Alex is entering his fifth year, with a double major in Cell & Molecular Biology and Immunology. He is passionate about cancer immunotherapies or how cells interact with one another to develop into different tissues. He is excited about meeting and answering questions from the MED YSP students, with a belief that that all academic questions are valuable. Prior to MED YSP, Alex had been working as a student staff at the University of Toronto to help incoming/undergraduate students. If you have any questions about school resources, feel free to ask him! Outside of academics, Alex enjoys playing video games with friends or relaxing in the sunlight on a sunny day. 

Alice is entering her third year of undergraduate studies, specializing in Molecular Biology. One of her favourite things about the Med YSP program is how it gives students the chance to explore a wide range of interdisciplinary areas in science. She's excited to share her passion for science through fun teaching moments and hands-on lab activities. When she's not in the lab, you can probably find her playing pickleball or binge-watching Schitt’s Creek (again)!  

Amber is entering her fifth year at the University of Toronto specializing in Health & Disease and majoring in Cell & Molecular Biology. She is most looking forward to connecting and inspiring students passionate about studying life sciences as well as share her experiences. When she’s not working in the lab, she enjoys watching Formula 1, learning new languages, and pilates.  

Anka is entering her third year at the University of Toronto, double majoring in Physiology and Cell & Molecular Biology. As a former MED YSP student, Anka is so excited to give back to the program that inspired her to pursue the sciences. She is especially looking forward to the hands-on activities and helping students develop their lab skills! Aside from academics, Anka plays the clarinet, enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and never forgets to extend her streak on Duolingo. 

Anu has just completed her undergraduate degree with a double major in Immunology and Health & Disease. She loves everything immunology and has a special interest in maternal immunity and regenerative medicine.  She is excited to connect with students and share her passion for science to inspire the next generation. When she’s not on campus, she enjoys hanging out with her dog, listening to music and going to concerts.

André is entering his fourth year, pursuing a double major in Molecular Genetics& Microbiology and Fundamental Genetics& Its Applications, as well as a minor in Computer Science. He looks forward to inspiring the next generation of scientists with the same excitement and passion that sparked his love for the sciences as a child! When not coding or spending time on the lab bench, you can find André watching sports such as Formula 1 and baseball, or finding new placesto eat with his friends! 

Braydon has just completed his undergraduate degree in the biochemistry specialist program. With a passion for biochemistry, he is excited to pass along the tools, knowledge, and lab skills acquired over the past 4 years to the young aspiring scientists of MED YSP this summer. When not studying or in a lab, you can find Braydon watching or playing hockey, listening to music, out with friends, or frustratingly trying to complete the daily New York Times games 

Erin is starting her fourth year at UofT, studying a double major in Nutritional Sciences and Health & Disease. She is very excited to share her love for learning in the life sciences to students and hopefully inspire future scientists. Erin has an interest in nutrition and youth health research as a focus for her studies. When she isn’t in school, she enjoys exploring museums, discovering new cafés, building Lego sets, and collecting little stuffed animals.  

Hema is entering her fourth year at UTSG, double majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics, with a minor in Immunology. She is most excited to share her interdisciplinary knowledge and skills with young, eager scientists, hoping to inspire and encourage the next generation of students through exciting labs! Outside of the classroom, Hema enjoys listening to music, going to concerts, and playing volleyball 🙂 

Javid has graduated from the University of Toronto, completing a double major in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, and a minor in Immunology. He was an instructor in 2024 as well, and as a returning instructor he is excited to share the knowledge he has gained throughout his degree in a laboratory setting, from an interdisciplinary perspective. Since his childhood, Javid has kept busy with professional swimming and also greatly enjoys oil painting – not to mention his commitment to language-learning, now reaching 5 languages.  

Landon is heading into his fifth year at the University of Toronto, studying Pathobiology, Biochemistry, and Science, Technology, and Society. This is his third summer as a MED YSP instructor, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to be back, ready to spark curiosity, share knowledge, and help build a program that’s as exciting as it is unforgettable! When he’s not in the lab or the classroom, you’ll find him playing hockey or solving crosswords/connections puzzles! 

Mads is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Forensic Biology specialist program. As a former MedYSP student, Mads is excited to help create an exciting and inspiring learning experience as an instructor! They are especially looking forward to facilitating hands-on student exploration of their scientific interests. In their free time, Mads can be found sharpening their fencing skills or trying out a new recipe. 

Melissa is entering her fifth year at the University of Toronto Mississauga, double majoring in Biology for Health Sciences and Psychology, with a minor in Biomedical Communications. Melissa looks most forward to meeting the bright and creative students of MED YSP and giving them a fun and educational experience this summer. Outside of the lecture hall, Melissa loves to sing, read, and journal to her heart’s content. 

Stella is entering her fourth year at UofT pursuing a double major in biochemistry and human biology, and a minor in psychology. As a MED YSP instructor, she is very excited to create a fun learning experience for everyone, to share her love for science, and to inspire future scientists. Outside of the classroom, you can find her binging sitcoms (Modern Family is her current favourite), reading, or exploring different cafes! 

Ziad is entering his third year at UofT, pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Immunology. As a MED YSP instructor, he’s excited to help students explore many branches of life science in a hands-on, engaging environment. He’s especially looking forward to learning from the students—gaining new perspectives, fresh questions, and insights that deepen his own understanding while supporting theirs. Outside of academics, Ziad enjoys staying active by playing soccer and pickleball, and going for runs. He’s also passionate about student mentorship and mental wellness, and actively volunteers with several campus initiatives that support both.