonesian non-profit Yayasan Peta Bencana (Disaster Map Foundation), where she leads the development of software which provides residents, government agencies and first responders with real-time disaster information.

Read the 2020 awards announcement or watch the video.

Newsha Ghaeli
BAS 2011, Architectural Studies

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of her exceptional entrepreneurial skills as a co-founder and president of Biobot Analytics, a global leader in wastewater epidemiology that is impacting public health and helping to save lives.






 

Read the 2019 awards announcement.

Martin Basiri
MASc 2013, Mechanical Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of co-founding ApplyBoard, a technology startup dedicated to assisting international students apply to post-secondary education in North America with the goal of making education accessible to all regardless of nationality, location or educational background.





 

Read the 2018 awards announcement.

Sam Emaminejad
BASc 2009, Electrical Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his disruptive research into biological and chemical sensors that gather health-related data to diagnose and track diseases including cystic fibrosis and diabetes and his ongoing support of the next generation of engineers and scientists.







 

Read the 2016 awards announcement.

Michael R. Litt
BASc 2011, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his significant achievements as co-founder and CEO of Vidyard that originated as a Capstone Design project and is now one of the leading developers of video analytics software.








 

Read the 2015 awards announcement.

Brent E. Tweddle
BASc 2007, Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his exceptional achievements in aerospace robotics, which include leading the development of a robotic research system for the International Space Station.

Fangjin Yang
BASc 2007, Electrical Engineering
MASc 2009, Electrical & Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the field of big data analytics, including his work in the design and development of Druid, an open-source, real-time analytical tool described as a game-changer for technology companies. 

Read the 2014 awards announcement.

Khaled Al Sabawi
BASc 2006, Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments as an entrepreneur in both renewable energy and real estate development in Palestine.


 

Read the 2013 awards announcement.

Andrew J. Clinton
BASc 2005, Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his award-winning work through the invention of microvoxels considered throughout the film industry as game-changing technology.









 

Read the 2012 awards announcement (PDF).

Reza Chaji
PhD 2008, Electrical and Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his invaluable contributions as president and CTO for IGNIS Innovations Inc., as well as his work as a Waterloo Engineering adjunct professor and collaboration on Faculty research projects.









 

Read the 2011 awards announcement (PDF).

Sheldon Fernandez
BASc 2001, Computer Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his co-founding Infusion Development Canada, a leader in the emerging technologies industry, for serving as chief technical officer for Infusion’s spinoff company AuditionBooth, and for his ongoing volunteer work with Big Brothers and other organizations.





 

Kurtis N. McBride
BASc 2004, Systems Design Engineering
MASc 2008, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his co-founding Miovision Technologies Inc. while a Waterloo systems design engineering master’s student, and for his numerous impressive contributions to the industry and to the community, which include volunteering as a mentor at the Accelerator Centre.






 

Read the 2010 awards announcement (PDF).

John A. Baker
BASc 2000, Systems Design Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his impressive entrepreneurial accomplishments as the founder, president and CEO of Desire2Learn, an innovative e-learning business that he started as an undergraduate Waterloo Engineering student, as well as his ongoing commitment to the University of Waterloo.





 

Juan-Carlos de Oliveira
BASc 2004, Civil Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Young Alumni Achievement Medal

in recognition of his co-founding Cast Connex, an industry leader in the design of customized cast steel structural components for building structures, and for his role in developing a new technology that improves the safety of buildings in earthquake prone areas.







 

Read the 2009 awards announcement (PDF).

Shelagh McCartney
BES 1997, Architecture
BArch 2000, Architecture

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering
Young Alumni Achievement Medal

For her enthusiasm and passion for the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture and the energy she puts into maintaining a high standard of academic and professional research.

 

Alim A. Somani
BASc 2001, Electrical Engineering

is awarded the Faculty of Engineering Young Alumni Achievement Medal

For his dedication to his career as president of Infusion Development and to his  investment in Waterloo Engineering co-op students and graduates providing them with unique and meaningful opportunities.