Inspiring positive change: Lassonde announces new recipients of EDI Seed Funding

York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering has announced the winners of its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Seed Funding from the Autumn 2023 cycle. This funding initiative supports the development of original projects that promote EDI culture at Lassonde and beyond, encouraging community members to hone their leadership skills and find creative ways to uplift the School.

Increasing EDI in STEM is crucial for fostering innovation, as diverse perspectives drive creative solutions and breakthrough technologies to address global challenges.

Since the program launched in 2021, EDI Seed Funding has played a crucial role in transforming Lassonde into a more diverse, inclusive and welcoming space. Previous funding recipients have led the development of successful recruitment strategies, training opportunities and pilot programs that empower and promote positive change.

This competition cycle resulted in five successful projects that have been selected to receive funding.

Deep Diversity: A workshop series to produce curricular content based on an established DEDI framework

Led by: Kai Zhuang, assistant professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Through his funded initiative, Professor Zhuang will enhance decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) education at Lassonde using a unique approach called Deep Diversity. This compassionate, scientific and evidence-based framework aims to develop the cognitive and emotional literacy needed to advance DEDI efforts.

In collaboration with racial justice educator and creator of Deep Diversity, Shakil Choudhury, Professor Zhuang will host a series of DEDI workshops that are designed with Deep Diversity principles and geared toward engineering and computer science students. Knowledge gained from the outcomes of these workshops will be used to inform the development of DEDI educational content for Lassonde’s curriculum.

Celebrating Diversity – Calendar Application

Led by: Pooja Vashisth, assistant professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Celebrating Diversity – Calendar Application will leverage the software development capabilities of researchers in the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Department to create a calendar platform that educates, informs and celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions represented across Lassonde and beyond.

The calendar feature will enable users to explore cultural festivals, holidays and significant events, deepening knowledge of global history and diverse practices. With a focus on personalization, users can customize their experience to align with their cultural background and interests.

This innovative tool represents a commitment to unity, understanding and cultural awareness, fostering connections and appreciation among communities.

Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Connecting Black Engineering Talent with Industry Leaders

Led by: Solomon Boakye-Yiadom, associate professor, Mechanical Engineering

This project, led by Professor Boakye-Yiadom aims to address the underrepresentation of Black engineers in technology and engineering sectors through a comprehensive approach founded on strategic partnerships and mentorship. Specifically, Professor Boakye-Yiadom designed this initiative to enhance visibility and access to engineering careers by building connections with leading companies across North America and supporting the professional development of Black engineers through various workshops.

Structured in three phases, the initiative begins with partnership development and industry engagement, followed by program development which includes mentorship and professional growth opportunities, and culminates in recruitment and retention strategies emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.

This initiative not only aims to bridge existing diversity gaps but also cultivate a supportive environment where equity, diversity and inclusion drive innovation and leadership.

Family and Indigenous Water Wisdom

Led by: Shooka Karimpour, assistant professor, Civil Engineering

Family and Indigenous Water Wisdom is an enriching series of events that will bring together the Lassonde community to learn about water conservation. This initiative amplifies inclusivity, cultural understanding and environmental stewardship through the promotion of two interconnected themes.

The first theme, Discovering the Depths – A Family Water Testing Adventure, invites families to engage in hands-on water testing activities and interactive learning experiences about water conservation and clean water access. This event is designed as a family-friendly initiative, encouraging diverse participation and educational opportunities for all ages.

Indigenous Perspectives on Clean Water features insights from Indigenous researcher Jessica Vandenberghe, highlighting challenges and disparities in water access. By centering Indigenous experiences, this segment aims to deepen understanding and inspire action towards equitable water resources.

Recruitment Initiatives to support CREATE-MTA Program

Led by: Regina Lee, professor, Earth & Space Science & Engineering

Working toward greater diversity in STEM, Professor Lee will utilize her EDI Seed Funding to establish an inaugural recruitment initiative for her Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Training (CREATE) program, Microsystems Technologies and Application (MTA).

This initiative was designed to elevate EDI culture in research and training environments, serving as a benchmark for future recruitment programs aimed at creating more equitable landscapes in academia.

The program is aimed to launch at the 2025 NSERC CREATE Annual Summit, with a clear mission to bridge the gap in gender equity and minority representation, by recruiting student researchers from underrepresented groups. Attendees will engage in specialized sessions about EDI practices in research and industry, as well as student perspectives from minority groups, fostering a supportive environment for learning, networking and opinion sharing.