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.

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 Park

Senior Project Assistant

& Communications Lead

Hayley Park

Senior Project Assistant & Communications Lead

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 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 recently joined the team as a Research Lead, overseeing a team of design researchers and their team leads. Before joining Innovation Hub, Lidiia became a published anthropologist, founded the first U of T museum club curating exhibitions and multi-media initiatives, and received the Muldoon-Mosaic Award leading a national team of change-makers in the social justice sector, organizing an educational conference and filming a short documentary.

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia (she/her) recently graduated from the University of Toronto 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 the Research Coordinator and is looking forward to working together with project teams to identify student needs and improve life on campus. In her free time, Amelia can be found rock climbing, playing piano and guitar.

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek (he/him) completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts in both Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Art & Art History at UTM 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 art based on pop culture.

Jueun Kang

Project Assistant

Jueun Kang

Project Assistant

Jueun (she/her) is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Information Degree, specializing in UX/UI, coding and data. With experience as a User Experience designer and President of a student design club, she is passionate about design thinking, product strategy and project management. As a Project Assistant, Jueun is excited to contribute to enhancing student experiences on campus. Outside of work, you'll often find Jueun designing, journaling or running.

EDIA AT SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

EDIA at the School of the Environment Team

Antik Dey

Design Research Team Lead

Antik Dey

Design Research Team Lead

Antik Dey (he/him) 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.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Sunnie Gong

Design Researcher

Sunnie (she/her) is a second year 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 this energy to the iHub 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.

Yi-Hsiu Shen

Design Researcher

Yi-Hsiu (she/her) is a product designer with over 3 years of experience in crafting websites and products for B2C. She brings an accessible and actionable perspective to researching & designing both physical and digital experiences. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Information at the University of Toronto, specializing in user experience design. When she is not designing, you can find her exploring new brunch spots in town, jogging on the street and developing new habits.

Aastha Chakrapani

Design Researcher

Aastha (she/her) is a 3rd year Rotman Commerce student, specializing in Finance & Economics with a Data Science Focus and an Environmental Economics Minor. Passionate about social impact, particularly in the education space, she aims to leverage her skills to drive creative, human-centred, data-driven solutions that enhance the student experience in her role as a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub. Outside of academics and work, she enjoys arts and crafts, having learnt over a dozen forms so far!

Camila Carcache Guas

Design Researcher

Camila (she/her) is a Master of Engineering student in Civil Engineering at U of T. As a Design Researcher for the School of the Environment, Camila leverages her previous Research & Development experience in construction and transportation engineering to support the team. EDIA is especially interesting to Camila, who comes from a Cuban immigrant family and is an international student herself. In her free time, she enjoys reading, journaling, and practicing Pilates.

ENGAGEMENT & BELONGING - STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Engagement & Belonging for Students with Disabilities Team

Nicole Shi

Design Research Team Lead

Nicole Shi

Design Research Team Lead

Nicole Shi (she/her) is a Contemporary Asian Studies graduate at U of T. Realizing that her high-quality education is largely due to the luck of encountering the right people who facilitated her access to resources and support, she is motivated to ensure that equal access to quality education is less dependent on luck and more as an intentional outcome of informed decisions. As a Team Lead, Nicole is so excited to engage in the research field and methods that align so closely with her beliefs. In her free time, Nicole enjoys journalling, doodling, and playing tennis.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Lauren Allen

Design Researcher

Lauren (she/her) is completing her BA in Political Science and Cognitive Science at the 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 into her studies, she looks forward to applying her background in communications and policy development to conduct human-centred research at the Innovation Hub. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her dog.

Alma Mahmuda

Design Researcher

Alma Mahmuda (she/her) is a second-year undergraduate student studying Economics and Math. As a design researcher, she aims 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.

Alena Pulhug

Design Researcher

Alena (she/her) is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Information with a concentration in User Experience Design. As a Design Researcher for the Engagement & Belonging: Students with Disabilities project at the Innovation Hub, she hopes to contribute to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for students at the university. In her free time, you can find Alena hiking in the woods, going to concerts, and exploring the city!

Stella Huang

Design Researcher

Hongying (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information student with a concentration in user experience design. Her past experience focused on marketing, user research, and empathy-based design. As a design researcher at the Innovation Hub, she is passionate about empathizing with users to understand their needs and solve their problems. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and hiking with friends.

RECEPTION EXPERIENCES AT HEALTH & WELLNESS

Thaksha Krishnagumar

Design Research Team Lead

Thaksha Krishnagumar

Design Research Team Lead

Thaksha (she/her/hers) recently graduated from the Master of Information program, specializing in User Experience Design. Coming from a background with a double major in Mathematics & Linguistics, as well as a minor in French, she leverages cognitive diversity to understand the variability of experiences. As a Design Research Team Lead for the Reception Experiences at Health and Wellness Project, she wants to advocate for students by letting their voices lead the way for innovative design solutions. In her spare time, she enjoys watching TV shows and listening to music.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Snigdha Singh

Design Researcher

Snigdha Singh (she/her) is a second-year undergrad majoring in Computer Science and Economics. She is passionate about research, statistics, and uses data-driven insights to enhance student experiences. As a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub, she focuses on improving campus accessibility. In her free time, Snigdha enjoys swimming, watching horror movies, and thrifting.

Rachel Tsang

Design Researcher

Rachel (she/her) is a fourth-year student at U of T pursuing a double major in English and Computer Science. She is interested in improving student experiences on campus through conducting thorough research and implementing solutions. She likes to create various forms of art and media in her free time.

Emma Islam

Design Researcher

Emma Islam (She/They) is a third-year undergraduate student at U of T double majoring in psychology and molecular genetics & microbiology and minoring in biology. Emma is driven by their passion to create safe and inclusive spaces on campus, ensuring all students' voices are heard to make impactful changes. A fun fact about her is that she has an incredibly sweet tooth and is always open to suggestions to try out new dessert places!

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 while improving 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.

BLOG EDITORS & CONTENT WRITERS

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Manuela Mora Castillo

Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer

Manuela Mora Castillo (she/her) is a fourth-year double majoring in Political Science and History. She joined the team as a Blog Editor & Content Writer to oversee and contribute to the creation of the iHub blog, co-leading a team of volunteer writers to generate heartfelt storytelling that focuses on U of T and its members. Outside of work, she is passionate about journalism and the power it holds to transform society and impact individual people, as it can reframe previous knowledge, radically shift one’s perspective, and fundamentally alter one’s cosmovision.

Manavi Goyal

Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer

Manavi (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in the Psychology Specialist, Economics Major & Sociology Minor programs. As a blog editor & content writer at Innovation Hub, she looks forward to writing meaningful, human-centric stories that draw attention to opportunities for student development on campus. She is committed to highlighting student voices to inspire change in her blogs. A fun fact about her is that she loves music and learned to play the guitar and keyboard on her own.

GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

Joseph Lek

Digital Communications Coordinator

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Isabella Joao

Graphic Designer

Isabella Joao (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information Student with a concentration in User Experience Design. She is excited to share how her diverse experiences have shaped her into a versatile and inclusive designer, who is passionate about using design to communicate complex ideas in clear and engaging ways.

Kyla Tang

Graphic Designer

Kyla (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student specializing in architectural design with a minor in urban studies. As a Graphic Designer at the Innovation Hub, she leverages her architectural background to ensure ideas and information are clearly and effectively represented. She is passionate about using her creativity to design graphics that support the Hub’s research and engage the student community with eye-catching and impactful visuals. Beyond work, she enjoys doing nail art at home.

Victoria Opolot

Graphic Designer

Victoria (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Architecture, Landscape & Design at U of T. She was drawn to the Graphic Designer position at the Innovation Hub by her enthusiasm to create accessible, yet evocative designs in a range of mediums. She aspires to be conducive in making transformative impacts on underacknowledged demographics across campus. As an avid globetrotter, Victoria is always on the move, exploring new places and experiences.

Ryan Wong

Graphic Designer

Ryan (he/him) is a Master of Information student with a concentration in UX Design. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies at the University of Toronto. Ryan has experience working in both the graphic design and architecture industry and would like to consolidate his passions into a visual language that is accessible and stylistic, to create meaningful experiences on campus as a Graphic Designer at the Innovation Hub. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, going to concerts, or exploring new restaurants in the city.

Sophia Cadelina

Graphic Designer

Sophia (she/her) is currently in her first year at the University of Toronto and plans to major in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies. As one of the Graphic Designers at the Innovation Hub, Sophia hopes to contribute to cultivating initiatives that improve the student experience. One thing about Sophia is that most of her humor comes from her friends.

Wendy Wan

Graphic Designer - A&S UTQAP

Wendy (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate studying Bioinformatics and Computational Biology & Computer Science but has always had a passion for design. She hopes to learn a lot about human-centred design and working in a supportive team during her time at the Innovation Hub. Wendy loves attending music festivals, exploring new cafes and restaurants, and window shopping.

UI/UX WEB DESIGN TEAM

Lauren Law

UI/UX Team Lead

Lauren Law

UI/UX Team Lead

Lauren (she/her) is a Master of Information student specializing in UX Design. She completed her Bachelors in Cognitive Science and The Study of Religion, with a Minor in Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health. Joining the iHub last September as a Design Researcher and later as a UI/UX Web Designer, she contributed to the successful launch of the new website. Now, as UI/UX Team Lead, she focuses on fostering collaboration and creating meaningful designs. Outside work, Lauren enjoys golfing, biking, and snowboarding with friends.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

David Dimalanta

UI/UX Web Designer

David is previously an undergraduate psychology student at U of T, who joined the Bachelor of Information program to learn about human centred 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.

Emma Sun

UI/UX Web Designer

Emma (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information student concentrating in UX Design. Drawing from her background in branding and illustration, she enjoys telling stories in the experiences she crafts. Emma’s Google history is riddled with eclectic questions. These can range from decoding symbolism in cartoons, to understanding why chia seeds look so vile. That is why she loves UX design, as there are always new questions to ask.

Rebecca Mathews

UI/UX Web Designer

Rebecca (she/her) is a Master of Information student candidate specializing in Human- Centred Data Science (HCDS). Driven by a passion for accessibility and usability, she is excited to apply her skills as a UI/UX Designer at the Innovation Hub, where she aims to enhance campus life through student-centric design. Rebecca is committed to creating an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. In her free time, she enjoys blending physical computing with art to create interactive pieces, crocheting and swimming.

Ray (Jierui) Chen

UI/UX Web Designer

With a background in architectural design and experience in creating immersive websites and innovative products, Jierui (she/her) combines creativity with technical expertise. She excels in media design, artistic expression, and digital media across roles such as designer, project manager, curator, and artist. Her design philosophy emphasizes accessibility, user experience, and accurate information transmission.

Lauren Suna

UI/UX Web Designer

Lauren Suna (she/they) is a first-year Master of Information student specializing in Culture and Technology. With their previous experience revamping the National Association of Japan English Teachers' website while teaching in Japan, they hope to continue creating accessible and engaging designs for the Innovation Hub. In their free time, Lauren enjoys going on hikes, playing music, and exploring Toronto.

PROCESS GUIDES TEAM

Jueun Kang

Project Assistant

Jueun Kang

Project Assistant

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

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. Faiza joined the Innovation Hub as a UX/UI Web Designer and hopes to contribute meaningful ideas and solutions to the design team and their vision for accessibility and inclusion. Faiza is passionate about all things design and empathizing with users to discover novel, innovative and creative solutions! Faiza enjoys painting and reading in her spare time.

Brooklin Becker

UI/UX Web Designer

Brooklin 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 Innovation Hub 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.

AUDIOVISUAL STORYTELLING TEAM

Diana Radenko

AV Storytelling Team Lead

Diana Radenko

AV Storytelling Team Lead

Diana (she/her) is a digital storyteller with a passion for community cultivation through design and creativity. She is currently in her fourth year of undergraduate studies at St. Michael’s College, majoring in Book and Media Studies. Diana strives to direct her team towards solving problems in new ways and fostering connectedness and is excited to bring new projects to life in this role. During her free time, she can be found sketching, writing, or otherwise engaged in creative practice.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Angie Song

Audiovisual Storytelling Assistant

Angie Song (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student completing her Architectural Studies specialist and Art History minor. Angie is interested in discovering connections between creative disciplines, and sociological and psychological fields, and hopes to bring about meaningful changes to the university through innovative design solutions. In her free time, Angie enjoys painting, watching movies and biking through the city.

Azam Mirza

Audiovisual Storytelling Assistant

Azam (he/him) is a first-generation undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, with minors in Philosophy and Applied Statistics. Driven by a strong belief in social justice and equity, Azam appreciates the power of combining real-life stories with empirical research. He is passionate about creation and aims to empower others through digital media. As an Audiovisual Storytelling Assistant at the Innovation Hub, he aspires to highlight the stories of his fellow students in a meaningful, engaging, and captivating way. In his free time, he enjoys watching films and anime, exploring art exhibits, photography, and live streaming himself playing video games.

Amy Dang Phuong

Photographer

Anh (she/her), preferred name Amy, is a second-year student studying Data Science and Computer Science at U of T. With a great enthusiasm for photography inspired by her artistic friends – and an eagerness to force herself out of her comfort zones, broaden her horizons, and become more confident – she decided to join the Innovation Hub. Amy hopes to contribute, get more involved, and make her university experience more diverse. In her spare time, she likes to go out for walks and find inspiration.

Sakura Lee

Videographer

Sakura (she/her) is a third-year student studying Human Resources and Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto. She is excited to contribute as a Videographer at the Innovation Hub where she can leverage her passion for storytelling and visual communication. She enjoys capturing moments that resonate, connecting with audiences, and bringing ideas to life through the art of visual storytelling. A fun fact about Sakura is that she loves collecting Funko Pops and figurines.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

Amelia Di Meo

Research Coordinator

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Ifrah Iqbal

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Ifrah (she/her) is a second-year Rotman Commerce student specializing in Finance and Economics. She was drawn to the Innovation Hub because of their mission of using integrative problem solving through research to improve campus life. 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 too much), and rant about nothing in particular with her friends—sometimes all at once!

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 role as Community Engagement Designer & Event Coordinator at the Innovation Hub. Vanessa is passionate about using student- centred 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.

QUALITATIVE DATA ARCHIVIST TEAM

Katrina Sze Ching Soong

Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead

Katrina Sze Ching Soong

Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead

Katrina (she/her) is in a fourth-year English and Philosophy double major and a History minor. As the Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, she aims to further develop her skills in qualitative research to improve student experiences. Some of Katrina's other interests include crocheting and playing stardew valley.

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Chay Park

Qualitative Data Archivist

Chay (she/her) is in her final year pursuing a major in Mathematics with a double minor in Statistics and Economics at the University of Toronto. She has returned to the Innovation Hub for the Fall and Winter semesters, continuing her role as a Qualitative Data Archivist. Chay valued her experience over the summer and is now excited to work with more datasets while supporting new team members. Outside of work, Chay enjoys going to the gym and watching Netflix.

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.

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 relationships between technology, culture, and 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.

Daivi Shah

Qualitative Data Archivist

Daivi Shah (she/her) is a sophomore studying Economics at the University of Toronto, with interests in Applied Data Science and Psychology. Drawn to the Innovation Hub by its student-led impact, she now works as a Qualitative Data Archivist. Daivi is excited to support Design Researchers and dive into deep data analysis, all while making a difference for her peers. Outside of work and school, she’s happiest at the beach.

Cat Amoguis

A&S UTQAP Qualitative Data Archivist

Catherine (she/her) is a fourth-year Criminology and History undergraduate student. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, she is interested in supporting the Innovation Hub's mission to improve student initiatives and acknowledge the campus' student voices. She enjoys curating playlists and taking leisurely walks.

Abby Mathews

A&S UTQAP Qualitative Data Archivist

Abby (she/her) is in her first year of the Master of Health Science in Translational Research. She is excited to bring her background on data analysis and qualitative research to the team and create the best student experience for those at U of T. Outside of work, Abby loves to spend time with her friends and explore Toronto.

Breanna Lachmanen

A&S UTQAP Qualitative Data Archivist

Breanna (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student, double majoring in Criminology and Philosophy. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, she aims to gain insight into how qualitative data informs design thinking and creativity. She is also interested in contributing to a vibrant research community on campus and connecting with peers. In her free time, Breanna enjoys doing reformer pilates and going shopping!

Beatrice Ng

A&S UTQAP Qualitative Data Archivist

Beatrice (she/her) is an undergraduate student majoring in Economics, with a focus on Data Analytics and Political Science. She joined the Innovation Hub as an A&S UTQAP Qualitative Data Archivist, with an interest in using data analysis and research to help others solve problems. Beatrice aims to use this passion and expertise to help improve the U of T student experience. During her free time, she enjoys strolling around museums, shopping, and painting.

A&S UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESS (UTQAP) TEAM

Ruth Rodrigues

A&S UTQAP Research Lead & Team Coordinator

Ruth Rodrigues

A&S UTQAP Research Lead & Team Coordinator

Ruth (she/her) is a graduate student completing a Master of Education in Social Justice Education at OISE, with a specialization in Development, Policy, and Power. She started at the Innovation Hub in 2022 as a Qualitative Data Archivist, later becoming the Team Lead. As UTQAP Research Lead & Program Coordinator, Ruth is excited to share her passion for applied research and guide work-students on how to make practical use of their research skills.

TEAM COORDINATORS

Yunika Liu

A&S UTQAP Team Coordinator

Yunika Liu (she/her) is a Team Coordinator and is a fourth year Psychology Specialist. She is most passionate about people-centred research, especially when exploring social exclusions. As a Team Coordinator, she is excited about working on a big team and learning as much as she can from the people around her. When not in school, Yunika loves dancing and figure skating.

Chelsea Wang

A&S UTQAP Team Coordinator

Chelsea Wang (She/her) is a fourth-year student studying International Relations, Sociology, and East Asian Studies. Joining the Innovation Hub as a UTQAP Team Coordinator, she hopes to promote a student-centric approach and enhance student experiences in the Arts & Science Faculty. As a student pursuing studies of society, she is excited to explore other's stories. In her spare time, she likes to play volleyball and explore cafes in Toronto.

Gianluca Mandarino

A&S UTQAP Team Coordinator

Gianluca is a graduate student studying Public Policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. As the UTQAP Team Coordinator, Gianluca is responsible for managing his team, as well as leading them throughout the entirety of their project. Formerly a research assistant in the Department of Sociology, he is thrilled to apply the skills he has gained in teamwork and leadership. He is also very passionate about building a better student experience and helping to create safer spaces for students across campus. Outside of work, Gianluca loves to play sports, read, and spend time with friends.

Nejat Ahmed

A&S UTQAP Team Coordinator

Nejat (she/her) is in her final year of her undergraduate studies, majoring in Criminology & Sociolegal Studies with minors in History and Political Science. Stepping into the Team Coordinator position, she finds the student-driven research at the Innovation Hub to be crucial for improving university life for students, and hopes to support both the process and her peers. In her free time, she can be found either playing video games or catching up with friends.

QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYST TEAM

Hazel Guan

A&S UTQAP Quantitative Data Analyst

Hazel (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Statistics and Quantitative Biology at the University of Toronto. As a Quantitative Data Analyst at the Innovation Hub, she aims to gain hands-on experience in data cleaning, analysis, and survey design to help her team find effective solutions. She’s passionate about finding trends and uncovering insights to understand student perspectives. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the city, spending time with friends, and snowboarding in the winter.

Willis Zambo Zambo

A&S UTQAP Quantitative Data Analyst

Willis Yorick Zambo Zambo (he/him), is a third-year student studying Economics, Statistics and Math. He’s excited to help foster a forward-looking, data-driven approach to enhancing the student experience. He especially appreciates the emphasis on passion and collaboration in conjunction with innovation. In his spare time, he plays basketball and football, and also collects fragrances. Willis is excited to join the Innovation Hub team this year!

Alaina Hu

A&S UTQAP Quantitative Data Analyst

Alaina Hu (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Economics and minoring in Statistics and Psychology. She is excited to combine her passion for using data to solve problems with her interest in enhancing the student experience as a Quantitative Data Analyst. Outside of work and school, she loves trying new restaurants around the city.

Anushikha Joshi

A&S UTQAP Quantitative Data Analyst

Anushikha (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Physics and Mathematics with minors in Statistics and Computer Science. As a Quantitative Data Analyst at the Innovation Hub, she is excited to apply her data skills to meaningful projects and make data-driven decisions. Outside of school, she loves cycling and hiking. A fun fact about her is that she is a proud guinea pig mom to Boba and Mochi!

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & PLANNING TEAM

Hiren Jain

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Hiren Jain (he/him) is a third-year student in the Rotman Commerce program with focuses in Data Science and Strategy and a minor in Economics. He is excited to be working at the Innovation Hub as a design researcher to help improve student experiences at the university.

Fatir Hameed

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Fatir (he/him) is a fourth-year student enrolled in Industrial Relations, Political Science and Sustainability. He is looking forward to understanding the student experience on campus better to reciprocate to the university and the community. In his free time, he can be found either reading a history book, or playing soccer at the back campus.

Mona Ni

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Hao Mona (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information student specializing in Human- Centred Data Science. With a strong background in Statistics and Economics from her undergraduate studies at U of T, she is passionate about leveraging data to drive meaningful change and creating impactful, student-focused solutions. Outside of her academic and research endeavours, Mona enjoys dancing, teaching others to dance, and participating in group performances and competitions.

CENTRE FOR DRAMA, THEATRE & PERFORMANCE TEAM

Mari Khan

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Mari (she/her) is majoring in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She is interested in using design research methods to improve spaces for students. Mari enjoys spending time with her cat and exploring libraries. She also used to enjoy hotpot but is now looking for a new food to over consume for the new school year.

Maris Lambie

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Blake Maris (she/her) is a student in the Critical Studies in Equity & Solidarity program at U of T, with a passion for Disability Studies and Mad Studies. She is committed to challenging ableism and advocating for mental health justice through an intersectional lens. As a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub, she aims to contribute to inclusive research and policies. In her spare time, Maris enjoys painting and spending time with her cats.

Maggie Zhang

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Maggie (she/her) is a third-year student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a Specialist in Statistics focusing on Social Psychology. Passionate about data analysis and exploring today’s social and environmental environment, Maggie aims to combine these fields to generate meaningful insights. Outside of academics, she is a huge dog lover and a big music fan!

CINEMA STUDIES INSTITUTE TEAM

Yunding Ye

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Yunding Ye (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information student specializing in User Experience Design. Currently, she is a UTQAP Design Researcher for the Department of Cinema Studies, where she applies her passion for creating intuitive and impactful user experiences. When not immersed in design projects, you'll find Yunding playing badminton, singing, or getting lost in a novel. She loves blending creativity with technical skills to bring innovative solutions to life in the digital world.

Andrea Crocce

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Andrea (she/her) is in her fourth year studying Economics with Data Analytics, Art History and Classics. This year at Innovation Hub, she will be UTQAP Design Researcher, which she wanted to join to learn more about research and meet new people! A fun fact about Andrea is that she played the piano for ten years and loves animated TV shows!

Ali Castillo Armijos

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Ali (he/him) is an undergraduate student at U of T pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Economics. Originally from Machala, Ecuador, he is passionate about developing inclusive policies that drive social mobility, inspiring him to work with the Innovation Hub. As a Design Researcher, Ali is excited to contribute to projects at the Cinema Studies Institute. Outside work, he enjoys playing the piano, cooking, and swimming.

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS TEAM

Narges Nezhad

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Narges (she/her) is excited about using empathy-driven research to enhance student experiences and create a more inclusive campus environment. With a background in Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics, Narges loves diving into data through research to uncover the stories that matter most to U of T students. Outside of work, you'll find Narges experimenting with new computer languages, exploring Toronto's hidden gems, or planning the next boating adventure!

Zoe Lambert

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Zoe is currently completing a Master of Health Science in Translational Research at the University of Toronto, where Zoe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Evolutionary Anthropology with a minor in Medical Anthropology. Zoe’s research interests are in patient/client experience, communication and outreach, and health equity, which aligns with the Innovation Hub's core interests to improve student experiences at the University of Toronto. In Zoe’s free time, Zoe enjoys creative activities, including art, knitting, and baking.

Yashi Sharma

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Yashasvi (she/her) is pursuing her double major in Human Geography and Environmental Studies with certifications in Business Fundamentals and Sustainability. Her interests lie in the domain of policy making and research for an environmentally inclined future whilst making dynamic models for innovative business solutions. Outside of school, she likes to swim, hangout with friends and try out new places to eat.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY TEAM

Elena (Wenyue) Xue

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Wenyue (she/her) is a Master of Information student specializing in UX Design at the University of Toronto. With a background in education, she is passionate about understanding user behavior and designing intuitive, user- centred solutions. Her enthusiasm for innovation and desire to make a meaningful impact drive her to contribute creatively to the Innovation Hub. In her spare time, she loves playing badminton, cooking, and building islands in Animal Crossing.

Rona Mohsini

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Rona Mohsini (she/her) is a third-year Anthropology and Philosophy student. She is passionate about the Innovation Hub's “for-students-with-students” initiatives that bring positive change to the campus community, with students involved and at the center of every project. She is excited to offer her diverse skills and experiences as an A&S UTQAP Design Researcher this year. When it's time to unwind, Rona enjoys making 3D wood puzzles and Lego structures as she listens to music.

Erum Ahmed

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Erum (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychology and Political Science. As a UTQAP Design Researcher, she is excited to use a human- centred approach to research and improve student experiences on campus. In her free time, Erum loves to travel and explore new cities.

DAVID A. DUNLAP DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS TEAM

Yi Liu

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Yi Liu (she/her) is pursuing a Master of Information with a focus on User Experience Design at the University of Toronto. With a bachelor's degree in interior design, she applies user- centred design principles to integrate spatial and digital design, creating innovative solutions. Yi is excited to join the Innovation Hub and collaborate with the team to make the school experience more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Ben Ginzberg

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Ben (he/him) is a Design Researcher at the Innovation Hub. A designer of accessible products and experiences, he is in his first year in the Master of Information program to grow his skills in design research and solving human-centric problems. At the Innovation Hub, Ben hopes to identify opportunities of improvement within campus experience to provide a more accessible experience for students. Outside of work, Ben enjoys using his creativity through photography, writing, and performing arts.

Sanya Chawla

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Sanya (she/her) is a current student at the University of Toronto, St. George, pursuing a BSc in Computer Science. Gadgets have always been a central part of her life, and she is passionate about helping people create change through technology. When she’s not running code, you’ll find her running through the streets of Toronto training for her next marathon.

SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT TEAM

Hailey Shim

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Hailey Shim (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Statistics and Economics with a minor in Computer Science. As a researcher this year, her goal is to listen to and learn from students' thoughts and stories, then deliver meaningful insights to the faculty. Hailey believes many student experiences remain uncovered, and she aims to gather as many as possible to conduct impactful analysis that will improve the campus environment. As a fellow student, she is eager to understand, empathize with, and passionately convey the voices of her peers!

Farah Mikati

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Farah (she/her) is a fourth year Mathematics and Statistics double major and Computer Science minor student. She is interested in applying technical and design research skills to a meaningful project and she hopes to amplify her skills at the Innovation Hub. For fun, she enjoys training in Muay Thai/Kickboxing and reading a lot of books.

Ethan Tsang

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Ethan (He/Him) is a 4th year undergraduate student double majoring in Sociology and Political Science. As a design researcher at the Innovation Hub, Ethan looks forward to further developing his skills in data analysis, and seeks to aid in the efforts of the Innovation Hub to improve the quality of the student experience at U of T. In his free time, he enjoys reading and listening to music.

DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY & EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY TEAM

Charlotte Rahme

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Charlotte Rahme (she/her) is a CDP student in the Master of Museum Studies and Master of Information, Human Centred Data Science program. As a Design Researcher, she is passionate about utilizing data to advocate for community needs. Charlotte frequently visits museums while considering the ways data can support heritage spaces. She is an archer, writer, and nature enthusiast.

Munshatia Merry

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Munshatia (she/her) is a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. She is passionate about empathy-driven projects and looks forward to collaborating with iHub researchers to enhance the U of T student experience. Her interests include exploring design-thinking to improve data analysis and user experience in manufacturing processes. In her free time, Munshatia enjoys reading books and watching crime-fiction movies.

David Diagneault

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

David (he/him) is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in International Relations and Peace, Conflict, and Justice, with a minor in Economics. His interdisciplinary background fuels his passion for applying research insights to advance the iHub's mission. With strong experience in climate policy and conflict studies research, David is eager to deepen his expertise in research design and immerse himself further in the research process. David is also committed to giving back to the school community. A fun fact about him is that he is passionate about making coffee and specialty drinks!

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY TEAM

Harish Shankar

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Harish (he/him) is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Engineering Science in the Machine Intelligence option with a minor in Business. Passionate about the Innovation Hub's mission, he hopes to develop human-centred, equitable solutions for students across the university, taking from his experience in engineering design. Outside of school, he enjoys swimming, reading, and watching movies.

Danish Ahmed Bombal

A&S UTQAP Design Researcher

Danish is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Statistics and Economics with a focus in Data Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. As an aspiring analyst, he is eager to apply his analytical expertise and passion for finance, especially in private equity and financial technology, at the Innovation Hub. Outside of academics, he enjoys reading books, working out, embarking on road trips with friends, and discovering new restaurants. Also, he is a chai lover!