BEng Mechanical Eng ’11
Vice President, Radical Ventures
Paige Dickie is a 2011 graduate from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. She also holds dual Master of Applied Science degrees in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Currently, she serves as Vice-President of the Velocity Program at Radical Ventures, where she supports early-stage AI startups and leads initiatives in responsible AI development. Previously, Paige held leadership roles at TD Bank and Layer 6 AI, and she serves on the advisory board of the University of Guelph’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical AI (CARE-AI).
BEng Mechanical & iBioMed Eng ’22
CEO & Founder, ImaginAble Solutions
Lianna Genovese is a 2022 graduate of McMaster University’s Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences program. She is the founder and CEO of ImaginAble Solutions, a company that develops assistive technologies to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
The invention, Guided Hands, enables people with limited hand mobility to write, paint, draw, and use touch-screen devices, and is distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Lianna’s innovative work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and the 2024 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
BEng Materials Eng ’16, PhD Materials Eng ’20
Technical Services Specialist, Teck Resources Ltd.
Dr. Amanda Clifford obtained her Bachelor of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy from the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at McMaster University in 2016 and 2020, respectively. She is currently working as a Technical Services Specialist at Teck Resources Limited, applying her expertise in materials engineering to support the company’s operations.
Dr. Younes has also contributed to research on antimicrobial copper coatings in collaboration with the University of British Columbia and Teck’s Copper & Health program, aiming to reduce the spread of infections in public spaces.
BEng Electrical & iBioMed Eng ’15
Biomedical Research Engineering, CAMH
Salma Hindy graduated in 2015 from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical and biomedical engineering. She later earned a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from University of Toronto and has worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
While advancing her engineering career, Salma began performing stand-up comedy, eventually gaining national recognition for her sharp and personal storytelling. Her debut comedy album was released in 2022 and she received a Canadian Screen Award nomination in 2023 for her appearance on Roast Battle Canada.
BEng Electrical & iBioMed Eng ’15
Founder, Helping Hands
Janelle Hinds is the founder of Helping Hands, a platform to help youth volunteer and get civically engaged while building skills for their future careers. As the Program Coordinator of this youth-led initiative, she delivers workshops to newcomer and racialized youth to build leadership skills and more to ensure all youth are active citizens. She has worked on integrating efforts to increase diversity in many of her endeavors and always looking for more opportunities to help others in their efforts.
She is now a leading Diversity Equity and Inclusion advocate and consultant helping organizations create inclusive workforces, products and services. She was recently awarded United Way of Greater Toronto’s Youth Leadership Award, Samara’s Everyday Political Citizen Award and Dutch Organization Inspiring Fifty’s top women in Technology and Innovation.
BEng Mechanical Eng ’03
Professor & Canada Research Chair, Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr. Seth Dworkin is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Energy Modelling and Simulation at Toronto Metropolitan University. He earned his B.Eng. from McMaster University in 2003, followed by an M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Yale University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto.
His research focuses on developing high-performance computing algorithms to advance particle formation modelling and estimation, aiming to reduce and eventually eliminate particle emissions. Dr. Dworkin’s work has significantly contributed to the fields of combustion emissions mitigation and sustainable energy solutions
BEng Materials Eng ’01, MAS Materials Eng ’05
Principal Metallurgist, Steel Image
Shane Turcott is a leading metallurgist and the founder of Steel Image, a Dundas-based firm specializing in failure analysis for the oil, gas, mining, and manufacturing sectors. With over 2,500 metallurgical investigations to his credit, Shane has built a reputation for translating complex fracture patterns into actionable insights for engineers and reliability professionals.
He is the author of two widely respected books, Decoding Mechanical Failures and Steel Isn’t Hard (To Learn), which serve as practical guides for understanding fracture mechanics and steel behavior.
A former Chair of the ASM Ontario Chapter, Shane is also a sought-after speaker and educator, known for his engaging presentations and online content aimed at demystifying metallurgy. His work continues to shape best practices in materials engineering across North America
BEng Mechanical Eng & Mgmt ’03, MBA ’10
Strategic Operations Executive, AtkinsRéalis
Lisa Brown is a strategic operations executive at AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering and project management firm, with a strong foundation in engineering and business leadership.
Her career spans key roles across the energy and construction sectors, where she has consistently driven innovation and operational excellence. A graduate of McMaster University, Lisa remains actively involved with the McMaster Alumni Association Board of Directors. She has also contributed her time to the Canadian Association of Women in Construction and the Joseph Brant Hospital Auxiliary. Lisa’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to leadership, community engagement, and creating lasting impact.
BEng Eng Physics ’04, MAS Eng Physics ’06
Deputy Head, NEA Division of Nuclear Science & Education
Ian Hill is a nuclear physicist and McMaster graduate with nearly 20 years of experience in the field, including over a decade at the international level. He currently serves as Deputy Head of the Division of Nuclear Science and Education at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), where he leads initiatives related to reactor physics, nuclear data, benchmarking, and criticality safety.
Beginning his career in Canada working on CANDU reactors, Ian has since applied his expertise to a broad range of reactor technologies—including LWRs, SFRs, LFRs, and HTGRs—supporting the development of key international databases like DICE, IDAT, and IFPE/DATIF. Known for his problem-solving approach and technical versatility, he is proficient in advanced Monte Carlo analysis, nuclear data evaluation, and scientific writing for both technical and policy audiences. His work continues to support global collaboration in nuclear science and innovation.
PhD Materials Eng ’07
CEO, Engineers Without Borders USA
Dr. Boris Martin is the CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, where he leads efforts to deliver sustainable engineering solutions that address infrastructure needs in underserved communities across the U.S. and globally.
Previously, he served as CEO of Engineers Without Borders Canada for over seven years, spearheading agricultural and systems-change initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa. At EWB-USA, Boris champions community-driven development, climate resilience, and environmental justice, advancing projects that improve access to clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Notably, he led the restoration of the Greenwood Cemetery access road in St. Louis—a project that honored a historic African American site through innovative use of recycled materials and local engagement.
He is widely recognized for building partnerships that empower engineers as catalysts for social change, guided by a vision rooted in local leadership and mutual accountability.
BEng Mechanical Eng & Mgmt ’03
Director of Innovation, WalterFedy
Braden Kurczak, P.Eng., LEED Fellow, is a recognized leader in sustainable design and innovation. As Director of Innovation at WalterFedy, he drives the development of high-performance, low-impact buildings across Canada. With over 50 LEED-certified projects to his credit, Braden has been instrumental in advancing green building practices nationwide.
A McMaster Engineering graduate, Braden previously led the Green Buildings Division at Enermodal Engineering, where he helped shape Canada’s green building landscape. He currently serves on the Canada Green Building Council’s LEED Advisory Committee, contributing to the evolution of sustainable building standards.
Beyond his engineering career, Braden co-founded Slam Dunk Entertainment, an acrobatic basketball performance group that has entertained audiences at NBA games and international events. He continues to support the arts as the Operations Director at Dance Adventure in Kitchener.
BEng Electrical Eng & Mgmt ’98
Co-founder & Venture Partner, Escalate Ventures
Sameer Hajee is an entrepreneur and venture partner with a distinguished career in sustainable energy and technology ventures. As of 2025, he serves as Co-founder and Venture Partner at Escalate Ventures, where he leverages his extensive experience to support and scale innovative startups.
Previously, Sameer was the Co-founder and CEO of Nuru Energy, a social enterprise dedicated to providing affordable off-grid electricity solutions to underserved communities in East Africa and India. Under his leadership, Nuru Energy developed innovative technologies, such as a pedal-powered generator, to replace harmful kerosene lamps, impacting thousands of lives. The organization received numerous accolades, including the 2010 UNEP Sasakawa Prize and the UNDP World Business and Development Award.
Sameer’s contributions to social entrepreneurship have been recognized globally. He was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year for Africa by the Schwab Foundation/World Economic Forum and he also received the INSEAD Alumni Force for Good Award.
BEng Chemical Eng ’99
Founder, Quthero Inc.
Dr. Milica Radisic is a Professor at the University of Toronto, holding the Canada Research Chair in Organ-on-a-Chip Engineering. She serves as Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry and is a Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in cardiac tissue engineering, organ-on-a-chip systems, and regenerative medicine.
She has co-founded two biotechnology companies: TARA Biosystems, specializing in human engineered heart tissues for drug testing, and Quthero, which develops scar-free wound healing technologies. Dr. Radisic has published over 260 scientific papers, holds 40 patents, and has mentored over 100 trainees who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.
Her numerous accolades include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship, and fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. In 2025, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the highest honors in science.
MEng Entrepreneurship & Innovation ’08
Sustainability Ambassador, Husky Technologies
Cristian Nunez is an engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in innovation and business development. He earned his M.Eng. from McMaster University in 2008 and has since been instrumental in various ventures that bridge technology and sustainability.
Currently, Cristian is a Sustainability Ambassador, focusing on green innovation within the furniture industry and expanding engineering entrepreneurship initiatives between Canada and Mexico. He co-founded Liquid Fiber Displays Inc., alongside Nimesh Bahl, a company that developed innovative fiber-optic display technology, which was prototyped at McMaster University. This venture exemplified his commitment to commercializing cutting-edge technologies with societal impact.
Cristian’s career reflects a dedication to fostering international collaborations and driving sustainable technological advancements.
MEng Entrepreneurship & Innovation ’08
Founder, Liquid Fiber Displays
Nimesh Bahl graduated with a Masters in Engineering from McMaster University in 2008. During his time at McMaster, he co-founded, Liquid Fiber Displays, Inc., alongside Cristian Nunez. In 2008, Nimesh shared many honours with Cristian in recognition of the technology they were helping develop and commercialize, including being named two of Hamilton’s Top 40 Under 40 by the 2008 Hamilton Spectator issue.
Nimesh would like to be remembered for putting his heart and soul into commercializing a promising McMaster technology through Liquid Fiber Displays Inc. and hopes to be able to create meaningful employment in our region as they move ahead with their plans.
BEng Electrical & iBioMed Eng ’07
Founder & CTO, Bodyport
Corey is a biomedical and electrical engineer with expertise in the design and manufacture of FDA-cleared medical technologies that diagnose, predict, and treat cardiorenal diseases. He is an expert in biomedical instrumentation, signal processing, and algorithm design. He has authored over 25 patents and peer-reviewed scientific publications, and his inventions have been featured in Popular Science Magazine and Time Magazine’s ‘Inventions of the Year’.
Corey, alongside McMaster graduate Sarah Smith, co-founded Bodyport, a digital health company developing a novel, noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring system aimed at reducing avoidable heart failure hospitalizations by predicting and preventing worsening patient status.
Prior to founding Bodyport, Corey was the co-founder and CEO at Atreo Medical, where he led the design of a proprietary sensor system for measuring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality that helps improve survival outcomes from cardiac arrest. He led the company from its inception through its acquisition by Medtronic. Following the acquisition, Corey joined Medtronic and led technology transfer and sensor development for the FDA-cleared TrueCPR device.
BEng Electrical & iBioMed Eng ’08
Co-founder, Atreo Medical Inc.
Nilesh graduated from McMaster University in 2008 with a Bachelors of Engineering in Electrical and iBioMed Engineering. Nilesh, alongside 2008 recipient, Sarah Smith, co-founded Atreo Medical Inc., where they developed a novel technology to assist a rescuer in the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They patented an electromagnetic tracking system to measure chest compression parameters. The company was acquired by Medtronic Inc. in 2010.
BEng Electrical & iBioMed Eng ’07
Founder & CPO, Bodyport
Sarah Smith is an Electrical and iBioMed graduate from McMaster. During her undergrad, Sarah co-founded Atreo Medical Inc., where they developed a novel technology to assist a rescuer in the delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They patented an electromagnetic tracking system to measure chest compression parameters. Sarah acted as the Chief Operations Officer during these 3 years, until the company was acquired by Medtronic Inc. in 2010. She then continued her career with Medtronic Inc. as a Senior Systems Engineer for just under 2 years.
Sarah then founded Bodyport Inc., where she is also the Chief Product Officer. This start-up from San Francisco is developing novel sensor technology to help predict and pre-empt heart disease from the comfort of your own home.
BEng Mechanical Eng & Mgmt ’01
Michael W. Brown, at the time of the award, was in the Early Professional Development Program with Imperial Oil Limited, aside from his duties managing MBAs Without Borders. Michael has worked on assignments throughout Canada with Imperial and is currently based in Calgary as a planner of large capital projects. Michael specializes in the Management of Innovation and New Technology and has worked with large international corporations in technology strategy and operational development.
An active volunteer, Michael has volunteered more than 200 hours a year working with high school science students competing in robotic design competitions and is an active member of a variety of community charities including the United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2005, Michael was nominated for the YMCA Peace Award and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
BEng Computer Eng ’93
Former President & CEO, Sonique
An accomplished entrepreneur and engineer, Al-Riaz built his professional career in California’s Silicon Valley working for companies such as Octel/Lucent, ST Microelectronics and Microsoft. In 1998, Al-Riaz was one of the three founders of IMDI, developers of the MP3 Player Sonique. During its peak, Sonique was the second most popular MP3 player on the internet. The product generated three patent applications, of which Al-Riaz is co-inventor of two. In 1999, Al-Riaz led IMDI through its acquisition by Lycos, worth more than $70M (USD).
While in California, Al-Riaz also became well recognized for his teaching at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz. In addition to teaching at the university level, Al-Riaz founded Ustad, a teaching consulting practice, which developed and presented private courses for companies including S3, Microsoft, Apple and HAL. His courses were considered the most sought after in the Valley.
Combining his passion for engineering, travel and community service, Al-Riaz, at the time of receiving this award, was volunteering to deploy technology and communication systems in Afghanistan, Syria and India for Micro Credit Loan Programs, organizations that loan people money to start small businesses.