Congratulations to Yathushan Uthayasegaran, our June 2024 recipient of the Frank Reid Prize which is presented each convocation to the top graduating MIRHR student or students!
Yathushan completed his Undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus in Biology and Psychology, and, during his time in the MIRHR program, he has been the recipient of the CIBC Youth Employment Scholarship and the Alexander C. Pathy Graduate Award. This fall, he will begin PhD studies at U of T's Rotman School of Management.
We asked Yathushan to reflect on his CIRHR experience, his aspirations upon graduation, and what the future holds for him. This is what he had to say:
"Reflecting upon my two year journey at the CIRHR, I would describe the wealth of experiences acquired in one word: transformative. Transitioning from my Undergraduate studies in Life Sciences to a focus on Business in a Master's program was difficult. However, the wonderful support system at the Centre empowered my smooth transition and success. The Professors, Carol (our coordinator), and the TAs were all welcoming, and open to ensuring student success. They were always willing to share their advice, both professionally and personally. Most importantly, I am grateful for the wonderful peers (special shoutout to Gio, Heng and Dom) I have met throughout the program, and I am truly grateful for the past 2 years at the Centre.
"As an MIRHR graduate, I am excited for what the next few years hold as I pursue my Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management to drive transformative research that advances the scholarly discourse of organizational dynamics, while contributing to positive societal change. I am driven by a core belief that equity should be a cornerstone value within every organization. This conviction drives my research interests, focusing on fair treatment in access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals, irrespective of their intersectional identity. With my drive, I aspire to conduct and yield significant research as an academic at a major research institution. One day, as a tenure-track Faculty Professor, I hope to inspire future students and researchers, and publish my own book in the realm of Organizational Behavior further contributing to the evolving discourse of organizational science.
"What the future holds is difficult to foresee. Life is constantly evolving, and rapidly changing, but I can state with certainty that I will do everything in my capacity to give back to my community and work towards a better society."
The Frank Reid Prize was established in honour of Professor Frank Reid, who led the CIRHR as Director for twelve years, and has played a major role in the success of our MIRHR program.