Fellowship Program 2023

Catalyst Fellowship Program

Advancing the Catalyst’s mission through original research and industry engagement.

Overview

The Catalyst Fellowship Program is a major initiative dedicated to advancing the Catalyst’s mission — to empower Canadians and Canadian businesses to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity — through original research and industry engagement.

Selected from academics at Toronto Metropolitan University and professionals working in a wide variety of organizations and sectors, Catalyst Fellows will undertake original research and other projects related to the Catalyst’s work; engage closely with Catalyst program participants and staff; and share their expertise in an environment dedicated to innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity.

There are two streams in the Catalyst Fellowship Program: the Industry Stream and the Academic Stream.

Next Cohort Intake

September 2024

Location

Virtual & In-Person

Program Duration

One Year

Time Commitment

Part-time

Applications Open

February 2

Contact

catalystfellows@torontomu.ca

Next Cohort Intake

September 2024

Location

Virtual & In-Person

Program Duration

One Year

Time Commitment

Part-time

Applications Open

February 2

Contact

catalystfellows@torontomu.ca

Overview

There are two streams in the Catalyst Fellowship Program: the Industry Stream and the Research Stream.

Catalyst Fellowship Program (Industry Stream)

This stream is open to professionals from all industry sectors and across all career stages, including private industry, government and government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. Catalyst Fellows in this stream will advance projects of their own design in cybersecurity or related topics while engaging with the Catalyst’s work, program participants and staff.

About the Industry Stream

The Catalyst Fellowship Program (Industry Stream) will accept up to three fellows per year. Catalyst Fellows in this stream will advance projects of their own design in cybersecurity (or related subjects) that align with the Catalyst’s work while engaging closely with Catalyst program participants and staff in a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Catalyst Fellows in this stream will have access to the academic resources, facilities and community at Toronto Metropolitan University, and generally take advantage of all the benefits of undertaking and publishing research in an environment of academic excellence.

Catalyst Fellows in this stream are required to submit a research project proposal outlining the work they intend to pursue over the course of their fellowship.


Eligible Applicants:	All persons engaged in cybersecurity or related fields, within private industry, government or government agencies (including law enforcement), or not-for-profit organizations.
Fellowship Period:	12 months (September 2024 – August 2025)
Application deadline:	April 30, 2024 – 23:59 (EDT/UTC-4)
Stipend:	$5,000CAD (inclusive of HST)

The Catalyst will hire and sponsor a student intern to support the Fellow’s research project during the Fall (October-December), Winter (January-April) and Summer (May-August) academic semesters.

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity, across all of its programs. The Catalyst Fellowship Program encourages applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the technology and cybersecurity sectors, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, people who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Expectations

The specific expectations for individual participants in the program will be unique to each fellow, with broad expectations outlined below.

Fellows will conduct original research in cybersecurity or a related field, and produce at least one public output that impacts and informs the scholarly and public debates in the arenas in which they work. These outputs could take many forms, including:

technical or design prototype(s);
public writing, such as long form pieces, op-eds, blog posts, or interviews;
convenings organized and led by the fellow;
reports or white papers;
a website or other online resource;
academic writing, such as a research paper.

In addition to each fellow’s research agenda, fellows will together actively design and participate in bi-weekly all-fellows sessions in which research and ideas are presented and discussed. They will also participate in other cohort activities, such as skill-building sessions and workshops. While engaging in both substance and process is a baseline expectation, the fellows themselves create much of what makes the fellowship program rewarding each year to address their own interests and priorities. These entrepreneurial, collaborative ventures, which are at times goal-oriented and other times experimental, ensure the dynamism of the fellowship experience and program.

Fellows will potentially collaborate with other members of the Catalyst community, including learners in the Catalyst’s training and workforce development programs, TMU students who work with the Catalyst in different research capacities, and industry partners and collaborators at peer organizations. Fellows can engage with this far-reaching network through events, listserv dialogues, joint projects, and more.

Fellows will provide their student interns with opportunities to develop learning outcomes needed in today’s employment market and to build their professional portfolios. Fellows will meet regularly with their student interns throughout the fellowship period.

Catalyst Fellows will co-create and lead two webinars that will be open to the Catalyst community (to take place in January 2024 and June 2025), and prepare subsequent reports on key cybersecurity issues/policy topics. The objective of each hour-long webinar will be to examine a challenge facing the cybersecurity community and offer insight, knowledge and perspective from researchers, business leaders and government officials.

Application Requirements

A current resume or C.V.
A proposal that responds to the following questions (should not exceed 1500 words)
- What is the research you propose to conduct during the fellowship year? Please detail:
  - The rationale and goals for the proposed fellowship project in cybersecurity or a related field; how the public output of the project will advance cybersecurity in a way that can be leveraged by multiple stakeholders, an entire sector or the public at large; and the research methodology you will use to reach those goals; and
  - The plan for dissemination of at least one research output to the public. These outputs could take many forms, including:
    - technical or design prototype(s);
    - public writing, such as long form pieces, op-eds, blog posts, or interviews;
    - convenings organized and led by the fellow;
    - reports or white papers;
    - a website or other online resource;
    - academic writing, such as a research paper.
- What particular contributions do you hope to make to Catalyst participants and staff, and the Catalyst community generally?
How will your particular skills position you to make the contributions you describe?
A job description for your student intern. The intern job description form can be downloaded here.

Apply Now

Please review all the application requirements and provide required documents and information in PDF format by April 30, 2024 – 23:59 Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT/UTC-4).

All documents and information in support of your application must be submitted via this form.

Academic Stream

Research Stream

Catalyst Fellowship Program (Academic Stream)

This stream is open to any faculty member currently employed at Toronto Metropolitan University. Catalyst Fellows in this stream will advance their academic research in cybersecurity or related topics, while engaging with the Catalyst’s work, program participants and staff.

About the Academic Stream

The Catalyst Fellowship Program (Academic Stream) will accept up to three fellows per year. Catalyst Fellows in this stream will undertake promising research in cybersecurity or related subjects that aligns with the Catalyst’s work while engaging closely with Catalyst program participants and staff in a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

Catalyst Fellows are expected to have a plan for the work they intend to pursue over the course of their fellowship.


Eligible Applicants:	Faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University
Fellowship Period:	12 months (September 2024 – August 2025)
Application deadline:	April 30, 2024 – 23:59 (EDT/UTC-4)
Stipend:	$10,000CAD for research-specific expenses and one course release (one semester) to be taken within the fellowship period

Expectations

The specific expectations for individual participants in the program will be unique to each fellow, with broad expectations outlined below.

Fellows will conduct original research in cybersecurity (or a related field) and produce at least one public output that impacts and informs scholarly and public debates in the arenas in which they work. These outputs could take many forms, including:

technical or design prototype(s);
public writing, such as long form pieces, op-eds, blog posts, or interviews;
convenings organized and led by the fellow;
reports or white papers;
a website or other online resource;
academic writing, such as a research paper.

Catalyst fellows will co-create and lead two webinars that will be open to the Catalyst community (to take place in January 2025 and June 2025), and prepare subsequent reports on key cybersecurity issues/policy topics. The objective of each hour-long webinar will be to examine a challenge facing the cybersecurity community and offer insight, knowledge and perspective from researchers, business leaders and government officials.

Application Requirements

A current resume or C.V.

A proposal that responds to the following questions (should not exceed 1500 words)
- What is the research you propose to conduct during the fellowship year? Please detail:
  - The rationale and goals for the proposed research project, including the challenge the research is intended to address and how the research conducted will contribute to the Catalyst’s work and the sum of knowledge in cybersecurity or a related field; and
  - The plan for public dissemination of the research product. For example, will the research be discussed in a formal academic paper; a technical or design prototype; or a major public written work (ie. a long article, research report or white paper), or another mode?
- What particular contributions do you hope to make to Catalyst participants and staff, and the Catalyst community generally, and how will your particular skills position you to make the contributions you describe?
One to two samples of your work that were intended for a public audience (For example: a formal academic paper; a technical or design prototype; a major public written work [ie. a long article, research report or white paper], or other product.)
A letter of support from your chair. NOTE: Your chair must explicitly mention their support for your request for a one-course release in the letter.
A letter of support from your dean. NOTE: Your dean must explicitly mention the approval of your request for a one-course release in the letter.
A proposed budget for the use of the CAD$10,000 stipend (This funding is required to be used in accordance with Toronto Metropolitan University standards and guidelines. The Budget Justification Form can be downloaded here.)
A timeline detailing your goals and activities over the fellowship year. (The Timeline Form can be downloaded here.)

Apply Now

Please review all the application requirements and provide required documents and information in PDF format by April 30, 2023 – 23:59 (EDT/UTC-4).

All documents and information in support of your application must be submitted via this form.

Industry Stream

More information

Details relating to both streams of the Catalyst Fellowship Program.

Key Dates


Call for Applications Open	February 2, 2024
Application Deadline	April 30, 2024 – 23:59 (EDT/UTC-4)
Decisions	Late June (exact date TBD)
Program Kick-Off	September 2024 (exact date TBD)

Resources

Hybrid Collaboration

The activities of the Catalyst Fellows will be conducted in a hybrid model, leveraging both virtual and in-person attendance.

The majority of activities will be conducted virtually; in-person activities will be conducted with prior arrangement with the Catalyst Fellows.

University Resources

Library Access: All Catalyst Fellows will be provided access to the Toronto Metropolitan University’s library and research facilities if they do not already have such access.

University Courses: Catalyst Fellows may audit any classes offered by Toronto Metropolitan University, with the permission of the class instructor. Catalyst Fellows should ask for that permission from the class instructor directly.

University Centres and Engagement Opportunities: Catalyst Fellows are welcome and encouraged to connect with Toronto Metropolitan University’s countless research centres, initiatives, resource groups, associations, organizations and specialized offices.

Adjudication Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee led by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and chaired by the Catalyst’s Academic Director.

Adjudication Committee members for the 2024-2025 Fellows cohort will be posted here soon.

2023-24 Fellows

The Catalyst is excited to announce the Catalyst Fellowship Program cohort for the 2023-24 academic year.

Dr. Manar Alafi

Dr. Manar Alafi is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University, leading a transformative research endeavour targeting the key challenges obstructing IoT technology adoption: security and heterogeneity. Embracing Model Driven Engineering (MDE), Dr. Alafi’s innovative work aims to enhance IoT interoperability by offering critical software security support, facilitating seamless integration of diverse IoT systems, and fostering interoperable IoT platform ecosystems. Her research will significantly advance IoT security and contribute to a more resilient digital landscape.

Merlin Chatwin

Merlin Chatwin is the Executive Director at Open North. His research within the Industry Stream of the Catalyst Fellowship Program targets the compartmentalization of discourses surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), generative AI, data sources, decision-making processes, biases, and limitations across sectors and use cases. Building on Open North’s esteemed history in data and technology for the public sector and civic organizations, and with a specific focus on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) and machine learning, Merlin’s research project pioneers algorithmic transparency standards to ensure data security and ethical governance within AI systems, resonating with Catalyst’s mission and redefining the ethical AI landscape for societal betterment.

Kevin Magee

Kevin Magee is the Chief Security Officer at Microsoft Canada. His research project aims to overcome sales challenges plaguing cybersecurity startups globally, with a keen focus on the Canadian market. With an acute understanding of the intricacies involved, his project delves into the creation, refinement, and scaling of sales processes and revenue models. Moreover, Kevin’s research will navigate the distinctive barriers faced by cybersecurity startups, including ROI measurement, proof of concept validation, and adept navigation of procurement landscapes favouring established players.By identifying evidence-based strategies, his work will culminate in a comprehensive sales program tailored to empower cybersecurity startups — aligning seamlessly with Catalyst’s mission — and fostering their growth in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Dr. Andriy Miranskyy

Dr. Andriy Miranskyy, Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, specializes in software engineering patterns for crypto agility and quantum resilience. His research aids organizations in adopting quantum-resistant algorithms, and upgrading legacy encryption against emerging cyber threats. Dr. Miranskyy’s work aligns with Catalyst’s mission to address evolving cybersecurity, showcasing expertise in shaping a secure digital future.

Alexandra Mogyoros

Alexandra Mogyoros is an Assistant Professor at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Her research explores aspects of law, technology, and social justice. With a rich interdisciplinary background, and a passion for cybersecurity law and policy, her fellowship project will delve into the core of legal regulation in cybersecurity. Amidst evolving regulations like Bill C-26 and CyberSecure Canada’s certification program, Mogyoros’ work reveals the often-overlooked foundational goals driving cybersecurity regulation, igniting transformative conversations about the nature of trust, verification, and security, and shaping a more secure and equitable digital future.

Erinn van Wynsberghe

Erinn van Wynsberghe, the visionary Founding President, CEO, and Chief Engineer of VanWyn Inc., is spearheading groundbreaking research to create a “Directed MASER” – a game-changing wireless communication system. This innovation promises an impregnable shield for data transmission, ensuring information remains hidden within a pencil-thin beam path, protecting your data from the coming “end of encryption” brought on by AI and quantum. With key partnerships including Canadian National Defence, patents, academic papers, and collaborations with the US Air Force plus Aerospace & Defence primes, Erinn’s leadership is set to redefine wireless communication, ushering in an era of unrivalled data protection.

2022-23 Fellows

Take a look at the alumni from the Catalyst Fellowship Program.

Burcu Bulgurcu

Dr. Burcu Bulgurcu is an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Information Technology Management. Her research and teaching interests are cybersecurity, information privacy, social media and business analytics, and data visualization. As a Catalyst Fellow, Dr. Bulgurcu will carry out a groundbreaking investigation on cybersecurity management for remote workforce, offering insight on emerging and escalating cybersecurity challenges when employees are outside corporate firewalls.

Burcu Bulgurcu

Monika Freunek

Dr.-Ing Monika Freunek is an experienced researcher and lecturer, project manager and executive leader in the fields of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. Dr.-Ing Freunek has more than 15 years of experience in IoT systems, microsystem technologies, cybersecurity, data science and machine learning. As a Catalyst Fellow, Dr.-Ing Freunek will investigate available approaches to IoT-security in research and industry and determine theoretical limits of achievable security in distributed systems.

Monika Freunek

Rasha Kashef

Rasha Kashef, Fellow, Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering. Her scholarship on machine learning focuses on unlocking the hidden meaning in big data, with applications in marketing, e-commerce, security, software systems and health care. As a Catalyst Fellow, Dr. Kashef will develop effective models for improving the robustness of recommendation systems using advances in adversarial machine learning.

Rasha Kashef

A.J. Khan

A.J. Khan is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vehiqilla Inc. Vehiqilla aims to meet today’s changing threat landscape in in-vehicle security and supply chain security. A.J. is a recognized leader in the automotive security field who has collaborated with the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association of Canada, the European Union Information Security Agency and Transport Canada. As a Catalyst Fellow, A.J. will develop a Virtual Security Operations Center for cyber threat monitoring of connected and autonomous vehicles.

A.J. Khan

Reza Samavi

Reza Samavi, Fellow, Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering where he runs the Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence research Lab (TAILab). As a Catalyst Fellow, Dr. Samavi will investigate the characteristics of machine learning systems when incorporating privacy and security requirements by design into the model, and assessing the trustworthiness of such learning systems.

Reza Samavi

Jeff Schwartzentruber

Dr. Jeff Schwartzentruber is a Senior Machine Learning Scientist at eSentire – a Canadian cyber-security company specializing in Managed Detection and Response. His research interests and private sector work include the development and application of machine learning models for threat detection and security analytics. As a Catalyst Fellow, Dr. Schwartzentruber will develop an AI-based method to reduce the complexity and manual effort of building a robust security operations pipeline for extracting a variety of data sources, transforming this data, and obtaining relevant security analytics.

Jeff Schwartzentruber

Catalyst Fellowship Outputs

The Catalyst Research and Industry Fellows regularly produce reports, webinars, and opinion pieces, while also occasionally providing analysis to media outlets. Their contributions help disseminate valuable insights and expertise across a wide range of platforms, fostering informed discussions and driving cybersecurity innovation.

Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program

Catalyst Cyber Accelerator

Corporate Training

Cyber Talent Acquisition

Mastercard Emerging Leaders Cyber Initiative

Catalyst Fellowship Program​

Catalyst Fellowship Program​

Advancing the Catalyst’s mission through original research and industry engagement.

Overview

Next Cohort Intake

September 2024

Location

Virtual & In-Person

Program Duration

One Year

Time Commitment

Part-time

Applications Open

February 2

Contact

Next Cohort Intake

September 2024

Location

Virtual & In-Person

Program Duration

One Year

Time Commitment

Part-time

Applications Open

February 2

Contact

Overview

Catalyst Fellowship Program (Industry Stream)

About the Industry Stream

Expectations

Application Requirements

Apply Now

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University’s national centre for training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity.

Join the Catalyst community by subscribing to our newsletter

Catalyst Fellowship Program

Catalyst Fellowship Program