Celebrating TMU postdocs who are shaping the future
From left: Dr. Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, YSGPS; Postdoc Challenge finalists Dr. Mohammadamin Ahmadfard, Dr. Erin Leigh Courtice, Dr. Andisheh Khanehzar, Dr. Max Ferguson and Dr. Salim Rezvani (not pictured); Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, and Dr. Seth Dworkin, Academic Lead, Postdoctoral Fellows.
From sustainable engineering to trans-inclusive mental health, TMU postdoctoral fellows are driving transformative change. The inaugural Postdoc Challenge highlighted the value of creatively communicating research based on the theme Your Vision, Your Future. At the recent postdoc luncheon, winners Dr. Mohammadamin Ahmadfard, Dr. Erin Courtice and Dr. Salim Rezvani (in absentia), and honourable mention recipients Dr. Andisheh Khanehzar and Dr. Max Ferguson were celebrated for translating complex research into visions for global change.
The challenge invited postdoctoral fellows to submit a one-minute video or audio piece showcasing the future impact of their research or creative work. The result was a diverse collection of thoughtful entries that made complex ideas accessible while emphasizing real-world relevance. Topics ranged from sustainable infrastructure and climate action to community-based mental health support.
Learn more about this year’s finalists:
Winners
Dr. Mohammadmin Ahmadfard - Designing a Greener Future
(external link)
Dr. Mohammadmin Ahmafard, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, receives a Postdoc Challenge winner certificate from Dr. Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, YSGPS, and Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.
Dr. Ahmadfard’s video (external link) explores how buildings can be designed to generate and store their own energy using geothermal systems. His research focuses on “geopiles,” which function both as structural foundations and as geothermal exchangers to lay the groundwork for buildings that could one day power themselves using the earth’s natural heat.
“When combined with solar panels, heat pumps and thermal storage tanks, these systems can turn the ground beneath us into a seasonal energy battery,” he explained. “It’s about engineering solutions that reduce carbon emissions and improve how we live.”
Dr. Erin Leigh Courtice - Community Support for Trans and Gender-Diverse People
(external link)
Dr. Erin Leigh Courtice, Psychology, receives a Postdoc Challenge winner certificate from Dr. Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, YSGPS, and Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.
Dr. Courtice’s video (external link) examines how online communities support substance use recovery among transgender and gender-diverse populations. “In a time of rising anti-trans legislation, this work is urgent,” she said. “I wanted to show how research can uplift communities and contribute to justice and resilience.”
Dr. Courtice also emphasized the value of TMU’s support: “The Postdoc Challenge reflects the university’s commitment to connection and creativity within the research community.”
Dr. Salim Rezvani - Predicting tumour growth using math and machine learning
Dr. Rezvani’s audio entry (external link) explores his research at the intersection of mathematics and machine learning to predict how tumors grow and to simulate treatments in a virtual environment, eliminating the need for higher risk real-world experiments. He envisions a future where cancer care is personalized to each patient’s unique needs.
“This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about saving lives,” he says. With these tools, doctors can make faster, more informed decisions to determine the most effective treatment for every individual. “The future I see is one where cancer treatment is smarter, faster, and accessible to everyone.”
Honourable mentions
Dr. Andisheh Khanehzar - Using AI to Reduce Pollution
(external link)
Dr. Andisheh Khanehzar, Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering, receives a Postdoc Challenge honourable mention certificate from Dr. Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, YSGPS, and Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.
Dr. Khanehzar’s video (external link) highlights how artificial intelligence can predict soot formation, which is critical for reducing industrial emissions. The process challenged her to explain complex, technical research to a wider audience.
“This experience gave me a chance to translate something as complex as soot prediction into a story that anyone could connect with. I’m genuinely grateful and happy to be in this role, in this place, doing work that is making a positive contribution, even if in a small way, to a cleaner planet. Being part of a collective effort towards creating solutions for living more sustainably feels very meaningful to me. Through my industry collaboration, I’m able to explore how these solutions can be applied in real-world settings," she adds.
"Globally, what we’re doing is important since we’re at a point in history where climate change is one of the most pressing challenges. Applying AI in predicting soot formation to cut down on emissions is an impactful step forward.”
Dr. Max Ferguson - Protecting Trans Rights
(external link)
Dr. Max Ferguson, Disability Studies, receives a Postdoc Challenge honourable mention from Dr. Nancy Walton, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, YSGPS, and Dr. Carl Kumaradas, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.
“It’s truly rewarding to have my work recognized in this way,” said Dr. Ferguson, whose audio entry (external link) focused on supporting marginalized trans communities and combating transphobia. “As a mad-identified trans man, I’m committed to resisting these harmful forces and mobilizing mad trans communities. We deserve to be heard, to share our stories safely, and to access the care and resources essential for our well-being.”
He also reflected on the importance of communication, not only in research. "This work goes beyond academia. It’s about creating real, meaningful change for our communities."
View all submissions on the Your Vision, Your Future YouTube playlist (external link) .
