Q & A with Chris Damaren
Professor Chris Damaren (UTIAS) began his three-year term as Vice-Dean, Graduate Studies, in Engineering on March 1, 2008. In this role, Professor Damaren provides strategic leadership on all aspects of graduate studies to advance the Faculty’s mission of expanding graduate programs.
Professor Damaren received his PhD from UTIAS in 1990, MASc from UTIAS in 1987, and BASc (EngSci Aerospace) where he ranked sixth out of 100 students in his graduating class. He joined the University of Toronto in 1999 after teaching at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, Royal Roads Military Colleges, and the University of Victoria.
1. Tell us about any new grad studies expansion initiatives going on in Engineering
We are currently trying to increase the number of PhD students
by increasing applications and fast-tracking of Master's students into
our doctoral programs.
2. Can you tell us a bit about any new graduate degrees or certificates?
We are developing a Globalization certificate within the MEng program.
This would mirror our ELITE and Engineering and Public Policy certificates,
which permit MEng students to take four courses as part of their MEng program
leading to the award of a certificate in addition to their MEng degree. Discussions are on-going with the Munk Centre for International Studies
to identify suitable courses which could form part of the certificate
requirements.
3. Biggest piece of advice or words of wisdom you can pass on to current grad students or those planning to be
I think it is important for graduate students to follow their passions
when selecting research areas. In addition, they should take advantage
of all of the wonderful things going on at the University of Toronto.
This is a special time in a student's life and many of these things are less
accessible once one has graduated.
4. Why are grad fairs important and which ones do we attend?
The Office of the Vice-Dean (Graduate) has been represented at Grad Fairs at Hart House and the Career Centre (University of Toronto), McGill, McMaster, Queen's, Waterloo, Western, and Windsor. In addition, we held our own Grad Fair in the Galbraith Lobby. These fairs are important to connect with undergraduates who are seriously contemplating graduate studies in engineering. Quite often, an impassioned description of our programs, in person, makes a positive influence in a student's decision.
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