On July 1st, 2023, Drs. Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng and Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez were promoted to Full Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This promotion was based on their research, teaching & education, and administrative service.
Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng
Professor Cheng’s research focuses on leveraging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance the imaging modality on various diseases. Since joining BME in 2014, her research output had been showcased in 46 peer-reviewed articles, 5 patents, 8 disclosures, numerous conference proceedings, 2 book chapters, and a textbook on quantitative perfusion MRI. Over the course of her career at the University of Toronto, Professor Cheng supervised 4 post-doctoral fellows, >20 graduate students (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy), and 40 undergraduate students. She has received funding from various prestigious agencies, including CIHR, NSERC, and Ted Rogers Foundation.
Since joining BME, Professor Cheng has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, demonstrating her commitment to education. Student course evaluation data consistently showed high ratings for her courses, with some exceeding department or divisional averages. Professor Cheng strives to instill a love for learning in her students and is praised for her expertise in the field, willingness to assist students, and ability to simplify complex concepts. Additionally, Professor Cheng actively participates in mentorship initiatives, particularly those focused on women in engineering, showcasing her commitment to guiding students on their career paths.
Professor Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez
Professor Fernandez-Gonzalez joined BME in 2012 as an Assistant Professor and was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. During his tenure at BME, Professor Fernandez-Gonzalez has produced 47 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Nature Physics, Developmental Cell, Current Biology, or The Journal of Cell Biology. He has been invited to deliver numerous seminars and lectures to present his research, with a substantial international presence.
Professor Fernandez-Gonzalez has supervised a diverse group of students and has received funding from prestigious sources like NSERC, CIHR, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ted Rogers Foundation. Since joining BME, he has supervised 5 post-doctoral fellows, 16 graduate students (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy), and 20 undergraduate students. Overall, his trainees have received over $1M in fellowships and awards to support their research.
Dr. Fernandez-Gonzalez has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, receiving consistently positive course evaluation scores. Student letters highlight his teaching philosophy, which emphasizes a welcoming environment, accessibility, and active learning. Dr. Fernandez-Gonzalez demonstrates a strong dedication to improving the student experience by actively incorporating student feedback and striving to provide an exceptional educational environment. Overall, he is recognized as a dedicated teacher who inspires and supports student learning and success.