Scrabble tiles spelling out "Be the Change"

Our Mission

We provide University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine graduate students with mental health and wellness support and resources via educational seminars and peer mentorship. There are three pillars to our mission:

1. Peer Mentorship: GPSN aims to provide graduate students (mentees) with mental wellness-oriented, on-demand peer mentorship to help mentees navigate their wellness concerns and relevant mental health resources available at the University of Toronto. GPSN recruits and trains a directory of volunteer graduate students equipped to provide safe, reliable and non-judgemental support. Mentors are matched with mentees on the basis of mentor areas of expertise/training and mentee requests submitted through a secure intake website. It should be noted that peer mentors are not counsellors or health care providers, but are a source of emotional support for mentees and a bridge to gaining professional and academic support when needed.

2. Graduate Student Life Seminar Series: GPSN aims to provide graduate students with perspectives and tools to overcome tentative challenges through a formal seminar series. The series comprises of monthly seminars in which the foci will alternate between (i) graduate life and (ii) physical exercise.

3. Research and Advocacy: GPSN collaborates with University of Toronto Faculty, academic programs and non-academic groups to survey the mental health and wellness needs of graduate students and advocate for any associated changes at the administrative level. GPSN will also disseminate mental health and wellness resources widely to Faculty of Medicine graduate students un-contingent on student participation in the GPSN Peer Mentorship or Seminar Series programming.

Our Team

Our leadership team features Master’s and PhD students from across 7 Temerty Faculty of Medicine departments. We also could not do our work without our 21 volunteer peer-mentors and departmental liaisons. For those interested in joining us, please see the link below and keep an eye out for our annual fall elections.

Joycelyn Ba

Program Co-Coordinator

Department

Faculty of Medicine

Research Topic

Anesthesia and Cognition

Bio

Joycelyn is an MD student who previously completed her MSc in the Department of Physiology at U of T, where she investigated the effects of general anesthesia and surgery on GABA receptor function. She served as GPSN’s fitness co-lead for two years before becoming the program’s co-coordinator. Outside of school, you can find her playing volleyball, skating, or exploring the city.

Joycelyn Ba
Program Co-Coordinator

Ling Ling T

Siu Ling Tai

Graduate Life Seminar Co-Lead

 

Department

Immunology

 

Research Topic

Crohn's disease

 

Bio

Ling Ling is a first year PhD student in the Immunology department, studying autoantibodies in Crohn's disease. When not running around the lab, you can find her biking, looking up recipes (but rarely making them), or binging TV shows.

Siu Ling Tai
Program Co-Coordinator

Rhea Ahluwalia

Treasurer

 

Department

Molecular Genetics 

 

Research Topic

Alternative polyadenylation in neuroblastoma

 

Bio

Hi! My name is Rhea Ahluwalia, and I’m a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. I am co-supervised by Dr. Brent Derry and Dr. Lincoln Stein, with my research focusing on alternative polyadenylation in neuroblastoma. This year, I’m excited to serve as Treasurer for GPSN and support our amazing team in creating meaningful connections within the graduate student community. Outside the lab, I love watching films, reading, and spending time with friends. I’m passionate about fostering a strong support network for graduate students and look forward to helping GPSN build an even more welcoming and connected community this year!

Rhea Ahluwalia
Treasurer

Angitha Mriduraj

Mentorship Co-Lead

 

Department

Immunology

 

Bio

Hi! I'm a first-year PhD student in Immunology, currently rotating in a lab focused on engineering antibodies to develop therapies for chronic diseases. Outside the lab, I'm passionate about accessible education, and I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors who’ve shaped my journey. Inspired by them, I teach an English class on weekends and volunteer as a tutor for an elementary student. This past summer, I rediscovered my love for reading, and I also enjoy creative hobbies like puzzles, embroidery, knitting, and clay modeling! 

Angitha Mriduraj
Mentorship Co-Lead

Grace Parish

Mentorship Co-Lead

 

Department

Biochemistry

 

Bio

I am an MSc student in the Department of Biochemistry. My research interests include microbiology and drug development. Outside of the lab, I love reality TV, reading, and pilates.

Grace Parish
Mentorship Co-Lead

Areeba Imran

Research and Advocacy Lead

 

Department:

Biomedical Engineering


Research topic:

CRISPR-responsive materials for diagnostic applications


Bio:

Raegan is a first year MASc student in Biomedical Engineering focusing on the development of CRISPR-responsive materials for diagnostic applications. She is passionate about research translation for equitable access to healthcare technology. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, skiing, and finding new places to eat around Toronto

Raegan Allen
Research and Advocacy Lead

Joycelyn Ba

Fitness Co-Lead

 

Department

Physiology

 

Research Topic

Anesthetics on cognition

 

Bio

A first-year PhD student in the Orser Lab studying the effects of surgery and anesthetics on brain function. Outside of the lab you can find her playing volleyball, coaching skating, or trying new recipes.

Joycelyn Ba
Fitness Co-Lead

Camilla Giovino

Fitness Co-Lead

 

Department

Medical Biophysics

 

Research Topic

Cancer biology, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

 

Bio

I am a fifth year MD/PhD student (fourth year PhD) in the Department of Medical Biophysics. I am co-supervised by Drs. David Malkin and Ran Kafri and am studying tumour immune surveillance in a cancer predisposition syndrome called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. I am excited to be joining GPSN for my second year as Fitness Co-lead. Outside of the lab, my interests include running, fitness, music, thrifting, and baking.

Camilla Giovino
Fitness Co-Lead

Melissa Korman

Graduate Life Seminars Co-Lead

 

Department

Institute of Medical Sciences

 

Research Topic

Healthcare worker mental health

 

Bio

Melissa is a second year PhD student with the Institute of Medical Sciences, studying the experience of supporting healthcare worker mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She acted as a peer supporter and wellness program manager for a hospital group during the pandemic, and is excited to bring her experience to the GPSN! In her free time (or when procrastinating from work), Melissa enjoys baking and spending quality time with her dog.

Melissa Korman
Graduate Life Seminars Co-Lead

Tina Weng

Graduate Life Seminars Co-Lead

 

Department

Medical Biophysics

 

Research Topic

Application of peptide mimetics in nanomedicine delivery to brain tumor

 

Bio

I am a second-year PhD student in Zheng Lab investigating the use of peptide mimetics in nanomedicine. Besides working in lab, I enjoy cooking, organizing dinner party, and vintage shopping (window shopping, of course).

Tina Weng
Graduate Life Seminars Co-Lead

Yasmin Alhamdah

Social Media Manager

 

Department

Institute of Medical Science

 

Research Topic

Perioperative Medicine and Cognitive Screening

 

Bio

I am a second year Master’s Candidate at UHN and Mount Sinai Hospital. My research focuses on perioperative medicine in the elderly population. When I’m not doing research work, I enjoy reading, food and spending time with friends and family! I am super grateful to be a part of this team for this year!

Yasmin Alhamdah
Social Media Manager

Rohma Ramay

Ethics Officer

Rohma Ramay
Ethics Officer

Our Affiliations

Our Funding

Temerty Faculty of Medicine GLSE logo

Get in Touch!

Contact us at gpsn.utoronto@gmail.com or through social media:

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Join our Team!

We are looking for creative and dedicated candidates to join our team for the following positions:

  • Ambassadors to support our Research & Advocacy efforts, and our Mentorship Program
  • Treasurer

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply here!