The following are the biographies of Engineering Faculty.
JAWDAT TASHAN, PhD, P. ENG.
Professor, Dean of Academic Affairs
Dr. Jawdat Tashan is a seasoned academic and engineering professional with deep expertise in civil and structural engineering, sustainable construction, and infrastructure health monitoring. He earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, and has held academic roles at both Swinburne and Monash Universities.
Dr. Tashan's research focuses on structural assessment, sustainable construction materials, and retrofitting techniques using fiber-reinforced polymers. He has published extensively in international journals and conferences.
With over 40 infrastructure projects managed and a portfolio exceeding CA$2 billion, Dr. Tashan brings significant industry experience. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and an active member of several professional bodies, including ACI (USA), ASCE, Engineers Australia, and the Higher Education Academy (UK).
As a former Dean of Academic Affairs at Metro College of Technology, he is committed to bridging academia and industry. He actively supports student mentorship, internships, and career development—helping graduates secure positions in leading engineering firms in Ontario.
ZIAUDDIN MOHAMMAD, B.ENG.
Senior Civil Engineering Instructor
Mr. Ziauddin Mohammed is a seasoned Civil Engineering Instructor with over 10 years of experience in infrastructure and civil engineering. His diverse project portfolio includes road design and construction, pipeline projects (storm, sanitary, and watermain), and two-story and multi-storey residential buildings. Before joining Metro College of Technology, Mr. Mohammed excelled in CADD (design and drafting), project management, engineering analysis, and project estimation, leveraging industry-standard software such as Autodesk Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, Bentley InRoads, and Bentley OpenRoads for design and analysis.
With extensive experience working both independently as a CADD consultant and collaboratively in team settings, Mr. Mohammed possesses a deep understanding of national and provincial standards, design codes, and methodologies critical to civil and infrastructure projects. As the lead instructor for Civil Engineering courses at Metro College, he is renowned for imparting hands-on knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for real-world engineering challenges using the latest industry software. Highly respected by students and peers alike, Mr. Mohammed’s engaging and practical teaching approach ensures graduates are well-equipped for success in the civil engineering industry.
ELENA RAMIREZ, B. ENG., P. ENG.
Senior Civil Project Instructor
Ms. Elena Ramirez is an accomplished Civil Engineer with over 15 years of expertise in civil and municipal engineering. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from McMaster University, she specializes in municipal infrastructure design, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, site planning, cost estimation, road design, and subdivision design. Her advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D enables her to develop precise engineering drawings and specifications.
Since 2016, Ms. Ramirez has served as a part-time instructor at Metro College of Technology, teaching the Civil Design Project course. Renowned for her innovative and student-centered teaching style, she fosters an inclusive learning environment, equipping students from diverse backgrounds with practical technical skills and up-to-date knowledge of engineering standards essential for career success.
In addition to her academic contributions, Ms. Ramirez is a full-time Senior Utilities Engineer and Project Manager, overseeing complex civil and municipal projects across Ontario. Her active engagement in both industry and academia ensures her instruction remains current, practical, and highly relevant, providing students with valuable mentorship and real-world insights.
AHSANUDDIN AHMED, B.ENG., P. ENG.
Senior Structural Engineering Instructor
Mr. Ahmed holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and worked as a senior design engineer at a construction consulting company in Toronto for more than 20 years. He has been a professional engineer designated by Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. As a part-time instructor at Metro College of Technology, he teaches STAAD Pro and structural engineering design project. His students discover that his structural design experience is practical and enjoyable. Specifically, he is very adept at using STAAD Pro. He is very popular with his students because he is a teacher who can share his knowledge, skills, and experience with his students to well prepare them for the workplace.
ALIREZA SHIRAZI, PhD, P. ENG.
Senior Mechanical Design Instructor, Professor
Dr. Alireza Shirazi brings over 20 years of leadership in industrial research and development, complemented by a distinguished academic career. He has served as an R&D Engineering Manager across a wide range of industries—including advanced technology, mining, IT, food, and pharmaceuticals—delivering innovative, high-performance solutions for leading OEMs.
In academia, Dr. Shirazi has held research and teaching positions at top Canadian universities, specializing in design, manufacturing, quality engineering, and advanced materials. His technical expertise includes composites, multiphase alloys, high-performance polymers, and failure analysis
With more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and numerous technical papers to his credit, Dr. Shirazi has made substantial contributions to both academic research and industrial innovation. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Canada and has received multiple national and international awards recognizing his impact on engineering and innovation.
Deeply committed to student success, Dr. Shirazi champions experiential learning in design and manufacturing. He actively mentors students and supports their career development by offering practical guidance and industry insights. Many of his students have gone on to secure positions in leading companies such as Magna International, as well as in government agencies and private sector organizations across the Greater Toronto Area.
JOHN SCARBOROUGH, Dipl.
Senior CNC and MasterCAM Instructor
Mr. Scarborough brings to Metro College of Technology 30 years of manufacturing experience in CNC programming, CNC machining and mechanical design. He holds General Machinist, Mold Maker, Mastercam® and SolidWorks® certifications. With his CNC Programming and Mastercam® skills, John has had the opportunity to be involved with the automotive, aerospace, plastic container, robotics and footwear industries. Currently, he operates his own consulting business, where he offers mechanical CAD design, CNC programming and customized business services. Currently he is teaching CNC programming at Metro College of Technology. He enjoys working with students and sharing his many years of CNC programming and CNC machining knowledge along with valuable industry insider tips. He is a favorite with our students as he delivers extensive real world working experience, which students take away to build their new careers upon.
RAMANA RAJASOORIAR, B. ENG.
Senior CNC Operation Lab Instructor
Mr. Ramana Rajasooriar holds an engineering degree in mechanical manufacturing. He has more than 20 years of working experience in a CNC workshop. His expertise includes CNC programming and CNC set up operation. He is the CNC workshop manager of a manufacturing company in the GTA. He also works as a CNC Operation Lab Instructor for Metro College of Technology on a part-time basis