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

Chayan Anand
Project Assistant

SUPPORTING STUDENT LEADERS TO CREATE CHANGE

Maxine Ramos
Design Research Team Lead

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Rohan Aslam

Design Researcher

Rohan (he/him) is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, studying Communication, Culture, Information & Technology (CCIT) and Computer Science. As a Design Researcher, he loves to work alongside the people he is designing for to create human-centered solutions that address real challenges. Rohan is passionate about uncovering user experiences through research and presenting insights and data through analysis and visualizations. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding and playing soccer.

April Li

Design Researcher

April (she/her) is a Master's student at OISE completing her degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. She is passionate about using research and storytelling to support student voices. In particular, April is excited to work with and interview students from diverse backgrounds to help make U of T a more inclusive, supportive place. Outside of school, you can catch her hunting down the best croissants and donuts in Toronto— she has a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for bakeries.

Kubra Nur Saykili

Design Researcher

Kubra (she/her) is a fourth-year Cognitive Science student with minors in Mathematics and Statistics. She is curious about how people make decisions and how their surroundings shape those choices. At the Innovation Hub, Kubra is excited to explore how research can inform better support systems and create space for meaningful engagement. She values connecting data with lived experiences to make research more relevant and impactful. Outside of school, she enjoys archery and watching video essays.

Ruyi Zhang

Design Researcher

Ruyi (she/her) is a first-year Master of Information student at the University of Toronto, specializing in User Experience Design. She joined the Innovation Hub as a design researcher to better understand student voices and apply empathy-driven, human-centered design to support inclusive campus experiences. She is especially interested in how thoughtful design can support inclusion and well-being in educational spaces. Outside of school, she enjoys travelling, spending time with her cat, and exploring tarot.

Harish Shankar

Qualitative Data Archivist

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-centered, equitable solutions for students across the university, taking from his experience in engineering design. Outside of school, he enjoys swimming, reading, and watching movies.

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Blossom Kalu-Otisi

Graphic Designer

Blossom (she/her) is going into her fourth year of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology (CCIT) with minors in Computer Science and Psychology. She is a graphic designer at the Innovation Hub and decided to work here to build on her creative thinking skills and connect with others in her field. Outside of work and school, Blossom enjoys watching movies, painting, and journaling.

Bela Wong

Graphic Designer

Bela (she/ her) is an incoming fourth year student double majoring in Art and Art History and Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology (CCIT). She was interested in the Graphic Design role at iHub because she wants to expand her graphic designs skills and create impact, while also joining a community that embraces engagement and curiosity as essential parts of a designer's learning journey. By joining the Innovation Hub, she strives to use her design thinking, project management, and communication skills with a big focus on accessibility, empathy, and consistency to transform student experiences into meaningful positive impact. In her free time, she can be found doing some sketching, painting, reading, or writing her very own stories.

Mona Urata

UI/UX Web Designer

Mona (she/her) is a Bachelor of Information (BI) student at the University of Toronto specializing in UI/UX Design and Information Systems. She made the switch to design because she wanted to make technology feel more intuitive, inclusive, and human. At the Innovation Hub, Mona works as a UX/UI Web Designer, guided by a design philosophy rooted in accessibility, intentionality, and clarity. In her free time, she is often testing new recipes or cafe-hopping around Toronto.

Becky Wong

UI/UX Web Designer

Becky (she/her) is a first-year Bachelor of Information (BI) student who is dedicated to creating meaningful, user-centered digital experiences that balance aesthetics and functionality. With a background in research, she specializes in diving into user thinking and information technology that solves real user problems. Outside of work, she actively explores digital design trends from brands, social media, and derives inspiration from different mediums such as illustration and nail design.

Thadseja Perinpanesan

Photographer

Thadseja (she/her) a first-year student at the University of Toronto Scarborough studying Psychology and Neuroscience! She loves the creative industry and picked up photography as a hobby in her early years. The photographer position at Innovation Hub encouraged her to take this hobby outside of her comfort zone. In her free time, Thadseja enjoys reading, drawing, and spending time with her family. She hopes to bring mental health accessibility for minority communities across the city.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM

SEE TEAM MEMBERS

Angelina Kim

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Angelina (she/her) is currently a student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a BCOM with a focus in finance, data science and marketing with a minor in economics. Armed with previous experience tied to campus life at Global Research and Consulting (GRC) and Rotman Commerce Arts Group (RCAG), Angelina is committed to crafting a vibrant, bustling student experience through Innovation Hub events. Outside of work, Angelina can be found engaging in the creative arts: drawing, writing and reading.

Jenny Phung

Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator

Jenny (she/her) is currently pursuing a double major in Global Health and Book and Media Studies, a minor in English and Certificate in Sustainability. As a Community Engagement Designer & Event Facilitator at the Innovation Hub, she aims to create a safe and inclusive space for students. Jenny is excited to apply an empathy-based 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.