LEADERSHIP TEAM
Julia Allworth
Manager, Innovation Projects
Tiffany Cao
Research Lead
Paul Kaita
Senior Project Assistant
Cheryl Nong
Research Coordinator
Summer Tang
Digital Communications Coordinator
Summer 2023
Qualitative Data Archivist |
Ruth Rodrigues – Qualitative Data Archivist Team LeadRuth (she/her) is a graduate student completing a Masters of Education in Social Justice Education at OISE. She recently completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Critical Equity Studies at the University of Toronto. As a Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, 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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Emily Su – Qualitative Data ArchivistEmily Su is a third-year undergrad student studying statistics, computer science, and mathematics. She has been involved in social good projects and is interested in using technology and data to make an impact. Not only is she excited to learn more about data coding and empathy-based research, but she is also looking forward to making positive changes to the university with the Innovation Hub. In her free time, Emily enjoys taking gymnastics and dance classes.
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Elwin Varughese – Qualitative Data ArchivistElwin taught in a low income private school as a Teach for India fellow and completed the fellowship in 2018. After, he did Master of Arts in Education from India, focusing on research in understanding school leadership in challenging contexts. Currently, he’s doing his Masters in Education in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy. In his free time, he loves to read graphic novels, draw comic strips and play video games.
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Katrina Soong – Qualitative Data ArchivistKatrina is a third-year undergraduate student doing a double major in Philosophy and English and a minor in History. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, she is hoping to apply her skills in research, specifically from History to better understand student experiences. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, reading, photography and spending time with her friends.
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Maxine Ramos – Qualitative Data ArchivistMaxine (she/they) is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Information at UofT iSchool. Her academic focus lies in the field of User Experience Design, with a particular interest in User Research. As a Qualitative Data Archivist, Maxine is eager to develop and apply her qualitative research skills. She is committed to promoting accessibility and inclusivity for all students and aims to create welcoming spaces for them. In her free time, Maxine enjoys reading, listening to music, and going thrifting.
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Sarah Deforest – Design Researcher - Existing DataSarah is an upper year undergraduate studying public health and anthropology. She credits the latter for her love of ethnography and inspiring her to work at the Innovation Hub this summer! She also loves podcasts, particularly 99% Invisible and The Anthropocene Reviewed.
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Communications |
Summer Tang – Digital Communications CoordinatorSummer (she/her) is an aspiring UX Designer, currently in her final year at Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto, specializing in Marketing. She is also pursuing her studies in User Experience Design at OCAD University to further develop her skills in the field. Summer believes that good design is a powerful leverage that connects people together, and she is dedicated to creating accessible, responsive and meaningful design materials and user experiences as the Digital Communications Coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys expressing her thoughts through illustration, and she loves to spend time with her cats!
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Amy Wang – Design Researcher - Annual ReportAmy is a Master of Information student, completing double concentrations in User Experience Design and Information Systems & Design. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology and loves social and cognitive psychology research. Amy is interested in applying her search skills to improve students’ campus life. Outside of school and work, she plays badminton, goes to shoppings.
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William Li – Design Researcher - Annual ReportAs a Design Researcher, William combines practical experience with a storytelling and iterative design approach. In their second year of undergraduate studies, aspiring to be an Interior Designer, he integrates research-driven methods for impactful, sustainable spaces. Inspired by democratic design, William aims to create empathetic, accessible, and affordable spaces that bring people together. Outside work, he explores new technology, diverse culinary experiences, and looks to reach new heights in rock climbing, pushing boundaries in design and outdoor adventures.
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Doria Fu – Digital StorytellerDoria is a first-year Master of Information student majoring in User Experience Design. She has a passion for understanding how human’s thoughts and human’s minds work. As a digital storyteller with the Communications team, Doria aims to leverage her program knowledge to craft engaging digital content for the entire UofT community. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the city she lives in, trying new restaurants, and playing video games
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Hazel He – Digital StorytellerHazel is a first-year student at iSchool in the Master of Information program with the concentration in User Experience Design. Hazel loves to integrate her experience in digital marketing and website design with her passion for human-centred design to enhance the projects in the Innovation Hub. Outside of school and work, she likes playing different kinds of sports, watching drama, cooking and travelling.
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Kshitij Anand – Digital StorytellerKshitij is a Digital Storyteller at the Innovation Hub, pursuing a Masters in Information with a focus on User Experience Design. He leverages his creative storytelling skills to effectively communicate complex ideas and innovations. With a passion for creating meaningful connections between technology and users, he contributes his expertise to cross-functional teams, crafting compelling narratives. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, exploring hiking trails, and experimenting with new recipes.
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Tehseen Sarwar – Digital StorytellerTehseen is going into her fourth year specializing in Architecture and majoring in Environmental Studies. As an architecture student, Tehseen understands the importance of relaying important information visually, and wishes to use her skills to excel in her position as a digital storyteller. Tehseen is passionate about helping undergraduate students navigate and optimize their university experience as much as possible, especially as many undergraduate students including herself started university remotely. Outside of school and work, Tehseen enjoys watching movies, reading, and drawing.
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Britney Doopan – PhotographerBritney is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience with a double minor in Psychology and French. With a dad who worked as a wedding videographer and photographer, she was exposed to cameras at a young age. Through this, she developed an appreciation for capturing special moments and people in time and using photography as a means of communication. She is an enthusiastic member of the Innovation Hub and looks forward to capturing the people, life, and spirit around campus.
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Community Animation |
Cheryl Nong – Research CoordinatorCheryl recently completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in psychology and neuroscience at UofT. As both a scientist and a storyteller, she's always been interested in the intersections of lived experience and empirical research. After working in student organizations throughout undergrad to make the university community more accessible, inclusive, and fun, she's now excited to bring her experience in mentorship and community engagement to support the Innovation Hub team as Research Coordinator. Outside of the Innovation Hub, you can find her writing, listening to music, and experimenting in the kitchen, sometimes all at once.
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Hailing Zhang – Design Researcher & Community AnimatorHailing Zhang (she/her) is a Master of Information student specializing in user experience design. As an empathetic UX researcher and designer, she translates insights into design decisions for user-centred solutions. She has a passion for inclusive spaces and joins iHub to connect with people and contribute to impactful experiences. Beyond work, Hailing enjoys exploring the world through travel and indulging in scuba diving adventures.
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Lois Lee – Design Researcher & Community AnimatorLois is a first-year Master of Information student, specializing in User Experience Design. She completed her undergraduate degree in Media Studies at UofT, while participating in several student leadership opportunities. Drawing on these past experiences and her ongoing interests in accessibility, Lois strives to collaboratively enhance the vibrancy of the Innovation Hub community by uplifting diverse perspectives and experiences. Outside of school and work, she enjoys painting, (discreetly) writing poetry, and watching films.
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Shahzad Panthaki – Design Researcher & Community AnimatorShahzad is currently a fourth year undergraduate student studying Economics, Psychology and Statistics. Passionate about data and people he found his motivation to join iHub through his interest for creating a diverse and equitable community with a design thinking approach. He finds joy in singing and playing the guitar and also holds a black-belt in karate!
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Yuhuang Lin – Design Researcher & Community AnimatorHello, my name is Yuhuang Lin, and I am a master's student studying User Experience Design at the University of Toronto. I'm passionate about using design to solve real-world problems, following human-centered principles. I specialize in user testing and research, gaining deep insights into user needs. With a collaborative spirit, I thrive in team projects. Outside of work, I enjoy sports and fitness for a balanced lifestyle. My goal is to be a empathetic UX designer, optimizing products for seamless user experiences.
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Commuter Student Spaces |
Amelia Di Meo – Design Research Team LeadAmelia 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 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.
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Annika Yang – Design ResearcherAnnika Yang is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Industrial Engineering. She is eager to explore how engineering design principles create real interpersonal impact: particularly how technical knowledge can be applied to more nebulous, humanitarian issues. She thoroughly resonates with the iHub's focus on empathy-centric design. Outside of school, Annika enjoys creative writing, music-making, and mulling over number puzzles.
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Jenny Phung – Design ResearcherJenny is a third-year student currently pursuing a major in Global Health, Book and Media Studies and a minor in English. As a design researcher, 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.
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Thaksha Krishnagumar – Design ResearcherThaksha (she/her/hers) is a first-year Master of Information student specializing in User Experience Design. Coming from a background in Mathematics and Linguistics, she leverages cognitive diversity to understand the variability of experiences. As a Design Researcher for the Commuter Student Spaces Project at the Innovation Hub, 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.
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Vivian Zhao – Design ResearcherVivian is a student from the faculty of information iSchool at UofT! Currently she is studying Bachelor of Information. She has various areas of interest. She loves learning different languages. She loves outdoor activities as well as camping, bonfire, hiking, motorcycles, you name it! SHe actually has a canoe! Besides that, She is really good at cooking! Vivian is very energetic, open-minded, outgoing person. Looking forward to learning and gaining great rewarding learning experience with Innovation hub!
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International Student First 48 Hours
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Grace Tsaousidis – Design ResearcherGrace is an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in anthropology and political science and a minor in urban studies. She will be joining Innovation Hub as a design researcher.
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Hannah Katherine – Design ResearcherHannah (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student specializing in Literature and Critical theory. She is double minoring in French, and Creative Expressions in Society, as well as completing a certificate in Sustainability. As a design researcher, Hannah is excited to working with fellow students to help improve connectivity and accessibility in the U of T community. During her free time, Hannah likes to explore the city and natural environments with her camera – she especially loves taking lots of pictures of mischievous squirrels.
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Jahnavi Seth – Design ResearcherJahnavi is a current Master of Information student pursuing the UX Design concentration and she is excited to join as a Design researcher for “International Students First 48 Hours in Canada!” project. She is looking forward to learning more about design research and analysis and helping create a better campus experience for all students. She has a sweet tooth and loves to bake. You can find her binge-watching anime/movies/TV shows in her free time.
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William Wu – Design ResearcherWilliam is a fourth-year student pursuing a management degree with a focus on innovation and strategy. He aim to use design thinking and human-centered design to create effective and sustainable solutions.
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