Shad York
Program Directors
Robert Tsushima, PhD
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology
Robert Tsushima (he/him) first was exposed to Shad when the program came to York in 2019. Since 2020, he has been the Co-Program Director at Shad York. He has been actively involved in science outreach and student science engagement. Robert helped organize York’s Science Rendezvous, is on the organizing committee for the York Region Science and Technology Fair, and has participated in the Science Summer Engagement programs at York.
Robert holds a PhD in Pharmacology from Western University and did postdoctoral research at Northwestern University in Chicago and the Toronto General Hospital. In 1998, he became a faculty member at the University of Toronto and then moved to York University in 2007. He has been the Associate Dean Research and Partnerships (2012-15) and has been the Chair of the Department of Biology since 2017. His research explores the fundamental electrical and mechanical properties of the heart and how the heart responds to ischemic stress.
When not at York, Robert loves to travel the world to experience new cultures, cuisines and meet new people.
Artem Solovey, B.Eng
Sr Tech Cyber Advisor for the Government of Canada, Course Director at York University
Artem Solovey (he/him) started his Shad journey at York in 2021, and is thrilled to rejoin the team as Co-Program Director. One of his favorite things about Shad is how much he learns from the students every year (probably more in one month than the whole year), and all the great friends he makes. He looks forward to sharing his passions in entrepreneurship and effective communication and getting inspired by Shads once again this year.
Artem holds an Honours B.Eng degree in Software Engineering and started his Master’s in Transportation Engineering. He has been involved in many of York’s initiatives in entrepreneurship, business, and engineering. These included being the Entrepreneur in Residence at the BEST Lab where students come to create their own startups, organizing many hackathons, and starting his own business to help the York student community. Outside of York, Artem helps judge at many events including the Canada Wide Science Fair, and volunteers for the Engineers of Tomorrow program. He currently teaches a course on Innovation and Creativity at York and works as a Senior Technical Cyber Advisor for the Government of Canada.
When not working, Artem loves reading fiction books and exploring the outdoors including hiking, skiing, and especially portaging in the summer with his dog Joey. Just not in July of course!
