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Dean’s Special Advisory Board

The Dean’s Special Advisory Board is mandated to provide advice and feedback to the Faculty of Science, in order to drive its success.

It is comprised of a diverse group of industry and community leaders with a vast array of expertise and commitment to the advancement of Canada’s science, technology, academic, and non-profit sectors.

Launched in February 2021, the Board provides insight on pressing issues, including the societal need for science programs, best practices surrounding Equity/Diversity/Inclusion in science education, challenges and opportunities for science innovation and entrepreneurship, and the successful community integration of the Faculty.

Dr. Reza Moridi Profile Photo
Chair

Dr. Moridi served as Ontario Minister of Research, Innovation and Science, and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. He was first elected to the Ontario Parliament in 2007 and re-elected in 2011 and 2014. He… READ MORE

Allan Carswell Profile Photo

Dr. Carswell joined York University in 1968 as a Professor of Physics, focusing on high-power lasers and the application of laser radar “LIDAR” techniques for remote sensing and environmental diagnostics. 1974, Dr. Carswell founded Optech… READ MORE

Barbara Bellissimo

The former Canadian head for the largest Property and Casualty company in North America, State Farm Insurance, Bellissimo was accountable for 3,000+ employees, 650+ independent agencies and over $3B of revenues. Having worked in many… READ MORE

Dr. Catherine Zahn Profile Photo

Dr. Zahn was appointed Ontario Deputy Minister of Health in September 2021. Dr. Zahn has a 35-year history of contributions to the Ontario health care sector, as a practising physician and in progressive leadership roles… READ MORE

Charles Hantho Profile Photo

Dr. Hantho is a highly respected executive in the chemical industry in Canada, who has held leadership positions in numerous professional and community organizations. Dr. Hantho graduated with a BSc In Chemical Engineering from University… READ MORE

Dion Neame.

Dr. Neame graduated from Medical School in 1991, followed by postgraduate training in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University and Pediatrics at McMaster University. He completed a fellowship in Primary Prevention of Disease / Clinical… READ MORE

Mark-Lievonen Gairdner Profile Photo

Dr. Lievonen, C.M., is the former President of Sanofi Pasteur Limited, the Canadian vaccine division of Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company. Under his leadership, Sanofi Pasteur became a billion dollar enterprise in Canada. Dr. Lievonen… READ MORE

John L Wallace Profile Photo

Dr. Wallace is a medical scientist and Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Antibe Therapeutics Inc., a publicly-traded biotech company based in Toronto. Dr. Wallace is also founder of the Inflammation Research Network at the University of Calgary… READ MORE

Justin Poy Profile Photo

Poy is an award-winning advertising executive who has built his career in the context of Canada’s diversity and inclusion. The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), established in 1993, has created some of the country’s most iconic… READ MORE

Laura Pagnotta

Pagnotta leads communications for the Roche Canada Pharmaceuticals Division, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. A passionate collaborator, Pagnotta has dedicated nearly 25 years to giving voice and presence to patients, families and healthcare workers in service… READ MORE

Peter Pekos Profile Photo

Pekos is CEO of Dalton Pharma Services, which he co-founded in 1986. He has managed all phases of its growth into a leading supplier of contract drug development and manufacturing services to the global pharmaceutical… READ MORE

Samer Bishay Profile Photo

Bishay is President and CEO of Iristel and Ice Wireless, leading providers of wireless and wireline IP services. As Iristel’s founder, Bishay led the company from a small startup to an international telecommunications service provider… READ MORE

Shehzad Iqbal

Dr. Iqbal is the Country Medical Director at Moderna Canada, leading research initiatives and implementation of mRNA vaccines and future medicines. Dr. Iqbal comes from an extensive academic and industry-based Research & Development (R&D) background…. READ MORE