Meet our SciXchange Team
Emily earned a B.Sc. (honours) in life sciences from Queen's University and a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Toronto. She taught biology at York University and the University of Toronto at Scarborough before joining Toronoto Metropolitan University as an assistant professor, where she teaches immunology. Currently, as the diirector of SciXchange, she is focused on making science accessible, engaging and inclusive of all groups and is mentor to many youth in the community. She is currently the chapter ambassador for Technovation Girls (external link) Toronto. Emily regularly facilitates science enrichment activities and mentoring programs for elementary and secondary students. She embraces opportunities to speak about learning and applying science in everyday life and various career paths. In her spare time, Emily also enjoys music, travel, sports and photography. She holds a certificate in photography studies through the Chang School at TMU.
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
Learn more at profagard.com (external link)
Leigh coordinates SciXchange’s science outreach programs and manages our network of volunteers within and outside of the Toronto Metropolitan Univeristy community. She has a B.Sc. in conservation biology and Master of Resource and Environmental Management which fuelled her passion to work with communities to protect biodiversity. Leigh worked in the environmental non-profit sector for 6 years where she developed environmental education and community engagement programs and gained skills in volunteer management and science communication. She joined TMU's science outreach office in 2016 ready to build strong networks to promote STEM education and science literacy opportunities. In this capacity she works to support underrepresented voices in STEM sectors to strengthen the science community. She coordinated the first Soapbox Science (external link, opens in new window) event in Canada in 2017. Leigh loves to share all kinds of science knowledge and is particularly passionate about supporting the ways in which society intersects with the science community. You can often find Leigh enjoying a Ken Ken puzzle, watching the latest sci fi series or spreading the word about protecting our planet.
Kayla is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and has spent the last 10 years at Queen’s University, both as a student and professional in Indigenous student programming. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a certificate in entrepreneurship, innovation & creativity. During her time at Queen’s, she served as Program Coordinator for STEM Indigenous Academics (STEMInA), where she developed and led programming to support Indigenous students in STEM, including orientation initiatives, mentorship programs, and academic workshops. A strong advocate for student success, she has worked to create a sense of belonging and community for Indigenous students through academic support, cultural initiatives, and personal mentorship. She is excited to bring her knowledge, experience, and passion for Indigenous student support to SciXchange, where she will continue to foster meaningful connections, collaborative partnerships, and enriching science outreach initiatives.
Bio coming soon
Celine is a dedicated graduate student in the early childhood studies program at TMU, where her interests focus on children’s health, specifically child-centred care and diversity within healthcare systems. Originally from the Bahamas, Celine began her academic journey at the University of Guelph, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in international development studies with a minor in biology. Her interdisciplinary background bridges child development, social and biological determinants of health, and the complexities of development in fragile contexts. Celine’s passion for equitable and inclusive healthcare is reflected in her work as the equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) coordinator at SciXchange. In this role, she manages community partnerships that expand access to STEM education for equity-deserving groups and fosters diverse representation through volunteer engagement.
Aaron is a PhD student in environmental science and management studying contaminants of emerging arctic concern (CEACs) in water and seabirds under Dr. Roxana Suehring. In September, he joined a month-long research expedition aboard the Amundsen in the Arctic. Currently pursuing a certificate in Indigenous knowledges and experiences, Aaron strives for understanding and knowledge for all communities to create culturally safe spaces for all. He has collaborated with Indigenous communities and educators to co-develop culturally relevant science programming and outreach. Passionate about teaching and mentorship, he supports high school students and university volunteers in gaining meaningful, hands-on scientific experience, and is deeply committed to fostering curiosity, confidence, and inclusivity in every learning environment.
Vivek Dev is a third year biomedical sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University with a strong passion for science communication, event coordination, and community engagement. As conference planner for Re:SciComm 2026, he supports the planning committee in organizing key aspects of the conference, including logistics, delegate registration, promotions, and venue coordination. With hands-on experience in inclusive outreach through SciXchange and the Faculty of Science, Vivek is dedicated to creating an engaging and accessible conference experience for all participants. He loves exploring deeper scientific knowledge and is eager to expand his understanding of medical science and its real-world impact.
Lynn is in her final year of computer science at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has completed internships in data analytics and management at the Toronto Police Service and Ontario Lottery and Gaming and enjoys exploring new and emerging technologies. Lynn is passionate about helping students discover the fun in STEM and making science accessible to everyone. At SciXchange, she supports high school robotics workshops and will also be supporting Technovation Girls events, aiming to create hands-on, engaging, and approachable learning experiences. In her spare time, she enjoys videography and editing or horseback riding with the TMU Equestrian Club.
Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn (external link) .
Yusra is a mathematics and computer science student at Toronto Metropolitan University, having transferred from computer engineering at the University of Toronto. She has a strong interest in technological innovation and its impact on everyday life, believing it plays a crucial role in shaping the future. Over the past year, Yusra led the organization of outreach initiatives and worked with community partners across the GTA to coordinate STEM activities tailored for diverse youth audiences. This year, she is contributing to robotics education through hands-on lab sessions that focus on building and programming robotic systems, while supporting the development of digital literacy skills among participants. Outside of her academic pursuits, Yusra loves travelling and is passionate about creative work, particularly photography, videography, and digital design.
Jordan is a fifth-year biomedical science student with a passion for medicine, research, and sports. She was a member of the women’s varsity soccer team and is particularly interested in how biology relates to athletic performance and health. Jordan currently works at the Mars Discovery District, researching human kidney cells, and is involved in science outreach through Stoodis Science. She also mentors first-year student-athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of balancing academics and athletics. In her spare time, Jordan enjoys exploring Toronto and spending time with friends and family. Through her work with SciXchange, she is committed to inspiring curiosity and providing meaningful hands-on science experiences for the next generation of young scientists.
Hannah is a biology student at TMU with an interest in research and science communication. Particularly drawn to medicine and veterinary science, she aims to integrate her scientific background with a commitment to improving health and well-being. She is guided by a holistic perspective that combines scientific inquiry with empathy and inclusivity. This approach aids in her role supporting event planning, coordination and facilitation at SciXchange. Her work with the Science Discovery Zone deepened her interest in applying research-based ideas to real-world challenges. Bilingual in Korean and English, she values cultural connection and promotes inclusivity in academia. Hannah also enjoys exploring new fashion styles and spending quality time with loved ones, especially her yellow Labrador retriever.
Lucas is a second-year biomedical sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University with a passion for health, exercise, and longevity. A former kinesiology student at Wilfrid Laurier University and certified personal trainer at GoodLife Fitness, he strives to motivate others to lead active, healthy lives. Currently, Lucas works with seniors in long-term care, fostering physical activity and social connection through recreational programming. He is passionate about his work with SciXchange, leading events and initiatives that encourage youth to explore science and discovery. Lucas hopes to combine his scientific background with his enthusiasm for fitness to promote long-term health and well-being. Outside of academics, he enjoys going to the gym, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Arghavan graduated with a major in biomedical science and a minor in disability studies at TMU where she is continuing her studies while pursuing her goals in medicine. She’s passionate about promoting equity in both science and healthcare and believes that inclusion starts with making knowledge accessible to everyone. At SciXchange, Arghavan especially enjoys finding creative ways to connect science with real-world experiences and inspiring students who may not always see themselves represented in STEM. Outside of SciXchange, Arghavan volunteers with student mentorship and health-related initiatives and is part of TMU’s equestrian club. When she’s not busy with school or outreach, she loves baking, spending time with family and friends, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Jeanne is a biomedical sciences student at TMU, pursuing minors in global politics and in health services management, with a particular interest in microbiology research, public health and science communication. Jeanne joined SciXchange to connect with people across diverse backgrounds, and in their role, they manage social media to highlight the accessibility, creativity, and relevance of science in everyday life. Their academic/career goals centre on bridging global healing systems with western medicine, wherein science and medicine embrace cultural diversity, respect lived experience, and work collaboratively to improve health outcomes worldwide. Outside of science, Jeanne has a strong love for sports and the arts. When they’re not in class or the office, you’ll likely find them training with TMU’s rugby team or exploring creative outlets through art and culture.
Riley is an Australian bernedoodle from Swissridge Kennels (external link, opens in new window) . His mother Noelle (external link, opens in new window) is a Bernese mountain dog and his father Levi (external link, opens in new window) is an Australian labradoodle. Before moving to his forever home with Emily Agard, Riley spent 2 months living with dog trainer Agnes Beau through the Swissridge imprinting program (external link, opens in new window) . Once home with Emily, Riley took puppy conditioning level 2 classes with Deena Cooper (external link, opens in new window) . A smart, eager to please puppy, Riley continued working with Deena and his "pawrents" on training. On April 2, 2019, Riley proudly passed his Canine Good Neighbour (external link, opens in new window) evaluation tests approved by the Canadian Kennel Club (external link, opens in new window) . When he was an adolescent, he continued training with Dan Josselyn (external link, opens in new window) of Golden Rule Dog Training (external link, opens in new window) . As an adult, he is a great big brother to his bernedoodle sister Lucy. They both love agility work and completed a year of agility classes with Emily at All About Dogs (external link) . This sweet boy enjoys making new friends and learning new tricks.