Empathy in Qualitative Research: A Balancing Act 

Headshot of Katrina Sze Ching Soong

Katrina, a former A&S UTQAP design researcher, reflects on her experience conducting human-centered interviews. She discusses the importance of balancing empathy in qualitative research from a personal and professional standpoint. 

Written by Katrina Sze Ching Soong, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Honours Bachelor of Arts, English and Philosophy Double Major, History Minor 

Breaking the Ice: Tips for Stress-Free Fun Facts 

photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

Many feel anxiety and pressure when asked to share a fun fact during icebreakers. In this blog post, Ajeetha offers practical advice on how to prepare and navigate these moments with confidence, emphasizing that icebreakers can be a tool for connection and setting a positive tone in group settings. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology 

International Students: First 48 Hours – Documenting International Student Experiences on the Big Screen

Headshot of Manuela

The International Students: First 48 Hours documentary chronicles the life of seven international students departing their countries of origin to the days after they arrive in Toronto, Canada. Manuela attended the St. George screening event earlier in October and reflects on her experience as an international student watching the film for the first time. 

Written by Manuela Mora Castillo, Blog Editor & Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History Double Major and Latin American Studies Minor

Meet the Fall-Winter 2024/25 Team!

The Innovation Hub welcomes a wonderful group of students into our team each term. We’re beginning this academic term with our biggest team yet – 88 changemakers comprised of both work-study students and Team Leads. Let’s meet the team! 

Written by Joseph Lek, Digital Communications Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Art & Art History 

World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to bring awareness to those experiencing challenges with their mental health. This year, Amelia spoke with members of the Innovation Hub’s Leadership team to understand what it means for them to prioritize their mental health in the workplace. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology specialist and Sociology minor and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Sciences, Translational Research 

Learning through Art: Orange Shirt Day at the Innovation Hub

Headshot of Amelia Di Meo
photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

September 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, which honours the survivors and provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impacts of Canada’s Residential School System on Indigenous communities. Innovation Hub  Blog Editor & Content & Digital Content Writer Ajeetha, and Research Coordinator Amelia reflect on the importance of this day and their learnings from the Innovation Hub’s Orange Shirt Day event. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology, and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Science, Translational Research 

Life as a UTSG Student: Alumni Tips for Commuters 

Headshot of Maribeth Tabanera

Life as a U of T student is an exciting journey filled with endless opportunities to explore diverse study, work, and rest spaces across the campus. In the third and last of a three-part series, Maribeth chats with iHub member, Amellia Di Meo, about her favourite UTSG campus locations as an alumni, and her recommendations for commuter students. 

Written by Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera, Blog Writer and Content Writer, Master of Education in Social Justice Education 

Life as a UTSG Student: Campus Spots for the Student-Parent 

Headshot of Maribeth Tabanera

Life as a U of T student is an exciting journey filled with endless opportunities to explore diverse study, work, and rest spaces across the campus. In the second of a three-part series, Maribeth chats with iHub member, Meera Lafir, about her favourite UTSG campus locations as a student-parent. 

Written by Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera, Blog Writer and Content Writer, Master of Education in Social Justice Education 

First 48 Hours: Documentary Screening: Register to Attend!

a group photo of the people involved in the documentary

The International Students: First 48 Hours documentary chronicles selected international students departing their countries of origin to the days after they arrive in Toronto. Surprises, anxiety, joy, tips and funny revelations all describe the incredible trajectory of learners who have left their home. This film resulted from a partnership between the Innovation Hub and the Centre for International Experience. Members of the University of Toronto community are invited to join us for the premiere screenings of the documentary short, which is intended to share what it means to be new to a university, a culture and a country. Some of the students from the documentary will be participating in a moderated panel after each screening and will discuss some of their post-production thoughts as they now look back at their initial experiences.

Written by Julia Allworth, Manager, Innovation Projects

Call for Participants: Engagement & Belonging for Students with Disabilities 

A green and white graphic with an icon of three people standing together with some colorful stars around them. It reads, ‘Engagement & Belonging for Students with Disabilities’.

Students with disabilities: we want to hear from you! In partnership with Accessibility Services, the Innovation Hub is hosting student-led feedback sessions to inform design decisions to better support engagement and belonging for students with disabilities at U of T. Share your stories, perspectives, and experiences. The aim is to create a barrier-free environment where you can speak openly about lived experiences.