Four University of Toronto 3rd year students – studying electrical engineering, physiology, computer science, engineering science, geographic information systems, sustainability and business – were awarded the inaugural RBC Scholarships for Diversity and Innovation in Technology at this week’s Tech for a Greener Future – RBC Innovation Challenge launch event.

The scholarships recognize and support undergraduate students who are from equity-deserving groups and interested in emerging technologies.

“It is a great honour to be selected as a recipient of the RBC Scholarships for Diversity & Innovation in Technology,” said Muhammed Yakubu, third-year student in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, “This award will inspire me – alongside fellow students and innovators – to keep finding solutions to problems around us, while connecting me to a network of like-minded individuals who will be pivotal in my journey toward my long-term goals. I want to express my gratitude to RBC, U of T Entrepreneurship, and the scholarship review committee for this opportunity.”

Recipients were selected based on academic and extra-curricular achievements that demonstrate innovation and an interest in technology. Each winner was awarded a scholarship valued at $15,000 annually, renewable for a second year. 

“At RBC, we believe that diversity is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity. As part of our efforts to accelerate a more inclusive future, we are proud to support the RBC Scholarships for Diversity and Innovation in Technology,” added Emily Mercier, RBC’s chief operating officer of RBC technology and operations. “The four scholarship winners are champions of positive change both in their classrooms and their communities, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

From left to right: Melanie Woodin, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, U of T; Martin Wildberger, EVP, Innovation & Technology, RBC; Leah Cowen, VP, Research, Innovation & Strategic Initiatives, U of T; Chris Yip, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, U of T; Yara Nassar, scholarship recipient; Muhammed Yakubu, scholarship recipient; Mouaid Alim, scholarship recipient; Gillian Morrison, AVP, University Development, DUA, U of T; Caron Lowe, Sr. Director, Employee Experience, RBC; Derek Newton, AVP, Innovation, Partnerships & Entrepreneurship, U of T; and Meagan Filion, Sr. Director, Strategy Enablement, T&O, RBC (Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro)

Here are this year’s winners:

RBC Scholarship for Diversity and Innovation in Technology 2022 recipients

Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro

Mouaid Alim

Faculty: Arts and Science

Program: Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Specialist, Physiology Major and Computer Science Minor

Campus: St. George

Year: 3rd

Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro

Yara Nassar

Faculty: Applied Science and Engineering

Program: Engineering Science

Campus: St. George

Year: 3rd

Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro

Muhammed Yakubu

Faculty: Applied Science and Engineering

Program: Electrical and Computer Science

Campus: St. George

Year: 3rd