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 UofT 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.

A collage of Innovation Hub employee headshots

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Julia smiling against backdrop

Julia Allworth

Manager, Innovation Projects

Julia Allworth

Manager, Innovation Projects

Julia is a leader, innovator, and “intrapreneur” who specializes in design thinking, collaboration, and related methodologies that strive to design programs with students. As the Leader of the Innovation Hub at the University of Toronto, she works with hundreds of students, faculty and staff on campus to improve the community’s campus experience. Julia holds an MBA in Global Leadership and a BA in Psychology. Julia has presented her work at various higher education conferences across North America. She is the co-author of a book, Design Thinking in Student Affairs, and delivered a TEDx talk entitled Design yourself to change the world. Outside of her work, Julia is a single mom to neurodiverse twins Joshua and Victoria who are in middle school.

Hayley smiling against backdrop

Hayley Park

Senior Project Assistant

& Communications Lead

Hayley Park

Senior Project Assistant

Hayley (she/her) is a visual designer with a passion for supporting and inspiring the student community. She previously completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Culture, Information & Technology at U of T, and holds a certificate in Digital Communications from Sheridan College. Combined with her extensive background in graphic design, Hayley loves to use design thinking and creative leadership to bring ideas to life, channeling perspectives on sustainability, accessibility, and equity throughout the process. When she is not designing, you can find her making music, travelling, and always learning.

Lidiia smiling against backdrop

Lidiia Tulenkova

Research Lead

Lidiia Tulenkova

Research Lead

Lidiia (she/her) is a creative strategist and leader with an intrapreneurial mindset and extensive experience in project management. With an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Sociocultural Anthropology and Material Culture, she joined the team as Research Lead to manage and oversee all research projects, design thinking research teams and their Team Leads. Outside of work, Lidiia is passionate about creative production and curation of multi-media projects including exhibitions and documentaries. Drawing inspiration from human stories told in a creative medium, Lidiia is inspired by the creative force embedded in the Innovation Hub projects and the potential to make a social change through storytelling.

Amelia smiling against backdrop with trees

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia smiling against backdrop with trees

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia (she/her) recently graduated from U of T with a Master of Health Science Degree in Translational Research where she also received an Honours Bachelor of Science with a double major in Neuroscience and Physiology. In between degrees, Amelia worked as a clinical research assistant, where she was introduced to design-thinking and qualitative research. Amelia is very excited to join the Innovation Hub as a Design Research Team Lead and is looking forward to working together with the team to identify student needs and improve life on campus. In her free time, Amelia can be found rock climbing, playing piano, and guitar.

Joseph smiling against backdrop

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph (he/him) completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts in both Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Art & Art History at University of Toronto Mississauga jointly with Sheridan College. As the Digital Communications Coordinator, Joseph leads the digital communications planning and strategy for Innovation Hub projects. As a former U of T student, Joseph is eager to use his passion for art, communications, and design to reconnect with the U of T community and help improve campus life for everyone. Outside of work, Joseph loves to watch movies and create artistic works.

ENGAGEMENT & BELONGING - STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Nicole smiling against backdrop with trees

Nicole Shi

Design Research Team Lead

Nicole smiling against backdrop with forest

Nicole Shi

Design Research Team Lead

Nicole Shi (she/her/hers), a Contemporary Asian Studies graduate from UofT, has experienced first-hand the transformative power of being accommodated and supported for her disability at UofT. She recognizes how effective support can lead to empowering experiences that shift feelings from isolation to belonging and to profound personal growth and development. Nicole is grateful for the people who facilitated her access to resources and support during her time at university, and is motivated to ensure that equal access to quality education is less dependent on luck and more as an intentional outcome. As Team Lead, Nicole is so excited to engage in the research field and methods that align so closely with her values: that a commitment to equity demands that researchers act with an awareness of the various axes of marginality and actively deconstruct their own beliefs. In her free time, Nicole enjoys journaling, doodling, and playing tennis.

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Alma Mahmuda

Design Researcher

Alma (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student studying Economics and Math. As a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub, she seeks to develop her understanding of research methods and improve student life on campus. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends.

Haiwei Yu

Design Researcher

Haiwei (she/her) is a Master of Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy student at OISE. She has completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and her first Master of Education degree in Mathematics. With six years of research assistant experience and 10 years of teaching experience across multiple countries, she integrates empathetic design thinking and research to develop tools and methods that address the diverse needs of learners as a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub. Apart from work, she enjoys singing, dancing, and engaging in various sports like swimming and skiing.

Lauren Allen

Design Researcher

Lauren (she/her) is completing her BA in Political Science and Cognitive Science at U of T, where she harnesses her expertise in research and communication to make learning more accessible for all students. Committed to integrating diverse experiences in her studies, she looks forward to applying her background in communications and policy development to conduct human-centred research at the Innovation Hub. On her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her dog.

Ness Maloney

Design Researcher

Ness is a PhD candidate in socio-cultural anthropology who has conducted ethnographic research in the Cook Islands on how experiences of disability are impacted by colonialism and transnational networks of care. Ness is passionate about using qualitative methods to unearth creative ways of thinking about access, collective care, and disability community. Outside of the office, Ness can be found on the football field, in the pottery studio, or planning the next summer road trip!

Tianne Pane

Design Researcher

Tianne (she/her) is currently in her last semester studying Mathematics, Statistics, and Political Science at U of T. As someone with ADHD, she is excited to give back to her neurodivergent community in her role as a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub. On her free time, she loves to play the guitar!

EDIA AT SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Antik smiling against backdrop

Antik Dey

Design Research Team Lead

Antik Dey

Design Research Team Lead

Antik Dey is a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy student at OISE. As the Design Research Team Lead for the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access at the School of the Environment project, Antik leverages his previous experience as an educator and design researcher to support his team. Equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access are of particular interest to Antik, who is a student parent himself and has lived experience as a religious minority in a South Asian country. A fun fact about Antik is that he loves to travel and experience diverse cuisines.

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Godwin Paintsil

Design Researcher

Godwin (he/him) is completing his Master of Arts in Music Education here at U of T. Committed to confronting how music and music education reinforce social injustice in students' lived experiences, Godwin is a passionate advocate for music education that is human-specific. As a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub, Godwin seeks to develop his data analysis and coding skills and leverage them to shape policies that promote diversity and inclusion. In his free time, Godwin finds joy in cooking and curating music playlists.

Mari Khan

Design Researcher

Mari (she/her) is double majoring in Art & Art History and GIS (Geographical Information Systems). As a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub Mari hopes to merge her experience in equity and her passion for sustainability. In her spare time, Mari enjoys playing with her cat and exploring libraries.

Nikhita Chopra

Design Researcher

Nikhita (she/her) is a graduate student in the Developmental Psychology & Education program at OISE, researching help-seeking behaviours in BIPOC athletes. Her experience as a varsity rugby athlete sparked her interest in sports psychology, notably in the experiences of marginalized student-athletes. She is enthusiastic about applying a knowledge translation approach at the Innovation Hub and developing her research skills professionally. In her free time, she helps foster dogs, enjoys nature and loves painting!

Sunnie Gong

Design Researcher

Sunnie (she/her) is a Master of Arts student in Curriculum and Pedagogy at OISE. She is interested in exploring the use of human-centric design approaches to create learning environments that are engaging and accommodating of diverse learning approaches. Sunnie is excited to bring her energy to the Innovation Hub and collaborate with fellow students to build a community that is welcoming and inclusive to all. Outside of school, you can often find her coaxing friends into playing board games, rock climbing, or with her nose in a book.

Yulin Fu

Design Researcher

Yulin (he/him) is a UX/UI Designer based in Toronto, blending a keen eye for design with practical tech skills. He crafts user-friendly digital experiences that make everyday interactions smoother. Outside of work, you'll find Yulin exploring the intersection of tech and art.

RECEPTION EXPERIENCES AT HEALTH & WELLNESS

Thaksha smiling against backdrop with trees

Thaksha Krishnagumar

Design Research Team Lead

Thaksha smiling against backdrop with trees

Thaksha Krishnagumar

Design Research Team Lead

Thaksha Krishnagumar (she/her/hers) recently graduated from the Master of Information program, specializing in User Experience Design at UofT. With a background in Mathematics and Linguistics, Thaksha leverages cognitive diversity to understand the variability of human experiences. As Design Research Team Lead for the Health & Wellness front-line service project, Thaksha aspires to understand the variability and expectations of students when navigating and engaging with services and programming at Health & Wellness. Thaksha is excited to advocate for accessible access for students by letting their voices lead the way for innovative design solutions. Aside from work, Thaksha enjoys watching tv shows and listening to music.

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Ethina Emma Islam

Design Researcher

Ethina (she/they) is a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, and minoring in Biology. As a Design Researcher for the Health & Wellness project at the Innovation Hub, she is driven by their desire to create safe and inclusive spaces for all students on campus. A fun fact about them is that she has three lovely cats back at home that she loves dearly.

Gladys Olisaekee

Design Researcher

Gladys (she/her), a second-year Doctor of Public Health (DrPH ) student from Nigeria, is passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Prior to her DrPH, she led projects in rural Nigeria aimed at improving access to primary healthcare services. As a Design Researcher for the Health & Wellness project at the Innovation Hub, she is eager to apply her expertise and background to enrich student experiences at U of T's wellness centres. During her leisure time, Gladys enjoys reading, listening to music, and dancing with her family at home.

Jenny Phung

Design Researcher

Jenny (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student currently pursuing a major in Global Health, Book and Media Studies and a minor in English. As a Design Researcher for the Health & Wellness project at the Innovation Hub, she aims to create a safe and inclusive space and improve campus life for students. Jenny is excited to apply an empathy-based research approach and work with the Innovation Hub. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, watching movies and shows, and spending time with her family and friends.

Obinna Ezeani

Design Researcher

Obinna (he/him) is a Master of Science candidate in Health Informatics. As a Design Researcher for the Health & Wellness project at the Innovation Hub, he will leverage his expertise in digital innovation to conduct design thinking-focused research to improve students experiences at U of T. Beyond work, Obinna spends time listening to music while singing along, especially when on duty as a 'culinary-scientist' in the lab (kitchen), cooking up a storm for a meal.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Amelia smiling against backdrop with trees

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

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Ifrah Iqbal

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Ifrah (she/her) is a first-year Rotman Commerce student planning to specialize in Finance and Economics. She was drawn to the Innovation Hub because of their mission of using integrative problem solving through research to improve the campus life experience. As a community engagement designer, Ifrah hopes to create inclusive spaces for all students. In her free time, she loves to go on walks, listen to music (probably a little too much), and rant about nothing with her friends!

Vanessa Liu

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Vanessa (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student, with a major in Linguistics and double minors in Sociology and East Asian Studies. She is excited about her new role as Community Engagement Designer & Event Coordinator at Innovation Hub this summer. Vanessa is passionate about using student-centered design thinking to enhance the student experience and foster community ties on campus. In her free time, Vanessa loves classical music, which fuels her creativity and passion for her work.

Vincent Lo

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Vincent (he/him) is a Master of Education student at in the Adult Education and Community Development program at OISE. He had previously completed his Honours Bachelor of Science at U of T, double majoring in Psychology and Sociocultural Anthropology. Vincent is passionate about community engagement projects, with extensive experience engaging with diverse communities in his studies and work. In his free time, Vincent enjoys café hopping and trying out different restaurants, his favorite food being Italian cuisines.

Vivian Zhao

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Vivian (she/her) is currently an undergraduate student, studying for her Bachelor of Information. She has various areas of interest. Vivian loves learning different languages. She loves outdoor activities: camping, bonfires, hiking, motorcycles, you name it! Vivian even has a canoe! Besides that, she really loves cooking! She is a very energetic, open-minded, and outgoing person. Vivian is looking forward to learning and gaining a great rewarding learning experience with the Innovation Hub!

DIGITAL STORYTELLING TEAM

Joseph smiling against backdrop

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

GRAPHIC DESIGNER TEAM MEMBERS

Diana Radenko

Design Researcher

Diana (she/her) is an undergraduate student majoring in Book and Media Studies. In her role as Digital Storyteller, she strives to promote the need for clear communication and accessible information for her fellow students. During her free time, she can be found sketching or exploring the campus for new and exciting places to study.

Ethan Wu

Design Researcher

Ethan (Zhenbo) Wu (he/him) is currently a first-year Master of Information – User Experience Design student at U of T. With this background, Ethan has an inclusive and empathic mind not only at work but also day-to-day. Outside of work, Ethan loves travel, photography, and watching films!

Meera Lafir

Design Researcher

Meera (she/her) is usually mastering the delicate dance of being a grad student and a toddler wrangler — a true testament to her superhero-level time management and organizational skills. Meera is currently completing a Master of Information at U of T’s iSchool. So, if you need someone to design your next big thing or tackle a mountain of toys with military precision, reach out to Meera!

Yuki Orita

Design Researcher

Yuki (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Cognitive Science, Computer Science, and Psychology. Believing in the power that visuals hold and being highly interested in students' mental well-being in the university, she decided to work as Graphic Designer at Innovation Hub. During her free time, she enjoys creating digital artwork and playing video games.

BLOG EDITOR & CONTENT WRITER TEAM MEMBERS

Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

Blog Editor & Content Writer

Ajeetha (she/her) is an undergraduate student completing her Psychology specialist and Sociology minor. Combined with an interest in journalism, she knows the value of human-centric stories — their ability to reverberate through society and create meaningful change. As the Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer at the Innovation Hub, she hopes to highlight the stories of students across U of T to better accommodate their needs. In her free time, she likes to watch video essays and play interactive fiction.

Maribeth Tabanera

Blog Editor & Content Writer

Maribeth (siya/sanda/they/she/he) is a Tagalog Aklanon filipinx multi-hyphenate artist, educator, and community organizer born and raised in Treaty 1 (Winnipeg). Maribeth has taught in the public high school system and non-profit world for over a decade. They have presented their work as an educator, choreographer, and DJ at events all over Turtle Island. In November 2023, Maribeth’s work was published in Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing. They are in their first year of their MEd in Social Justice Education at the U of T and working as a freelance artist. They love dancing, collecting vinyl, travelling, and learning. Maribeth is excited to join the team as one of the Blog Editors & Content Writers this summer.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY TEAM MEMBERS

June Huang

Photographer

June (she/her) is a second-year graduate student in Master of Information (UXD concentration) with a previous background in Digital Anthropology. She is a passionate photographer, who considers photography as an extension of ethnography: anywhere could be an ethnographic field with her eyes and her lens. Photos are more like the sparks of her daily research observation, of her curious ethnographic notes. June enjoys videogames, animes, and of course — photography!

Winter Faddick

Videographer

Winter (they/them) is a fourth-year undergraduate student specializing in Cinema Studies. As a videographer and editor, Winter is invested in creating accessible visual content that explores the projects and environments of Innovation Hub. Their research interests are in queer and accessible cinematic form that is conducive to bringing inclusive visual mediums to innovation hub. In their free time, Winter enjoys drawing, video games, and music.

UI/UX TEAM MEMBERS

Brooklin Becker

UI/UX Web Designer

Brooklin (she/her) is an undergraduate student currently completing her Bachelor of Information. Having transitioned to Information from Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, she is adept at navigating socio-technical fields. Recently joining as a UI/UX Web Designer, Brooklin works together with a team of creative individuals to deliver an inclusive user experience to those also passionate about the Innovation Hub. In her free time, Brooklin enjoys spending time with family and her rescue dog, Tootsie Roll.

David James Dimalanta

UI/UX Web Designer

David (he/him), previously an undergraduate Psychology student at U of T, joined the Bachelor of Information program to learn about human-centered design. For his 2023 New-Year’s resolution he taught himself front-end development and has since fallen in love with making websites. In his spare time, he is a Ghibli enthusiast and an amateur potter.

Faiza Imam

UI/UX Web Designer

Faiza (she/her) is currently a third-year Bachelor of Information student at the iSchool with a focus on UX/UI design. She was formerly studying Psychology and Biology in Arts and Science. She joined as a UX/UI Web Designer at the Innovation Hub, hoping to contribute meaningful ideas and solutions to the design team and their vision of accessibility and inclusion. Faiza is passionate about all things design and how to empathize with users to discover novel, innovative and creative solutions! She enjoys painting and reading in her spare time.

Jenny Yang

UI/UX Web Designer

Jenny (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Cognitive Science and Biology. She is passionate about user-centered designs that allow for both intuitive and aesthetically pleasing experiences and is looking forwards to contributing to Innovation Hub's efforts this summer! Outside of school and work, she enjoys trying out new restaurants and cafés, drawing, and playing video games.

Jessica Im

UI/UX Web Designer

Jessica (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate Bachelor of Information student at the U of T's iSchool. She is passionate about solving complex problems through empathy, curiosity, and creativity. As a UI/UX Designer, she hopes to design an engaging and accessible way to learn about the Innovation Hub's impact on campus. In her free time, she hops through various hobbies such as 3D art, reading, crafting, and digital art.

Lauren Law

UI/UX Web Designer

Lauren (she/her) is a Master of Information student specializing in UX Design at U of T. Building on her experience as a Design Researcher, she now applies her insights as a UI/UX Web Designer to strategically improve website usability and accessibility. Outside her professional life, Lauren enjoys visiting amateur comedy shows and planning her Halloween costumes months in advance, as soon as November 1st!

Quang Mai

UI/UX Web Designer

Quang (he/him) is an incoming senior at the Bachelor of Information at U of T, studying UX/UI Design. With his previous research and visual design experiences, he joined the Innovation Hub to create empathic, accessible, and functional digital products in a cross-functional environment. In his free time, he likes to read Wikipedia entries and skim Pinterest for design inspirations.

QUALITATIVE DATA ARCHIVIST TEAM

Ruth sitting on couch

Ruth Rodrigues

Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead

Ruth Rodrigues

Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead

Ruth (she/her) is completing a Master of Education in Social Justice Education at the OISE. She recently completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Critical Equity Studies at U of T. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, Ruth aims to further develop her qualitative research skills while working with the Innovation Hub in their mission to improve student accessibility and inclusion. Some of Ruth’s other interests include animal welfare and developmental policy.

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Chay Park

Qualitative Data Archivist

Chay (she/her) is a fourth-year Math major with minors in Statistics and Economics at U of T. Previously, she honed her skills as an Assistant Product Manager and a Student Research Assistant, where she managed and analyzed data sets. Now stepping into her role as a Qualitative Data Archivist, Chay brings a keen analytical mindset and research experience. Outside of work, Chay enjoys working out and staying active.

Maryam Hassan

Qualitative Data Archivist

Maryam (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student, majoring in Cognitive Science with minors in Computer Science and Digital Humanities. She is interested in the influences technology and humanities have on each other and in knowledge production and transmission. She is excited to bring this interest to her role at the Innovation Hub and to its mission of creating better experiences for U of T students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring the city, and listening to music.

Molly Zhou

Qualitative Data Archivist

Molly (she/her) is an undergraduate student double majoring in Statistics and Environmental Science with a minor in Mathematics. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, she aims to collaborate with the Innovation Hub teams and support student initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and playing squash.