Toronto Metropolitan University President Mohamed Lachemi Honored with OPEA Gold Medal

📅 6 days ago

TMU President Mohamed Lachemi receives the OPEA Gold Medal for his contributions to engineering and sustainable construction.

Mohamed Lachemi, the president and vice-chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), has been honored with the prestigious Gold Medal from the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards (OPEA), which is the highest accolade presented by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. This announcement was made on May 14, with the formal presentation set to occur during a gala event in November. The OPEA Gold Medal is awarded to individuals who exemplify a dedicated commitment to public service, demonstrate technical excellence, and exhibit outstanding leadership within the engineering profession, leaving a significant mark on both the industry and society at large.
Sandro Perruzza, CEO of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, praised Lachemi's extensive contributions, stating, "Mohamed Lachemi has made a wide and lasting impact as a leader in engineering research, education, and public service. He has helped infrastructure become more sustainable, strengthened the engineering profession, and contributed meaningfully to society, making him highly deserving of the Professional Engineers Gold Medal."
Sri Krishnan, the dean of TMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, who put forth Lachemi’s nomination for the award, highlighted his numerous research achievements and pioneering efforts that have propelled advancements in construction technologies and systems globally. Krishnan commended Lachemi's success and his continuous efforts towards fostering a more sustainable industry.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving this recognition, Lachemi remarked, "It is an honor to receive this recognition. Engineering has the power to strengthen communities and improve lives, and I am grateful to have spent my career contributing to research, innovation, and education alongside outstanding students, colleagues, and collaborators."
Lachemi is renowned as a global leader in sustainable concrete research, having dedicated over three decades to the advancement of ultra-high-performance and smart building materials that address pressing infrastructure and climate-related challenges. Notably, he is well-known for his work with engineered cementitious composites (ECC), which boast a tensile ductility approximately 100 times greater than that of conventional concrete.
In his quest for sustainability, Lachemi has pioneered a groundbreaking "fresh-to-fresh" method that replaces traditional cement with geopolymer composites made from 100% construction and demolition waste, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with concrete production. This innovative approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also maintains affordability, enhancing its viability for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Lachemi's contributions extend into the realm of smart materials technology, where he has developed materials capable of detecting structural damage, repairing cracks, and storing energy. His accelerated practical method for evaluating concrete's resistance to chemical attacks earned him the ACI Wason Medal for Materials Research. His innovative work has found applications worldwide, influencing projects ranging from bridge construction to 3D-printed structures.
His global impact is evident, as demonstrated by his involvement in the design of a bridge in Sherbrooke, Quebec, which is recognized as the world’s first structure made from reactive powder concrete. This revolutionary material has since been utilized in projects across the United States, France, and China, as well as in applications such as nuclear waste containment in Europe. More recently, he collaborated on the 3D printing of ECC utilizing locally sourced waste materials in Türkiye.
Beyond his research, Lachemi has contributed significantly to the engineering profession through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. As TMU's president and former dean of engineering and architectural science, he has enhanced the university's research and educational capacity while allocating more resources to engineering researchers and students. He has mentored over 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, nurturing a diverse community of skilled researchers and future engineering professionals.
Lachemi has also formed partnerships that provide engineering students with experiential learning opportunities, collaborating with industry partners in sectors such as electrical engineering (Hydro One) and aerospace (SOTI). His influence stretches beyond academia, as he has served on boards for organizations like the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Rogers Communications, contributing to infrastructure development and enhancing national connectivity. Lachemi's involvement with various organizations, including Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities, underscores his commitment to advancing global access to education and fostering innovation ecosystems in Canada.
Recognized as a recipient of the Order of Ontario, a fellow of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering, and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Lachemi is also an active member of Professional Engineers Ontario and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, he has delivered over 80 keynote addresses and presentations on an international scale, participating in collaborations that amplify the global impact of his work.

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