Molly Sung
Molly is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto where she studies the design of metal-based catalysts for conversion of CO2 to fuels. She is a vocal proponent of changing the culture of graduate departments (particularly her own) from a academic-pipeline towards an experience that prepares students for a diverse range of careers. Prior to co-founding TSPN, Molly served as chair for the Toronto branch of the Chemical Institute of Canada and established their policy initiatives to engage local politicians and candidates on science issues and policies.
Ellen Gute
Ellen is a PhD Candidate in Physical & Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto where she studies cloud processes towards improved weather and climate models. She has a diplom degree (equivalent to a master’s degree) in meteorology from the University of Mainz (Germany) where is she is originally from. Ellen cares about meaningful implementation of research findings into public policies towards a sustainable world. She is a Science outside the Lab North alumna and co-founder of the Toronto Science Policy Network.
Farah Qaiser
Farah is a graduate student at the University of Toronto’s Molecular Genetics department, where her research involves sequencing patient DNA (whole genome sequencing) to better understand complex neurological disorders. When not in the lab, Farah writes, speaks and organizes various science communication, policy and outreach initiatives. Of note, Farah was a member of the organizing committee for the 2018 Toronto March for Science before co-founding the Toronto Science Policy Network.
Sivani Baskaran
Sivani is a PhD student in Environmental Chemistry at the University of Toronto. Her research looks at methods for measuring and predicting physical-chemical properties that are important for bioaccumulation assessment. She became interested in science policy during her undergraduate years at Trent University and helped co-found the Toronto Science Policy Network.
Vasa Lukich
Vasa is a PhD Candidate in the department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto. Her research involves reconstructing past environments at an archaeological locality in South Africa to understand the history of human occupation and behaviour at this site for the last 200,000 years. Vasa is committed to sharing her enthusiasm for science with a wider audience in both academic and public domains, and has been active in representing graduate student interests to the faculty in her department throughout her PhD. She is a Science outside the Lab North alumna and co-founder of the Toronto Science Policy Network.
Frank Telfer
Frank is a graduate student in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, studying Genetics and Genome Biology at the Hospital for Sick Children. Frank’s research focuses on identifying and characterizing novel modalities for reducing cancer risk/preventing cancer in children and young adults who are at increased risk due a mutation inherited from their parents. Outside of the lab, Frank works on expanding and improving science culture in his local community and throughout Canada, through leadership of a variety of education and advocacy initiatives. Frank is highly passionate about evidence-informed decision-making, especially in the sphere of health policy, and has been a member of TSPN since its first year.
Toronto Science Policy Network 