
Our Team
Founders
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Dr. Mayrose Salvador
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Dr. Mayrose Salvador is a Filipino-Canadian scientist, innovator, and educator. She received her B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Toronto. She has completed postdoctoral degrees at the University of Minnesota and the University of Toronto.
As a scientist, Dr. Salvador has created advanced materials for solar cell applications , pioneered the use of novel laser techniques to create industrial applications for nanomaterials and contributed to the understanding of the impact of these materials in the environment. She holds a patent and has co-authored 15 scientific publications that have been cited over 480 times.
As an educator, Dr. Salvador taught Chemistry at the University of the Philippines and the University of Toronto. She has also led the training of over 3,000 teachers around the world with Pueblo Science. Appearing in ABS-CBN Global TV, and Canadian media networks she continues to popularize science for the general public.
Dr. Salvador is passionate about using technology to solve community problems. She was involved in developing iron fortified snacks for kids and in creating a field diagnostic tool for safely harvesting crops. In collaboration with the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto, she also helped deploy affordable solar lighting to the indigenous communities and facilitated an innovation challenge in the Philippines.
Dr. Salvador is a recipient of the Outstanding Young Filipino Entrepreneurs and Professional Award, the Ontario Centres of Excellence Social Entrepreneurship Award and MITACS Canada Fellowship.
Dr. Cynthia Goh
CO-FOUNDER
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Dr. Cynthia Goh is Professor of Chemistry and the Institute of Medical Science, and Director of the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto. She received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, working on experiments and theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena. She did postdoctoral research at Columbia University in the area of nonlinear optics, and at the University of California, Berkeley on vibrational spectroscopy of solids.
Prof. Goh is a strong advocate of the concept of excellent fundamental science forming the basis for new technology, and leading to wealth creation. She invented the technique of diffraction-based sensing, a highly sensitive approach for the detection of biomolecules with applications in medical diagnostics and in drug discovery. She is an experienced entrepreneur, having founded Axela Inc. (named one of the top-10 biotech firms in Canada in 2005), Dalenyi BioSurfaces, and Vive Nano Inc. (one of top Canadian green technology companies). She has independently launched a number of commercialization initiatives, including Entrepreneurship 101, a course introducing entrepreneurship to experienced scientists and engineers. She has extensive experience in milestone-driven research and has worked with many industrial partners.
Dr. Goh is active in global health issues, particularly with regards to medical diagnostics for low resource settings. She has been the recipient of awards from two Philippine presidents for her professional work and service to the community.
Board of Directors
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Dr. Calvin Cheng
PRESIDENT
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Dr. Calvin Cheng is a technology entrepreneur. He is the CTO and Co-Founder at Edgehog, a venture-backed startup specialized in the world’s best invisible glass based on bio-inspired nanofabrication methods. Dr. Cheng holds a PhD in nanomaterials from the University of Toronto as well as a MSc in biophysical chemistry and BASc in biomedical engineering.
Quincy Poon
MEMBER, SECRETARY
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Quincy Poon received her B.A.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and M.Sc. in Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto and is currently the co-founder and CEO of Plank Optimization, a software company that helps organizations overcome large, complex planning and scheduling problems using mathematical optimization techniques. Passionate about education and servicing low-resource communities, Quincy is excited to join Pueblo in its mission to bring science literacy to every corner of the world.
Dr. Si Yue Guo
MEMBER
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Dr. Si Yue Guo is a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry at the University of Toronto. An alumna Junior Fellow of Massey College, she has a BSc in Physics and Math from McGill University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Toronto, where she studied under Nobel Laureate John Polanyi. In her research, Dr. Guo is interested in using scanning probe microscopy and computational techniques such as artificial intelligence to study chemical reactions. As an instructor of Pueblo Science, Dr. Guo strong believes in engaging youth in scientific inquiry and critical thinking, especially through interactive, experiential learning.
Cynthia Goh
MEMBER
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Dr. Cynthia Goh is Professor of Chemistry and the Institute of Medical Science, and Director of the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto. She received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, working on experiments and theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena. She did postdoctoral research at Columbia University in the area of nonlinear optics, and at the University of California, Berkeley on vibrational spectroscopy of solids.
Prof. Goh is a strong advocate of the concept of excellent fundamental science forming the basis for new technology, and leading to wealth creation. She invented the technique of diffraction-based sensing, a highly sensitive approach for the detection of biomolecules with applications in medical diagnostics and in drug discovery. She is an experienced entrepreneur, having founded Axela Inc. (named one of the top-10 biotech firms in Canada in 2005), Dalenyi BioSurfaces, and Vive Nano Inc. (one of top Canadian green technology companies). She has independently launched a number of commercialization initiatives, including Entrepreneurship 101, a course introducing entrepreneurship to experienced scientists and engineers. She has extensive experience in milestone-driven research and has worked with many industrial partners.
Dr. Goh is active in global health issues, particularly with regards to medical diagnostics for low resource settings. She has been the recipient of awards from two Philippine presidents for her professional work and service to the community.
Phil Dennis
MEMBER
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Phil Dennis is currently a senior manager at Sirem Labs a dvision of Geosyntec Consultants. He is also adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto Scarborough. He obtained his M.A.Sc. in Civil Engineering and his B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph.
Phil is passionate about engaging young kids in science.
Shilpa Kotecha
MEMBER
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Shilpa Kotecha is a senior communications professional with over fifteen years experience working in media, marketing and as a freelance writer and consultant. She currently works at the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development as the Team Lead for Media, Issues and Correspondence.
Shilpa has been a supporter of Pueblo Science and its mission since 2014!
Members
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Greg Watson
FINANCIAL OFFICER
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Greg resolves financial administration challenges with a focus on bookkeeping, budget preparation and cash-flow management for multiple types of organizations, work across organizations to resolve issues, track issues to resolution, and develop training materials (including computer-based-leaning modules) and conduct training so as to continuously improve processes. Greg is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Project Management Professional. He received his Bachelor of Economics from the University of Ottawa and his MBA from McGill University.
Dr. James Li
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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Dr. James Li received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and B.A.Sc. in Engineering Science with a specialization in Nanoengineering from the University of Toronto. His doctoral research focused on elucidating the mechanical behaviour of polymer thin films via surface probe microscopy. James is passionate about technological innovations for societal benefits, and has worked at Ecoatra, a nano-coatings start-up, Fleetec, a clean technology consultancy, and Electrovaya, a lithium-polymer battery company, in engineering and business development capacities. He is currently a Project Manager at the Institute for Optical Science, UofT’s innovations hub. James joined Pueblo because he believes in its mission to promote science literacy, which is a critical step in helping developing countries become globally competitive.
Cristelle Goguey
HR DIRECTOR
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Cristelle Goguey holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and has worked as a Human Resources Generalist in France for 10 years. After visiting Toronto in 2016 and feeling irresistibly attracted to the city, she decided to settle here in July 2018. As a firm believer of the importance of feminine role models to help bridge the gap between men and women in STEM, she’s excited to join Pueblo Science. She’s responsible for the recruitment and management of our volunteers.
Dr. Alon Eisenstein
EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR
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Alon Eisenstein received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Toronto. He studied the properties of extremely small chemical systems, which included nano-thick polymer layers, nano-particles made of polymers and even individual molecules. He obtained his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Ben Gurion University, building a brand new microscope that can function at extremely low temperatures (-269C), and studying the magnetic properties of a single molecules that can act as the tiniest magnet. Alon loves to demonstrate and explain neat science experiments to all ages and is a great supporter of promoting science education, since science is all around us. You can follow Alon’s musings about Pueblo Science and anything related to science on his blog!
Leo Mui
GRANT WRITING DIRECTOR
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Leo Mui is the manager, entrepreneurship initiatives with the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto. He is also the co-founder of Lunanos Inc., a company producing infection prevention and control solutions. Having a master of science degree in organic chemistry, Leo is passionate about science education and had several papers in chemical education journals and a book chapter in Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory. Leo had previously participated in Pueblo Science’s RISE programs in the Philippines and Guyana, and wishes he had more time to volunteer more often.
Luke Dingwell
INSTRUCTOR
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Luke Dingwel is a current Institute of Medical Science, Master of Science candidate, at the University of Toronto. At Pueblo, he serve as the Program Lead for Northern Ontario educational-outreach programs. This is a pilot project aiming to increase access to effective STEM education in indigenous and rural Canadian communities.
Dr. Martin Labrecque
INSTRUCTOR & ROBOTICS ENGINEER
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Martin Labrecque completed his Ph.D. and M.A.Sc. in Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto and his B. Eng. at Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal. His doctorate research involved developing parallel processors with architectural support for automatic program parallelization. In 2011, Martin started BreqLabs, a company based in downtown Toronto developing sensor gloves for virtual reality interaction. He has years of experience coaching elementary school kids and university students in building robots and autonomous vehicles. He is passionate about science and its applications to everyday life.
Cathy Yuzon
FUNDRAISER
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Cathy is the Financial Assistant at UofT’s Impact Centre. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Management and Accounting at the University of Toronto and is currently working towards obtaining her professional designation in Chartered Professional Accounting. She helps Pueblo as a book keeping consultant and a fund raiser.
In 2010, she co-founded Sciventions Inc., an online company that commercializes specialized scientific products and services. She serves as the President of the company and is in-charge of operational and financial strategies.
Emina Veletanlic
MEMBER
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Emina received her BASc in Engineering Science and MSc in Polymers and Materials Chemistry from the University of Toronto. As a student, she gained industrial experience at Autoliv Electronics, a manufacturer of safety sensor systems for the automotive industry, and also conducted university research related to Vive Crop Protection (formerly Vive Nano), focusing on the synthesis of novel materials. Emina spent more than three years as Research Analyst for the Toronto Region Research Alliance – an economic development organization – preparing intelligence and business cases for foreign firms making investments in science and innovation in Canada. She recently joined the Institute for Optical Sciences, an R&D institute at U of T. Her passion for economic development is what brought her to Pueblo Science. She is interested in science and innovation strategies to tackle complex community challenges. Emina is responsible for Pueblo’s financial records and fundraising applications.
Dr. Tihana Mirkovic
INSTRUCTOR & DESIGNER
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Dr. Tihana Mirkovic received her B.Sc. in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Toronto and completed her Ph.D. degree where her interdisciplinary research encompassed the development of nanomaterials and studies of photophysical and dynamical aspects of nanoscale systems. As a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate she focused on elucidating the photophysical properties of light-harvesting systems occurring in nature, such as proteins involved in photosynthesis. Over the past seven years, she has also focused on chemical education and works as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto in areas of materials, inorganic and physical chemistry. Her interest in chemical education spans beyond the classroom, and she is thrilled to be on the Pueblo Science team promoting science literacy around the world.
Dr. Ruby May Sullan
VOLUNTEER
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Ruby Sullan is a biophysical chemist interested in understanding the nanoscale forces in biology—from model membranes to marine biofoulants to bacterial biofilms. She is currently a professor of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. Apart from research, she is enthusiastic about teaching. She views teaching as an invaluable opportunity to open and expand the horizons and perspectives of her students. She have had numerous fulfilling experiences explaining her research not only to peers and experts in the field but also to school children and their parents. She joins Pueblo Science as she believes that Science should be as accessible to the greater community. To her, one way to implement this is to present Science in a manner that makes its relevance more apparent.
Dr. Scott McAuley
INSTRUCTOR & MEDIA RELATIONS
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Scott finished his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and currently a research analyst at Paradigm Capital. He completed his Bachelor’s at McGill University in the Department of Chemistry and also holds a Master’s from the University of Toronto. His academic work focused on discovering and uncovering the mechanism of action for new antibiotics.
Harim Ulfig
VOLUNTEER
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Harim is the Events Coordinator at the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto. Harim designs printed materials for Pueblo Science and assists in fundraising.
Harim received her B.A.Sc. in Materials Sciences and Engineering at the University of Toronto. With her interest in both engineering and arts, she enjoys helping technopreneurs express their brand with engaging and captivating designs. She also recently incorporated a graphic design company, Flyingshoe, which provides graphic design services for technology-based companies.
Dr. Nari Kim
INSTRUCTOR
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Nari Kim completed her undergraduate and PhD degree at the University of Toronto. With her diverse scientific background in biology and chemistry, she is enthusiastic about developing simple yet fun experiments for kids. She strongly believes that the teachers’ training program offered by Pueblo Science is one of the best strategies to rapidly improve quality of education for children, especially in developing countries. For that reason, she has traveled to the Philippines for several times to share the knowledge with teachers. Nari is always looking forward to contributing the team, not only meeting new and exciting people but also exploring new science experiments!
Dr. Stanley Wong
INSTRUCTOR
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Stanley received his BASc and PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto. His studies mainly focused on the development of protein based biosensor tools to help elucidate the inner workings of cells. Stanley has an interest in designing and developing technology and products by applying fundamental science and engineering principles. He is excited to join Pueblo Science and looks forward to increasing science literacy through their RISE program.
Grace Jacobs
INSTRUCTOR
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Grace is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto studying bioinformatics focused on neuroimaging and genetics in psychiatric disorders. She is passionate about science education and communication, and in addition to her work with Pueblo as a local event coordinator and RISE workshop instructor, she also produces a podcast discussing medical science topics that highlights U of T research called Raw Talk Podcast.
Dr. Andrea Nagy
INSTRUCTOR
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Dr. Andrea Nagy obtained her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Toronto; her dissertation focused on ultrafast laser spectroscopy of biological molecules. Via a Humboldt Fellowship, she fine-tuned her spectroscopy skills at the University of Konstanz in Germany. She has taught at the University of Toronto and Trent University in Peterborough, and is currently an Instructor at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. She has organized and led many of Pueblo Science’s March Break and Summer camps, and is involved in community outreach events. Andrea is an ardent supporter of science education, and enjoys sharing the wonders and usefulness of science with others. She hopes to bring the benefits of science
and technology to as many people as possible.
Rommel Santos
INSTRUCTOR
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Rommel obtained his PhD in Neurobiology at the University of California Irvine. He is driven to explore the dynamic world of neuronal circuits forming real-time within the central nervous system. Beyond his fascination of the brain, Rommel is passionate about science education outreach. Drawing from his research experiences in the lab, Rommel enjoys brainstorming fun biology lesson plans for Pueblo Science RISE program. He is committed to doing science outreach in developing countries, with the hope of inspiring students to be creative and solve pressing concerns for today’s society.
Dr. Nesha May Andoy
VOLUNTEER
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Nesha finished her B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines. After spending three years teaching undergraduate students Biochemistry and General Chemistry, she then moved to Cornell University for her PhD where she studied biomolecular interactions and nanoparticle catalysis at the single-molecule level. She is currently working at the University of Toronto probing nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions. Having worked in university labs for many years, she is passionate about helping both graduate and undergraduate students to have an enriching and exciting research experience.
Dr. Candice Lumibao
CURRICULUM DEVELOPER
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Dr. Candice Lumibao is a plant evolutionary ecologist, studying the ecological and evolutionary processes driving variations in plants and their associated microbiomes, and how these variations impact their ability to respond to global environmental changes, including climate change. After getting her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame (US), she did postdoctoral research fellowships at the University of Minnesota and Tulane University. Apart from her passion to do research, she is also passionate about, and have made a conscious effort throughout her early professional career in engaging public in science and in promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly of women and underrepresented groups, whether in the classroom, in research or in conservation dialogues in every aspect of science.
Janet Anne Chang
DESIGN LEAD
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Janet received her B.FA.&Des. in Advertising Arts from the University of Santo Tomas and has worked with various digital advertising agencies and unicorn tech startup companies. Her area of expertise lies mainly in branding, graphic design, illustration, and digital advertising. Having passion for learning and reaching out to different communities, she is eager to ensure that Pueblo’s mission is consistently delivered through voice and visuals.
Dr. Yoshinori Suganuma
INSTRUCTOR
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Dr. Yoshinori Suganuma is an experimental scientist, having spent many years in university labs. He is originally trained as an electrical engineer. Afterward, his interest evolved into solid-state physics and physical chemistry. He enjoys doing science and engineering and would like to share his experience and expertise with anyone who is interested.
Kristel Bermejo
VOLUNTEER
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Kristel Bermejo completed her Hon. BSc at the University of Toronto specializing in Pharmacology. Kristel has a keen interest in neuroscience which lead her to pursue graduate studies. Kristel pursued post-graduate studies and obtained her MSc. in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology studying molecular mechanisms in models of Parkinson’s disease. Kristel is now a pursuing her PhD in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Kristel’s study focuses on animal models of schizophrenia and studying the molecular mechanisms behind disease onset and progression. Kristel has a passion for knowledge translation and making science understandable and accessible to the public. She has volunteered for many organizations bringing science to the public and to children, including Let’s Talk Science, Science Rendezvous, and Pueblo Science. Kristel wishes to inspire youths to take interest in science by advocating for organizations aimed at making science more interesting and fun for youths. In her spare time, Kristel likes to cook and bake, play video games, and spend time in the great outdoors.
Shermaine Li
INSTRUCTOR
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Shermaine Li obtained her Hon. B.Sc. majoring in chemistry and physiology and her M.Sc. in chemistry both at the University of Toronto. She is currently continuing to pursue her studies in medicine as an MDCM candidate at McGill University. Shermaine has a passion for research exploring numerous fields including neuroscience, and surface chemistry, as well as an interest in translating applied sciences into society. Part of this endeavour involves teaching science to children in creative, accessible way – bringing concepts outside the textbook. She has previously joined the teaching and curriculum development team in the teachers’ training (RISE) programs in 2016, which have been proven to be a successful and sustainable way of improving global science literacy. She is excited to continue to contribute this, meet people from around the world and experience new cultures!
Dr. Johnathan Lau
INSTRUCTOR
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Johnathan Lau obtained his M.D. from the University of Ottawa where he will be an upcoming Family Medicine Resident Physician. He participated as an instructor and co-coordinator for the 2017 RISE initiative in Kingston, Jamaica, his native birthplace. From Jamaica, he emigrated to Toronto where he obtained his HBSc. in Immunology and Physiology and got involved in many research opportunities. He has acted as a speaker for seminars on the importance of obtaining research opportunities. He tries to balance his passion for scientific communication, mentorship, research, and clinical duties.
Yvette Liu
INSTRUCTOR
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Yvette is an Ontario certified high school teacher qualified to teach Gr. 6 – 12 with science (chemistry) and mathematics teachables. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science in chemistry from University of Toronto and Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Since obtaining her teaching qualification, Yvette has taught science and mathematics in England, Scotland, China, as well as here in Toronto. She is constantly striving to inspire her students by providing authentic and relevant learning experiences. Her teaching goal is to bring fun and excitement back into science and mathematics classrooms, so students no longer tremble in fear when they hear the words “science” and “math”.
Dr. Jennifer Tsoung
INSTRUCTOR
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Jennifer received her BSc in chemistry with honours from the University of British Columbia where she was involved in student government and participated in the co-op program. She finished her PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Toronto, focusing on developing new transition-metal catalyzed organic transformations. She enjoys bringing science to everyday life through activities such as volunteering with science outreach programs and dabbling in amateur molecular gastronomy. Hopefully one day everyone will think science is as awesome as she does!
Anji Zhang
PROGRAM LEAD
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Anji is a fourth-year undergraduate student currently pursuing a chemistry degree at the University of Toronto. In particular, she loves organic chemistry and has been undergoing research relating to organic synthesis for 2+ years. Anji has volunteered with Pueblo Science for nearly three years. Her first experience was performing a science magic show at a fundraiser event, and she has loved working with Pueblo Science ever since. This is her second year as Co-Chair for the Pueblo Science Hackathon for Science Education. This event challenges participants to design low-budget science experiments for students in low-resource communities, a cause Anji is extremely passionate about. Anji is also beginning her second term as the president of the Chemistry Students’ Union at U of T; next spring, she will also be chairing the 50th annual Southern Ontario Undergraduate Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC) taking place at U of T’s St. George Campus. As a hobby, Anji is a jazz saxophonist and has been playing with U of T’s Hart House Jazz Ensemble since she was in high school.
Cynthia Sriskandarajah
PROGRAM LEAD
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Cynthia received both her Hon. B.Sc. in Kinesiology and M.P.H from the University of Western Ontario. She currently is working as a Project Coordinator at the Institute of Human Development, Child, and Youth Health at CIHR where she supports a wide variety of strategic projects and initiatives to improve child and youth health research across Canada. Cynthia developed a passion for improving equitable health and educational services for children while working for several years in childcare. She wishes to use her public health and health research background to create innovative solutions that address service gaps for children using an interdisciplinary approach. At Pueblo Science, Cynthia is eager to build and support inclusive STEM opportunities for children and youth through its caring philosophies.
Apply to be a Member
Please fill in this form to apply to be a member of Pueblo Science. After review by the Executive Committee Member responsible for memberships you will receive either an acceptance or a rejection of your application via email.
Pay the Membership Fee
Thank you for helping Pueblo Science grow and bring its programs to children in low-resource communities!
You can pay your yearly membership fees in three different ways.
- Via e-transfer to: mayrose@puebloscience.org
- Using credit card or paypal (one time payment of $10):
- Using credit card (recurring yearly $10 payment):
- Send a cheque to: Pueblo Science, 60 St. George Street, Suite 331, Toronto, ON, M5S1A7