York University has welcomed six Schulich Leaders to campus this fall for the second year in a row, recipients of Canada's largest, most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship. The students say they are thrilled to receive the generous scholarship, allowing them to concentrate on their studies at the Lassonde School of Engineering and Faculty of Science at York in preparation for future career paths without having to worry about finances.
Chosen from a national pool of more than 350,000 graduating high school students, more than 1,300 nominees were put forward by their schools, with 100 outstanding students earning this year's scholarship.
Christian Menezes (Lassonde), Evelina Demcov (Lassonde), Nathaniel Moodie (Lassonde), Shaheryar Ahmed (Lassonde), Taylean Johnson (Lassonde) and Zackery Nudelman (Science) are this year's York Schulich Leaders.
Recipients pursuing an engineering degree will receive $120,000, while those pursuing a science, technology or math degree will receive $100,000.
"Schulich Leader Scholarships help Canada's leading universities identify and support exceptional STEM students with the potential to become tomorrow's innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. As these scholars develop groundbreaking ideas and create new opportunities, it is important that Canada continues to foster an environment where talent can thrive," says President of The Schulich Foundation Judy Schulich.
Jane Goodyer, dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering says the school is incredibly proud to welcome five new Schulich Leaders.
"They arrive with remarkable accomplishments, but what excites me most is the curiosity, ambition and sense of possibility they bring with them," says Goodyer. "We want them to explore big ideas, take risks and use engineering, science and technology to make a difference. As Schulich Leaders, they also have a unique opportunity to inspire others, share what they're learning and help future students see what's possible for them at Lassonde."
Faculty of Science Dean Maydianne Andrade also gave a warm welcome. "We are delighted to welcome our Schulich Leader to the Faculty of Science, and are so pleased that they will pursue their degree in York's Centre of Actuarial Excellence," says Andrade. "I am confident their particular combination of an entrepreneurial mindset and passion for applied mathematics and statistics will be developed in this rigorous but welcoming program. At the same time, their curiosity and unique perspective will enrich our community."
Christian Menezes
Hailing from Whitby, ON, Christian Menezes was drawn to the Lassonde engineering program at York through an unusual path: Racecar driving.
"I race cars professionally and the setups and physics and aerodynamics behind what makes a car fast, what makes the car slow are fascinating to me," says Menezes. "It's one thing to be behind the steering wheel and control the car, but to be able to understand what it's capable of, how to make it that couple of times faster, that's what I'm looking to get from my education at Lassonde."
One day happening upon an electric go-cart track while barely old enough to participate during a family vacation to Buffalo set him on his life's path. He became a national go-karting champion and at 15 made the switch to racing cars, and now participates in races like Formula Ford 1600, won silver at the Junior F1600 in Canada, competed in the former Toronto Indy and plans to be at the Markham Indy in 2027.
Drawn to York for the close-knit community, he says the "cherry on the top" is the opportunity to join a student club that builds racecars.
Competing in a very expensive sport, Menezes is grateful for the financial assistance of the Schulich Leader scholarship and says his entrepreneurial mindset also helps here. "I unfortunately didn't come from a family that could drop a million dollars on my racing career. So I've had to find funding through sponsorships and building a business around my personal brand."
Evelina Demcov
Computer science student Evelina Demcov was inspired by her father to study STEM.
"He was really into technology and as a child, he would give me his old technology," says Demcov, who comes from Richmond Hill, ON. "So I would play with the technology, optimize it, clean it, open it up."
She is most excited to connect with other students that have her same interests and is excited to connect her technology skills with helping others.
"I want to bring my creativity and my love for computers, combine it together and just help people."
Attracted to York because of the wide-range of scholarship opportunities, access to nature and community and clubs like the rocketry club, Demcov says being a Schulich Leader makes her feel more secure in her future.
"They have a lot of resources that I feel are very helpful," says Demcov. "Being able to connect to someone else who may have similar desires can it's really nice to be able to reach out to them and maybe ask for help."
Nathaniel Moodie
Nathaniel Moodie is from Maple, ON and is in his first year of Computer Science at York, a field he was drawn to due to its versatility.
"It can be applied to almost any field and any problem," says Moodie. "I've also always enjoyed solving problems and the wizardry involved in figuring out how things work."
Drawn to York for the combination of academics and extracurriculars, he is especially looking forward to opportunities related to co-op experiences and research.
"I want to gain practical experience, work on group projects with other students and professionals, and learn from professors who are doing interesting work in computer science. I'm also looking forward to getting involved with people with similar interests as me."
He is grateful for the opportunities being a Schulich Leader will help him explore.
"I'm so grateful to have been recognized for my hard work and achievements in school. I've always been a high achiever, but not a very public one. Academic work has taught me the importance of being consistent, setting goals, and continuing to challenge myself," says Moodie.
"It was especially meaningful knowing that I would be joining a community of students who are passionate about higher knowledge and making an impact on the world."
Shaheryar Ahmed
For Shaheryar Ahmed, the knowledge that he would be a Schulich Leader took a little while to set in after he first learned the news, describing it as "a massive accomplishment."
"After a few hours I fully realized it, and it felt amazing," says Ahmed.
Growing up in Oshawa, ON, Ahmed looked to his engineer uncle as a role model and inspiration for his future ambitions and also credits his own creativity for taking him down this path.
One example of this was a group project he worked on as a child where he and others had to build a popsicle stick bridge with a limited amount of sticks.
"Our group came out first in that competition, and the collaboration and design process in building the project was very exciting and fun."
Ahmed was drawn to York for the philosophy behind the engineering program.
"It's a very people-centric approach on how engineering should be taught and implemented," he explains.
He would like to take an entrepreneurial path that would help create engineering systems and technologies that could be available to people from all walks of life.
"I realize I've been in a very fortunate position to chase my dreams, and I want to make sure that others also have the opportunity to chase their goals."
Taylean Johnson
First-year mechatronics engineering student Taylean Johnson says finding out she was the recipient of a Schulich Leader scholarship was a moment of shock and joy.
"I just applied and hoped for the best and I almost forgot about it, honestly, until I got the email," says Johnson, who will be staying in Scarborough with her family during her studies at York. "My mom was jumping for joy and stuff, literally. My baby, you did it!'"
"I know for her it takes a whole weight off her chest, because I didn't want my parents to work overtime just to try and pay off my tuition."
Johnson played soccer in high school, where teachers and coaches would point out her leadership qualities. She was attracted to York because of its proximity to her home, athletic opportunities and the mechatronics program, which combines multiple engineering disciplines into one degree.
"I'm a hands-on learning person," says Johnson. "I feel like since there's a lot of hands-on opportunities, like the 3D printing and all kinds of labs, I feel that will definitely build into what I'm looking forward to in my future."
While still exploring future career paths, Johnson has a strong interest in prosthetics. "I've kind of stuck with that idea for a while," she says. "Accessibility and diversity, and what technology can do and who it can reach."
Zackery Nudelman
For Zackery Nudelman, hailing from Thornhill, ON, learning he was chosen as a Schulich Leader was an incredible honour.
"Initially, I think my heart stopped I was in complete shock," says Nudelman. "I felt grateful, excited, and proud that my hard work and unique way of approaching mathematics were recognized at a national level."
Nudelman's interest in fields where analytical thinking can improve people's lives led him to study Actuarial Science in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science at York.
"Actuarial Science excites me because it applies mathematical clarity and structure to real-world problems, especially those involving financial security and risk."
Nudelman says he has always approached math with a unique perspective that helps him see patterns and solutions differently and he felt like York would be a place where those skills are valued. He looks forward to mentoring other students who might face academic barriers,
"The university's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community aligns with my goal of using mathematics to support financial security, equitable systems, and meaningful social impact," he says.
Watch a video of the 2026 Schulich Leaders here.
About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada:
Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $200 million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators. Through The Schulich Foundation and United Jewish Appeal, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.
