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 Toronto 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 recently completed a certificate in photography studies through the Chang School at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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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 Toronto Metropolitan Univeristy'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.
Caleb is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from York University where he completed the university’s Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education program and received his teaching degree in junior/intermediate general science education. Through his teacher training, he had the opportunity to work with Indigenous students and teachers in the TDSB. His journey in education began at York University’s Science Engagement Programs where he worked as a science engagement instructor. He was the program coordinator of the CanCode digital literacy outreach program and brought digital literacy programming to over 1500 students across the Toronto District School Board. Caleb has worked previously as the Indigenous Outreach Assistant at JUMP Math where he supported both Indigenous teacher candidates and on-reserve schools to build math literacy in their classrooms. Most recently, Caleb worked as the online learning coordinator for LGBT YouthLine. As online learning coordinator, he worked to build an engaging and comprehensive training program for LGBT YouthLine’s peer support program. Caleb brings his passion and experience in science enrichment and outreach programming to our work at SciXchange. He is especially excited to make space for Indigenous brilliance and academics at Toronto Metropolitan University!
Mikayla graduated from OCAD University with a Bachelor of Design specializing in jewellery design and fabrication. She has a wide variety of experience in different companies and industries, including jewellery, banking and medicine. In recent years, Mikayla has become passionate about human-centred design and is on a journey to learn and apply her user research and design skills in digital design projects. She is eager to use her diverse skill sets to advocate STEM programs for youths and help them succeed in their future careers. In her free time, Mikayla is an avid foodie who loves exploring new cuisines in Toronto.
Iffat, a project coordinator with over five years of diverse experience, is currently pursuing a Master's in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Toronto Metropolitan University. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Daffodil International University, she actively contributed as a Campus Ambassador for the Google Developers Group of Bangla. In her prior role at Aspire to Innovate, UNDP Bangladesh, Iffat showcased adept project management skills, successfully steering initiatives with global partners, shaping the digital landscape, and the startup ecosystem for the Government of Bangladesh and UNDP across Yemen, Turkey, South Sudan, and Somalia. Fueled by a passion for positive change through innovation, currently Iffat has transitioned into the role of Let's Talk Science Coordinator. Here, she actively promotes STEM education and strives to amplify underrepresented voices within the field. Beyond her professional pursuits, Iffat is dedicated to building networks and fostering community strength within the dynamic realm of science. In her spare time, she truly enjoys spending time with family, reading, swimming, and traveling.
Abigail is a second-year student in the financial mathematics program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about increasing the accessibility of STEM-focused education, specifically in mathematics. She aims to support youth in building a positive relationship with mathematics. As a science outreach and communication lead for SciXchange, Abigail organizes outreach initiatives for students of all ages. Using her interest and passion for all things mathematics, Abigail is currently developing technology-integrated, mathematics-focused content to implement in a new outreach initiative. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, painting, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Althea is a third-year biomedical sciences student at Toronto Metropolitan University with a strong interest in research and science communication. She is dedicated to engaging youth in both science and sports. Her role at SciXchange has allowed her to explore these interests further, where she has contributed to and led science-based activities with the Eureka camp during the summer. Althea is passionate in creating opportunities for youth and fostering their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Her enthusiasm also extends to ultimate frisbee, where she competes with her club team and the Toronto Metropolitan University team and has prior coaching experience with high school athletes. Outside of her academic and athletic pursuits, Althea enjoys watching movies, biking, drinking matcha, and exploring Toronto.
Eliza is a driven student starting her first year in sports media after transferring from biomedical sciences. Passionate about both science and sports, she enjoys staying up to date on news in the sports world and can often be found cheering on the Bold at TMU home games. Eliza loves how SciXchange connects her with science, deepening her engagement and passion for science. Committed to unconventional pathways, Eliza aims to keep her options open, considering both medical school or a potential career in sports. She firmly believes that interests don’t have to be one-sided, promoting a balanced and multifaceted approach to life and career.
Riley is an Australian bernedoodle born May 17, 2018 at Swissridge Kennels (external link, opens in new window) in Schomberg, Ontario. 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) . The exam consisted of 12 tests Riley and the other pups performed over a period of almost 1.5 hours! 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) . Some of Riley's older siblings, like Myca (external link, opens in new window) and Shep (external link) , are St. John Ambulance therapy dogs. Perhaps when Riley is old enough, he can be one of Toronto Metropolitan University's official therapy dogs. Currently this sweet boy enjoys making new friends and learning new tricks.