Our recruitment team provides counselling and advising for prospective students (and their parents or guardians) who are interested in applying to the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto. Our recruitment officers are experts in admission requirements for all Canadian and international school systems. We are here to answer your questions and help you complete your application.
We also have student ambassadors who can share their own journeys to U of T and chat with you about academics, campus life, the colleges and more.
We encourage you to connect with us and sign up for a video chat. You can sign up for a video chat with anyone in our team by clicking one of the buttons below. You can also learn more about our recruiters and our student ambassadors by reading their bios below.
Register for a video chat with a recruiter
Register for a video chat with a student ambassador
Meet Our Recruiters
Amy Chang
Admissions & Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Daejeon, South Korea
Languages I speak: English, Korean
About me: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Human Geography majors at U of T. Now being a member of the Faculty of Arts & Science recruitment team, I share my own student life experiences as an alumna and help prospective students with any admission inquiries that they might have.
I’ve also participated in the student exchange program during my undergraduate degree, so I understand how hard it is for international students to adjust to a new environment – I’ve been there! Please feel free to ask me anything about Toronto and U of T, including student organizations, clubs and work experiences so that I can help with your transition.
Outside of work, I love to travel and immerse myself in different cultures. Also, when the weather is nice, I like to go for long walks and enjoy the sunshine with a little sip of Starbucks!
Ask me about: Admissions to the Faculty of Arts & Science, student life and best dessert shops in the city!
A fun fact about me: I am terrified of grass but I majored in Environmental Studies – if you are curious how I managed to do that, feel free to connect with me.
Shahryer Ahmed
Admissions & Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Languages I speak: English, Bengali
About me: I graduated from the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in International Development Studies. While I was a student, I worked in admissions, student recruitment and transfer credit as a work-study student. My love for helping prospective applicants navigate the landscape of higher education led me to earn a Master of Education degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), U of T. Now, I have the privilege of sharing my knowledge and experience to positively impact applicants’ higher education journeys.
Aside from work, I love to travel and most recently travelled to Bali, Indonesia and had the opportunity to watch the Balinese Kecak fire dance show at the Uluwatu temple.
Ask me about: Admissions, transfer credit, international exchange programs, graduate/professional degrees, and education pathways.
A fun fact about me: I participated in CN Tower climb and hiked Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain in Thailand), Chiang Mai Province.
Joanne Li
Student Services Advisor
Hometown: Guelph, ON
Languages I speak: English
About me: I graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce. While pursuing undergraduate studies, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Department of Economics and Peer Academic Mentor for the Residence Life Office. I enjoyed my experience so much at U of T that I returned after graduation to continue my career path in student services and have since assumed various student advising roles in different departments at U of T. I love working with current and prospective students to support their academic goals and enhance their student life experience. Feel free to connect with me if you have questions!
Ask me about: Admissions, program and course enrolment, transfer credits
A Fun Fact about me: I love all things Disney and visit Disney World at least once a year.
Meiyen Lee
Student Service Advisor
Hometown: London, ON
Languages I speak: English
About me: Admissions, program and course enrolment, transfer credits
Ask me about: After graduating with a Masters in Music Literature & Performance, I worked as a freelance artist before starting my career at the University of Toronto. I have experience advising both prospective and current students, and I am looking forward to supporting your educational and career goals. As a first-generation student myself, I know there is a lot to navigate in the post-secondary world. Please ask me all of your questions!
A fun fact about me: I love baking and have made everything from cookies and cakes, to bread, pretzels, and croissants.
Paul Deacon
Student Services Advisor
Hometown: Stoney Creek, Ontario
Languages I speak: English
About me: I completed both my Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Master of Education (MEd) at the University of Toronto. I have worked in the Athletics Department (Coordinator of the Academic Support for Athletes Program) and as an academic advisor for current students (New College Registrar’s Office). I know how hard it is to decide on what university to attend and I’m here to help you determine if the University of Toronto is the right fit for you. I am always happy to speak with prospective students interested in studying in the Faculty of Arts & Science! Outside of work, I love comedy, live music and playing golf.
Ask me about: Admissions, transfer credits and athletics, sports and recreation at U of T.
A fun fact about me: I have read every single Stephen King book!
Se (Carol) Ye
Student Services Advisor
Hometown: Jinan, China
Languages I speak: English, Mandarin Chinese
About me: I came into the Faculty of Arts & Science years ago as an international transfer student. After I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a Specialist in Psychology, I began my career in the Faculty’s registrarial world, learning through various academic advising roles. Because my undergraduate path wasn’t a straightforward one and having both experienced and seen the challenges international and domestic students faced when transitioning into university, it further motivated me to share my experience and knowledge with students like you, so you can have a smoother transition and university career.
Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my cat, learning to play badminton, watching NBA games and TV shows (just finished Clarkson’s Farm).
Ask me about: Admissions, the College system, transfer credits, program and course enrolment, and campus life.
A fun fact about me: My favourite NBA players are Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.
Daniel Jerman
Recruitment Coordinator
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Languages I speak: English
About me: I graduated from the Faculty of Arts & Science at Trinity College with an Honours Bachelor of Science in 2021. As a commuter student, I wanted to become as immersed in the U of T community as I possibly could. This is why I decided to participate in some of U of T’s First-Year Opportunities like the Trinity One Program and the First-Year Learning Communities (FLCs).
At the end of my second year, I started working on campus as a Sidney Smith Commons Assistant, where I was able to share my experiences with students who were new to U of T. I really enjoyed working with incoming and prospective students, which is why I decided to join the Faculty of Arts & Science recruitment team soon after I graduated.
I know that the transition to university can be a big one, so feel free to ask me any questions that you may have!
Ask me about: Admissions, First-Year Opportunities, Life Sciences, program enrolment, student life and on-campus opportunities
A fun fact about me: I love fashion and have recreated outfits from previous decades going all the way back to the 1950s!
Ellen Ocran
Recruitment Officer, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Languages I speak: English
About me: I graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and Political Science. My path to the University of Toronto community wasn’t a straight and narrow one. I returned to post-secondary studies at U of T after the birth of my child, who was later able to watch their mother cross the stage—one of my proudest moments! U of T can be for anyone, including you! Let’s connect, talk and work on supporting your goals.
Ask me about: Communities on campus, alternate admission pathways, tailoring your degree and living your best life!
A fun fact about me: I played rugby in university!
Jan Braun
Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Osler, Saskatchewan
Languages I speak: English, basic German and Low German
About me: Prior to my work as a recruitment officer, I worked in student advising across a couple of different divisions at U of T. I use my experience as a ‘first in the family’ student ─ who attended two different institutions in different areas of Canada ─ to break down barriers to post-secondary education and provide easy-to-access information for prospective students.
Ask me about: Application and admission requirements, transfer credits, transition and first-year programming.
A fun fact about me: I learned to swim as an adult.
Kelli Brenton
Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Languages I speak: English
About me: Avid coffee drinker and frequent traveller. I am always on the lookout for my next adventure! As a former exchange student to Ireland, I love speaking to students about international experiences. When not travelling the world and speaking to students about university, I can be found walking my dog, Quincy, or settling in to a new book. I am always looking for a great second-hand book shop and the best cup of coffee in the cities I visit.
Ask me about: International admissions, study abroad and exchange, career exploration, global university rankings.
A fun fact about me: I have a goal to read 30 books this year!
Miriam Irvine
Associate Director, Student Recruitment
Hometown: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Languages I speak: English
About me: I graduated from the U.K. with a BSc (Hons) in Business Management and International Marketing and most recently received my Master of Education - Higher Education Leadership from the University of Toronto. With over 15 years’ of experience in the higher education sector, having worked for leading universities in the United Kingdom, I am excited to be part of a talented team of recruiters who are here to help you as you research, apply and transition to university. I came to Canada in 2012 and have never looked back – I am very lucky to call Canada and Toronto my home!
Outside of work I enjoy traveling, learning new things and spending time with my family and friends.
Ask me about: Anything – I can’t wait to chat with you about your academic career.
A fun fact about me: I danced competitively up until I was in my mid-20s, having competed in the Great British Championships for Irish Dancing, as well as appearing in productions of We Will Rock You and High School Musical. If I hadn’t gone into higher education industry, I would have gone into competitive and commercial dancing.
Shankavy Paramanathan
Jr. Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Languages I speak: English, Tamil, learning some other languages through movies!
About me: I graduated from UTSG in June 2023 with Honours Bachelor of Science in Health & Disease and Psychology, with a minor in Environment & Behaviour, and a certificate in Sustainability. I was a part of the First-Year Learning Communities (FLC) and it has been a big part of my undergrad. I was an FLC peer mentor all throughout undergrad and was an intern for the Sidney Smith Commons for the Arrive Ready Program that really got me interested in helping incoming and prospective students. Now as a part of the recruitment team, I enjoy sharing my experiences being a first generation university student, a commuter student, and the student life at U of T.
Outside of work, I love watching movies/ shows in any language, (do share any recommendations) and I recently got a puppy! He is a Dutch Shepard named Bhaira who is very active and takes up most of my time :)
A fun fact about me: I love music! I am always jumping for opportunities to learn and explore new instruments and music. I play a South Indian instrument called the Veena, sing, and can play a couple of other instruments.
Stephanie Convery
Recruitment Officer
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Languages I speak: English
About me: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies, completed a study abroad program at the University of Copenhagen, a post-graduate Certificate in Public Relations and most recently a Master of Education at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). My professional experience working with prospective and current students allows me to provide you with university life information spanning from the application stage to your graduation. I look forward to meeting you, answering your questions and showing you why U of T has infinite opportunities waiting for you.
Ask me about: International opportunities, life on campus, combining programs, extra-curricular experiences and living in Toronto.
A fun fact about me: I find balance in listening to history podcasts and watching Bravo reality shows.
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Arielle Chin
Student Ambassador
College: Trinity College
Year of Study: 1
Program(s) of Study: Social Sciences (pursuing Ethics, Society, and Law; International Relations; Criminology)
Language(s) I speak: English, Chinese (Mandarin)
Hometown: Northborough, Massachusetts, USA
About Me: I am currently a first-year international student at the Faculty of Arts & Science. In my first month on campus, I joined the Trinity Times as a news & campus life staff writer and worked at the Trinity Women in Leadership club as a marketing coordinator as well as a room host for Trinity College. As a student ambassador, I am excited to help both prospective and incoming students on their university transition journey. As a recent high school graduate, I was in your shoes only a few months ago. I know that it can be both an overwhelming and exciting period in your life as you begin to navigate the prospects of choosing what path you want to pursue for your future. My hope is that through my role, I can answer your questions about university life and have conversations with you about your interests (both academic and non-academic). I look forward to having the opportunity to meet you!
Fun Fact: I have traveled to 15 countries within the continents of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia!
Isabella Garcia
Student Ambassador
College: St. Michael's College
Year of Study: 2
Program(s) of Study: Psychology (Major), Physiology (Minor), Immunology (Minor)
Language(s) I speak: English, Spanish
Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
About Me: As an international student in my second year at the Faculty of Arts & Science, I’ve already had the privilege of experiencing so many incredible opportunities — whether it’s trying new things in Canada or participating in specialized training related to medical studies. Becoming a student ambassador allows me to share these unique experiences and show how U of T has truly become my home away from home. Having recently made the transition from first year myself, I’m excited to offer insights, tips and support to help you navigate university life. I can’t wait to share my journey and connect with you!
Fun Fact: I am a huge dog person, I have three dogs back home! Also, my favorite place in the world are the beaches back home or any beach really.
Nifise Oguntoye
EDI Student Ambassador
Pronouns: he/him
College: Victoria College
Year of Study: 3
Program(s) of Study: Critical Studies in Equity & Solidarity (Major), African Studies (Minor), Human Geography (Minor)
Language(s) I speak: English, Yoruba
Hometown: London, England
About Me: I am currently a third-year student at the Faculty of Arts & Science, but it took me quite some time to get here. I started my undergraduate journey as a business major before transferring to the University of Toronto where I spent my first couple years as a computer science major before ultimately switching to my current programs which I love. In the years I have spent at U of T, I have been able to find and create my own communities by engaging with student clubs and associations. As an EDI student ambassador, I will share everything I have learned through my unique experiences as a U of T student, especially as a transfer student. Outside of school, I am usually exploring places outside downtown Toronto for undiscovered spots.
Fun Fact: I love tiramisu so much, I always keep a tray of it in my freezer!
Renee Asoro
EDI Student Ambassador
College: Woodsworth College
Year of Study: 4
Program(s) of Study: Pharmacology (Major), Economics (Minor), Immunology (Minor)
Language(s) I Speak: English, German, Swahili
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
About Me: I am currently an international student at the Faculty of Arts & Science. During my time here, I have explored subjects of interest outside my life sciences admission category, such as economics and German, participated in an internship program abroad, taken up new sports, such as tennis and dance and engaged in different aspects of student life — from planning orientation programs for incoming students to being a part of student associations. As an EDI student ambassador, I am hoping to share insights into the unique experiences and opportunities that come with being a U of T student and give you tips for navigating your transition into university, especially as an international student. Outside of school, you can find me listening to podcasts, trying out new recipes and exploring new cool spots around Toronto!
Fun Fact: I have lived in three different countries all in three different continents, so naturally I love to travel and experience new cultures!