We are thrilled to recognize our graduate student, Sadaf Jafari, for her outstanding achievements in both cancer research and undergraduate education.
She was recently awarded the Dr. J.R. Cunningham Graduate Fellowship in Cancer Research (Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto), a prestigious recognition named in honor of one of Canada’s most distinguished medical physicists. Dr. John (Jack) Cunningham spent his career at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital, where he pioneered advancements in radiation dosimetry and computerized dose calculations—contributions that have shaped modern cancer treatment worldwide. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005 and co-authored The Physics of Radiology, a foundational text in the field.
This fellowship celebrates Dr. Cunningham’s legacy by supporting graduate students conducting innovative cancer research. We are proud of Sadaf’s accomplishments and grateful for the support that enables the next generation of scientists to continue pushing the boundaries of cancer discovery.
In addition to her research excellence, she was also nominated for the Fall 2024 & Winter 2025 Teaching Assistant Awards (University of Toronto), based on exceptional written support from both undergraduate students and course instructors. With over 220 nominations received across eleven undergraduate courses – from first-year to fourth-year – this recognition highlights her dedication to mentorship, her effectiveness as a tutor and laboratory demonstrator, and her commitment to fostering student success.
These dual honors reflect Sadaf’s remarkable contributions to both the scientific and academic communities, and we are proud to celebrate her continued impact.