Four awardees recognized for technical innovation, leadership and community service
On September 26, U of T Engineering honoured four of its alumni with an evening at Hart House celebrating their outstanding achievements and contributions — both to the faculty and the engineering profession.
The University of Toronto Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) Awards recognize the exceptional achievements of bold innovators and influential leaders among its ranks. These prestigious awards honour their passion, creativity and dedication to making a significant impact on their professional, local and global communities.
“All of our EAN Award winners, past and present, are fantastic role models for our students, and wonderful ambassadors of our community,” says Dean Chris Yip.
“They inspire us all and demonstrate the profound impact engineers can have on society. On behalf of the entire faculty, our warmest congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.”
This year’s recipients, along with their award citations, are:
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes a U of T Engineering graduate early in their career, who has achieved outstanding professional achievements and/or had an impact on their field. Nominees may be working within or outside of engineering but must demonstrate impact in their field with the likelihood of continued growth.
Olugbenga Olubanjo (CivE MASc 1T9) is a visionary leader whose work has a global impact. Driven by a passion for social impact and sustainable development, he founded Reeddi Inc., providing clean, affordable energy to energy-poor regions. His innovative Reeddi capsule, named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2021, offers a safer, eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria.
Beyond Reeddi, Olubanjo served as former co-chair of the Massey College Community Service Committee, demonstrating his commitment to community service. His achievements light the way toward a better future and exemplify the transformative power of an engineering education.
Research & Innovation Award
The Research & Innovation Award recognizes an Engineering graduate or group of graduates who have developed, implemented or discovered an innovation or research program, process or product. The identified work has had a significant impact on the profession, community or society.
Dr. Amir Manbachi (EngSci 0T8, BME MASc 1T0, PhD 1T5) is a trailblazer in biomedical engineering. His pioneering doctoral research led to the creation of Spinesonics Medical Inc., which developed an ultrasound device for real-time visualization of screw implant positioning during spinal surgery, earning him the University of Toronto’s Inventor of the Year award in 2015.
Now an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, Manbachi continues to innovate, teach and inspire. He has mentored hundreds of students and authored numerous publications, earning accolades such as the Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the 2024 Terasaki Institute’s Young Innovator Award. He also co-founded HEPIUS Innovation Labs, focusing on the next generation of wearable and implantable medical ultrasound devices for spinal cord injury patients.
Malcolm McGrath Service Award
The Malcolm McGrath Service Award honours a graduate or group of graduates who have made significant volunteer contributions to the U of T Engineering community over a minimum cumulative total of three years. Through their leadership they have enriched the lives of others with generous gifts of time, talent and/or financial support.
This award is in memory of the late Malcolm McGrath, a 1954 Civil Engineering alumnus, pioneer of U of T Engineering alumni relations and fundraising, and the first Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations for the faculty. Malcolm was a true champion of U of T Engineering and was instrumental in creating a culture of service and philanthropy in our alumni community.
Rob West (ChemE 8T1) has made a lasting impact on the University of Toronto through his decades-long dedication to community building and mentorship. A former Skule Nite participant, West has mentored every director since, earning him titles of Director Emeritus and Godfather of Skule Nite. His leadership has maintained important traditions and inspired generations, raising over $50,000 to support students pursuing extra-curricular activities.
Additionally, as a founding member of the Hart House Theatre Standing Committee, West played a crucial role in saving this historic stage. His legacy is one of inspiration, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the arts.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the top award given by the Engineering Alumni Network. It recognizes a U of T Engineering graduate whose outstanding leadership and professional excellence have made a significant positive impact on society, potentially with a global reach. Nominees have achieved distinction in their fields and are an inspiration to U of T Engineering students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Dr. Jeff Karp (ChemE PhD 0T4) is a renowned innovator dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into clinical solutions that directly impact patients. A professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Karp leads pioneering research in tissue adhesives, bioinspired medical solutions and stem cell therapeutics.
Overcoming early challenges with learning differences and ADHD, he has become a globally recognized scientist, authoring over 165 papers, holding 100+ patents and co-founding 12 startups that have raised over $500 million. Through his book LIT, Karp shares the Life Ignition Tools he developed, empowering others to thrive. His work extends to developing new polymers for medical applications, mentorship and championing diversity in science.
Karp’s creativity continues to push boundaries, and he exemplifies how passion, innovation and dedication can make a significant difference in the world.
Read more about the awards and the 2024 recipients.
By Kristina Kazandjian
This story originally published by Engineering News