
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

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
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 Allan
Research and Advocacy Lead

Fitness Co-Lead
Delphine Ji
External Affairs Co-Lead
Delphine Ji
External Affairs Co-Lead
Jennifer Sahadeo
External Affairs Co-Lead
Department
Immunology
Research Topic
Evaluating the role of a cancer-promoting gene in in vivo and in vitro models
Bio
Jennifer Sahadeo
External Affairs 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!
Donia Obeidat
Social Media Manager

Rohma Ramay
Ethics Officer
Amy Wilson
Ethics Officer
Our Affiliations
Our Funding
Get in Touch!
Contact us at gpsn.utoronto@gmail.com or through social media:
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!