Speakers for this event

• Denny Maranga

  Denny Maranga

  Denny Maranga is a PhD researcher at the University of Toronto studying birdlike dinosaurs and how their teeth reveal clues about evolution and extinction. Originally from the Philippines, her passion for paleontology began during an undergraduate research class and has since led her to study fascinating dinosaurs like Microraptor and Velociraptor.

• Dr. A.W. Peet

  Dr. A.W. Peet

  A W. Peet is a physicist and professor at the University of Toronto whose research explores string theory, black holes, cosmology, and the mysteries of quantum gravity. Their work helps scientists better understand how the universe behaves at its most fundamental level. 

• Dr. Chenielle Delahaye

  Dr. Chenielle Delahaye

  Chenielle Delahaye is a scientist, educator, and founder of De La Enzie Essentials who combines science and nature to make evidence-based wellness more accessible and engaging. Through hands-on demonstrations and science-driven education, she inspires communities to explore the connection between health, sustainability, and innovation.

• Dr. Monika HM Schmidt

  Dr. Monika HM Schmidt

  Monika Schmidt is a molecular geneticist and health equity advocate leading FAST-HIV, a program expanding equitable HIV testing across emergency departments in Ontario. She combines science, healthcare, and advocacy to improve access and equity in medicine. 

• Gözel Atakgayeva

  Gözel Atakgayeva

  Gözel Atakgayeva is a PhD student whose research combines cell biology, microbiology and immunology. Her passion for molecular science and discovery inspired her to pursue graduate studies where she is trying to figure out how to better control growth of E. coli bacteria that can make us sick.

• Ishita Shreshtha

  Ishita Shreshtha

  Ishita Shreshtha is a PhD researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University developing nanotechnology-based tools for early and non-invasive cancer detection. Her work creates more sensitive and accessible diagnostic technologies.

• Kerenza Cheng

  Kerenza Cheng

  Kerenza is a PhD Candidate in Molecular Science at Toronto Metropolitan University whose research combines computational tools and microscopy to study how proteins interact with DNA during replication. Her work aims to uncover how replication errors arise and contribute to genetic diseases, including cancer.

• Liv Engel

  Liv Engel

  Liv Engel is a PhD student at the University of Toronto studying the brain mechanisms behind fear and anxiety, with a focus on dopamine signaling and sex differences in neuroscience. She is passionate about inclusive science communication, and outside the lab, enjoys line dancing and boxing.

• Spandana Chereddy

  Spandana Chereddy

  Spandana Chereddy is a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph using AI and machine learning to explore DNA, biodiversity, and human health. Passionate about science communication and mentorship, she hopes to make complex research more accessible while inspiring more women to pursue STEM.

• Taiwo Odeyemi Osagie

  Taiwo Odeyemi Osagie

  Taiwo Odeyemi Osagie is a PhD student in Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University whose research focuses on digital trust, cybersecurity, and how people interpret credibility signals online. By combining technical design with human-centered thinking, she develops tools that help users navigate misinformation, privacy risks, and online authenticity with greater confidence.

• Wan Wang

  Wan Wang

  Wan Wang is a PhD student at the University of Toronto who studies how climate change affects turtles with temperature-dependent sex determination. Her research explores how warming temperatures can change turtle sex ratios and what this means for their evolution and survival.