Faculty of Applied Sciences & Engineering rises three spots to 23
The Dean’s House on campus. U of T is the only Canadian university in the top 25 of the Times Higher Education’s engineering subject ranking. (photo by Daria Perevezentsev)
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering has climbed to the 23rd spot in the Times Higher Education’sWorld University Rankings by Subject 2025. The faculty has jumped three spots since 2024 and is the only Canadian engineering school in the top 25.
The ranking assesses universities across five core disciplines: general engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, civil engineering and chemical engineering. This year’s standing featured 1,488 institutions from 97 countries and territories.
“This significant jump of three spots since last year is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our community, which includes our faculty members, students, alumni, staff and partners,” says Christopher Yip, Dean of U of T Engineering.
“It is reflected in our commitment to educating the 21st century engineer to develop enhanced skillsets and global perspectives, as well as in the far-reaching impact of our research.”
U of T ranked first in Canada in all 11 subjects tracked by Times Higher Education’sWorld University Rankings by Subject 2025— and is one of only six universities in the world to rank in the top 30 across the board.
The only other institutions to place in the top 30 across all subject categories were the University of California, Berkeley, University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Stanford University and University of California, Los Angeles.
The closely watched ranking also placed U of T in the top 10 globally in two subjects: medical and health, and education studies.
“These rankings confirm once again that the University of Toronto encompasses a tremendous breadth and depth of academic excellence,” says U of T President Meric Gertler.
“Our consistently high standing among the world’s top universities is a tribute to the talent, creativity and drive of our faculty, librarians, students and staff across all three campuses.”
U of T notched improvements in two other subjects: computer science (up two spots to 23rd), and life sciences (up one spot to 26th).
The university also demonstrated continued strength in the remaining eight categories: medical and health (ninth); education studies (ninth); psychology (11th); arts and humanities (16th); law (22nd); business and economics (24th); social sciences (24th); and physical sciences (30th).
Overall, U of T continues to be the highest-ranked Canadian university and one of the top-ranked public universities in the five most closely watched international rankings: Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.
Arbor Awards are the University of Toronto’s highest honour in recognition of exceptional and longstanding volunteer service. The awards were presented by U of T President Meric Gertler and Chancellor Wesley Hall at a ceremony Wednesday, January 22.
Marion E. Breukelman (GeoE 8T6) Marion played a key role in developing the Engineering Alumni Applicant Assessor program. Over the past eight years, she has continued to be a dedicated supporter, devoting countless hours to this alumni volunteer experience. Marion has also been instrumental in shaping the faculty’s admissions assessment process, providing her valuable insights on how this volunteer opportunity can be improved.
Desmond H. Chan (CivE 1T4) – part of the group award to Iron Dragons Alumni Volunteers The Iron Dragons is one of the top university dragon boat programs in the country, providing access to high-performance athletics for the U of T community. The team’s experienced coaches accommodate people new to the sport as well as those with years of experience, promoting personal growth through individual training and consultation.
Ernesto Diaz Lozano Patino (CivE 1T5 + PEY, MASc 1T8) A deeply engaged student who became Engineering Society President, Ernesto continues to be heavily involved as an alum. He currently completed a four-year term on the College of Electors. His ongoing contributions to U of T Engineering include returning to speak to civil engineering students and rallying his fellow graduates from the Class of ’15 to fund a new scholarship.
Arbor Award recipients are essential to advancing the University of Toronto as one of the world’s great institutions of higher learning and advanced research. These leading members of the U of T community elevate all facets of life at the university, providing volunteer supports that span everything from governance and academic programming to experiential learning and mentorship, among other valuable contributions. We congratulate our 2024 Arbor Award recipients who have given so generously of their time, energy and expertise and invite you to read about their individual acts of service.
Christian Pavlidis (Supplied photo)
Slag Cement in Sustainable Concrete Project of the Year
Christian Pavlidis(CivE 2T1, MASc 2T3), a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Doug Hooton, has won the Slag Cement in Sustainable Concrete Project of the Year award in the Research category. She won for her Using Slag Replacement for Enhanced Performance of High-Limestone Cementsproject. Pavlidis will receive the award from the Slag Cement Association at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in conjunction with the spring ACI Concrete Convention in Toronto.
January 10, 2025 | CityNews
Family owned and run, JR Certus celebrated its first decade of business in 2024 and continues to tackle unique and challenging projects all over Ontario
The Aquinos, L to R: Joseph (CivE 0T1), Frank (CivE 7T6), David (CivE 0T6) and Matthew (CivE 0T8) in front of the JR Certus office in Vaughan, Ont. (Photo by Phill Snel)
Three sons followed the family’s patriarch in pursuing their undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at U of T. Then, later, joining him in founding a Toronto-area boutique general contracting firm.
Together, the four Civil Engineering alumni, with graduating years spanning from 1976 to 2008, have over a century of combined industry experience, benefiting the clients of their company, JR Certus Construction Ltd.
Focusing on the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors of construction, the company tackles projects throughout southern Ontario. Ranging from Niagara Falls to Toronto to Orangeville or Pickering, with endeavours embracing community centres, schools and more, the team undertakes new construction and massive renovations alike.
The senior member of the team, Frank Aquino (CivE 7T6), acts as the company’s General Manager alongside sons Joseph Aquino (CivE 0T1), whose role is President, with David Aquino (CivE 0T6) and Matthew Aquino (CivE 0T8) taking titles as Principals. The current decade-old venture was launched after the sale of Aquicon Construction, originally co-established by Frank and his brother in 1986. While at Aquicon, the key personnel completed over 200 major projects totalling over $3.3 billion in construction value before moving to the newly established JR Certus in 2014.
Since its origin in June 2014, JR Certus Construction (JRC) has been awarded 26 projects which have been added to the CCDC Document No. 11 and total nearly $680,000,000 of construction value secured/completed in just over eight years as a new corporate entity.
With a close group of some 20 employees, the company can regularly take care of anywhere from four to six simultaneous projects. “We stick to our realm of projects just because we’re a very tight-knit type of company,” Matthew says.
What they’re looking to see in new employees Matthew relays, “We like open-minded individuals and those who like working in a field, and in an atmosphere, where they can grow and learn. We also typically look for outgoing people who can thrive in construction, where you are going to be talking to a lot of different personalities.”
Further elaborating he says, “The personnel of JR Certus continually strive to exceed the expectations of our clients. In just a few short years, our firm rose to second place on Aon’s List of Top 5 Under 50 Contractors Across Canada (where the firm has held this position for three years running and remained in the Top 5 for four years consecutively). Additionally, we have once again secured the third spot for Top 5 Contractors Under 50 Employees for the year 2023.”
Using technology Though Frank might have started with old-school methods, JR Certus has embraced technology in the office, and beyond, to encourage transparency and efficiency. Using a system to manage their portfolio of projects simultaneously is key to day-to-day smooth operations. “The old way used to be pick up the phone, talk about it, and do the work. Now, it doesn’t work like that. In today’s age, everything needs to be documented. We can share live documents with everyone – architects, sub-trades, consultants. Anyone in our office and on site can see the latest details,” relays Matthew.
Matthew explains, “We use an online platform where all documented information for a given project is kept. It can be accessed via an app on your phone as well, so you can see shop drawing submittals, project reports, specifications, deficiency lists, safety documentation. Everything, no matter where you are.” Going on, he says, “As drawings get updated, because of proposed changes or subtractions, we can add live photos. It’s nice to have one platform that automatically updates everything; you always know you’re working with the most complete drawing.”
Family working together One might wonder if working with so many family members could cause friction at times. Matthew responds, “We got to see all the pros and the cons throughout the years. Communication is always key. Even though we’re schooled and mothered the same, everyone could have a difference of opinion. We’re different people, but we respect other people’s opinions; we realize there’s always multiple ways to get to the finish line. Whether it’s your brothers, your father, your workers or your sub trade, it’s always good to have an open mind. You see what people have to say and then collaborate and work together.”
Providing further illumination on pros and cons, Matthew expands, “The big pro is we’ve been doing it all together for a long time, and we have similar training; the con is probably you’re never going to a birthday party and going to be free of work.”
Splitting up the work Matthew provides a breakdown of responsibilities with, “My father and Joseph work on the estimating and awarding side; David and I work on the project deliverables.”
I enjoyed going through the Civil Engineering program
Frank says, “I enjoyed going through the Civil Engineering program; I think it is the best schooling for someone interested in going into construction, like I was.”
Fondly recalling a professor’s teachings still resonating with him in his professional years, Frank reflects, “I will always remember my first course in soils – I think it was Professor Lubinski. He taught us so many practical things that were just incredible. Now, when I’m on site, I still vividly remember him saying those things from class, which is fantastic. Definitely, it was the right decision to go through civil engineering.”
Another professor, however, was memorable for the mark given, “I had a professor who gave me 97% on the final exam. I was upset because I thought it was perfect, so I went to complain. He says, ‘You’re complaining? Because the whole class failed, and you’re complaining?’ “
Joseph’s memorable class includes, “My first-year course on fluid mechanics was one memorable class. They’re all memorable, but another is my building science professor. And, like my dad, I wasn’t going into any specific design course but wanted to communicate and understand the concepts and principles in our industry – I had to have the intention and focus of being a contractor.” As for a local place to socialize, Joseph frequented the Einstein Pub on College Street [since closed] with friends from Chemical Engineering.
Frank on Camp Frank reflects on attending Survey Camp (now known simply as Camp/CME358) in the 1970s and his difficulty with the food served, “I’m Italian born. At Camp they served English bread, hot dogs, hamburgers and this kind of food. I’ve never had a hamburger and this type of stuff. I had no idea how I’d survive. After a week, I literally was only drinking water.”
“Then one of my buddies saw I was gonna die,” relaying how a friend took action on his behalf. “We weren’t allowed to leave the camp, but he knew I wouldn’t last the week. Without permission we got in the car, took off and came back home. I had an incredible meal at home, because I hadn’t eaten for three days or more.” Recounting his return to Camp with a smile, “Then my mom gave me a huge luggage – bread, salami, everything. When I went back, people thought I was going for four years. All my friends had a feast. I was good from there.”
By Phill Snel
Fun fact: Certus is derived from the latin word meaning “certain” to give the company name a firm and solid-sounding name.
