Dr. Shaker Meguid, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto, is an internationally renowned and respected researcher with an extensive research experience and major contributions in the fields of applied and experimental mechanics at varied length and time scales. His research focuses on failure and fracture mechanics of interacting micro defects at varied length scales. The results of his numerous and far reaching publications, cited extensively by the community, are published in rigorously reviewed tier-I journals He regularly trains practicing engineers and designers via short courses and has over the years conducted consulting services to major engineering companies and defense organizations. Dr. Meguid is the founding Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design, founding head of the Aerospace Engineering Division at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Founding Director of the Mechanics and Aerospace Laboratory at the University of Toronto. Dr. Meguid won many awards with the most recent being an award from prestigious organisations and societies. Recognizing the significance and impact of his scholarly work, education and service to the community, The European Society for Experimental Mechanics awarded him a Certificate of Excellence stating, “In recognition of his outstanding contributions to research, teaching and service to the community in the field of experimental mechanics applied to mechanical design and materials” and his Research and Development award by Professional Engineers of Ontario for his significant contribution to research and development in Canada.