three years before moving to Canada. It was here that Al Moulia discovered his love of photography. Those who see his work might never guess that Al Moulia is visually impaired.

“When I take pictures, I might not be able to see most of the details. When I take pictures of something that is 20 feet away, I know that it’s there, and I can still see it, but not in focus. But when I look through a lens, I can see,” said Al Moulia.

His photos captured displacement and poverty of life in a refugee camp, but also the moments of warmth, resiliency and community. “In my refugee camp there were teachers, PhD students, businessmen, but they lost everything, and that’s something in common. That's what makes it so complicated.”

Now a first-year engineering student (made possible by a $25,000 scholarship), Al Moulia has exhibited his photography to great acclaim. Looking to the future, Al Moulia says his biggest goal is to combine arts and science. “This is the new world,” he said. “People want something to entertain them and something to teach them. The new technology should be able to combine these elements for the tech generation.”—Will Sloan

APPOINTMENTS

New VPs join university

MICHAEL BENARROCH appointed Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Michael Benarroch is Ryerson’s new provost and vicepresident, academic, effective July 1, 2017.

An experienced academic administrator, Benarroch will be Ryerson's chief academic officer and chief operating officer, second only to the president in scope.

Before Ryerson, Benarroch spent a 21-year career at his alma mater, the University of Winnipeg, where he helped create the Faculty of Business and Economics and served as its founding dean, beginning in 2008. He joined the University of Manitoba in 2011 as dean of the Asper School of Business.

“The strengths of Ryerson’s student body, faculty, staff and alumni make it a truly inspiring institution,” said Benarroch. “I am extremely pleased to be joining a university so renowned for innovation, community engagement, diversity and a learnercentred culture.”

STEVEN LISS appointed Vice-President, Research and Innovation

Steven Liss returned to the Ryerson community as vice-president, research and innovation on April 1.

Liss, who served as vice-principal (research) at Queen's, was a faculty member in Ryerson's Department of Chemistry and Biology from 1988 to 2007, and associate dean for the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Science. He's an internationally recognized researcher in the area of environmental biotechnology and water and wastewater microbiology.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to Ryerson’s future,” said Liss.“The university is positioning itself as a leader in teaching, experiential learning, research and innovation. I look forward to working with President Lachemi and Ryerson’s leadership team to expand regional, national and global collaborations, advance innovation, and attract and retain outstanding faculty and staff.”