Faculty of Science biochemistry graduate Sebastian Marmorato has earned national recognition for top academic performance while leading campus initiatives in research, wellness and student engagement.
Marmorato has received the Canada Student Merit Award in recognition of earning the top academic standing in his biochemistry program. The award, administered by SCI Canada, highlights early-career students in chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and promise in scientific innovation. SCI is a global network of innovators using science to tackle societal challenges across health, wellness, climate and sustainability.
Sebastian Marmorato
Marmorato's accomplishments extend beyond classroom performance. He was awarded the Canadian Society for Chemistry Silver Medal for being the top graduating biochemistry student at Canadian universities and received an Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award to conduct laboratory research under Department of Chemistry professor William Pietro and Department of Physics and Astronomy professor Ozzy Mermut in the Mermut Integrated Biophotonics Applied Research Lab.
There, he explored how light-sensitive molecules called azobenzenes change shape when exposed to light. This process could be applied in medical devices or nanoscale technologies, potentially helping deliver drugs more precisely in the body or enabling miniature machines to perform specialized tasks in biomedical or technological settings.
"Simply put, Sebastian is a brilliant young scientist. He is a leading citizen of the York academic community and beyond," says Mermut.
Marmorato has also been recognized for his leadership on campus. He recently received the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award, which celebrates students who make lasting contributions to the York community. He supported fellow students as a class representative and notetaker, coordinating study sessions and sharing resources to help peers navigate challenging science courses.
He also founded Run Club @ York, a student-led initiative that now includes more than 200 members. The club promotes wellness through recreational running and recently raised funds for Achilles Canada to support runners with disabilities. Marmorato, a marathon runner and Toronto Marathon ambassador, continues to create inclusive fitness opportunities and encourages participation at all skill levels.
Marmorato's academic achievements, research experience and commitment to student wellness demonstrate his momentum as an emerging leader in science at York University and beyond.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
