First-Year Learning Communities: Life Sciences

Stefania Mavromatis, Staff Advisor

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Title: Academic Advisor 

About me: I was also an A&S student and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (English Specialist) and a Masters in Education. I always wanted to teach in some capacity and use many of those skills in my everyday practice as an Academic Advisor. I have been an Academic Advisor at New College since 2020 and my portfolio centres around the first-year experience. Although I advise students in all four years of study across many programs of study, my advising experience is tailored towards helping first-year students navigate their academic experience.  I have met many students along the way, and enjoy learning from their experiences and helping them reach their goals. Each year and each cohort of students brings new and exciting opportunities to learn, grow and challenge myself to find better ways to connect with our first-year students! 

Why FLCs? FLCs are an incredible way for students with similar admission streams, programs or years of study to connect, build friendships and learn from each other in a small class environment. Being part of the FLC community as a Staff Advisor gives me the opportunity to further engage with our first-year community and be part of the network of success for our students! As a FLC Staff Advisor, I hope to help first-year students feel less alone, ease their transition to university and show them that community can be found all over campus. 

Top tip for incoming students: Don’t forget to look up! It was something a friend reminded me of while waiting to go into our first exam. When you are in your first year, even the smallest setbacks, like a bad grade on a test, not doing well on a term paper or missing a multiple choice question, can feel big.  When we focus negatively on the things that we feel we are “not good at” or “failed at,” we miss the chance for greater learning opportunities. “Looking up” reminds us to stay grounded in the present and that we are exactly where we need to be right now! 

Ryan Nhan, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Ryan 

Pronouns: he/him/his 

Program(s): Biological Physics Specialist 

Year: Third 

College: New College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Science Communication Club, The Mindful Project 

Why peer mentorship? As an upper-year student, I think its really important to share our experiences with first-year students, and to be a resource for them to use! Being a peer mentor would be a really great opportunity to do this, as well as creating a really cool community for new students at the school! 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to learning and experiencing new things in the coming school year. I'm also looking forward to taking some language courses! 

What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice that I would give to first-year students is to find a balance between studying and free time that works for them. Definitely do not overwork yourselves, and find things in your life that help you destress and relax. 

Simran Taluja, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Simran 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Life Sciences 

Year: Second 

College: New College 

Hometown: India 

Why peer mentorship? I wanted to help incoming students with transitioning to university and help them face similar challenges which I faced when I first came. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? The FLC peer mentor position and new clubs. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Research before coming to U of T and utilize all resources without feeling embarrassed.

Therese Perucho, Staff Advisor

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Title: Student Life Coordinator, Orientation and Transition 

About me: At New College, I work primarily with first-year undergraduate students to help them better integrate and build community at the university. Aside from my work at U of T, I teach piano and English on the side. Some of my hobbies include reading, doing Pilates and learning new languages. I also love discovering new cafés and spending time with my 2 cats. 

Why FLCs? I’m very passionate about my work, especially about working with FLCs, since I also completed my undergrad at U of T and had a rough time in my first year. I want to be a friendly face and a supportive figure for students who may be struggling, feeling out of place, or just in need of someone who understands what they are going through. 

Top tip for incoming students: Try to find your community at U of T! While focusing on academics in university is essential, it’s just as important to meet new people, make friends and discover the world around you. You can do this by joining clubs on campus, attending student events or chatting with other students in your program. 

Sean Lee, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Sean 

Pronouns: he/him/his 

Program(s): Biochemistry and Statistics majors, Mathematics minor 

Year: Second  

College: New College 

Hometown: Hong Kong 

Why peer mentorship? I attended an FLC in my first year and I found it really helpful in navigating obstacles I was unsure with such as developing application materials, discovering research opportunities and more. I'd like to be able to have that same impact this year in my role as a peer mentor. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m really looking forward to diving deeper into my major courses, especially statistics. Outside of academics, I'm excited about trying out new hobbies and improving my tennis and badminton. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Enjoy first year with no regrets! Getting involved in the numerous opportunities U of T provides while keeping a solid work-life balance is really important; studying is only a fraction of the university experience. 

Keren Idel, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Keren 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Life Sciences (I applied to neuroscience and chemistry double major) 

Year: Second 

College: New College 

Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario 

Why peer mentorship? I enjoy being someone others can count on — especially first‑year students fresh to university life. I’m excited to share practical tips, pass along advice from my own experience and keep our space friendly and welcoming. A strong support network can make the step to university feel a lot less daunting, so my goal is to help incoming first years school year settle in and feel more connected and included. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to helping first‑year students settle into university life through the FLC, and making the transition smoother and very fun. Additionally, I am excited about building a strong sense of community among my peers throughout the academic year. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? My advice to first-year students is to not be afraid to get involved and make friends early. Don't hesitate to ask questions and make time to get to know your peers and professors — you’ll find your community and feel more confident as you go through the year. 

Carrie Ji, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Carrie 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Neuroscience and Pharmacology & Biomedical Toxicology majors 

Year: Second 

College: St. Michael's College 

Hometown: Markham, Ontario 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? TedxUofT,  St Michael's College Student Union,  International Scientists and Biomedical Research Association, Visual Arts Club, SPRINT psychology program 

Why peer mentorship? I want to be a peer mentor because I know how valuable it is to have someone you can turn to who truly understands what you’re going through and the challenges of navigating new environments. Having support through the FLC made a huge difference for me. I aim to pass on that support to other students while having the opportunity to connect with peers. I’m passionate about building a strong, connected community of empowerment, and I believe peer mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to do that. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I am looking forward to delving deeper into life science courses and going past high school review. I'm interested in what my programs offer in terms of academics, research opportunities and potential friendships. I am also excited to join new clubs and take part in more campus-wide events. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? During first year, I forced myself to stress excessively over my studying, which resulted in hours in the library, very little time outside or asleep and overall minimal self-care. My suggestion for first years is not to fall into their possible expectations of constant studying, but to consider the importance of relaxation and sleep, and the benefits it can have during exam season! 

Riddi Saini, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Riddi Saini 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Pharmacology and Immunology Major 

Year: Second 

College: St. Michael's College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

Why peer mentorship? Because starting something new — like your first year at U of T — can feel overwhelming. I remember how helpful it was to have someone who understood, who had just been through the same experience and could say “yeah, that’s normal” or “here’s what helped me.” I chose to be a peer mentor because I want to be that person for someone else. Not with all the answers, but with honest advice, support and maybe a few shortcuts that make things easier. University is a lot, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone! 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being part of a community that supports each other. There’s something energizing about starting fresh each year — with new classes, new goals and new connections. I’m especially excited to be a peer mentor and help first-year students settle in, find their rhythm and feel a sense of belong here. It’s cool to be part of someone’s early university story in a positive way. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Don’t be afraid to ask for help — early and often. Whether it’s a class, a social situation or just figuring out how things work, no one expects you to know everything right away. Most people are happy to help — you just have to speak up. You don’t have to do university perfectly. Just keep showing up, learning and leaning on the people around you. 

Kylie Luska, Faculty Advisor

Pronouns: he/him/his 

Title: Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream 

About me: I joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto in January 2024 as an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream and have been teaching introductory (CHM136H) and advanced (CHM343H, CHM441H) organic chemistry courses. Before this appointment, I was an instructional assistant and sessional lecturer at McMaster University. I hold degrees from the University of Guelph (BSc and MSc) and McGill University (PhD). I was also a postdoctoral fellow and sub-group leader at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. In my teaching, I focus on improving the problem-solving and critical thinking skills of my students through more student-centred activities for both the organic chemistry classroom and laboratory. I am also interested in incorporating the practices of green and sustainable chemistry into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. 

Why FLCs? I think that FLCs provide students with an opportunity to learn essential information about their university community at an early stage in their education. This is something that usually happens organically (pun intended) throughout a student’s undergraduate degree, but FLCs allow students to gain this knowledge early on and thus maximize their experience on campus. I appreciate the chance to help students along their educational journey on all aspects within their university lives. 

Top tip for incoming students: Be sure to use the resources provided by the university, your college, your department (after first-year) and your courses throughout your undergraduate degree! In particular, the instructional teams of your first-year courses are here to support your transition from high school to university and help you grow as a student. Attend your lectures and tutorials. Join student hour sessions to have your questions answered by instructors. Post and answer questions on discussion boards. Use homework resources provided within your courses. Remember that knowledge takes time to synthesize (another intended pun) so be sure to work consistently throughout the term. 

Shaden Mehdi, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Shaden 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Specialist, Global Health Major 

Year: Third 

College: St. Michael's College 

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Student Association for Geriatric Empowerment (SAGE), MEDLIFE student chapter, Arab Students Association  and some research opportunities. 

Why peer mentorship? I struggled with finding resources in my first year, but my FLC mentors were always there to help guide me and I found numerous opportunities because of my FLC! I want to do the same for others because sometimes, all you need is a push in the right direction to change the way you perceive and live out your university life! U of T can be fun if you make it fun and that's a message I want to send through mentorship. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? My new research opportunity and my program courses, which sound more specific and interesting. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Explore different courses, keep your options open and make the first move — whether it be reaching out to a person you just met and want to befriend or a professor whose research interests you. 

Zoyeb Ehsan, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Zoyeb 

Program(s): Neuroscience major, Psychology and Slavic & East European Languages and Cultures (Russian) minors 

Year: Fourth 

College: St. Michael's College 

Hometown: Etobicoke, Ontario 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Muslim Students' Association, Science Rendezvous, Judo and Grappling Clubs, StarLab and Plaks' Lab, HMB265 Peer Tutoring program, Russian Tea group, Love reading Russian literature (Dostoyevsky) and learning the language 

Why peer mentorship? Mentorship has been a huge part of my success in university and to this day I still find myself learning a lot from others. So I want to help other students along their journeys and offer my insight where I can. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? Doing a research project as part of HMB496, continuing my study of the Russian language and engaging with a new translation workshop I helped come up with, working with the Muslim Students' Association and making meaningful connections. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Try to have a balance of planning out what you want to pursue and achieve in university while also keeping yourself open to new interests and passions. It's important to have a plan and concrete goals, but it's also good to take advantage of and explore the diverse opportunities offered by U of T. 

Tala Al Khiyami, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Tala Al Khiyami 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Physiology and Human Biology majors 

Year: Second 

College: University College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? I am currently the First-Year Representative for the Middle Eastern Students’ Association and the Academic Director of the Cancer Care Student Association. 

Why peer mentorship? My experience in a FLC during my first year of university showed me how impactful mentorship can be in building confidence and creating a sense of belonging. I chose to become a peer mentor because I understand the value of support during a time of change, and I hope to offer others the same guidance. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and make the transition into university a meaningful experience! 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to being a FLC peer mentor and getting to know incoming first-year students. It’s such a rewarding experience to build connections early on and help others navigate the transition to university. I’m also excited to begin my position as Academic Director for the Cancer Care Student Association, where I’ll be working on new academic initiatives and helping promote knowledge around cancer care. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Focus on finding a balance that works for you! First year is a great time to explore different strategies, try new routines and learn what helps you feel your best. Give yourself the chance to grow at your own pace and trust that you will figure out what works along the way. 

Mansi Bhatia, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Mansi Bhatia 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Health & Disease and Physiology Majors

Year: Second 

College: University College 

Hometown: India 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Eating disorder awareness and support club (Student representative),  Only Human Dance Collective (Treasurer), Saturday program (Co-director, tutor), Teddy Bear Clinic (Co-founder), TEDxUofT (Public Relations Manager), University College Orientation (Awarded “Most Spirited Leader”), Miracle Foundation (Co-founder), Medical Global Brigade (President), The Women’s Network (Lead ambassador), MedLysis (Founder), DATE Lab (Research volunteer), Science Rendezvous (Volunteer) 

Why peer mentorship? Peer mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to give back while continuing to grow. As someone who has personally benefited from the guidance of peers, I understand how reassuring it can be to have someone just a step ahead who truly gets what you’re going through. That’s why I’m passionate about being that person for others, not only to support them academically and socially, but to help them feel seen, heard and included. It’s also an incredible opportunity for mutual growth. I find that mentorship sharpens my communication skills, deepens my own understanding and builds empathy. Whether it’s answering questions, offering resources or just being a friendly presence, I want to help others navigate the same journey I once found overwhelming. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m really looking forward to deepening my involvement in the communities I care about — whether that be through leadership roles, research or mentorship. I’m excited to take on more responsibility, collaborate with like-minded peers and help create spaces that are welcoming, supportive and engaging. Academically, I’m looking forward to diving into more advanced courses that align with my interests and continuing to build connections between what I learn in class and what I experience through research or extracurriculars. It’s a year of growth and I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice I’d give to first-year students is: don’t be afraid to ask for help academically, socially and/or emotionally. University can feel overwhelming at first and it’s easy to think you have to figure it all out on your own, but you don’t. There are so many people: upper-years, profs, TAs, mentors, who genuinely want to support you. Reaching out doesn’t make you any less capable; it shows strength and self-awareness. Also, take the time to explore. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Try new clubs, meet new people, take that random elective you’re curious about. You never know what might shape your path. 

Paul Kaita, Staff Advisor

Pronouns: he/him

Title: Academic Advisor, Recruitment & Transition In

About me: I provide academic advising for our first-year student community to transition into life at Vic and lead our recruitment initiatives at Victoria College. I meet with students one-on-one to help navigate through university life that works towards their student success. I am a double U of T graduate, completing my HBA in architectural and visual studies and Master of Education. Outside of my work, I love to explore cafes around the city, watercolour paint and graphic design!

Why FLCs? What I love about FLCs is that it can create a close-knit environment where students can connect with peers, mentors, staff and faculty. I'm excited to be part of these meaningful moments of connection and conversation, helping students build new relationships and feel at home. My goal is to create a welcoming space where students feel safe to be their authentic selves as they explore who they are and begin this exciting new chapter of their university journey.

Top tip for incoming students: My advice to students is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many great resources available. It all starts with reaching out. Whether it’s your Registrar’s Office, a professor or a learning strategist. That one conversation can open new paths you may not even realize! 

Malak Rizk, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Malak 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Life Sciences 

Year: Second 

College: Victoria College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

Why peer mentorship? Whether students are from Toronto or coming internationally, the start of university — though exciting — can also feel intimidating. I experienced this firsthand when I began at the University of Toronto. Luckily, being part of an FLC provided me with reassurance as I learned about key resources, got my questions answered and built friendships within my program. This year, I’m motivated to give back by contributing to that same environment of support and guidance. I’m genuinely passionate about connecting with others and enjoy helping people learn and grow. I hope to make a positive impact on the first-year experience and help new students feel welcomed, informed and confident as they begin this new chapter! 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m truly looking forward to getting to know my mentees this year and creating a welcoming, fun and supportive community with them. Having just completed my first year, I’m excited for the chance to share what I’ve learned and hopefully bring some comfort and joy to the Victoria College Life Sciences FLC. On the academic side, I’m looking forward to exploring more specialized courses and diving into topics that genuinely interest me. Extracurricular-wise, I hope to continue playing volleyball for fun with my friends and meet new people along the way! 

What advice would you give to first-year students? University courses often move at a much faster pace than high school, which can feel overwhelming at first. My advice is to manage your time efficiently by creating a weekly plan. Start by outlining your tasks and estimating how long each might take, then allocate time for them in your schedule. Having a tangible plan can sometimes be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control. That being said, a plan is just a guide, not a strict schedule. Sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances which may throw you off schedule, and that is more than okay! Take a moment to reassess and adjust your plan. Most importantly, stay connected with those who care about you and do not hesitate to reach out if you need comfort or support. 

Elleni Mandefro, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Elleni 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Neuroscience major, Physiology and Biology minors 

Year: Second 

College: St. Michael's College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

Why peer mentorship? To me, peer mentorship is about building a bridge between experience and support, and passing on the guidance I once received — now with added insight! Being able to relate to my mentees, since I've been in their shoes in more ways than one, means that I can offer knowledge and support they might not have thought of. It’s a chance to support students who are adjusting to U of T, and to show them that even though it may feel like they’re the only ones going through it, it’s much more common than they think!! 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? This academic year, I'm looking forward to starting an independent research project (CSB498)! I'm also really excited to jump back into my club roles, join a few more, take more specialized upper-year courses, and of course, meet each and every one of you! 

What advice would you give to first-year students? As cliché as it sounds, give yourself some grace. Your first year is one of the biggest leaps you’ll take during your time at U of T, and it’s a time when you’ll learn so much about yourself, both academically and personally! 

Meredith Koehler, Staff Advisor

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Title: Academic Advisor 

About me: My role is to support students with formulating academic goals, selecting courses and understanding degree requirements. I also help students navigate their options when challenges arise that may impact a student’s academic performance. I did my undergrad in Psychology and Theatre, have my teaching degree and recently finished my Masters in Education. I'm passionate about helping student navigate the university, so that they have the resources and support to succeed! 

Why FLCs? I think FLCs are an amazing way to form community at U of T. It's a great space to meet people and learn from each other. The peer mentors are excellent resources of knowledge! 

Top tip for incoming students: Give yourself time to transition. Go easy on yourself as you learn the ways you like to learn. Also, never hesitate to reach out to your instructors, peer mentors or academic advisors if there is something you need. We love to help! 

Tioluwatise Osunsanya, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Tise 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): Human Biology major, Physiology and Immunology minors 

Year: Second 

College: Woodsworth College 

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? I am a member of the Nigerian Student Association (NSA), as well as the Black Student Association (BSA). I am also a member of the Black Doctors of Tomorrow (BDOT). 

Why peer mentorship? My first-year experience went well because my peer mentors supported me along the way. The fact that I now get to be that person for an incoming student is truly special. I get to improve my leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, all while helping others grow into more resilient and self-assured learners. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? This academic year, I’m looking forward to diving into more specialized courses that align with my goals in healthcare and dentistry, while also making time to mentor first-year students. I’m ready for the highs and the lows, but mostly the highs, that the University of Toronto brings! 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Take it one day at a time, and be kind to yourself along the way. 

Veronika Kolarska, Peer Mentor

Preferred Name: Veronika 

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Program(s): General Life Sciences (currently); Hoping to pursue a double major in Pharmacology and Neuroscience with a business certificate 

Year: Second 

College: Woodsworth College 

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario 

What activities have you been involved in on campus? As a Human Biology Students' Union (HBSU) HeadStart mentor, I mentored four high school students and helped them navigate university applications, scholarships, research programs and answered any questions they had. We met monthly on Google Meets. I also participated in FLC for Woodsworth life sciences as a general member, met with mentees weekly and built friendships! Lastly, I was a  general member of U of T Global Brigades, HSBU and U of T Pre-Medical Student Association. 

Why peer mentorship? The summer before first year, I was working and had the best supervisor in the world. She went out of her way to mentor me, giving me advice about university life and helping me transition into first year. That experience really stuck with me and now I want to be that same kind of mentor, friend and resource for incoming students. 

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I am looking forward to joining fun clubs and meeting new people. U of T is so large — the amount of people attending and opportunities. I can't wait to see what second year brings. 

What advice would you give to first-year students? Don't stress about it too much as it will all work out in the end. There is so much more to school and work. So enjoy your life, pursue your passions and hobbies and live a balanced lifestyle!