OUR TEAM

At the Innovation Hub, we are student-led and driven.

MEET OUR TEAM

The Innovation Hub is a student-driven research collective that uses a peer-to-peer approach to understand the needs of U of T students. Campus partners provide us with real design challenges, and we hire teams of interdisciplinary students to work on each project using a consulting model. Student team members are empowered to understand their peers’ needs using human-centered design and learning as they go, building confidence through practical work experience.

Our projects range in scope from designing campus spaces and services, policy evaluation, listening to the needs of students from equity-deserving groups, ideating for the future, and more.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Julia Allworth
Manager, Innovation Projects

Ruth Rodrigues
Research Lead

Arshdeep Kang
Communications & Operations Lead

Catherine Dumé
Community Coordinator

SUPPORTING STUDENT LEADERS TO CREATE CHANGE

Maxine Ramos
Design Research Team Lead

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Claire Li

Design Researcher

Claire (they/she) is a first-year Master of Education student at OISE in the Developmental Psychology and Education program. They are passionate about driving positive change through research, particularly in areas of mental health and accessibility. Their favourite pastimes are playing with their cat, reviewing movies online, and tackling difficult recipes for dinner.

Faiza Imam

Design Researcher

Faiza (she/her) is a designer with a background in Biology and Psychology, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Information Systems and Design, where she is deepening her focus on design research and the ways technology can shape human-centered systems. Faiza is passionate about creating intuitive, user-centered experiences that balance functionality, accessibility, and creativity. She believes that empathy, communication, and adaptability are at the heart of meaningful and impactful design.

Kuhu Tandon

Design Researcher

Kuhu (she/her) is a user experience designer and researcher passionate about data-driven design, co-creative practices, and learning from the experiences of others. She holds a BSc in Psychology & Population Health and has completed certificates in UX Research and Design. Kuhu believes that embracing change, continuous learning, and personal growth are essential for being an empathetic leader and effectively supporting communities. In her new role, she is excited to leverage her research and design experience while focusing on her passion for accessibility. Outside of work, Kuhu enjoys being surrounded by kids—drawing inspiration and learning from their lived experiences, especially through her three younger sisters.

Rhonda Liu

Design Researcher

Rhonda (She/Her) is a second year MI student, specializing in UX design. Her passion for human research started in her undergraduate degree in Anthropology, and carries those skills into her work and studies now. Rhonda is interested in learning about people and discovering ways to help them through design solutions. She highlights human experience, centering empathy, inclusion and impact in her work. Outside of work she enjoys dancing, a good book, and an afternoon nap.

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Diana Radenko
Graphic Design and Communications Coordinator

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Bela Wong

Graphic Designer and Communication Assistant

Bela (she/her) is a fourth year student double majoring in Art and Art History and Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (CCIT). Bela joined the Innovation Hub because she wants to challenge her creativity and solve real-world issue by design something that is more than just aesthetics with a big lesson on accessibility, consistency, and inclusion for all. In her free time, she loves to paint and write her own stories.

Adam Borthwick

Graphic Designer and Communication Assistant

Adam (he/him) is a Graphic Designer & Communications Assistant at the Innovation Hub. He holds a Bachelor’s in Interaction Design and is pursuing a Master’s in Information with a focus on UX Design at the University of Toronto. Adam joined the Hub to apply human-centered research and design to student experiences, while embracing a mindset of continuous growth. Outside of school and work, he is passionate about fitness and recently completed a half marathon, aiming for a full by year’s end.

AUDIOVISUAL STORYTELLING TEAM

Brooklin Becker
Audiovisual Storytelling Lead

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Global Changemakers

Sadra Emami

Documentary Assistant

Sadra Emami (He/Him) is currently a graduate student in Near and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Toronto with a passion for sharing stories and histories from around the world. He holds an Honors Specialization BA in History from Western University and currently serves as a Documentary Assistant for the Global Changemakers project at the Innovation Hub, where he helps bring narratives to life through audiovisual storytelling.

Desiree Menezes

Documentary Assistant

Desiree is going into her third year doing a double major in Political Science and Economics. She is a documentary assistant at the Innovation Hub and is interested in expanding her audiovisual storytelling skills. Outside of work, she likes to crochet, watch movies and spend time outdoors.

Neurodivergent at University

Scarlett Zhao

Documentary Assistant

Scarlett is a Master of Public Policy student at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, where she focuses on policy research and creative problem-solving. She also holds an Honours BA in Management and Organizational Studies, specializing in Management and Legal Studies. Scarlett has served in leadership roles across student organizations, where she developed skills in event coordination, public speaking, and fundraising. She also brings professional experience as a legal assistant and at a leading think tank. Scarlett decided to join the Innovation Hub as a Documentary Assistant on the Neurodivergent at University project because she is passionate about using audiovisual storytelling to highlight student voices and foster more inclusive campus communities. Outside of work, she enjoys co-running an animal rescue center and spending time with her cats.

Irfan Mohammed

Documentary Assistant

Irfan is a first-year Master of Information student specializing in human centred data science. With a background in design and marketing, he aims to use his storytelling skills to effectively represent students and their experiences. He is passionate about using data to develop creative projects that both educate and entertain the audience. Outside work, he enjoys reading about neuroscience, exploring cafes or binge-watching anime.