Science Peer Mentors
Faculty of Science mentors are your upper-year science peers. They volunteer their time to help first year students learn the ropes of university life.
Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 3rd year
Experiences: PALS Mentor Leader, USSTM VP Finance, Greenologii Product Development Associate, R3 Science Lead, OCAD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Interests: Gaming, Reading, Microbes
Passions: People – I love working with people, Healthcare and Advocacy
Advice: First year can really be tough, try and use all the resources that us and our institution offer. Each one is tailored to improving our experiences as students. Also take time for yourself and enjoy the university experience. There is no rush to get it done and Grad/Professional schools love well rounded students
Additional languages: Conversational German & French
Program/Year: Biology, Co-op, 3rd year
Experiences: Usher at local theatre, Executive vendor relations manager at school's Christmas market. General member of schools OSAID (Ontario Students against impaired driving), Volunteer vocalist performers, administrative volunteer at American Guild Music Competition in Niagara Falls.
Interests: Singing, baking, gardening, being creative, puzzles.
Passions: Genetics, Botany, Biotechnology, Expanding my horizons.
Advice: My advice is to not fear your professors and TA’s. They are there to help your success and want you to succeed. They are super nice and will help you in any way they can or connect you with other people that may help. Just reach out and introduce yourself.
Additional languages: N/A
Program/Year: Biology, 3rd year
Experiences: I take part in clubs such as the TMU Pre-dental Society and the Toronto Metropolitan Vietnamese Student Association (TMVSA), where I serve as the Financial Associate and the Director of Corporate Relations respectively.
Passions: I’m an advocate for human rights and world issues. In addition, research in the fields of dentistry or vaccines is something that drives me. Skincare is also something I’m devoted to, as many do not realize the dangers of UVA & UVB radiation which can lead to serious consequences. In conjunction, I believe everyone should be comfortable and confident in their own skin and by understanding the foundations of skincare, I strongly entrust that skincare can achieve that. In general, helping others fuels these passions.
Advice: The biggest piece of advice I would give to incoming students is finding friends that will help support you as the transition from high school to university is drastic. It is very easy to fall behind if you don’t have a consistent schedule and a support system to motivate you to be the best version of you. Not only that but having friends you can rely on will definitely make the university experience more pleasurable.
Additional languages: Vietnamese, and conversational Cantonese and French.
Program/Year: Chemistry, 3rd year
Experiences: First year I was a first-year representative for the chemistry course union and during my 2nd year I got the position of the Vp of equity, inclusion and communication for the chemistry course union. For my first and second year I was also a mentee with the TMU Tri-mentoring program.
Interests: I love reading online novels and blogs, I love watching BL series, drama series especially the historical one’s same thing goes for Chinese dramas and their series. I like being creative and I also love new ideas.
Advice: I need a lot of advices myself but something I just want to put out is that “never let or put yourself down to make others feel better, it will never end well” also “Always think of your feelings before putting yourself in other shoes because we are told to love our neighbours as we love ourselves not love them more than we do ourselves”.
Additional languages: Yoruba, Hausa, Arabic.
Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 3rd year
Experiences: Transition Events Assistant at SLLS, Institute in Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) Event Facilitator, former Research Operations Assistant at Science Research and Innovation Office within the Faculty of Science, FoS SIF Committee Member and volunteer on the Sexual Assault Survivor Support Line and at the Michael Garron Hospital.
Interests: Research, criminal law (minoring in it!), reading (fantasy) and travelling.
Passions: Human body systems, medicine, doing experiments, community engagement and sexual assault prevention.
Advice: Attend various socials being hosted throughout the year. Our university is flush with student life and fun events that help in de-stressing and making new friends in selective programs. Attending these events would be a good mood booster and allow you to practice your social skills until you find the people with similar interests as you
Program/Year: Biomedical Science, 2nd year.
Experiences: SciXchange volunteer, Vice President and Media Officer for the Biology Club in high school, Volunteer for the Breast Cancer Fundraiser by the Al Jalil Foundation in Dubai,
Interests: Working-out, Trying out new cafes and restaurants, Shopping, Travelling, Being around my loved ones, and Cooking.
Passions: Actively searching for opportunities, Being of help to others, Gaining knowledge and Fashion!
Advice: Don't worry if something doesn't go the way you wanted it to, good things come to those who wait!
Additional languages: Urdu
Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, 2nd year
Experience: Youth leader at local community centres, organized/hosted events and fundraisers for the community, teacher's assistant for summer programs, survey caller for COVID-19
Interests: Painting, singing, watching K-dramas, exploring new cuisines
Passions: Travelling, leadership, learning more about the different lifestyles that make up our community
Advice: Try allotting time to different aspects of your life to understand what needs more time and what can use less of it. It takes a while to adjust to university, and that's completely ok. Give yourself the space to meet new people, get involved with the school, and ask professors or upper-year mentors for help when you need it.
Additional Languages: Bengali, conversational Hindi
Program/Year: Biomedical Sciences, Co-op, 3rd year
Experiences: Private Tutor, VP of Finances of Pre-Optometry Society, Internal Events Staff member at Artsci Fos Club
Interests: Music, Spending time with friends
Passions: Food, Organizing, Planning, American Sign Language,
Advice: If you are feeling overwhelmed with the number of tasks you have to get done with all their relative deadlines etc. I recommend assorting them according to their relative priority and make a day-to-day schedule for yourself. And remember, take it easy. A lot of people are going through similar hardships like you and there is a lot of support and resources available to you once you ask for help.
Additional languages: Turkish, American Sign Language