BEng Mechanical Eng ’94
Vice President of Global Operational Services, Vantage Airport Group
Frank Scremin has made significant contributions to the global aviation industry. His early career in the natural gas sector sharpened his business acumen, and he later earned an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. Frank’s aviation career began in 2006 at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport as Director of Operations. His leadership transformed the airport into a thriving cargo hub, positioning Hamilton as a key player in North America’s logistics network. He quickly rose to CEO, driving innovation and operational excellence. In 2013, Frank led the $5.1-billion redevelopment of LaGuardia’s Terminal B as CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. The project transformed the terminal into a state-of-the-art facility, earning the 2023 “World’s Best New Airport Terminal” by Skytrax.
Frank’s ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and deliver large-scale projects on time and on budget is a testament to his leadership. Currently, Frank is the Vice-President of Global Operational Services for Vantage Group, ensuring service excellence and compliance across its airport network.
PhD Chemical Eng ’90
Professor, University of Toronto
Dr. Paul Santerre is a distinguished engineer and pioneer in the field of synthetic materials for healthcare. He completed his PhD in 1990 at McMaster University, specializing in the design of biomaterials for systems that come into contact with blood. He served as the lead materials engineer for the artificial heart program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute before joining the University of Toronto in 1993.
Dr. Santerre holds 59 patents and is the visionary behind Interface Biologics Inc., a biotech startup dedicated to the development of catheters and drug-polymer coatings for medical devices. His extensive research portfolio of over 140 peer-reviewed publications and more than 325 conference presentations and abstracts investigates how polymers interact with the body’s degradation processes and advances the development of novel materials for applications in tissue engineering, implants, and medical devices.
BEng Chemical Eng & Mgmt ’80, MBA ’81
Director of Partnerships, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corp
Nick Javor has been a senior business leader in the branding and franchise industries for over 30 years, with Canada’s leading retail brands including Tim Hortons, Mr. Lube and Esso. At the time of the award, Nick was the principal of Oskee1Consulting, which delivers a full turn-key franchise economic development program to Indigenous Owner/operators on traditional lands. He has led the development of over 20 Tim Hortons with First Nations.
He is now the Director of Partnerships at the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, where he continues to foster economic opportunities and partnerships within Indigenous communities.
BEng Chemical Eng & Mgmt ’81
Poet, Photographer, & Film Maker
Ross Belot is a poet, photographer, documentary film maker, and an energy and climate change columnist. He previously worked for Imperial Oil for decades before retiring in 2014. Now he writes eco-poetics and opinion pieces about government climate change inaction. Ross was a finalist for the 2016 CBC Poetry Prize and long listed in 2018. In 2017, he completed an MFA at Saint Mary’s College of California.
Ross’ poetry collection Moving to Climate Change Hours was named one of the best poetry collections of 2020 in Canada by the CBC and one of eleven books that will change your thinking about the climate crisis by Shondaland.
BEng Electrical Eng & Mgmt ’05
Vice President of System Operations & Station Services, Hydro One
Lorraine Gray is the first woman to lead her division at Hydro One, Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution service provider. She oversees more than 700 field staff who operate over 300 transformer stations and 1,000 distribution stations across Ontario. Lorraine is a force in the championship of women’s advancement at Hydro One, achieving balanced hiring in her business unit’s apprenticeship program, encouraging gender-equity protocols in hiring processes, and working to normalize women as leaders in Field Operations.
A true trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Lorraine is credited with changing norms through example, helping to transform Hydro One into a more diverse and inclusive workplace. She is also a mentor to the next generation of women engineers outside of Hydro One, both through the organization’s Women in Engineering University Consortium and as Engineer in Residence at Ontario Tech University’s Women in Engineering program.
BEng Computer Eng ’98
Founder, Board Member & Advisor, Tonal
Aly Orady is the CEO and Founder of Tonal, the first in-home smart gym and personalized approach to strength training. A 20-year Silicon Valley veteran, engineer and serial entrepreneur, Aly started his career at Hewlett-Packard’s Computer Systems Laboratory designing super-computers, followed by technical leadership roles at a series of startups, including Kealia, Inc. He earned his Computer Engineering degree from McMaster in 1998 at just 19 years of age. He continued forward, enrolling part-time at Stanford University, he completed his master’s in 2003, earning an M.S. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Networking and Computer Architecture at the age of 23.
With both degrees in hand, Aly Orady founded Pano Logic, where he served as the company’s Chief Technology Officer and oversaw core technology development, architecture, and patents. He leveraged his extensive product and technology background with his own fitness journey and 70 lb weight loss to invent Tonal. His goal is to help enable people to lead healthier lives by providing them with the technology, guidance, and support to effectively reach their fitness goal.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’88
Vice-President Business Integration and Transition Management, Decarbonization, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Angela Pappin is a trailblazing executive at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, currently serving as Vice President of Business Integration and Transition Management for Decarbonization. She made company history in 2018 when she became the first woman appointed Vice President of Manufacturing in over a century.
Throughout her career, she has held key leadership roles in technology, quality, and strategy, and now leads transformative initiatives that accelerate innovation and sustainability in steelmaking. Angela is also a dedicated advocate for women in STEM and an active member of McMaster Engineering’s Dean’s Advisory Board.
BEng Metallurgical ’81
President & CEO, ArcelorMittal Dofasco (at time of award)
Sean Donnelly is the former President & CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco after serving previously as Vice President, Manufacturing and Vice President, Technology, and a series of other positions since he joined the company in 1981.
Tireless advocate for the steel industry, Sean was at the forefront of the steel-making renaissance in Canada. Identifying a need for future qualified engineers and technology, he was, and continues to be a strong promoter in the development of academic partnerships. Sean believes that it is important to blend the strengths of industry and universities to train skilled human resources for the current and future needs of Canada.
BEng Eng Physics ’80, MEng Eng Physics ’84
Former CEO, AXZY Int.
Alfred Zeuner is a McMaster University graduate, having earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Engineering Physics. After serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Canadian Navy, he co-founded AXYZ International in 1991, developing advanced CNC router systems that transformed manufacturing accessibility for small and mid-sized businesses.
In recognition of his contributions to engineering and entrepreneurship, Zeuner was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2021. He remains an engaged supporter of McMaster Engineering, offering mentorship and financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities.
MSc Materials Eng ’72, PhD Materials Eng ’77
Former Professor of Ceramic Science & Engineering, Penn State University
Dr. David J. Green was a distinguished materials scientist and engineer, renowned for his pioneering work in the mechanical behavior of ceramics. After earning his MSc and PhD from McMaster University in the 1970s, he embarked on a career that included research roles with the Canadian Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, and Rockwell International, where he contributed to the Space Shuttle program.
In 1984, he joined Penn State University as a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, where he served until his retirement in 2013. In addition to teaching, he served as the Board Director at The American Ceramic Society. Dr. Green’s research significantly advanced the understanding of fracture mechanics in brittle materials, and he was widely respected as a mentor, educator, and leader in the field.
MEng Mechanical Eng ’72, PhD Mechanical Eng ’76
Professor, University of Windsor
Hoda El Maraghy became the first Canadian woman to earn a doctorate in mechanical engineering, which she completed at McMaster in 1976. In 1994, she also became the first woman to serve as dean of engineering at a Canadian university. She is currently the distinguished university professor and director of the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (IMS) Centre at the University of Windsor.
Formerly the Canada Research Chair in manufacturing systems, Hoda is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy for Engineering, the International Academy for Production Research, the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering and the Society for Manufacturing Engineers. She is also a senior member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Working with Professor Waguih El Maraghy, Hoda co-founded the IMS Centre in 1994 and established the first truly reconfigurable and changeable assembly system in North America. She also pioneered iFactory – a factory-in-a-lab system that provides experiential learning and testing opportunities for advanced research in manufacturing. She founded the flexible manufacturing R&D Center at McMaster University in 1984. Her ground breaking research in areas like the co-evolution and co-development of products and their manufacturing systems holds great potential for the productivity and competitiveness of the automotive industry and other significant manufacturers. Hoda has an honorary doctorate from Chalmers University in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a member of the Order of Ontario and was elected to international membership by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
BEng Mechanical Eng & Mgmt ’06
Senior Consultant, Posterity Group
Paula Claudino is a Professional Engineer with a distinguished career in industrial energy management, having worked with ICF International and later as a Senior Consultant at the Posterity Group. She has led and contributed to projects for clients across Canada and internationally, including the Ontario Energy Board, the Singapore National Climate Change Secretariat, and the European Union. Fluent in multiple languages, Paula’s work has taken her to countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, South Korea, and the U.S. A dedicated volunteer, she has served with Re-Cycles Community Bicycle Shop, Hidden Harvest Ottawa, and the Brewer Park Community Garden. Paula continues to connect her professional expertise with community impact, including leading McMaster’s MacServe Day of Service initiative in Ottawa..
PhD Materials Eng ’94
Visiting Professor, Cornell University
Dr. Lynnette Madsen is currently a visiting professor at Cornell University and formerly served as a program director in materials research at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Her work at NSF supported advancements in nanotechnology, manufacturing, sustainability, education, and diversity. She has held research and academic roles at institutions including Linköping University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Nortel Networks. A fellow of multiple scientific societies, Lynnette is the author of one book, co-editor of another, and holds three patents. Her many accolades include the MRS Impact Award, the TMS Ellen Swallow Richards Diversity Award, and the ACerS Greaves-Walker Lifetime Service Award.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’66, M.Eng ’68
Former President, Hillsfield Farms & Ent.
Barry Hill is a distinguished McMaster University alumn. He dedicated 26 years to Ontario Hydro, contributing to the design and management of major power generation projects, including the Lakeview, Nanticoke, and Darlington stations.
After retiring from engineering, Hill returned to his roots in Ohsweken, establishing Hillsfield Farms, a successful 2,600-acre grain and oilseed operation. He played a pivotal role in founding the First Nations Agri Group Cooperative and the Integrated Grain Processors Cooperative Ethanol Plant, promoting sustainable agriculture within Indigenous communities. In 2022, McMaster University honored him with an honorary doctorate, and he continues to serve as an Engineer-in-Residence, inspiring future generations of engineers
MEng Chemical Eng ’76, PhD Chemical Eng ’81
President & CSO, Claro Scientific LLC.
Dr. Luis Garcia-Rubio is a professor at the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida and a leading expert in bio-photonic disease detection. He earned his M.Eng. and Ph.D. from McMaster University and joined USF in 1983, later serving as Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 1997–2002.
A co-founder of Ocean Optics Inc. and Claro Scientific, Dr. Garcia-Rubio holds multiple patents and is known for developing portable biosensors that detect diseases using light-based technology. His work has earned him international recognition, including the NSF Creativity Extension Award and a feature in Models of Excellence. His innovations continue to impact global healthcare, particularly in low-resource settings.
PhD Electrical Eng ’70
Former Vice President & General Manager, Lockheed Martin
Walter studied electrical engineering at Dublin University, where he met visiting professor, Simon Haykin, a soon to be professor at McMaster. With professor Haykin’s encouragement, Walter accepted McMaster’s offer of a Faculty Research Fellowship and moved to Hamilton. Walter was the University’s first student to earn a PhD in Electrical Engineering.
He started his career at General Electric and held several key roles at the company. Later in his career, he worked on the merger of Martin Marietta Corporation and the Lockheed Corporation, and retired in 1997 as vice-president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Microwave Electronics Division.
Walter was also the co-holder of 30 patents and published dozens of technical papers.
MEng Eng. Physics ’81
Founder & CEO, Quillsoft Ltd.
Fraser Shein has become an international leader in the engineering of rehabilitation technology and accessibility software to fulfill the needs of persons with disabilities. After completing his master’s in Engineering Physics at McMaster in 1981 and a PhD from the University of Toronto, he founded Canada’s first R&D team focused on computer accessibility for children with disabilities.
As Director of Research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Shein led the development of groundbreaking tools like WiVik, WordQ, and SpeakQ—software now funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and used worldwide. In 2000, he founded Quillsoft Ltd. to bring this technology to a global audience.
Today, as Quillsoft’s President and CEO, Shein continues to advance inclusive design while mentoring young researchers and collaborating across academic and clinical communities.
BEng Computer Eng & Mgmt ’86
Former President, Microsoft Business Division
Stephen Elop is a renowned technology executive who has held senior leadership roles at global companies including Microsoft, Nokia, Adobe, and Juniper Networks. As President of Microsoft’s Business Division and later CEO of Nokia, he played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of mobile and enterprise technology. A strong advocate for experiential learning, Elop has remained deeply connected to McMaster Engineering, recently supporting the Pivot initiative through a generous lead gift. He currently serves on McMaster University’s Board of Governors and continues to advise and lead within the tech industry through various board roles. Elop’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, leadership, and giving back to the next generation of engineers.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’62, MEng Mechanical Eng ’65
Former President & CEO, Timberland Group of Companies
Walter Booth was a visionary business and community leader who served as owner and president of The Timberland Group, building it into a globally successful company. A strong advocate for giving back, he supported numerous organizations including the Salvation Army, the Loran Scholars Foundation, and Woodstock Hospital. His deep connection to McMaster University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, inspired his transformative contributions to the school. Most notably, he established the W. Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology to support the development of future engineering leaders. His legacy lives on through the impact he made in industry, education, and his community.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’85
President & CEO, OLG
Duncan Hannay is the president of OLG and the former President and Chief Executive Officer at Street Capital Bank of Canada and Street Capital Group Inc. Prior to joining Street Capital in September 2017, Duncan held the position of Chief Operating Officer at FINASTRA, the third largest fintech provider in the world. Duncan has more than 25 years of experience building and growing businesses in the financial services and technology sectors with roles including: President, Global Lending Solutions at D+H; Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing at Scotiabank; Managing Director and Head of Online Brokerage at Scotiabank; and President and CEO at E*TRADE Canada Securities.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’85
PhD Civil Eng ’86
President, Côté Membrane Separation Ltd.
Dr. Pierre Côté is a trailblazing engineer and inventor whose work has transformed global water treatment. As the principal inventor of the ZeeWeed membrane, now widely used in drinking water, wastewater, and desalination systems, he has made a lasting impact on public health and sustainability.
A McMaster PhD graduate, Dr. Côté has held senior technology roles at ZENON Environmental, Veolia, and Vaperma, and holds more than 50 patents. He was awarded the Manning Principal Award and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Today, he continues to lead innovation as co-founder of Algafilm Technologies, advancing sustainable solutions in water and energy.
BEng Electrical Eng ’89, MEng Electrical Eng ’91
Founder, WaterHCI (Water-Human-Computer) Interface
Dr. Steve Mann is a Canadian engineer, inventor, and professor, widely recognized as the “Father of Wearable Computing.” He earned his B.Sc., B.Eng., and M.Eng. from McMaster University, followed by a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1997. At MIT, he founded the Wearable Computing Project, pioneering technologies that integrate computing devices with human experience.
Mann’s notable inventions include the EyeTap Digital Eye Glass, a device that functions as both a camera and display, enabling real-time visual augmentation. He also developed the chirplet transform for signal processing and contributed to the field of high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging, now standard in digital photography. His concept of “humanistic intelligence” explores the synergy between humans and wearable technology.
Currently, Mann is a tenured professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He continues to lead research in wearable computing and augmented reality, influencing both academic and commercial advancements in the field.
PhD Metallurgical Eng ’62
President & Partner, Swiftnet Solutions
Dr. Gary Purdy earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from McMaster University in 1962, following undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Alberta. Internationally recognized for his pioneering work in microstructure development, diffusion, and phase transformations in engineering materials, he has made lasting contributions to both academia and industry.
Over his 40-year career at McMaster, Dr. Purdy served as Chair of Materials Science and Engineering, Dean of Engineering, and Director of the Centre for Peace Studies. He has mentored dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and collaborated widely with industry.
His many honors include Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Metal Physics Medal, a Docteur Honoris Causa from INP Grenoble, and election as a Foreign Associate of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering.
BEng Chemical Eng ’65
Founder & Chairman, ProSensus Inc.
Dr. John F. MacGregor graduated from McMaster University in 1965 and later earned master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Statistics, as well as a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He returned to McMaster as a professor, eventually serving as Chair of Chemical Engineering and holding the Dofasco Chair in Process Automation and IT.
A global leader in multivariate statistical methods and process control, he co-founded the McMaster Advanced Control Consortium and later founded ProSensus Inc. to help companies optimize processes through data analytics.
Dr. MacGregor is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus and has received numerous awards, including the Herman Wold Medal and induction into the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
BEng Civil Eng ’74
Chairman, Portland Holdings Ltd.
Michael Lee-Chin graduated from McMaster University in 1974 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After working briefly for the Jamaican government, he transitioned into finance and went on to acquire AIC Limited in 1987, growing it into one of Canada’s largest mutual fund companies.
In 2002, he acquired a majority stake in National Commercial Bank Jamaica, transforming it into the leading bank in the Caribbean. He is also the founder and chairman of Portland Holdings Ltd., with investments across multiple sectors.
A committed philanthropist, Michael has donated millions to institutions including McMaster University, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the University of Toronto. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica and the Order of Ontario, and continues to be a major figure in business and community leadership.
BEng Civil Eng ’70
Former President & COO, Tishman Construction Corp.
Ronald E. Materick, P.Eng., graduated from McMaster University in 1970 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He built a distinguished career in construction management, culminating in his role as President of the Western Region at Tishman Construction Corporation, where he oversaw major projects across North America. After 25 years of service, he retired from Tishman in 2006.
Beyond his professional achievements, Materick has been deeply involved in philanthropy and education. He established the Ronald E. Materick Research Fellowship in Leukemia at City of Hope National Medical Center and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts through the Chicago Construction and Real Estate Council. At McMaster, he founded the Ronald E. Materick Scholarship in 1987 and the Ronald E. Materick Bursary in 1996 to support engineering students.
Materick also contributes to historic preservation through the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois and has championed sustainable building initiatives, including Tishman’s involvement in constructing two “green” buildings in New York City.
PhD Electrical Eng ’71
Former Engineering Professor, McMaster University
Dr. Barna Szabados earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University in 1971 and went on to become a professor and Director of the Power Research Laboratory. He is best known for leading the team that developed a method to dim fluorescent light bulbs—an innovation completed in 1998 that has the potential to save billions in energy and reduce pollution.
He also contributed to the development of the Manufacturing Automation Protocol with GM, worked on zero-emission vehicles, and trained engineers at major utilities across Canada. In 1999, he was awarded the French “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques” for his contributions to engineering and education.
Outside of academia, Dr. Szabados is an avid golfer, skier, and champion fencer who led the McMaster fencing team to multiple university titles. He hopes to be remembered for his mentorship and for teaching students a sense of responsibility to society—not just technology.
BEng Computer Eng ’83
Technical Lead: Space Station Program, MDA
Patricia Greene is a pioneering Canadian engineer in space robotics, renowned for her contributions to human spaceflight systems. After graduating from McMaster University in 1983 with a degree in Computer Engineering, she began her career at Spar Aerospace, where she played a key role in developing the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) for the International Space Station (ISS). Her exceptional work on the MSS software and its integration with NASA’s on-orbit systems earned her the prestigious NASA Silver Snoopy Award, recognizing her significant impact on astronaut safety and mission success.
Currently, Greene serves as a Technical Lead for the Space Station Program at MDA in Brampton, Ontario. With over 40 years of experience in systems, software, and safety engineering, she continues to be a vital contributor to Canada’s leadership in space robotics.
Beyond her technical achievements, Greene is committed to mentoring new engineers and engaging with students to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. She has expressed a desire to be remembered as a major contributing member to the team that established a permanent presence for Canada and the world in space.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’79
Former Principal Mechanical Engineer, Ballard Power Systems
Ed Peters graduated from McMaster University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with extensive experience in mechanical systems design, team leadership, and engineering management.
He currently works as a contract Senior Mechanical Engineer. Previously, he spent over a decade at Ballard Power Systems, serving in roles including Principal Mechanical Engineer, Manager – Systems Mechanical Engineering, and Senior Mechanical Engineer – Team Lead. He has also held contract roles with NxtGen Emission Controls and Ballard Power Systems earlier in his career.
BEng Civil Eng ’79
Former CEO, China Xintiandi
Philip Wong became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) in 1985 and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in 1986. He managed the construction of major projects such as the Marriott Hotel and the Academy of Performing Arts in Hong Kong.
In 1992, he joined Pacific Capital Group as Director, leading property investments in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Fuzhou. He later held senior roles at Star East Holdings, ITC Corporation, and Sing Pao Media Group.
Wong helped establish the McMaster Alumni Association in Hong Kong, serving twice as President. In 2013, he became CEO of China Xintiandi and was later appointed Managing Director and Board Member of Shui On Land. He retired from Shui On Land in 2016.
BEng Civil Eng ’65, MEng Civil Eng ’66, PhD ’69
Former Director of Iron & Steel Engineering, Hatch
Les McLean joined Stelco in 1969 as a Research Associate in the Research and Development Department. By 1975, he was Manager of Engineering for Stelco’s Hilton Works, later Chief Engineer for the Corporation, and in 1984 he was appointed Vice-President, Technology. In 1988, Dr. McLean formed Steltech as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stelco, and began the sale of engineering and technology to other steelmakers around the world. In 1994, Steltech merged with Hatch Associates, and Dr. McLean became a Director of Hatch, with responsibility for Iron and Steel engineering and technology world wide.
Dr. McLean was awarded the first McMaster Distinguished Alumni Award for Science at the 1988 McMaster University Convocation and was named 1988 Engineer of the Year by the Hamilton Engineering Institute.
He would like to be remembered for: ” …having led Steltech to excellence in materials technology and in the worldwide marketing of that technology.”
BEng Mechanical Eng ’83
Award-winning Novelist & Author
Terry Fallis is a McMaster Engineering graduate and award-winning Canadian author best known for his novels The Best Laid Plans and The High Road. Before becoming a full-time writer, he co-founded Thornley Fallis Communications, where he spent over two decades advising corporate and government clients on strategic communications, crisis management, and public affairs. His work has included speechwriting for CEOs and cabinet ministers, as well as co-hosting the popular business podcast Inside PR. Terry’s unique career journey reflects a blend of technical thinking, creativity, and leadership.