Fadi Layyous Gedeon wins TMU FEAS Gold Medal 2024
A passionate and curious student, Layyous used his time at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to satisfy his hunger for knowledge. Early on in his chemical engineering undergraduate program, Layyous’ work caught the attention of FEAS faculty. In just his second year, he co-authored a chapter of the book Advances in Membrane Technologies alongside associate professor, Dr. Chil-Hung Cheng. The following year, he completed two cooperative placements, which allowed him to apply his learning to the real world. Layyous’ academic acumen eventually landed him in the Accelerated Master of Applied Science (MASc), a program designed to allow top undergraduate students to complete graduate-level courses in their latter years. Equally enthusiastic about researching zeolites and understanding their complex properties, Cheng became Layyous’ MASc supervisor.
Reflecting on his MASc experience, Layyous acknowledges the undertaking was not lacking in challenges. “I had five undergrad courses in my last year; I was doing my Capstone project, which was pretty time-consuming, and I had extra assignments because of the master’s program, plus my research on top of that.” A combination of shrewd planning, time management, and rest allowed Layyous to excel. Balancing work and rest is something he emphasizes the importance of to new and prospective students at all levels. “The resting is equally as important as the working,” he says. “[Otherwise] you're not going to be efficient… if you pull an all-nighter tonight, make time for yourself tomorrow.”
Layyous has a long history of student advocacy. He served on the First-Year Engineering Office’s First-Year Committee, where he helped organize study groups for the more difficult engineering courses. Later, he joined the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, where he recommended curriculum modifications based on his experiences as an undergraduate. When it comes to student programs and extracurriculars at TMU, Layyous advises students to “take advantage of them.” He says, “There’s no better way to make friends than a hobby.” Layyous himself was involved in many campus groups, including playing rugby for the TMU Bold and being a member of the Organization of Latin American Students.
Building on his commitment to helping others, most recently Layyous worked as a graduate teaching assistant, helping students navigate their education and future pathways. In this role, he made a point to make every class engaging, encouraging active student participation. “Otherwise, it’s too boring,” he says. Beyond the classroom, he also supports students he no longer teaches, including MASc chemical engineering students who are following in his footsteps – sharing his experiences from how to apply for scholarships to course load management. “They’re already doing better than I was,” he says. “I’m really happy for them.”
Next up in Layyous’ quest for new knowledge is working in research and development at a metallurgy firm in Toronto. Looking towards the future, he says “I want to publish a couple of papers and work in the industry before I apply, but a PhD is definitely on the table for me.”
About the Gold Medal award
Each year, the TMU Gold Medal is awarded to one graduating student from each faculty who has demonstrated academic excellence and made significant contributions to their academic and professional communities.