Voting Link & Candidate Statements

• Academic Council - Teaching Staff Representative - Faculty of Business and IT (FBIT)

   Shahram Heydari

  I have been a member of the Faculty of Business and IT since 2007, currently at the rank of full professor. During my time with the university, I served as FBIT Graduate program Director from 2016 to 2019, and director of the computer science graduate program from 2017 to 2019. I am currently an elected member of the faculty association executive committee, and have also served on the association’s finance and governance committees. I previously served as FBIT representative on the Academic council from 2018 to 2021, during which I was a member of the Academic Council Honorary Degrees Committee

  Mehdi Hossein-Nejad

  Dear colleagues,
  I am seeking your support to serve as FBIT’s representative on Ontario Tech’s Academic Council. I am eager to contribute to discussions regarding the university’s academic direction, curriculum matters, and our institution’s approach to research and student experience. I am excited to add FBIT’s voice to these critical conversations as Ontario Tech navigates the opportunities and challenges of the sector and considers various growth paths. Thank you.

   Alvaro Quevedo

  Dr. Alvaro Joffre Uribe Quevedo is an Associate Professor committed to driving positive change through his research, teaching, and collaborations with others. His background in mechatronics has allowed him to lead and collaborate on several research initiatives with peers from various disciplines worldwide. His focus on innovating immersive technologies through human factors in applications pertaining to education, training, and health-related use cases aims to improve the user experience and meaningful outcomes. His teaching focuses on fundamental subjects pertaining to computer graphics, immersive technologies, and the design of custom-made user input devices.

  Gabby Resch

  I'm an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business and IT, where I have served on the Experimental Teaching, Undergraduate Education, Academic Misconduct, Sustainability, Tech Management, and Master of Business Analytics and AI committees since joining Ontario Tech in 2021. Through this service, I have contributed to the development of new programs, taken part in program reviews, and helped establish and communicate new policies. I teach data analytics and visualization courses, and have developed five new courses in my time here. I am an active mentor and engaged community member, and I look forward to serving the university.

• Academic Council - Teaching Staff Representative - Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS)

  Ahmad Barari

  I am writing to express my sincere interest in applying for the position on the Academic Council for the period of September 2025 to August 2028. This opportunity will allow me to represent my colleagues at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science within the Academic Council. I firmly believe that the involvement of the academic body in the decision-making processes of the Council is crucial. If selected, I will dedicate myself to ensuring a strong communication channel between faculty members and the Council, effectively conveying their perspectives and concerns, and facilitating the flow of information in both directions.

  Daniel Hoornweg

  A firm believer that the university, much like society, succeeds when the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. When working together as a team we can be a powerful force for good. Engineers, and FEAS, are keen to be part of this team. I understand that success comes through both ideals and the details. Academic Council serves an important role in bringing together people and opportunities for the benefit of the institution and the stakeholders we serve. I would be honored to be part of this team.

  Sayyed Ali Hosseini

  I am willing to become a member of the Academic Council to contribute to shaping the academic experience at Ontario Tech university. I am passionate about advocating for student interests, promoting a collaborative learning environment, and ensuring academic policies are fair and effective. Through this role, I hope to bridge communication between faculty members and university administration, facilitating improvements in processes, resources, and support systems. I believe my desire to make a meaningful impact aligns with the goals of the council, and I am excited to be part of this important decision-making entity.

  Scott Nokleby

  I currently serve as a representative of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science on Academic Council. Having been at Ontario Tech for over 20 years, I bring a wealth of experience to Academic Council and wish to continue representing my Faculty in this important role. I have always worked to make Ontario Tech the best it can be and will continue to do so on Academic Council. Thank you for your consideration.

• Academic Council - Teaching Staff Representative - Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSci)

  Laura Banks

  I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences and proud Faculty of Education alumni. As a Teaching Scholar in Residence, I have a passion for the University priority of “learning re-imagined” with promoting novel instructional design, digital tools, and technologies in the classroom. I have received eCampusOntario and CIHR funding to lead such initiatives in the health sciences. I also serve on the Academic Integrity Committee where I reconcile diverse perspectives alongside established academic policies. Given these broad experiences, I am eager to advocate for teaching innovation and uphold rigorous academic standards on the Academic Council.

  Elita Partosoedarso

  After taking a one year pause at the end of completing two terms at Academic Council, I am ready to become part of this governing body again to continue to represent my colleagues within the Faculty of Health Sciences and beyond. As an alumnus of this university, as someone who has had contract positions before, and as I approach my 20th year of working at OntarioTech, I look forward to contributing to the discussions and decisions on the many diverse matters that will come up at Academic Council.