Lassonde 2023-24 Impact Report: Transforming people and ideas with purpose

The Lassonde School of Engineering has published its 2023-24 Impact Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the School’s progress from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024.  

This marks the School’s third annual report aligned with its 2021-2026 Strategic Academic Plan, highlighting the transformative impact of its research, teaching, and community efforts. It is structured around four themes: Leading in Creating Solutions for a Just and Sustainable World; Empowering Our People with Perspectives, Tools, and Knowledge; Building Success through Partnerships; and Creating Opportunities and a Welcoming Community.  

“This report isn’t just about numbers or milestones—it’s about people and the meaningful impact we’re creating together,” said Jane Goodyer, Dean of Lassonde. 

As part of its commitment to fiscal responsibility, Lassonde once again repurposed the adaptable design framework introduced with its first 2022-2023 Impact Report microsite, a proven platform for strategically showcasing achievements. 

Featuring over 120 articles, the microsite incorporates interactive elements such as typewriter animations, number counters, and inclusive visuals, emphasizing Lassonde’s commitment to decolonization, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Stories are tagged with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), visually represented by icons that help faculty, staff, and students connect their work to global priorities. 

Over the past year, Lassonde faculty have achieved significant milestones in research and innovation. Their contributions to Connected Minds, a $300 million federally funded project exploring human-AI interaction, underscore Lassonde’s leadership in shaping the future of technology. Nearly 50 Lassonde faculty members are involved in this groundbreaking initiative.  

Meanwhile, faculty from the Earth and Space Science and Engineering department played a pivotal role in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, contributing a scientific instrument to this historic project. As the home of Canada’s only Space Engineering program, Lassonde continues to lead in space exploration and education. 

Lassonde’s interdisciplinary approach drives creativity and innovation to address critical global challenges. For example, the School’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its participation in the Hydrogen Innovation Fund, which advances sustainable energy solutions and aligns with the UN SDGs. Events like the Lassonde Undergraduate Summer Research Conference and the NSERC CREATE Annual Summit have fostered mentorship, collaboration, and learning by connecting students with industry experts. 

The School’s kindergarten to industry (k2i) academy continues to dismantle systemic barriers in STEM education through postsecondary pathways and partnerships with school boards, industry, and community organizations. Additionally, the Digital Technologies BASc program, Canada’s first fully work-integrated degree, prepares Ontario’s workforce for the future by reducing financial barriers to education and creating opportunities for equity-deserving groups, including women, Black, and Indigenous Peoples, to pursue STEM careers. 

The Impact Report not only celebrates Lassonde’s accomplishments but also serves as a source of inspiration for the future. “We’re pushing the boundaries of knowledge while shaping a future where every voice matters and everyone has the opportunity to help solve the world’s biggest challenges,” said Dean Goodyer. 

Readers are invited to explore the Report and discover how Lassonde is advancing research, education, and innovation to build a more just and sustainable world.