On October 1, U of T Engineering honoured five exceptional alumni with an evening reception at Hart House. Though their accomplishments span industries, disciplines and generations, they all share a common commitment to using engineering expertise to improve society.
The University of Toronto Engineering Alumni Network (EAN) Impact Awards recognize influential leaders and changemakers whose vision and innovation create positive global change and inspire future generations.
“This year’s award winners are proof that a degree from U of T Engineering is the best preparation for any career path. Each embodies the creativity, talent and innovative spirit that we celebrate in these awards and see reflected across our entire community of alumni,” says Dean Chris Yip.
“On behalf of the entire faculty, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the impact they continue to make.”
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes a U of T Engineering graduate early in their career, who has achieved outstanding professional achievements and/or had an impact on their field. Nominees may be working within or outside of engineering but must demonstrate impact in their field with the likelihood of continued growth. Nominees should be 40 years of age or younger in the nomination year.
Serena Mandla (EngSci 1T7, BME MASc 1T9) is a biomedical engineer, entrepreneur and leader dedicated to turning research discoveries into healthcare solutions. As chief scientific officer of Quthero Inc., a company spun out of her graduate research, she helped develop regenerative biomaterials for wound healing and led the commercialization of products that support skin recovery.
In 2022, Mandla co-founded Noa Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for complex immune diseases. Under her leadership, the company secured an oversubscribed pre-seed financing round in 2023 to advance its lead drug candidate for inflammatory conditions, including atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Through mentorship, speaking and community initiatives, Mandla supports aspiring engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her career demonstrates the power of engineering innovation to improve health and create meaningful societal impact.
Research & Innovation Award
The Research & Innovation Award recognizes an U of T Engineering graduate or group of graduates who have developed, implemented or discovered an innovation or research program, process or product. The identified work has had a significant impact on the profession, community or society.
Magdalena M. Krol (CivE PhD 1T1) is an environmental engineer and internationally recognized expert in contaminant hydrogeology, whose research addresses critical challenges in groundwater contamination, land remediation, nuclear waste management and clean energy deployment.
An associate professor of civil engineering at York University and founder of the Innovative Water Technology and Energy Research Laboratory, Krol has built a research program that bridges scientific discovery and practical application, securing more than $3 million in direct research funding.
Her work is helping transform underutilized “brownfield” sites into opportunities for housing, business and recreation, while advancing the scientific foundations for the safe long-term storage of used nuclear fuel. She is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in engineering and is creating lasting impact through innovations that support environmental sustainability and public safety.
Industry Award
This award celebrates exceptional contributions to industry, recognizing creativity, leadership and professional excellence in applying engineering principles to solve problems, achieve outstanding results and create meaningful impact on industry and society.
Tony Pialis (ElecE 0T0, MEng 0T2) is a pioneering semiconductor entrepreneur and leader whose work has helped define the technologies that power today’s data-driven world. For more than 25 years, he has advanced the high-speed connectivity solutions that enable information to move efficiently between processors, memory and networks, forming a critical foundation of modern digital infrastructure.
As co-founder of Snowbush Microelectronics, founder of V Semiconductor, and founder and CEO of Alphawave Semi, Pialis built a series of successful Toronto-based companies that helped establish Canada as a global centre for semiconductor innovation.
Under his leadership, Alphawave Semi grew from startup to global leader, developing technologies essential to artificial intelligence, cloud computing and next-generation communications. Following its acquisition by Qualcomm in 2025, Pialis became executive vice president and general manager of Qualcomm’s Data Center business.
Citizenship Award
This award honours a graduate or group of graduates who have made a significant impact on the U of T Engineering community through their volunteer contributions or philanthropic vision. Through their leadership, they have enriched the lives of others with generous gifts of time, talent and/or financial support.
Isi Caulder (EngSci 8T9, ECE MASc 9T1, JD 9T5) is an intellectual property lawyer and patent agent whose dedication to mentorship, service and alumni engagement has enriched the U of T Engineering community for more than a decade.
Since 2014, Caulder has mentored student founders through the Entrepreneurship Hatchery, guiding them on IP strategy, fundraising, partnerships, commercialization and developing the confidence needed to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures. She has also served on the Engineering Alumni Network board, helped establish the longstanding Engineering Science alumni pub nights and co-chaired the ECE Critical Connect Conference, bringing together students, alumni, faculty and industry leaders. She is a dedicated advocate for women in engineering, advancing mentorship and inclusion throughout the profession.
Through her generosity, leadership and service, Caulder exemplifies the spirit of citizenship and lifelong engagement that inspires future generations of engineers.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the top award given by the Engineering Alumni Network. It recognizes a U of T Engineering graduate whose outstanding leadership and professional excellence have made a significant positive impact on society, potentially with a global reach. Nominees have achieved distinction in their fields and are an inspiration to U of T Engineering students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Praveen Jain (ECE MASc 8T4, PhD 8T7) is a globally recognized engineer, entrepreneur and educator whose innovations in power electronics have transformed technologies used in telecommunications, computing, space systems and renewable energy worldwide.
A professor of electrical and computer engineering at Queen’s University and founding director of the Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research, Jain has secured more than $34 million in research funding, published over 660 technical papers, generated 122 patents and mentored more than 100 graduate students and researchers.
Jain founded CHiL Semiconductor and SPARQ Systems, successfully translating university research into commercial impact. His digital power-control chips have been incorporated into billions of computer systems, while SPARQ’s microinverter technology is helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Jain is widely recognized as both a visionary inventor and dedicated mentor, and consistently demonstrates how engineering can create lasting societal benefit.
