U of T Magazine Spring 2013

Spring 2013

PDF Edition

Feature stories on the next generation of scientists, thinkers and inventors at U of T, and on the new Regent Park neighbourhood of Toronto.

In This Issue

Patrick Gunning. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Starving Cancer Cells

Many scientists work for years to find a cure for a single type of cancer - Patrick Gunning has his sights set on four

Katherine Larson. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Literary Songbird

Katherine Larson infuses her study of English with a passion for music to find new meaning in literature

Joyce Poon. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Speed of Light

Joyce Poon is developing optical devices that could make computers vastly more powerful and a whole lot faster

Emma Master. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Goodbye to Plastic?

Emma Master imagines a world with much less garbage, thanks to new organic materials she’s researching

Joseph Wong. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Asia Rising

As global power shifts to Asia, Canada’s success will depend on seeing more than just business opportunities in the region, says Joseph Wong

Samir Sinha. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Aging Well

Samir Sinha wants to help keep older Canadians healthy and independent for longer. As the population ages, the viability of our health-care system depends on it

Julie Claycomb. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Go Argonautes!

Julie Claycomb is researching a group of proteins that may yield new treatments for a variety of genetic and viral diseases

Deborah Cowen. Illustration by Adam Cruft

Markets Without Borders?

Deborah Cowen investigates what happens when governments sacrifice the rights of their citizens to protect the flow of goods across national lines

U of T grad Richard Marsella, executive director of the Regent Park School of Music. Photo by Air'leth Aqdhfin

Towers of Song

A U of T music grad runs an innovative program to bring affordable music lessons to Regent Park youth

Photo of Regent Park, Toronto - street art says

Pathways’ Progress

A homework support program involving OISE students has more than doubled high school graduation rates in Regent Park

Meric Gertler leaning on a desk in his office

Meet Our Next President

World-renowned urban expert Meric Gertler will succeed David Naylor and serve as U of T’s 16th president

Sarah Polley.

The Stories She Tells

Filmmaker Sarah Polley's advice for students who want to get into the movie business? Just do it

Photo of the Munk School building.

A Global Observatory

The Munk School expands into a restored heritage building on Bloor – and extends its reach around the world

Illustration of people under a tree in the light with an individual who is sad directly under the tree in opposite colours.

Peace of Mind

A U of T project aims to bring better mental health to a country where most illnesses go untreated

Photo of South Korean pop musician, Psy

K-Pop

Will "Gangnam Style" open the doors for other South Korean artists?

Ryerson University professor Russell Richman, PhD candidate Ekaterina Tzekova and U of T engineering professor Kim Pressnail at 31 Sussex Avenue

A House Divided

Creating “thermal zones” in a home could reduce energy costs by as much as 80 per cent

Photo of iPads on a desk with a pencil.

Patent Wars

Intellectual property rights are intended to foster innovation. But could they actually be stifling it?

Wedding photo of Tanya Koivusalo in a strapless wedding gown and white veil, holding a bouquet, and Adam Nayman in a suit, posing against the trunk of a tree, their cheeks nuzzling

It Happened One Night

For Tanya Koivusalo and Adam Nayman, it was a “blockbuster” beginning for a slow and steady romance

19-year-old Joyce Taylor, 1940

An Education

In 1940, Joyce Taylor graduated in physiotherapy – and soon set off to war