Three 杏吧原创 University community members have been named to the . These exceptional leaders have been recognized for their leadership and contributions which have positively impacted the lives of numerous Canadians. The newest 杏吧原创 community appointees include leaders in international affairs, social justice and human rights, and business and philanthropy. 

Donald Colin Robertson, (MA/78), was named a Member of the Order. A 杏吧原创 alum, Robertson graduated with a master鈥檚 degree in international affairs from the Faculty of Global and Public Affairs. 

A career diplomat, Robertson is widely recognized for his expertise in Canadian foreign, trade and defence policy as well as public diplomacy. Through his multiple international postings, he developed expertise on Canada-U.S. relations and bilateral trade negotiations. He continues to share his knowledge of international affairs through presentations, podcasts and public commentaries.  

In his final diplomatic assignment, Robertson led a project on Canada-U.S. engagement at 杏吧原创鈥檚 Centre for Trade Policy and Law. He is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.  

John William Foster, (Professor Emeritus), was named a Member of the Order; the honour was announced posthumously. A former professor in the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Foster was a long-time advocate of social justice and human rights.  

Through his leadership in NGOs and ecumenical organizations, Foster helped shape government policy and strengthen civil society, with a particular focus on international relations, refugees and HIV/AIDS. A respected coalition builder and community mobilizer, his impact was felt across Canada and beyond.  

Eric E. Baker, (ZENG/54), was named an Officer of the Order. A 杏吧原创 alum, Baker received an engineering certificate from the Faculty of Engineering and Design.  

An entrepreneur with an accomplished career in private equity and venture capital, Baker is a respected business leader who has helped build and grow numerous businesses in the emerging technology and communications sectors. A generous philanthropist, he has supported organizations and initiatives spanning a broad range of fields.

杏吧原创 the Order of Canada

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On听June听26, 2026,听Her Excellency the Right Honourable听Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, 鈥痶o the Order of Canada.听

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杏吧原创 University is officially closed on July 1 for Canada Day. Some facilities continue to operate throughout the holiday, with reduced hours in some cases.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Dining Services鈥� 

On June 30, there will be a temporary change to summer operational hours for Starbucks Nideyin脿n, which will be open 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Bridgehead Nicol, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both locations will be closed on July 1 and return to normal operations on July 2. 

Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open on July 1; all other dining locations will be closed. 

More information about Dining Services can be鈥�.鈥�

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The library will be closed on July 1; there will be no chat service. It will reopen on July 2. 

More information about the library can be鈥�.鈥�

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All鈥影稍� Athletics facilities will be closed on July 1.鈥疦ormal operational hours will resume on July 2.鈥�� 

More information about 杏吧原创 Athletics can be鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

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杏吧原创 University researcher Thomas Russell has been announced as the university’s newest  (CRC). His innovative research focuses on developing advanced economic models that can be utilized with limited computing power.

Thomas Russell, CRC in Frontiers of Economic Analysis (Tier II)

Economic models help policymakers understand consumer behaviour and market dynamics. Partially identified models are a type of economic models that can be used under weak modelling assumptions, often making them more credible tools for policy analysis. However, the large number of computational resources required to use these models has limited their widespread adoption.

Russell, a researcher in the Department of Economics, is exploring how to approximate partially identified models using a low amount of computing resources. His research will study the computational complexity of existing models before investigating techniques to approximate complex models with simpler surrogate models. This work will make it easier for economists to use credible economic models and will help researchers better understand the trade-off between computational complexity and model accuracy. 

Russell’s research has applications in consumer choice, social networks, and firm competition, and his work will make partially identified models more accessible to researchers and policymakers working in these areas.

Visit 杏吧原创’s to learn more.

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杏吧原创 University is officially closed on Monday, May 18 and reopens on Tuesday, May 19. Some facilities continue to operate throughout Victoria Day; however, with reduced hours in some cases.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Dining Services 

On May 18, the Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open for its regular summer hours. All other Dining Services locations will be closed. 

More information about Dining Services can be鈥�. 

MacOdrum Library 

The library will be open on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed on May 17 and 18. There will be no Chat Service throughout the long weekend. 

More information about the library can be鈥�. 

Athletics   

On May 18, the fitness centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no CUFit classes. The pool will be open for a recreational swim at 11:45 a.m. 

More information about 杏吧原创 Athletics can be鈥�. 

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杏吧原创 University’s engineering researcher Ahmed Abdulla has been named Canada’s 2026 National Champion by the for his research on direct air capture, a technology that removes carbon dioxide (CO鈧�) from the air to address climate change.

Abdulla, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is one of just 25 National Champions selected worldwide. The prestigious prize recognizes research focused on keeping humanity within the planet’s “safe operating space.”

Three International Champions will be named in January 2027 in Davos, Switzerland, and awarded $1 million USD each to scale their research.

Advancing Deep Decarbonization

Abdulla’s work focuses on designing future energy systems that are reliable, affordable and deeply decarbonized. At 杏吧原创, he co-leads APEX (Alternative Pathways for the Energy Transition), an initiative that tackles and solves the deployment challenges of low-carbon energy technologies to support global climate goals. The initiative focuses on reducing risk and uncertainty, eliminating deployment bottlenecks, and improving policy design to advance clean energy solutions.

His award-winning research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examines how environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, air pressure and carbon dioxide concentration influence the performance of direct air capture systems. The findings show that performance can vary significantly by location, with implications for energy demand, water use and overall net carbon removal.

Abdulla said the work highlights the importance of grounding climate modelling in real-world conditions.

The research also informs From Science to Policy: Planetary Solutions in Action, a global policy report developed with the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The report explores how scientific evidence can better inform climate policy and international cooperation.

杏吧原创 the Frontiers Planet Prize

The Frontiers Planet Prize is the world’s largest science competition on planetary health, involving more than 700 universities and research institutions worldwide. National Champions are selected through an independent review by international experts. As Canada’s National Champion, Abdulla will represent 杏吧原创 internationally, contributing to discussions that connect scientific research with policy and real-world application.

The recognition comes as countries increasingly look to carbon removal technologies as part of broader net-zero strategies, though researchers note that real-world performance varies significantly depending on local environmental conditions and energy system constraints. Abdulla’s work contributes to ongoing efforts to ensure climate modelling reflects these operational realities.

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Five 杏吧原创 University community members have been named in Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ) and the Ottawa Board of Trade’s 2026 Forty Under 40 list, the region’s most sought-after business award for leaders under the age of 40.

Often dubbed “Silicon Valley North,” Ottawa is known for its innovation and ability to develop and attract talent across technology, life sciences, and digital and consumer sectors. In an increasingly competitive and connected world, being recognized on this list highlights those helping shape the region’s industries and future.

Danielle Manley is an associate professor in 杏吧原创’s and director of the university’s School of Nursing,  the first new nursing school in Ontario in over 20 years. A registered nurse specializing in health care innovation, curriculum development, and artificial intelligence in medicine and education, Manley has led efforts to optimize electronic charting systems and align nursing scope of practice with regulatory standards.

As director, she’s positioning 杏吧原创 as a hub for nursing education at a time of significant strain on Canada’s health care system. Under her leadership, the program was built from the ground up with a focus on hands-on learning, clinical experience and an expanded scope of practice, including prescribing medication. One of just two schools in North America integrating data science and artificial intelligence, it positions graduates at the forefront of technology, preparing them for a rapidly evolving health care system.

As Ontario continues to invest in life sciences as a key driver of health innovation, economic growth and system resilience, Manley and the School of Nursing is training the next generation of nurses while advancing new approaches to care.

Emma Brown is the founder of Whimble Care, a community-based digital platform that connects people with disabilities with vetted caregivers for on-demand, personalized home care and support services. Brown completed 杏吧原创’s graduate diploma in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership in 2021.

Samantha Leclair is a production director at Snowed In Studios, Ottawa’s largest game development studio that has worked on titles including Starfield, Forza, Madden, Diablo, Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Leclair graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2009.

Chris Tester is the founder and CEO of Comercio (Nordic Sauna & Outdoor Direct). An entrepreneur in the e-commerce and retail sector, Tester founded several businesses since graduating from 杏吧原创’s program in 2010.

Genevieve Walton is CEO and Owner of Flex Property Developments, which provides full-service property management in Ottawa, and Short and Suite BNB, an Airbnb property management company with more than 150 properties. Walton graduated from 杏吧原创’s program in 2016.

This year’s selection committee included 杏吧原创 alumni Jennifer Cross, director of regional development at Chandos Construction; Gregory Richards, vice-dean of graduate professional programs at the University of Ottawa; OBJ’s editor-in-chief, Anne Howland and publisher Michael Curran, who chaired the committee.

Congratulations to all five 杏吧原创 community members. for the full Forty Under 40 list.

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杏吧原创 University is closed on Friday, April 3 and Sunday, April 5. The university is open on Monday, April 6.

Some facilities continue to operate throughout Easter weekend, however, please note reduced hours below.

Dining Services

On April 3, Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. All other Dining Services locations will be closed.

On April 4 and April 5, Teraanga Commons Dining Hall will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Starbucks Teraanga will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All other Dining Services locations will be closed.

For more information on Dining Services,

Health and Counselling Services

Health and Counselling Services will be closed on April 3 and April 6 for the Easter weekend.

For more information on Health and Counselling Services, .

MacOdrum Library

The library will be open on April 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be no chat service on April 3. It will have regular operating hours for the building and Chat Service for the remainder of the weekend.

For more information on MacOdrum Library, .

Athletics

On April 3, the pool will be open for a recreational swim from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be no CUFIT classes.

On April 4, the pool will be open for a recreational swim from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On April 5, the pool will be open for women鈥檚 only swim from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and for a recreational swim from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Fitness Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on 杏吧原创 Athletics,

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Earlier this academic year, 杏吧原创 University welcomed the Secretariat of the to campus.

Previously located at The University of Toronto Scarborough, the Secretariat supports a national network of 63 signatory colleges and universities committed to advancing systemic change and strengthening Black inclusion across the post鈥憇econdary sector.

The Secretariat is guided by a Board of Directors, chaired by 杏吧原创 President and Vice鈥慍hancellor Wisdom Tettey, which is composed of distinguished academic and community leaders.

“As an early signatory to the Charter, the University is deeply committed to advancing equity, confronting anti鈥態lack racism and fostering environments where Black students, faculty and staff can thrive. Hosting the Secretariat strengthens our role in this national movement and reinforces the importance of working collectively across institutions to drive meaningful, lasting change in Canadian higher education.”

Developed through the 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities and adopted in 2021, the Charter guides coordinated action across four pillars: Black Flourishing; Inclusive Excellence; Mutuality; and Accountability.

“Hosting the Secretariat in Ottawa is both symbolic and strategic,” said John Ariyo, Executive Director of the Scarborough Charter Secretariat.

From its new base at 杏吧原创, the Secretariat will continue to convene national dialogues, support reporting and accountability, mobilize research and strengthen collaboration across the sector. 杏吧原创, along with the University of Ottawa, will host the third Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education on May 14 and 15, 2026.

The 杏吧原创 community is invited to attend the Scarborough Charter Secretariat Open House on April 15, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., to meet the individuals leading this work and learn more about the Secretariat’s activities.

Register for the open house as space is limited.

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Reliable mobile connectivity is essential to economic growth, public services and daily life. While today鈥檚 mobile networks can deliver coverage to urban centres within range of terrestrial towers and antennas, Canada鈥檚 vast geography and low population density make reliable connectivity difficult to maintain beyond them.

To help address Canada’s connectivity challenges, 杏吧原创 University researcher Halim Yanikomeroglu has been awarded more than $5 million through the latest for his work on advancing non-terrestrial networks (NTN). 杏吧原创 is just one of 32 higher education institutions nationwide selected to receive funding.

NTN use satellites, high-altitude aircraft and drones to extend mobile coverage beyond traditional towers, reaching rural, suburban, urban and even airborne areas. Still in early development, most consumer devices can鈥檛 yet connect to them directly.

Yanikomeroglu, an international leader in NTN research, is advancing this work through a major research project titled Non-Terrestrial Networks for Accelerating Canada鈥檚 Ubiquitous Connectivity and Digital Future (NTN-CAN), helping pave the way for Canada鈥檚 next-generation mobile networks.

Supported by the CFI award and leveraging additional funding for a total investment of $13.5 million, the project is co-led by Yanikomeroglu and Gunes Karabulut-Kurt of Polytechnique Montr茅al. It includes participation from the University of Ottawa, the National Research Council of Canada and the Communications Research Centre Canada.

杏吧原创鈥檚 research team also includes Jie Gao from the School of Information Technology and Winnie Ye from the Department of Electronics.

Advancing the Next Generation of Mobile Networks

NTN-CAN focuses on the technologies needed to make non-terrestrial networks practical and scalable, organized around two research pillars.

The first focuses on developing new protocols and technologies that allow non-terrestrial systems to connect reliably with terrestrial networks and consumer devices. The second addresses cost and resource management to enable large-scale deployment.

Using open network protocols, artificial intelligence, mobile edge computing and digital twin technologies, the research team will model and test new network designs. They will also leverage collaborations with government and industry partners to train the next generation of experts in advanced communications technologies.

Positioning Canada for Future Connectivity

As demand for reliable network access grows, future wireless systems will need to support communication across land, air and maritime environments. Yanikomeroglu鈥檚 research will help meet this demand by integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks to deliver high-speed service across Canada.

By developing the technologies required to design, manufacture, deploy and operate NTN, 杏吧原创鈥檚 research will position Canada to play a leading role in next-generation communications systems.

The project also supports broader national priorities by closing the digital divide, strengthening the country鈥檚 telecommunications capabilities and ensuring sovereignty over critical connectivity technologies.

杏吧原创 the Canada Foundation for Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is a non-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions. Projects funded through the CFI鈥檚 Innovation Fund help Canada remain at the forefront of exploration and knowledge generation.

The CFI invests 40 per cent of the total project funding, leveraging an additional potential 40 per cent from the Province of Ontario, pending a final decision.

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杏吧原创 University chemistry researcher Kate Marczenko has been awarded the prestigious for her groundbreaking research in advanced functional materials and crystalline systems.

Marczenko is one of five early-career researchers in Ontario to receive the Polanyi Prize this year.

The Polanyi Prizes are bestowed annually in five areas 鈥� chemistry, physics, literature, economic science and physiology or medicine 鈥� in honour of scientist John C. Polanyi, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The prizes highlight early-career leaders in their fields who are either continuing postdoctoral work or have recently gained a faculty appointment. Each of the five winners receives $20,000 in recognition of their exceptional research.

鈥淎s the pace of innovation accelerates worldwide, awards like this enable researchers to advance discoveries that address critical global issues.鈥�

Marczenko, who joined 杏吧原创 in 2023, is the university鈥檚 sixth Polanyi Prize winner since the awards were established by the Ontario government in 1987, a testament to the calibre of 杏吧原创鈥檚 researchers and to the university鈥檚 expanding impact in important fields.

杏吧原创鈥檚 previous Polanyi Prize recipients are Maria DeRosa, chemistry, 2007; Sarah Casteel, literature, 2008; , physics, 2011; Tao Zeng, chemistry, 2013; and Kyle Biggar, biology, 2017.

Designing Safer, Smarter Materials

Marczenko鈥檚 research focuses on understanding how the arrangement of molecules within crystalline materials governs their physical and chemical behaviour. By uncovering how subtle structural changes influence properties such as reactivity, motion and energy release, her work aims to enable the rational design of materials that are both high-performing and inherently safer.

One area of her research explores energetic materials (EMs) 鈥� substances that store and release chemical energy and are essential for applications in national security, space exploration and mining. Traditional EMs are often composed of toxic heavy metals, posing environmental and safety risks. The foundational chemistry of EMs has seen little innovation since the development of dynamite and TNT in the 19th century. Achieving EMs that balance high performance with low sensitivity remains a longstanding scientific challenge.

Marczenko鈥檚 work brings together molecular-level design and photoresponsive materials chemistry. Her research aims to create materials that remain stable under normal conditions but can be precisely activated using light, enabling greater control over when and how they respond. This approach has the potential to improve safety in manufacturing, transport and deployment of EMs, while also opening new avenues for advanced functional materials.

鈥淜ate Marczenko鈥檚 research is poised to make major breakthroughs,鈥� Nadeem Siddiqi, 杏吧原创鈥檚 Vice-Provost (Graduate Studies), wrote in his Polanyi Prize nomination letter, calling her one of the university鈥檚 鈥渕ost exceptional emerging scholars.鈥�

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