University of Toronto

Abounader, Brooke
PhD6

Adatia, Tasleen
MA1 (P/T)

Agapitos, Julia
MA2 (P/T), BSc (Honours) Biology (Dalhousie University)
julia.agapitos@hotmail.com
My main interest is the interaction between society, technology, and the environment in industrialized societies. While not studying, I enjoy walking my dog Frank, cooking and eating delicious food, gardening (or trying to), and being active.

Assenza, Sebastian
MA1, Hon. BA History (Toronto)
seb.assenza@utoronto.ca
Although I did my undergraduate degree in Medieval History, I have always had a desire to pursue studies in Biology. To that end, my interests primarily concern the evolutionary sciences and their implications for humanity. I am most interested in Primatology, Ecology, and Ethology, and hope to narrow my field of studies soon. Outside of school I read impressive amounts of Science Fiction, and watch excessive amounts of soccer.

Barseghyan, Hakob
PhD2, MA Philosophy (Toronto)
jacob.barseghyan@utoronto.ca
Epistemology:
  How do we compare competing scientific theories?
  Is there a fundamental difference between science and non-science (pseudoscience)?
Metaphysics:
  Are all future states of the universe strictly determined by the previous states?
  Are all levels of organization simply follow the fundamental laws or are there high-level laws?
Meta-epistemology:
  How do we compare competing epistemic theories?
  Is there a progress in epistemology?
  How can epistemology and the history of science benefit from each other?

Belanger, Christopher
PhD3, BSc (Honours) Physics (Toronto)
chris.belanger@utoronto.ca
Although I have interests in the general metaphysics and epistemology of science, recently my focus has been more and more on issues in the philosophy of contemporary physics. Topics of particular interest to me include the various interpretations of field theories, notions of causality and determinism, chaos and randomness, nonlocality, and the notion of mass-energy equivalence. My current tentative aim is to begin my investigations with an analysis of the various meanings and interpretations of the "equals" sign in physics.
Bach, bikes, blues, and the bass.

Bolinska, Agnes
PhD3, BSc (Honours) Toronto.
bolinska@gmail.com
I am interested in topics within the general philosophy of science, as well as the history and philosophy of physics. My (very tentative) research project will focus on the epistemic function of material models in science, particularly in chemistry. Are they anything more than three-dimensional representations, or does their materiality somehow contribute to what scientists can learn from them? I am also interested in the notion of discovery in general, especially as it pertains to unobservable entities.
My non-academic interests have been known to distract me from these deeper philosophical issues. They include: rowing for the Varsity Blues, cycling (http://indefinitelycycling.blogspot.com/), travelling, planning further adventures, photography, dancing and cake.

Burns, Elizabeth
PhD6, MA IHPST (Toronto), BA Great Books Program (Saint Mary's College)
liz.burns@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the history of astronomy, especially Ancient Greek and Islamic astronomy.

Campbell, Alison
SPEC1

Chin Fatt, Janet
MA2 (P/T); M.A. Mathematics (McGill University); M.Sc. Statistics (Universite de Montreal); B.A. Philosophy (Univ. of Toronto);
janet.chinfatt@utoronto.ca
Interests: general philosophy of science, philosophy of physics

Christopoulos, John
PhD4, BA History and Philosophy (McGill) 2005
john.christopoulos@utoronto.ca
History of Renaissance medicine and science

Cournoyea, Michael
PhD2, Biology & Philosophy (McGill University)
michael.cournoyea@utoronto.ca
Public trust in science & medicine; philosophy of biology.

Earnshaw-Whyte, Eugene
PhD4, Masters in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts (philosophy specialist), both from U of T.
malefax@rogers.com
Interests: Philosophy of Biology, especially natural selection. And lots of other things.
Project: I am examining the concept of natural selection as it is embodied in scientific models. I am particularly interested in attempts to apply the concept of natural selection outside of biology.
Supervisor: Denis Walsh
Dissertation Title: Evolutionary Models and the concept of natural selection

Forbes, Curtis
PhD2, BA in Philosophy, University of Alberta; MA in Philosophy, University of Victoria
curtis.forbes@utoronto.ca
My interests include general philosophy of science, the history of philosophy of science, feminist philosophy of science, and the metaphysics and epistemology of science.
I wrote my MA thesis on the conflict between scientific realism and constructive empiricism, and attempted to resolve this conflict within the larger framework of the opposed epistemic stances that these two positions result from. It was called "A New Argument for Scientific Realism," which is a much more drool-inducing title than the argument turned out to be. Now I'm just waiting for something new to strike my fancy.

Fulda, Fermin
PhD2, BA, Universidad Iberoamericana (Philosophy), MA, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Philosophy of Science).
ferminfulda@yahoo.com.mx
I am interested in the Metaphysical and Epistemological foundations of the Special Sciences. In particular, I am interested in the Naturalistic status of Teleology in Evolutionary Biology and Intentionality in Psychology and whether and how a naturalistic account of the former can ground a naturalistic account of the latter.
I like music (classical and popular). Sometimes, in solitude, I play the guitar.

Garbutt, Gwydaf A.
PhD2, B.A. History, West Virginia University.
gwyndaf.garbutt@utoronto.ca
My current project relates to the placement of monstrous beings in remote parts of the world during the middle ages particularly in maps. While there is a textual tradition that supports this throughout the majority of the middle ages it continues well after travelers have returned from the lands in question with reasonably accurate reports. I am intending to investigate possibly links between this continued practice and the principles of natural philosophy accepted during the late middle ages.
My non-scholarly interests include mountain climbing, fencing, camping, and woodworking.

Gavrus, Delia
PhD4, BSc Psychology (Toronto), MA Science Studies (New York University), MA IHPST (Toronto)
delia.gavrus@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the history of medicine, especially the history of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.

Gee, Teri
PhD5, BA History Teaching (minors in Classics and Physics Teaching) (Utah State University), MA (IHPST)
teri.gee@utoronto.ca
My current research is centered on the defenses of astrology in Islam and the Latin West. I am specifically examining the works of Abu Ma'shar in 9th cent. Baghdad and Roger Bacon in 13th cent. Paris in order to find out how they defended the practice of a science which was officially banned by their respective religions (although practiced by many in spite of that), what arguments they used, how those arguments related to the Classical Graeco-Roman defenses found in such works as the Tetrabiblos by Ptolemy. Through this, I will be able to begin to define what place astrology had in the hierarchy of the sciences in both civilizations.
My non-scholarly interests include playing the piano and organ, singing, yoga, writing fiction, and reading fiction.

Gil-Riaño, Sebastián
PhD3, BA (Honours) History of Science and Technology and Philosophy (University of Kings College)
sebastian.gil.riano@utoronto.ca
Race and Science; History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences; Bio-politics; Identity Politics; Historical Ontology

Greenham, Paul
PhD1, BA in Physics (University of Pennsylvania), MDIV (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
paul.greenham@utoronto.ca
I'm interested in science and technology in medieval Europe and the Middle East. Given the highly religious natures of these societies I want to invesitigate how their theological views and religious institutions influenced their scientific and technological development. Part of my interest lies in a comparative study on a civilizational level. I hope to incapsulate such a broad area by looking at the role-set of specific individuals as not only natural philosophers but actors in their societies (and thus illuminating the nature of their respective societies with relation to religion and science). Thus I could compare Roger Bacon and Al-Kindi, for example, not only as medieval "experimentalists", but in their religious capacities, familial roles, as inhabitors of a medieval town/cities, participants in different medieval societies and constrained by the institutions and assumptions (strongly influenced by religion) of those societies. In my spare time, I like to change the course of 20th century history through all nighter games of Axis and Allies, in addition to the more active badminton, skiing, swimming and volleyball.

Gross, Ari
PhD3, BSc (Hons) Physics (Mount Allison University), MSc History and Philosophy of Science (Utrecht University)
ari.gross@utoronto.ca
I'm presently examining the scientific place played by Feynman diagrams, attempt to grasp the roles they play in particle physics and their interactions with both symbolic mathematics and the physical entities or processes they supposedly represent. In understanding the use of Feynman diagrams as a form of "visual reasoning", we begin to understand the importance of non-linguistic and non-algebraic representations in particle physics in particular, and in science in general. Furthermore, we gain insight into how images, diagrams in particular, continue play a fundamental, and perhaps even formal, role in the mathematical sciences.
Non-academic interests: playing various musical instruments (present obsession: the guitar), curling, learning foreign languages, roaming around the world, hiking, and photography.

Hamilton, Vivien
PhD4, BSc Physics and History of Science and Technology (Dalhousie University), MA IHPST (Toronto)
vivien.hamilton@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the history and philosophy of physics, in particular communication between physics and medicine.

Healey, Jenna
MA1

Hodgson, Matt
MA1 (P/T)

Hoffman, Michelle
PhD6, BSc Physics, Concordia University. Alumna of Concordia Liberal Arts College. MA, IHPST.
michelle.hoffman@utoronto.ca
The broad question that my doctoral research seeks to answer is: what shaped the high school science curriculum in Quebec and Ontario over the course of late nineteenth & early twentieth centuries? The history of the science curriculum - and particularly the high school curriculum, which targets the general population - is a window onto changing views about the role of science in society. Political events, scientific breakthroughs and shifts in the public understanding of science have all contributed to important changes in the Canadian science curriculum. By examining how science content and pedagogical approaches have evolved, we can begin to understand how the curriculum reflects wider social attitudes about why and how science should be taught, who makes these decisions, and how Canadian science education can be situated within the context of international discussions and debates about the purpose and goals of school science.
Michelle maintains her sanity by running and swimming, and is cautiously giving yoga a shot this semester, in the hope of one day being able to touch her toes. She's a recent convert to espresso thanks to her Bialetti stovetop espresso maker, which she loves a little more each day.

Hunt, Allan Jeffery
MA2 (P/T), I am a medical graduate and practice as a hospital and forensic pathologist at major Centers in Toronto. I hold certifications from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom in Histopathology, General Pathology, Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine, Hematology and Forensic Pathology. I am also a Diplomate of the Society of the Apothecaries of London, England in the History of Medicine.
allan.hunt@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the broad area of the history of medicine from the very earliest of times to the present. I have a particular interest in the development of pathology and other areas of laboratory medicine, tropical medicine (including the West Indies), nautical and military medicine, the coroner's system, infectious disease, the medical treatment of slaves in the British West Indies and social history of medicine in the British West Indies.
Non-scholarly interests: Listening to classical music; photography; spending time by the beach, lakes and in the wilderness; driving; and cycling.

Koo, Alex
PhD3, BSc (Honours) University of Toronto. Mathematics and Philosophy
alex.koo@utoronto.ca
I am interested in how the general metaphysical and epistemological issues in science are extended to answer fundamental questions in mathematics and physics. In particular, I intend to examine how philosophical positions within mathematics and physics relate and the implications they have upon each other.
When not agonizing over the status of numbers, I enjoy playing Ultimate and basketball, any sort of board game, planning my next vacation, and I love being a foodie.

Kriger, Sarah
PhD2, BAH in Drama and Math (Queen's University, 2007), MA (IHPST, 2008)
sarah.kriger@utoronto.ca
I research technologies of illusion on the Victorian stage, including scientific demonstrations; theatrical special effects; and magicians' apparatus. My most recent project explores the significance of British magician J. N. Maskelyne's automaton, Psycho. Psycho, one of the most popular attractions of 19th-century London, was a mechanical man supposedly able to play cards, solve arithmetical problems, and present conjuring tricks. Incorporating the philosophy of dramatic theory along with the methods of history of technology, I analyze how Maskelyne convinced his Victorian audiences to accept Psycho as an intelligent machine while cultivating his own status as both a purveyor of mystery and a man of science. When not knee-deep in research, I enjoy reading, writing, planning treasure hunts, and playing floor hockey. www.srkriger.com

Currently, I'm studying the technologies used by performers and conjurors to create staged illusions in the theatres of Victorian London, especially the inventions of J. N. Maskelyne, mechanisms such as "Pepper's Ghost", and supplementary technologies such as lighting and stage-construction techniques.
I enjoy writing plays, short stories, and novels; planning treasure hunts; and playing floor hockey.

Kulic, Anthony
PhD3, B.A. Philosophy (Hons.), University of Victoria; MA Philosophy, University of Waterloo.
anthony.kulic@utoronto.ca
I completed a BA (Hons.) in philosophy at the University of Victoria, and an MA in philosophy at the University of Waterloo, where I wrote a thesis on linguistic reference in scientific theories. My interests coalesce around the central metaphysical and epistemological problems in the philosophy of science, especially those pertaining to causality, probability and realism. I'm also interested in the history of modern philosophy of science (particularly the work of Carnap) and the peculiar relationship between mathematics and the physical world. Recently I've been wondering whether we should conceive of the fields that feature in some of our best physical theories as real entities--i.e. as genuine components of the world--or whether the equations used to describe their behaviour are just useful devices for generating accurate predictions. When I have a conclusive answer I'll be sure to revise this blurb. I also enjoy playing, writing and listening to music, going to the movies, playing and watching soccer and basketball, and appreciating some art (especially my daughter's finger paintings).

Lewis, Cory
PhD1, BA Philosophy (Toronto)
cory.lewis@utoronto.ca
I am interested in philosophy of science generally, and scientific explanation in particular. Issues around reduction and emergent explanations have the bulk of my attention currently. I would like to look at how these issues play out in the life sciences (biology, psychology, cognitive science, etc) and particularly to look at how ideas from cognitive psychology can help inform our understanding of scientific explanation. This tangled mess of issues has connections (that I hope to look at) with functional/teleological explanations, as well as the structure of explanations in evolutionary biology. I practice meditation, waste time on the internet, drink strange tea, and occasionally even go outdoors.

Liu, Patricia
PhD5, Hons. BSc (Toronto), MA IHPST(Toronto)
patsy.liu@utoronto.ca
I am researching scientific reception to the prion theory for my PhD dissertation. In particular, I am exploring the factors that led to acceptance the prion theory as well as the continued resistance of some scientists to the theory. My study focuses on the role of technological developments, the rhetoric of supporters and critics of the prion theory, and the evolution of the prion theory itself in establishing the view that a protein was the infectious agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).

Louson, Ellie
PhD1, I have degrees in biochemistry (thesis: Cell signaling gene p62's causal involvement in Paget's bone disease) and philosophy (thesis: Evolutionary theory) from Bishop's University.
e.louson@utoronto.ca
My current research revolves around evolutionary theories describing animal behaviour and how those theories are transmitted and interpreted by the public, with a specific focus on wildlife documentaries. Previous work includes studies of teleology through the history of biology, the intelligent design movement, evolutionary psychology's explanation of religious belief and the history of shell shock treatment during WWI. I enjoy science fiction, hiking, music and long weekends at the cottage.

Lusk, Greg
PhD1

Martinsen, Hanna
PhD6

Martin-Nielsen, Janet
PhD4, MA IHPST (University of Toronto), BA Hons (mathematics and linguistics, McGill University)
I study the technical, philosophical and social aspects of the rise of Chomskyan linguistics in the late 1950s and 1960s. More broadly, I am interested in the mathematization of grammars, the pedagogical development of American structural linguistics, and the transmission of technical linguistic apparatus.

Miller, Boaz
PhD4, MA IHPST, BSc Computer Science and 'Amirim' Interdisciplinary Honors Program (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
boaz.miller@utoronto.ca
Philosophy of science, social epistemology, philosophy of the social sciences. I'm writing about the epistemology of scientific expert testimony in courts.

Moore, Rebecca
PhD2

Munro, Andrew
PhD4
andrewk.munro@gmail.com
My PhD dissertation research focuses on the how knowledge flows from basic scientific research to technological invention and innovation. Working from an innovation systems perspective, I am examining the biotechnology cluster in the Toronto Region, and in particular the role of MaRS as an incubator and locus of technology transfer. The biotechnology cluster in Toronto provides a particular case study of the broader issues in regional innovation systems, and necessarily includes a comparative analysis with other regions that have developed or will seek to develop biotechnology clusters.
My focus on biotech and use of the innovation systems approach is representative of a broader interest in how knowledge is embedded in technology and the transmission and diffusion of knowledge.

Nickerson, Sylvia
PhD2, MA IHPST (University of Toronto), Bachelorof Fine Arts (Mount Allison University), Bachelor of Arts, major in Mathematics, minor in Art History (Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick)
s.nickerson@utoronto.ca
Sylvia is interested in Nineteenth century British history of mathematics, Bertrand Russell, W. K. Clifford, the philosophy of geometry and foundations of mathematics during this period. As well as being a graduate student at IHPST, Sylvia continues to work as a published artist and illustrator. Her work appears in magazines and newspapers such as The Globe and Mail, The Literary Review of Canada, The Coast, Carousel Magazine, Briarpatch, The Dominion, The New Quarterly, and the Canadian Undergraduate Physics Journal. She maintains an art studio in Hamilton, Ontario.

Nunn, Robin
PhD4

Olley, Allan
PhD7, BSc Physics (Brock University), MA IHPST (Toronto).
allan.olley@utoronto.ca
My dissertation is on the history of computers in physics, specifically the work of Wallace J. Eckert. I am particularly interested in the history and philosophy of physics and computers, but have some interest in many topics in the hps (among other disciplines).
In my spare time I enjoy discussing things on the internet, karaoke, reading, literature, philosophy, science fiction, fantasy, comics books and all things geeky and nerdly.

Patterson, Sarah-Jane
PhD1, BFA Technical Theatre Production (Ryerson University), Honours BSc Mathematics and Philosophy (Toronto).
sj.patterson@utoronto.ca
I am presently focused on the political uses of mathematics in post-Napoleonic France and Britain, specifically, the mathematics of cartography. I like to read, cook and travel. Everything else is gravy.

Petrie, Bruce J.
PhD3, Honours BSc Mathematics Integrated with Computers and Applications (Brock University), MA IHPST (Toronto)
b.petrie@utoronto.ca
My current research has been engaged with concepts of irrationality and transcendence in the 17th to 19th centuries. My investigations have led me to study the work and lives of John Wallis, William Brouncker, Leonhard Euler, Johann Lambert, Joseph Liouville, Charles Hermite, and Ferdinand von Lindemann. I am an avid World of Warcraft player, make machinima films, enjoy camping, canoeing, and spending time with friends and family.

Ramsingh, Brigit
PhD5, MA IHPST (Toronto), BA (Honours) Biology (Carleton University)
brigit.ramsingh@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the History of Medicine and Public Health, with particular emphasis on food and nutrition standards in the 20th Century. My dissertation topic focuses on international bodies such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint initiative of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). This project addresses topics and themes such as: standardization; the history of microbiology (as it relates to food safety); the mitigation of risk and reliance upon evidence-based knowledge in a public health context; and, finally, the implications of all of these areas for health policy and global trade.

Record, Isaac
PhD4, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, Honors (University of Maine) 2003, MA IHPST (Toronto) 2005
isaac.record@utoronto.ca
My research begins with philosophy of science: fairly broad questions about the relationship between ontology, epistemology, and methodology, especially in contemporary science. My longstanding interest in chaos and complexity theory has slowly given way to a more general philosophical interest in the use of computers in science. I also maintain a blog, thinkdeviant.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques
PhD6

Sánchez G., Nicolás
PhD2, B.Sc. Physics (U of los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia), M.A. History of Science (U of Regensburg, Germany)
nicolas.sanchezguerrero@utoronto.ca
I am interested in the History of Physics in the 20th century, particularly in the history of atomic and nuclear physics.
I enjoy listening to music and playing the electric bass.

Shubert, Bradley
PhD1

Sham, Eva
MA4 (P/T), MPhF (Institute for Christian Studies)
e.sham@utoronto.ca
Philosophy of Science (mainly Biotechnology and Medicine)

Siegel, Andre
PhD4, MSc Chemistry (York), MSc Biochemistry (Toronto), MEng Chemical Engineering (Toronto), MBA (Laurier)
The History of Canadian Science, The History of Chemistry; The History of Biotechnology, The History of Medicine.

Smillie, David
PhD3

Stoklosa, Anna
PhD2, B.A., Philosophy, Simon Fraser University, M.A., Philosophy, University of Ottawa
anna [dot] stoklosa [at] utoronto [dot] ca
I am interested in ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the governance of new biotechnologies.
I am also interested in early modern philosophy (especially Hume and Descartes), particularly the accounts of emotions and moral psychology.

Stuart, Mike
PhD1, Hons. BA Philosophy (York), MA Philosophy (York)
mike.stuart@utoronto.ca
I'm interested in the origin and method of science, normativity in language and logic, regularities and patterns in the philosophy of biology, metaphysical implications of quantum mechanics, paraconsistent logic. My other interests include martial arts, breakdancing, motorcycles, Hayao Miyazaki, food, symphonies, and travel.

Thicke, Mike
PhD2, B. Sc. Computer Science UBC 2003 / B.A. Philosophy UBC 2007
mike.thicke@utoronto.ca
I plan to research how philosophers of science employ methods and metaphors from economics to explain and justify the operation of science. Philosophers from C.S. Peirce, to Karl Popper, to Steve Fuller make judicious use of economic metaphors in their descriptions of, and arguments about, science. Most notably, Philip Kitcher and Alvin Goldman have promoted economic models as a way of countering SSK-inspired attacks on the authority of science. What work does economics do in countering this (perceived) attack, and how do critiques of economics affect its force?
I enjoy backpacking, cycling, skiing, games of all sorts, and traveling when I can afford it. I like documentary films and watch an amazing amount of television for someone who doesn't own a TV.

Turner, Jonathan
PhD5, BA Philosophy and History (York University), BSc Physics (University ofWaterloo), MA IHPST (Toronto)
jonathan.turner@utoronto.ca
History and philosophy of modern technology and physics; Canadian history.

Tyndel, Felix
MA3 (P/T), BSc, MD, FRCPC, (Ass't Prof, Medicine, U of T)
f.tyndel@utoronto.ca
History of Medicine (photo: with Rokitansky in Vienna)

Varma, Charissa S.
PhD 6, BA (Honours). (McMaster Univeristy), MA (McMaster University)
charissa.varma@utoronto.ca
History and Philosophy of Biology, History and Philosophy of Logic

Virdi, Jaipreet
PhD2, MA IHPST, BA Philosophy, York University
jai.virdi@utoronto.ca
My research broadly focuses on early nineteenth-century developments in English medicine and biology. In particular, I am interested in how medical communities defined and dealt with disease, and how these definitions had an impact on society. Currently, I am focused on an early nineteenth-century individual, John Harrison Curtis (1778-1860), who was among the first specialists on diseases of the ear. Curtis is a historically intriguing character: on one hand, his medical expertise and treatments contributed tremendously to his society and to the field of otology, and yet on the other hand, his medical and scientific contemporaries hastily labelled him as a "fraud." I am researching Curtis' contributions in order to devise a comprehensive understanding of why he was labelled a "fraud" despite his many achievements in the field.

Weidenhammer, Erich
PhD3

Wright, Aaron Sidney
MA1, BA&Sc Physics and History
I am broadly interested in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, and Science and Technology Studies. In the past, I have worked on C19 American astronomy; race and science in the C18 French Atlantic; the arrow of time and thermodynamics; and the transfer of Canadian nuclear technology to India. I am currently focussing on modern physics. I am interested in the way unobservable (in the physicist's sense) and unobserved theoretical entities get passed from theory to theory. Or: Why are we still theorizing about and looking for magnetic monopoles? In what way is Dirac's vacuum the same as Unruh's? And how is our understanding of these objects constituted by the physicist's methodologies and formalisms?

I was a variety of alpine skier for McGill, am an amateur photographer, and get in as much wilderness (whitewater) canoe tripping as I can.