Voices of Lassonde

Student

Abbey McMillan wearing her hockey jersey and gloves

Abbey McMillan
Undergraduate student (final year)
Software Engineering

Lassonde has a fresh and modern take on engineering and computer science. With smaller class sizes and a supportive community, the School offers a personalized learning experience that’s not very common in universities. The 2023-24 Impact Report displays Lassonde’s exceptional approach to education and the many academic and professional opportunities made available to students.

I chose to study at Lassonde so I could pursue my interest in Software Engineering, while playing on York University’s varsity hockey team. As a student athlete, it’s important to find a balance between sport and study. Lassonde truly understands this and works with the athletics department to make sure students can achieve success without added pressure or stress. It’s great to be a part of a winning team and culture, while being able to focus on my studies.

Software Engineering is the perfect fit for me because of my aptitude for both math and science. From a young age, I was interested in computers, technology and solving problems. Lassonde has provided many opportunities to explore this passion and advance my knowledge and skills. One important course for me was Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, which gave me the chance to train a machine learning model.

Another reason I decided to study at Lassonde was for the co-op opportunities. These experiences have introduced me to the corporate world and helped me explore different career paths. I have also been able to figure out exactly what I enjoy doing – it’s exciting to work in a place where I can see myself in the future. Currently, I’m working at a pharmaceutical company where I’m helping manage electronic databases and processes. For my next co-op placement, I hope to focus on coding and advancing those skills.

One major achievement during my undergraduate experience was being named a Lassonde Scholar. This amazing honour has presented me with many incredible opportunities. I have had the chance to meet likeminded individuals and make meaningful connections within the School. This award has inspired me to be an active leader both within the Lassonde and athletic communities, and positively contribute towards other students’ experiences.

Building on my leadership skills, I have served as a mentor for York’s PAWS (Providing Athletes with Winning Strategies) program. It has empowered me to share knowledge and skills with junior athletes and provide resources to help them manage their new life as a student athlete. I am also an executive member on Sport Council at York, which is an initiative run by athletes across all the School’s sports teams. We support different communities in need, volunteer at elementary schools and organize fundraising events.

Though I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after graduation, I’m certain my experiences at Lassonde will be valuable in helping me establish a successful future. If I decide to pursue more education, the School has a lot of interesting options like a master’s degree in Software Engineering or Digital Media. I’m also looking forward to skill-building experiences that will help me after graduating, like competing in a Hackathon.

It’s an honour to share my experiences on behalf of my fellow students at Lassonde, especially as we continue to see more women entering fields like Software Engineering. The connections I’ve made here have been invaluable, and I’m proud to belong to a School that supports diversity, leadership and innovation.

Alum

Shelly Sahani

Shelly Sahani
Graduate, Bachelor of Space Engineering (2014)
Product Leader, Tanium

I found a sense of community at Lassonde, and the Space Engineering program provided a rich experience with many opportunities to make industry connections. The 2023-24 Impact Report is a testament to the School’s expertise, influence and reach.

My interest in engineering ignited when I was a pre-teen, visiting my mom’s workplace at the airport in New Delhi, India. I had the opportunity to check out different aircraft which sparked my curiosity about how such complex systems are built. Coupled with my longstanding interest in space, I became passionate about building complex systems that could benefit society.

When choosing a University, I recognized that Lassonde had the strongest academic connections to Canada’s space industry, making it the ideal place for my studies – after all, it is home to the country’s only Space Engineering program. The program aligned perfectly with my interests, and during my time at the School, I was provided with tons of practical and skill-building experiences, as well as opportunities to connect with other engineering students, professors and industry members.

I was that kid who was actively involved in every school club. While at Lassonde, I was co-captain of the rover team and president of the Lassonde Engineering Society. The rover team provided a creative avenue and opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills. The team was involved in both hardware and software challenges, allowing me to see the practical applications of robotics systems, teamwork and different technologies.

The Lassonde Engineering Society offered a social space to meet and connect with the engineering population at the School. I had the chance to find a mentor and later provide mentorship to other students. The club also facilitated connections with professors through activities like a students vs faculty baseball game. Beyond these experiences, I built meaningful friendships that I still cherish to this day.

One of the most important skills I developed at Lassonde was the ability to dissect complex problems into manageable parts. I also built an understanding of JAVA, algorithms and programming languages, as well as insights into securing information using technical skills. These experiences laid the foundation for current role as a product leader at Tanium.

At Tanium, I work on a platform that helps companies assess their technological environments and keep their systems secure. My focus is on AI and integration, identifying the intelligence needed when a system is faced with a security threat. I genuinely love what I do; the complexity of my work environment and its purpose make it rewarding. It’s especially fulfilling to help companies navigate out of challenging situations.

What engineers do is build for the future. So, what you do with your time is not to be taken lightly – I’m glad to be spending my time on something meaningful.

Dean

Jane Goodyer
Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering

As the world around us continues to evolve, the need for innovation and collaboration in engineering and science has never been more important. Our 2023-24 Annual Impact Report is a reflection of the incredible achievements and progress we’ve made this past year, showcasing the passion and dedication that drive us toward building a sustainable and equitable future.

This year has been a game-changer. We’ve expanded our global reach, with our faculty contributing to some truly groundbreaking research, like Connected Minds, which explores how humans and AI will interact. With over $300 million in federal funding and close to 50 members of our faculty involved, this project is a huge step forward in shaping the future of technology.

By partnering with government, industry employers and other institutions, we’re tackling some of the most complex challenges society faces. Events like the Lassonde Undergraduate Summer Research Conference and the NSERC CREATE Annual Summit have played a big role in connecting our students with experts, creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration.

Our interdisciplinary approach is all about encouraging creativity and driving innovation, especially when it comes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. A great example of this is our faculty’s involvement in the Hydrogen Innovation Fund, where we’re leading the way in developing sustainable energy solutions.

This year also marked a historic achievement for our School. Faculty from our Earth and Space Science and Engineering department played a key role in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, contributing a scientific instrument to this groundbreaking project. At the same time, we continue to lead in space education with Canada’s only Space Engineering program, demonstrating our commitment to advancing exploration and discovery.

Decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We know that having diverse perspectives is essential for tackling tomorrow’s challenges. Our k2i academy is breaking down barriers to create meaningful change in STEM education, working closely with school boards, industry, and community partners to address systemic inequities. At the same time, our Digital Technologies program—Canada’s first fully work-integrated degree—makes university education more accessible, helping reduce financial barriers and open doors for equity-deserving groups, including women, Black, and Indigenous Peoples.

As you read through this report, I hope you’re inspired by the stories of resilience, creativity, and innovation that define our community. We’re not just pushing the boundaries of knowledge; we’re shaping a future where every voice matters and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to solving the world’s biggest challenges.

Thank you to our incredible community for your contributions and dedication. It’s an honour to work alongside you as we continue this rewarding journey together.

Land Acknowledgement: York University recognizes that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been caretaken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.