International Students

Convocation 2024

Physics

University College

Subheadline

Daniel Honciuc Menendez carried out research on dark matter detection and theoretical quantum optics

Daniel Honciuc Menendez was 11 years old when he took part in a summer program in theoretical physics at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ont., in 2019.

“I’d known for a long time that I wanted a career in physics. But it was in this program that I learned for sure that this was what I wanted to do with my life,” says Honciuc Menendez, who is Ecuadorean and was living in the country's capital Quito at the time.

The trip was his first visit to Canada – and made a big impression. “I liked the openness of the people and the diversity. So I decided that when I applied to universities, I would make sure to apply to universities in Canada.”

After completing high school at age 12, Honciuc Menendez received offers of admission from 12 post-secondary institutions in Canada, the U.S. and Ecuador. He chose the ��Ƶ, where he received an International Scholars Award, and began his undergraduate studies as a member of University College.

Honciuc Menendez at 11 years old at the launch of one of his experiments on a rocket with the NASA Cubes in Space program at the Wallops Flight Facility (photo courtesy Daniel Honciuc Menendez)

Now 16 years old, Honciuc Menendez is graduating with a specialist in physics and a major in mathematics with high distinction. He’s the youngest to graduate from the Faculty of Arts & Science, U of T Scarborough or U of T Mississauga since at least 1979, the year the university began tracking such data.

“I’m proud and excited to be graduating,” he says. “It’s the culmination of four years of hard work, research and volunteer experiences. I’m really looking forward to convocation.”

Faculty of Arts & Science writer Chris Sasaki spoke to Honciuc Menendez before his convocation.

When did your interest in science begin?

I started reading at an early age. When I was very young, my mother and I moved often to different countries because of her career. During this time, I was surrounded by a variety of books, including math books, puzzle books, encyclopedias and atlases. They became my early companions and mentors. Also, even before starting school, I was captivated by educational videos, websites and apps about math, physics, chemistry and other subjects. Then, at 4 years old, while living in the U.K., I gained early entrance into grade school and became interested in programming and robotics. I attended every science festival I could. It became clear to me that I wanted to pursue a life in the sciences.

What was your early education like?

Early entrance into grade school in the U.K. was my first ‘grade-skip.’ When I was six years old, we moved back to Ecuador and I wanted to learn more challenging material during my classes. After meetings with my new school, I was encouraged to apply to the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Centre for Talented Youth. Upon passing the entrance tests, I was admitted into the program, which allowed me to take advanced courses.

At nine years old, I skipped another grade and started auditing International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma classes in physics and music. Then, when I was 10 years old, I also took the SAT and with its results, I was allowed to skip four more grades to 11th grade and was also able to join other programs like JHU’s Study of Exceptional Talent. From there, I took a full IB diploma program and graduated from high school at 12 years old.

What research projects were you able to take part in at U of T?

The first was with Professor Miriam Diamond in dark matter detection with the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment at SNOLAB, an underground research facility near Sudbury for neutrino and dark matter studies. I developed and tested dark matter detector simulations and conducted data analysis on remote servers.

The second was in theoretical quantum optics with Professor John Sipe at the Centre for Quantum Information & Quantum Control, in which I investigated the theoretical optical response for waveguide-quantum dot systems that could be used as the basis for optical quantum computers.

Throughout both experiences, the collaborative and inclusive spirit of the physics community really inspired me. The professors and researchers provided invaluable mentorship to me and have significantly shaped my decision to pursue a physics research career involving high-energy physics and quantum information.

Honciuc Menendez pursued his interest in music with the Hart House Chamber Strings ensemble (photo courtesy Daniel Honciuc Menendez)

What field are you most interested in now?

I’m interested in quantum information and high-energy physics. Quantum information is a unique field that has applications to various disciplines, since quantum computers can solve various problems that classical computers cannot. I want to specialize in quantum algorithms since they’re essential to realizing the potential of quantum information in its applications, including in my other field of interest, high-energy physics. The more I learn about quantum information's capabilities and its synergy with high-energy physics, the more I realize the significant impact these technologies could have on our understanding of the universe and on advancing computational sciences.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was honored to receive a full scholarship from the European Union to pursue a master's of science in physics with a concentration in quantum science and technology. The program will take place over two years at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, then at Université Paris-Saclay in France, and lastly at U of T. I’ll be taking courses and developing my career in quantum technology in academia and industry, and exploring the interdisciplinary possibilities of the quantum science landscape, including in high-energy physics, medicine, cybersecurity and finance. Later, I want to pursue a PhD in physics where I can go deeper into the intersection between quantum information and high-energy physics.

What are your thoughts as you look back at the past four years?

Throughout these years, the support from my friends, professors and mentors at U of T, and the resources provided by University College and U of T’s Accessibility Services have been invaluable and have helped me navigate the complexities of academic life and the personal challenges of being a young student. Plus, all of this would not have been possible without the unconditional support from my mother, a single mom who has been my constant source of strength and inspiration, and who accompanied me as I pursued my studies in Canada.

These past four years have been transformative for me — not just academically but also personally — and were filled with challenges, achievements and growth. It’s been an incredible journey, and I step forward with a heart full of gratitude for the U of T community, ready for the next chapter of my life.

Now U of T grads, three Mastercard Foundation Scholars keen to give back to their communities

geoff.vendeville — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 16:12:25 +0000

Now U of T grads, three Mastercard Foundation Scholars keen to give back to their communities

geoff.vendeville Fri, 06/24/2022 - 12:12

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From left to right: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Gladys Opeoluwa Olubowale, Providence Tatenda Mapingire and Modestus Nzubechi Amaechi.

Topic

Mastercard Scholars

The final cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars are graduating from the ��Ƶ this spring – the culmination of their journey from Sub-Saharan Africa to Canada.

Nearly a decade ago, U of T was among the first Canadian universities to partner with the Mastercard Foundation to offer talented students from the region an opportunity to study in Canada on a scholarship covering their tuition, travel, housing and other expenses.

Over the years, U of T has welcomed dozens of bright young students through the current iteration of the program – many of whom were eager to help their communities both locally and back home. Michael Samakayi, a Deaf student from Zambia, helped launch an American Sign Language Club on campus and successfully advocated for an undergraduate linguistics course in the Faculty of Arts & Science that focuses on ASL and Deaf culture. Emmanuela Alimlim, the first from her village in Kenya to study abroad, founded an initiative to support and encourage students in Kenya who are seeking to access higher education.

“We are confident that the impact of this inspiring Mastercard scholars’ gift will continue to be felt both here in Canada and in Africa for many years to come,” said David Palmer, vice-president, advancement. “Bolstered by the education and real-world experiences they received through this visionary program, these talented young students are already making a difference in their communities.”

Below, three members of the final, 12-member cohort U of T Mastercard Foundation Scholars – Gladys Opeoluwa Olubowale, Providence Tatenda Mapingire and Modestus Nzubechi Amaechi – reflect on their paths to graduation, from their first impressions of Canadian winters to their post-convocation plans.

Gladys Opeoluwa Olubowale

Home country: Nigeria

Studying: Chemical engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

When I first joined U of T in 2017, I already knew I wanted to pursue research, which is one of the reasons I decided to join the chemical engineering program.

I quickly got involved in research by becoming an undergraduate research assistant in food engineering in my second year. I found many aspects of research work very engaging and rewarding – from working in the lab to working on a research poster.

All this culminated in presenting my research work at Undergraduate Engineering Research Day here at U of T. I found my research work so fulfilling that I decided to work on an independent thesis project. Through this, I went through the process of conducting my research independently in the lab, leading a literature review and presenting to a panel of professors.

All the opportunities I was given to explore my research interests further opened my eyes to the inadequate access to STEM education for so many children in my home country of Nigeria. This led me to develop a project to improve STEM education for elementary and secondary school-aged students in Nigeria. I was able to remotely assemble a team in Nigeria and raise funds to teach coding and buy robotics kits for students. Initially, this was meant to be a one-year project, but it went so successfully that my team and I are currently in the process of registering it as an NGO.

My U of T experience has allowed me to bridge my interest in STEM with my desire to give back – and I’m most grateful for that.

Modestus Nzubechi Amaechi

Home country: Nigeria

Studying: Chemical engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

My U of T journey has been filled with lots of learning experiences. When I came to U of T in my first year, it was quite hard for me to really understand people because it seemed that they spoke too fast and my classes were hard to find. The winter season was very difficult for me, and it was hard to navigate my way to class during the winter semester, but with help of the MCF office and the engineering faculty I was able to get through my first winter semester.

Another good learning experience for me was running for wellness director of the ChemClub in my second year. I was always reserved in my first year and I didn't engage in any activities as I was getting used to many things, but this role opened me up to many opportunities and connections with people in the chemical engineering department.

Providence Tatenda Mapingire

Home country: Zimbabwe

Studying: Finance and economics in the Faculty of Arts & Science

Over the course of my time at U of T as a student at Rotman, I’ve had many opportunities to learn about the world of economics and finance outside of the classroom. Firstly, I secured a position as a part-time junior analyst at FirePower Capital, a Toronto-based investment firm. I learned a great deal from the investment team, many of whom have been working in the finance sector for many years.

I was able to parlay that experience into an internship at Credit Suisse in New York on the global market team. Not only did this allow me to further my knowledge of finance and global market trends, but I also got to experience a different culture in New York. As someone who didn’t have much experience outside of my home country of Zimbabwe until I joined U of T in 2018, getting to live and work in New York opened my eyes to the different work cultures and social mores. I saw how these customs and behaviours overlapped or differed from my own. In addition, I’ve learned how to better understand and relate to people of different cultural backgrounds.

I’ve also had the opportunity to take all that I’ve learned as a student and employee and use it to provide more junior Rotman scholars with advice and mentorship as a career peer at the Rotman Commerce Program. This has shown me the importance of sharing the knowledge one gains with others to help them in their career and in life.

The world comes to U of T: Meet this year’s Pearson Scholars

perry.king — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 13:49:36 +0000

The world comes to U of T: Meet this year’s Pearson Scholars

perry.king Thu, 09/19/2019 - 09:49

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U of T President Meric Gertler (centre), flanked by U of T's Joseph Wong and Sandy Welsh, vice-provost, students, pose with this year's cohort of Pearson Scholars (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Perry King

Topic

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

New College

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

They are 36 future leaders, newly arrived international students who represent 27 countries from around the world. And on Tuesday at Hart House, the latest cohort of Pearson Scholars was officially welcomed to the ��Ƶ by President Meric Gertler.

“On behalf of the entire academic community, welcome to the ��Ƶ, welcome to the Toronto region, and – because most of you are new to Canada – welcome to Canada,” President Gertler told the students.

He urged the Pearson Scholars to embrace all that U of T has to offer, but also to explore the city-region widely. “I encourage you to immerse yourself in this very special environment in which you find yourselves and make the most of these opportunities – in the classroom, on our campuses, but also in the communities around us,” he said.

The gathering marked the third year of the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship program, named after Lester B. Pearson, a U of T alumnus, former prime minister and Nobel laureate. The program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership – and a commitment to making an impact in their communities.

The scholarship covers four years of study at U of T, including tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support. This year’s students were selected from over 1,200 nominations submitted by high schools worldwide.

Joseph Wong, vice-provost and associate vice-president, international student experience, acknowledged the expectations that Pearson Scholars face. “You will have an impact, go on to do great things, to be great people, but you also can’t do it alone,” he said.

“You’re going have to rely on your friends, family, classmates, the Pearson community, and indeed the community that is the rest of the university.”

At the gathering, U of T News spoke to four of the Pearson Scholars about their lives and their expectations going forward:

Vidur Narayan Channa

(photo by Perry King)

Pathways World School in India
Faculty of Arts & Science, New College
Social sciences student

Vidur Narayan Channa moved around a lot as a child, living in India, Indonesia and Malaysia, and often came face-to-face with poverty and slums.

Joining U of T, he said, will give him the opportunity to look at ways to make a difference in those slums.

“Being exposed to all these different multicultural environments has shown me the ability of economics, of different fields, to make a change,” said Channa, who plans to major in economics and perhaps public policy, computer science or philosophy.

Making a difference is something he takes seriously. “We should recognize every day that you’re in a position of privilege and you have to do something to make people’s lives better,” he said. “That’s what drives me.”

Channa said the Pearson scholarship is allowing him to live and study in a city he has admired from afar.

So far, it has been going well and he has met a lot of people. “Collaborating with them, working together, all the different clubs and activities available here at U of T – I found that it would be a great environment for me to really build a base for myself in the professional world.”

Ecem Sungur

(photo by Perry King)

The Koç School in Turkey
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Architectural studies student

Ecem Sungur grew up in Istanbul, a bustling city that features a variety of architectural styles in its buildings. It was there that she developed a passion for architecture, writing a guide to design while in high school.

Sungur arrives at U of T intent on taking that passion further. She will be taking a deeper look into the history of architecture and design, and materials, in order to address questions of sustainability.

“We are currently living in a world full of pollution and, even though we are trying to be sustainable, how is it going to be in the future?” she asked.

So far, Sungur is immersed in architecture – in the classroom, but also in club activities on campus. But she has also become close with her Pearson colleagues, who she describes as “engaging and inclusive.”

“We became like an actual family, and we know so much about each other,” said Sungur. “It’s been nice knowing that coming to a new place like Toronto – I’ve never been to Canada before – you have people you know that you can [rely on].”

Fondzenyuy TonyLouis Verberi

(photo by Perry King)

St. Augustine’s College, Nso, in Cameroon
U of T Scarborough
Physical and environmental sciences student

This is Fondzenyuy TonyLouis Verberi's first time in Canada. The 16-year-old from Cameroon comes to U of T Scarborough looking to deepen his love for astrophysics and astronomy, his intended area of study.

Verberi wants to use his Pearson Scholar experience at U of T to become a leader in astrophysics in his home country.

“It’s a golden opportunity,” said Verberi, who also participated in the STEM Aerospace challenge organized by the New York Academy of Sciences In September 2018.

“Back in Africa, especially in Cameroon, astrophysics is a field which has not been developed in the educational system,” added Verberi, who said he wants to pass on what he learns about satellite development, for example, to the next generation.

“I have to be the first one who sets the target for this to be possible in my country. It is an opportunity for me [and] my dreams of adding astrophysics and aerospace engineering into the educational curricula in my country.”

In the meantime, Verberi's having an easy transition to Canada and U of T. “It’s new and challenging, the educational setup is different from what we have in Cameroon – the digital nature of the assignments and lectures – but I’m picking it up.”

Nikiela Baptiste

(photo by Perry King)

Shiva Boys’ Hindu College,Trinidad and Tobago
U of T Mississauga
Forensic science student

Nikiela Baptiste, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, has been adjusting to the U of T Mississauga campus, a place she says is peaceful and conducive for studying.

“I’m still in the ‘can’t-believe-it’s-true’ phase, but I’m enjoying my time,” she said.

“I love UTM,” she added. “It’s so cozy and nature-y. I love the fact that it has so many animals like deer – we don’t have deer in Trinidad.”

Baptiste has an interest in human anatomy – how the body works and the effects of chemicals on the body – and is planning on studying forensic science.

“My main expectation is to maintain a good academic standing and continue to be a part of the community as I participate in extracurriculars,” said Baptiste, who will look at joining U of T Mississauga’s research opportunity program in second year.

“My main goal is to get a closer relationship with the professors and understand their research – and how I can be of value.”

Meet four international students in the incoming U of T Engineering class

noreen.rasbach — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:42:40 +0000

Meet four international students in the incoming U of T Engineering class

noreen.rasbach Thu, 08/29/2019 - 14:42

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Urvi Verkhedkar, from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, will study chemical engineering at U of T this fall

Liz Do

Topic

Global Lens

Back To School 2019

Global

Residence move-ins, Frosh Week and the first plenary lecture from Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Dean Christopher Yip: A long list of activities await more than 1,200 U of T Engineering students.

For many, that list also includes exploring Toronto for the very first time – about one in four come from outside of Canada.

Meet four international students from different parts of the world entering their first year at U of T Engineering.

Urvi Verkhedkar (pictured above)

Urvi Verkhedkar, a Pearson Scholar, is in chemical engineering.
Her hometown is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Why U of T Engineering? I have a huge interest in sustainability, and U of T Engineering has so many cool courses and minors related to this area, as well as amazing research – quantum-dot solar cells, studies in urban environments – and extracurriculars: Blue Sky Solar Racing and Engineers Without Borders, to name a few. I feel that I’ll get incredible opportunities to explore my interests in sustainability here.

First-year plans: I’m excited to be studying chemical engineering at U of T, and I’m hoping to pursue a minor in environmental engineering. During my first year, I’m hoping to join some engineering-related design teams to get some hands-on experience, though I’m not sure which. I'm definitely looking forward to trying clubs that get me outdoors, such as mountain biking or the Iron Dragons.

Future goals: After I graduate, I’d like to be involved in a sustainable technology startup, possibly in recycling or eco-friendly manufacturing.

Santiago Gomez Montenegro

Santiago Gomez Montenegro, a Pearson Scholar, is in materials science and engineering.
His hometown is Panama City, Panama.

Why U of T Engineering? I am ecstatic about starting school here because in addition to countless prospects for professional and academic development, the university is at the heart of the city, with great sporting facilities, and an environment that fosters diversity and community-building.

First-year plans: During my first year, I plan to get involved in engineering student clubs, and to search for work and research opportunities. I’m also looking forward to making friends and playing soccer.

Future goals: After I graduate, I would love to be at the forefront of technological innovations in materials design. I aspire to take developments in the field beyond a laboratory and into a business setting where they can be converted into beneficial products.

Sofia Karter Lopez

Sofia Karter Lopez is in engineering science.
Her hometown is Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Why U of T Engineering? Engineering at U of T is among the best in the world and the unique engineering science program really drew me in, as I’ll get to learn about all the engineering disciplines and then choose which one I want to specialize in.

The PEY Co-op program was also important to me as it will make it easier for me to start working once I graduate. And of course, being in such a diverse and vibrant city like Toronto is a big plus.

First-year plans: The first thing I plan to do is start auditioning for musicals! I want to see if I can join any dance classes or clubs and maybe something related to photography, as that’s something I’ve been doing for several years now.

Future goals: I hope to have a career in the engineering field but for now, I’m excited to live in a new place, meet new people, learn new perspectives and discover new ways of seeing things. For the first time I will be studying and learning about exactly the things that I've always really cared about.

Joel Biju Thomas

Joel Biju Thomas is in engineering science.
His hometowns are Kerala, India and Kampala, Uganda.

Why U of T Engineering? I chose U of T Engineering for the new machine intelligence major in engineering science.

First-year plans: I want to learn more about programming. Also, I plan to explore and participate in different clubs – maybe photography and different athletic clubs. I’m looking forward to Frosh Week, meeting new friends and moving into residence.

Future goals: I want to pursue graduate studies in machine learning.

#UofTBackToSchool: 12 things every new student should know

noreen.rasbach — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +0000

#UofTBackToSchool: 12 things every new student should know

noreen.rasbach Fri, 08/23/2019 - 00:00

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(photo by Caz Zyvatkauskas)

Isabel Armiento

Topic

Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office

Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre

Health & Wellness Centre

Accessibility

Centre for International Experience

Health & Wellness Centre (St. George campus)

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace of life at the ��Ƶ, especially as a new student. Be sure to brush up on these 12 essential campus supports and services ranging from health care to gender diversity before beginning the school year.

Safety

U of T provides many safety resources, including instructions to register for U of T’s 24-hour emergency alert system. U of T also provides emergency housing services, as well as student food banks on the St. George campus in downtown Toronto, U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough.

You can also visit the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre for information, resources and workshops. If you are a victim of sexual violence or assault, you are encouraged to contact or visit the centre.

Health and wellness

It’s critical to practise self-care throughout the school year. There are numerous on-campus options for health care. Check out the university’s health and wellness centres for prescriptions, medical care and check-ups.

Health & Counselling Centre (U of T Mississauga)

Health & Wellness Centre (U of T Scarborough)

These centres are also excellent resources for mental health support. All three campuses offer services, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy and same-day counselling. If you need immediate help, you can call the Good 2 Talk Student Helpline, the Gerstein Centre Crisis Line or one of many suicide prevention helplines, chats and texting support services.

Other mental health resources include a walk-in mental health clinic that offers drop-in counselling to students and is located only a 10-minute walk from the St. George campus.

Accessibility

U of T is proud to provide a host of student accessibility services in and out of the classroom. Learn more about the diverse array of accessibility services offered by U of T.

Accessibility Services (St. George campus)

Accessibility Services (U of T Mississauga)

AccessAbility Services (U of T Scarborough)

Gender and sexual diversity

For LGBTQ resources, workshops and events, visit the tri-campus Sexual & Gender Diversity Office’s website. To get involved in the community, check out U of T initiatives such as Positive Space and OUT@UTM or explore more specialized programming such as Que(e)rying Religion.

The Centre for Women and Trans People is an excellent resource for intersectional feminist programming, as well as for providing a safe and harassment-free space for women and trans individuals. Trans students can find essential resources and information, such as how to change your name on official U of T documentation or the locations of all-gender washrooms on campus, here.

Indigenous students

Students hoping to explore and connect with their Indigenous identity can visit First Nations House and the new Indigenous U of T website for supports, events and resources. All members of the U of T community are welcome.

Check out the U of T Mississauga Indigenous Centre or the U of T Scarborough Indigenous Outreach Program for unique programming such as weekly smudge ceremonies, Indigenous film nights and moderated nature walks.

All three campuses offer Indigenous learning opportunities and celebrations accompanied by the knowledge and support of an on-campus Indigenous Elder-in-Residence.

Equity services

As the largest university in the world’s most multicultural city, U of T has taken many strides toward maintaining a diverse, equitable and representative campus, such as its initiative to increase equity and diversity in research and innovation. For more information about supports and resources, visit U of T’s Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office or one of its tri-campus Equity Offices.

Multi-faith services

The university offers several on-campus multi-faith locations, as well as on-campus chaplains and resources for religious accommodations.

For multi-faith prayer and meditation space, faith-based counselling, research opportunities, information on religious retreats and more, visit one of the tri-campus Multi-Faith Centres.

Multi-Faith Centre (St. George campus)

Multi-Faith Spaces (U of T Mississauga)

Multi-Faith Engagement (U of T Scarborough)

International students

Whether you came from abroad to study at U of T or are a domestic student hoping for an international study opportunity, supports and services regarding your international experience are readily available at all three campuses.

Centre for International Experience (St. George campus)

International Education Centre (U of T Mississauga)

International Student Centre (U of T Scarborough)

Financial services

Between scholarships, bursaries and grants, U of T offers a wide range of financial services and supports to students. Learn more about getting financial aid or securing a scholarship, many of which are offered through your college or faculty.

Academic success

Slogging through piles of readings or writing a 3,000-word paper may seem like lonely work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Head over to the Sid Smith Commons to join a Recognized Study Group at the St. George campus or a Facilitated Study Group at U of T Mississauga or Scarborough and ace your next test with the help of your peers.

Alternatively, tackle that seemingly impossible paper at one of U of T’s 14 writing centres located across all three campuses. For more resources and tools for refining your study skills, improving time management and more, visit one of the tri-campus centres for academic support.

Academic Success Centre (St. George campus)

Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (U of T Mississauga)

Academic Advising & Career Centre (U of T Scarborough)

Family services

U of T is devoted to meeting the needs of its diverse network of students and families through its Family Care Office, which offers resources such as family care counselling and suggests child care options near campus. U of T provides further on-campus resources for students with children, such as Robarts Library’s family study space. Resources are also available for LGBTQ parents.

Stay in the know

The easiest way to stay connected with U of T news, events and up-to-date information is by following U of T on social media.

Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (Tri-campus)

Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (U of T Mississauga)

Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (U of T Scarborough)

If social media’s not your thing, find one of the many ASKme booths around campus or consult anyone wearing an orange “ASKme” shirt. If you want a question answered without leaving the house, ask any U of T-related question online or explore other resources such as the U of T Student Life Offices, U of T Mississauga’s Centre for Student Engagement or U of T Scarborough’s Department of Student Life.

You can also stay in the know by picking up a copy of a campus newspaper such as The Varsity, The Medium or your college or faculty’s newspaper.

Also, be sure to check out U of T News for the latest news about the university.

U of T alumna, influencer is creator of Chinese website that looks at having fun in Toronto and beyond

noreen.rasbach — Fri, 10 May 2019 16:39:23 +0000

U of T alumna, influencer is creator of Chinese website that looks at having fun in Toronto and beyond

noreen.rasbach Fri, 05/10/2019 - 12:39

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“People tell me how lucky I am that my hobby is also my job,” says Joanna Luo, the creator of Toronto Diary

Topic

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

U of T Mississauga

University students know that if they want to taste the best barbecued pork buns in the Greater Toronto Area, Joanna Luo’s WeChat blog and Instagram page are the places to turn for advice – if you can read Mandarin.

Luo, 29, a ��Ƶ Mississauga alumna, is the creator of Toronto Diary on WeChat, a lifestyle blog that has a related Instagram page and Twitter feed, all targeted toward international students from China and Chinese-Canadians between the ages of 15 and 24. In total, the sites have more than 500,000 followers and keeping them current has become Luo’s full-time job.

“I really love it,” says Luo. “I love food and I love new things.”

Luo first started the blog on WeChat, a Chinese website similar to Facebook, just for fun.

“I came to Canada from China for Grade 12 to improve my English before attending university,” Luo says. “The first year, I found it a bit boring, so I started to tour Toronto and find places to eat and set up a blog to tell my friends where they could go to eat and play.”

Soon, her following extended far beyond her friends, and two years ago, she and two partners turned the enterprise into a business, Toronto Chihewanle Ltd. While the others are silent partners, Luo is the editor-in-chief for the sites, overseeing a part-time staff of 12 freelancers who help her meet the ongoing need for relevant, interesting content.

Read about Luo in the Toronto Star

The WeChat blog offers readers six or seven new stories each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, complete with photos. The Friday edition of the blog always suggests an idea for a weekend activity, such as visiting the cherry blossoms in High Park, along with new foods and restaurants to try. Sometimes, there is a walking tour of restaurants in a specific area, complete with a map, or there may be results from a team taste-testing session for potato chip brands or ice cream. Asian restaurants or dishes are often a focal point, but Toronto Diary encourages its readership to branch out and try other treats that Toronto has to offer.

“At first, I just recorded what I liked,” Luo says. “I didn’t think about becoming a food blogger for a living.”

These days, however, she has so much on her plate, literally and figuratively, that she might visit two or three restaurants in one evening and taste only a few bites of each dish she orders.

“There are a lot of take-out bags with leftovers,” she says with a smile. Not a bad outcome, since Luo doesn’t have much time to cook.

Lifestyle blogging is a far cry from the history and economics she studied at U of T Mississauga, but Luo carries some of their lessons with her as she works.

“I learned about the economy and the need to analyze data, which I use in determining why a certain post works and another doesn’t,” she says. “I also learned how to manage my time during university.”

Luo says she sees the blog as a way to create a bridge between cultures, and she has begun encouraging her readers to explore the joys of places outside Canada, too. During the past year, she has travelled to New York City for Fashion Week, to Las Vegas to interview chefs and to Venice for its well-regarded film festival, sharing her food and fun finds with Toronto Diary followers. Soon, she’ll be winging her way to South Korea for a visit sponsored by Korean Tourism.

“People tell me how lucky I am that my hobby is also my job,” Luo says.

'I wanted to be a part of the mosaic of diversity': Students from Mexico on why they chose U of T

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:41:08 +0000

'I wanted to be a part of the mosaic of diversity': Students from Mexico on why they chose U of T

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 04/10/2019 - 10:41

Cutline

Eri Kimura, from Mexico City, says studying at U of T changed the way she thinks about history, society and other topics, while the university's diverse campus gave her new insights on tolerance (all photos by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Cansu Aydemir

Topic

Global Lens

Anthropology

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

University College

When ��Ƶ President Meric Gertler led a delegation to Mexico City last year, he noted that international students at U of T encounter “new ideas, perspectives and approaches that in turn inspire mutual understanding and stimulate knowledge.”

That’s a perspective echoed by many of the Mexican students interviewed by U of T News reporter Cansu Aydemir, an international student herself.

“U of T makes you question a lot,” says fourth-year student Eri Kimura, who left Mexico City to study at U of T. “Why did I take this for granted? Why did I think history was like this? Why did I think society was supposed to be like this?”

U of T has important ties with Mexico. They include partnerships with UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México), Tec de Monterrey (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey), FUNED (Fundación Mexicana para la Educación, la Tecnología y la Ciencia) and CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) – not to mention the hundreds of research publications authored by U of T scholars with Mexican colleagues.

But the experiences of Mexican students across the university’s three campuses offer a more intimate look at the relationship between the university and the country of more than 130 million.

Here are a few of their stories:

Mexico City’s Adriana Diaz Lozano Patino got to know U of T when her brother was accepted into the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering seven years ago.

Patino’s brother was the first member of her family to study abroad. She says he cleared the path her.

“My brother loved it here, he stayed after his undergraduate studies and he did his master’s here,” she says. “Now he works in Toronto.

“He passed on that love to me I guess.”

Patino says U of T’s global reputation, its welcoming approach towards international students and its research opportunities were also factors that brought her to U of T.

Now in her first year studying engineering science, Patino says she is planning to major in biomedical engineering.

“I have been dreaming for a long time to become a researcher in the field,” she says. “I picture myself in a lab, cloning molecules and whatnot.”

A top student in high school, Patino won a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to attend U of T. She says she was aware she was entering a competitive environment. What she didn’t expect was how much she would struggle with the language.

“I remember coming to physics lab and people started talking about these concepts and I was like, ‘Excuse me?’” Patino says. “Then I realized that I actually know the concepts, but in different words; I got used to the fact and built my own strategy within a couple of months.”

Patino says she enjoys being a part of the engineering community.

“You don’t have this feeling of unhealthy competition within the engineering community. If you have a problem, you know people will be there for you.”

For students who are considering whether to study abroad, Patino has some advice.

“For Latin American families, the idea of leaving the family at such a young age is frightening,” she says. “But they should come. They shouldn’t be scared – they are going to find amazing people, amazing professors.

“There is something here that is going to be for you whether you like dancing, whether you like writing or designing a Formula 1 car.”

It’s also important for students to remember that it is possible to “help your country even though you don’t live there,” she says.

“We can all help to rebuild what is being broken every day by pursuing your passion and you coming here, experiencing this world.”

Home for Marcos David Madrigal Albores is the southern state of Chiapas’s capital city, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. But Albores always wanted to see Toronto, the setting for Canadian author Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim versus the World.

Albores loved the popular graphic novel so much that, when he started high school four years ago, he and his family planned a vacation to Canada’s largest city.

Albores took a tour of the downtown Toronto campus and says he was impressed with the facilities and the programs offered.

“We were just joking that it would be great if I studied here at U of T,” he says.

Four years later his wish came true: Albores is now a first-year engineering science student, hoping to specialize in machine intelligence.

Getting here wasn’t easy.

“My state is not the richest in Mexico. It would be very hard to pay the tuition unless I got a scholarship,” he says.

During the final days of the application cycle, he won the Engineering International Scholar Award, which partially covered his tuition. With the financial help and support of his family, he says, he had the chance to follow his dream.

Albores defines himself as a “global person” and says that it’s the diversity that he likes most about Canada and Toronto. He also enjoys the scenery of the city.

“Tall buildings, blue sky, snow in the streets, the tiny communities like Greektown, Little Italy. I feel like they are all part of the city’s character and I love it.”

Albores says he hopes that one day his brother, 10, will also study at U of T.

“U of T is the number one school in Canada, among the top 20 in the world,” he says. “The engineering program’s level of detail and depth is much more than you could get in Mexico or other parts of the world.”

When Eri Kimura’s parents told her she could leave Mexico City to study abroad, she immediately thought of Toronto.

Her sister had studied in the United States, but Kimura says Canada’s approach to multiculturalism was more appealing.

“In sociology it is called the mosaic versus the melting pot,” Kimura says. “My friends who have gone to the U.S. had to fit into the society – they molded into the society – but I wanted to be a part of the mosaic of diversity where I could still be me, still have my culture and also be able to explore others.”

She chose New College for a similar reason: diversity.

“New College seemed like it was more multicultural: all their programs and initiatives were [about] equity and they wanted students to feel like they are in a community,” she says.

“That really resonated with what I wanted.”

After her first year at Rotman Commerce, Kimura says she realized she wanted to widen her studies.

Now in her fourth year of specializing in management at Rotman Commerce, she is also doing a major in international relations and a minor in economics.

“I see myself in international institutions and diplomacy,” she says.

After the devastating earthquakes in Mexico in 2017, Kimura initiated a campaign to help the victims.

“I basically bought two jars, went out and started collecting money,” she says. “Then I received very positive reactions and in the end we were 15 or 16 students trying to get help for earthquake victims.”

Kimura believes that the way she thinks has changed dramatically at U of T.

“I am way more tolerant and way more conscious about how I treat others, or how I interact with others,” she says. “U of T makes you question a lot. Why did I take this for granted? Why did I think history was like this? Why did I think society was supposed be like this? And it gives you all the tools to explore further.”

For future students, Kimura recommends attending Step Up, the orientation program for international students.

“For me it was a game-changer,” she says. “I met my friend group – we are from 10 different nationalities – and we are just very similar in so many different ways.”

Kimura is planning to spend her summer after graduation in Toronto working with a professor on a G20 research project.

Mexico City’s Luis Carlos Soldevilla Estrada knew he wanted to study abroad. One option was to follow his brother to the United States – but he didn’t like the political situation there.

“My whole family are immigrants,” he says. “My father is from Peru and my mother is from Bolivia, and I don’t like how the United States is going right now with Trump.”

Now in his first year studying computer science and mathematics at U of T Mississauga, Estrada says he chose U of T because of the “opportunities and the variety of programs.”

Initially, Estrada wanted to major in economics. However, when he started doing research projects in mathematics in high school he changed his mind. He started programming and he found it “very useful and interesting”.

Estrada chose to study in Mississauga because, after living in Mexico City, he wanted a different lifestyle .

“Mississauga is a little bit calmer,” Estrada says. “You have your space, there are fewer people, nature is beautiful – I wanted to try a new thing and that is very new for me.”

Estrada says the cozier atmosphere of Mississauga meant the social life on campus exceeded his expectations.

“It is easier to find friends here. If I see my friend in a classroom on Monday, I could see him the next day in the cafeteria,” he says.

Estrada says he likes how “everything is well organized” in Canada and he appreciates the opportunities and aids the school provides for students.

“If I have some doubts about a course, I could approach academic advisors or faculty. The building is two minutes away from my residence – they are very approachable and it’s easy to communicate.”

In his mathematics club, Estrada says they work on challenging math problems and talk about recent research projects.

He also plays intramural soccer and is involved with the machine learning reading club.

“Every week one person presents either an interesting subject in machine learning or anything they implemented,” he says.

“If you choose U of T – any campus, doesn’t matter, St. George, Mississauga or Scarborough – you are going to get a lot of great experiences and you will meet with many people from different countries.”

Born in Mexico City, Vinicio Corral Gutierrez attended high school in San Diego – so when it came time for university, his first thought was to try his luck with U.S. colleges.

Then a friend suggested Toronto.

“It was before the 2016 election and my friend said Donald Trump is going to win, we should apply to Canada,” Gutierrez says. “I didn't know much about Toronto, but I said, ‘Sure,’ because I knew that it would be a clean slate.”

After spending time in Toronto, he says he really likes the multicultural structure of the city.

“There are so many people from everywhere,” he says. “When you go outside, you hear a lot of different languages – I hear a lot of Spanish which is nice.”

Now, Gutierrez is in his second year, studying anthropology in the Faculty of Arts & Science, at University College.

He says he chose his college randomly, but is happy with how things worked out.

“University College is really nice,” he says. “I really like the people I have met there, and it is one of the best dining halls in campus.”

Finding the right academic focus was more challenging than choosing a college, Gutierrez adds. He began by majoring in physics and mathematics in his first year, but soon realized he needed to make a change.

“I realized that I am very bad at math; I was good at high school math, but not at university math,” he says.

He switched to anthropology when he realized his interest lies in human interactions. He hopes to build a career in public relations.

“I thought that anthropology would be good because it is the study of people, so I got to study all these different cultures and all these different backgrounds which I can apply to my work later on.”

A scholarship from the CONACyT program, supported by the Secretary of Energy in Mexico, brought Arturo Reza Ugalde to U of T for his PhD in mechanical engineering.

Ugalde, whose research is in sustainable energy, completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mexico City. At U of T, he works on composite materials for electrochemical applications and the reduction of carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels.

“Environmental impacts of sustainable energy are something we see everywhere in the whole world,” he says.

Ugalde adds he could have chosen to study anywhere in the world with the scholarship, but selected Canada and U of T for very important reasons.

“Mexico is trying to do something about clean energies because Mexico City is one of the most contaminated cities in the whole world – and Canada is really good at [clean energy research],” Ugalde says. “I love everything related to clean energies. I am passionate about it.”

He adds that U of T's global rankings helped seal the deal.

Ugalde visited Toronto before making a decision and liked the people and the city. While he knew Toronto was diverse, the level of multiculturalism in Toronto still surprised him once he got here.

“For some reason, I imagined that I was going to be surrounded by Canadian people – but then when I came here, I realized that Canadian people are people from all over the world,” he says. “You can go to a restaurant and, all of a sudden, you start hearing six, seven languages at the same time.”

Ugalde says U of T provides a variety of options and opportunities to graduate students.

“We have access to a lot of resources, labs have a lot of good equipment and we also have access to any other department – so that makes easier to work in any type of research,” he says.

For any students of any age planning to attend U of T, Ugalde has some advice.

“We Mexicans are really tied to our roots, families and home and that is what makes it harder for us to emmigrate to another country, but when you are here you feel very supported by others – your colleagues and professors – and it makes things easier,” he says. “I would love others to experience what it is [like] to be in a world-class university with pretty much unlimited access to resources and equipment.

“Here, for example, students start doing research and internships during undergrad – and I would like Mexican students to experience working in the industry, and really experience research from a very early stage.”

Ugalde says he is considering a post-doctoral position at U of T in the coming year.

“I am pretty sure whatever I do here – all the research – it will be really, really beneficial for Mexico when I go back.”

International student Cansu Aydemir is an intern at U of T News. Originally from Turkey, she has lived in Toronto since 2012 and is now in her fourth year of studies at U of T where she is specializing in history and minoring in diaspora and transnational studies

Students tell U of T Magazine about personal possessions that bring them comfort

geoff.vendeville — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:06:31 +0000

Students tell U of T Magazine about personal possessions that bring them comfort

geoff.vendeville Tue, 02/05/2019 - 10:06

Cutline

Miyopin Cheechoo, a humanities student from Moosonee, Ont., said she treasures eagle feathers that were given to her by her aunt (all photos by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Global

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Woodsworth College

A mountain bike, an eagle feather and a stuffed moose.

These are some of the items that give students strength when times get tough. Seven students who came to Toronto for university described precious keepsakes for a story in ��Ƶ Magazine's digital issue on resilience.

Providence Mapingire, a first-year student of economics at Woodsworth College who hails from Gweru, Zimbabwe, cherishes a pair of shorts made by his aunt.

“My aunt made me these shorts before I left Zimbabwe and she surprised me with them at the airport,” he says.

"The shorts remind me of my aunt, who helped raise me, my brother and sister in Gweru while my mom was teaching in the countryside. When I’m missing home, these shorts make me feel like there’s someone there with me.”

Read the full story at the ��Ƶ Magazine

'You will be one step ahead': Students from Turkey on why they chose U of T

noreen.rasbach — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 15:27:02 +0000

'You will be one step ahead': Students from Turkey on why they chose U of T

noreen.rasbach Thu, 01/24/2019 - 10:27

Cutline

Selin Eksioglu says she chose U of T over other Canadian schools because of U of T’s global reputation and the range of opportunities it offers (all photos by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Cansu Aydemir

Topic

Global Lens

Global

Graduate Students

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Mechanical & Industrial Engineering