Congratulations to five CrimSL undergraduate students who have received awards for the 2023-2024 academic year!
Antonia Silox Scholarship in Criminology
Jiatong Yu
David & Shirley Yasuzawa Criminology Bursary
Thomas Foltys
Thomas is an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto studying Criminology and Political Science who intends to pursue a career in the legal field upon graduation. His areas of interest include justice for migrants and refugees, human rights law, and the intersection of criminal justice and immigration policies. Thomas has engaged in academic research and advocacy work focused on the systemic barriers faced by migrants and refugees within legal and policy frameworks. He is particularly interested in how immigration enforcement, border security measures, and detention policies intersect with human rights and access to justice. Thomas aspires to build a career that combines legal advocacy with policy reform to create more just and compassionate systems for displaced individuals. He is committed to using his legal education to challenge inequities and promote meaningful change in both domestic and international contexts.
"Receiving this award in the last year of my undergrad is an immense privilege and honour, and reinforces my commitment to pursuing all the goals that I have developed while studying Criminology at the University of Toronto. Being part of this academic community has been extremely rewarding, and the connections I have made with my peers and instructors will be carried with me for years to come." - Thomas Foltys
David & Shirley Yasuzawa Criminology Bursary
Elsa Yuntong Jia
Elsa Jia is a fourth-year student double majoring in CrimSL and music. Elsa has served as a research assistant for distinguished faculty members in political science and music. Passionate about justice reform and legal advocacy, she aspires to pursue a legal career focused on human rights and forensic justice. She is passionate about interdisciplinary learning and equity, which guide her studies in criminology.
"Receiving this award has been an incredible honor, inspiring me to continue pursuing my passion for a legal career." - Elsa Jia
Magdalena Gryc Award
Casey Qingyuan Zhang
As a criminology and psychology student, Casey is passionate about the intersection of criminal justice, human behaviour and law. Her undergraduate experience was shaped by active involvement in several research labs. As she pursues further education, she hopes to use her knowledge to drive meaningful change in the legal system.
The CrimSL program has nurtured my intellectual curiosity in criminal justice and challenged me to critically engage with complex theories of legal reasoning, moral culpability and more. - Casey Zhang
Tony Doob Criminal Justice Prize
Dean Tessaro
Dean Tessaro is a third-year CrimSL major and political science specialist with a passion for law and governance. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Criminology and Sociolegal Studies Students' Association (CRIMSA) and spent the past semester doing research at the centre on police oversight in Ontario.
CRI210 was one of my favourite classes I've taken in my undergrad. It fostered an interest in criminal justice I didn't even know I had—which I've continued to pursue through research alongside Professor Watson, who taught the course last year—and even gave me my first opportunity to publish an article, as my final paper, "Ineffective & Excessive: The Failure of Mandatory Minimum Sentences," was printed in the U of T Pre-Law Society journal, Intra Vires issue 9.2! - Dean Tessaro
Learn more about CrimSL undergraduate awards and scholarships.