Our Shared Impact: A Message from Dean Goodyer 

Dear Lassonde Alumni,

Wherever this message finds you in the world, I hope you’re doing well and taking a moment to reflect on the year behind us. One of the things I value most about this community is its reach — you are now part of a 13,000-strong alumni network spanning more than 100 countries. No matter where you live or work, you have fellow Lassonde graduates nearby who share your curiosity, drive and commitment to making a difference. 

This global footprint is more than a number. It’s a reminder of the connections, ideas and expertise that continue to travel far beyond our classrooms and labs. Every time one of you pushes a project forward, builds a company, mentors a student or leads change in your community, you strengthen what it means to be part of Lassonde. 

As we head into 2026, I’m excited to share our 2024–25 Annual Impact Report, which highlights how our faculty, students, partners — and you — are shaping the future of engineering and science. You’ll see how our work this year spanned health care, climate resilience, ethical AI, mobility and the built environment. 

A few highlights: 

• Connected Minds, a $318.4-million national initiative, is bringing together researchers across disciplines to design responsible technologies with people, not just for them. More than 40 Lassonde researchers are contributing to breakthroughs in areas like AI-enabled neurological care, healthy aging and language revitalization. 
• York University was ranked #1 in Canada and #32 in the world for Aerospace Engineering in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking — recognition that reflects Lassonde’s research leadership in nanosatellites, planetary science, robotics and space situational awareness. With Canada’s only Space Engineering program, this global strength helps us attract partners and talent from around the world. 
• We launched our new Mechatronics Engineering degree, built with industry to meet the needs of a world transformed by AI. The program blends mechanical, electrical, software and space engineering with computer science, giving students practical experience designing systems that are smart, connected and centred on people. 
• Our Digital Technologies BASc, Canada’s first fully work-integrated degree, continues to demonstrate what’s possible when employers and universities co-design meaningful pathways. Students earn while they learn, gaining four years of real industry experience — a model that removes financial barriers and strengthens the diversity of our tech workforce. 
• Through our kindergarten to industry (k2i) academy, younger learners from equity-deserving communities are gaining early exposure to hands-on STEM experiences, paid research opportunities and high-school course credit. These programs are helping students build the confidence and identity needed to see themselves thriving in fields where they have historically been underrepresented. 

Across all of this work, one theme is clear: progress happens when people come together. Our impact this year — from clean water research in northern communities to 3D-printed affordable housing, from safer mobility systems to innovations that support healthier lives — is the result of collaboration across industry, government, community partners and, importantly, alumni like you. 

Your pathways, your leadership and your willingness to stay connected continue to inspire the next generation. I hope you’ll keep in touch, share your stories and find opportunities to reconnect with Lassonde through events, mentorship or partnerships. 

To discover more or explore ways to engage, visit our alumni page. 

Thank you for your continued support and belief in what we can accomplish together. 

Sincerely,

Jane Goodyer
Dean
Lassonde School of Engineering