Co-Chair
I’m a MSc candidate at the Institute of Medical Science with a research focus on stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury. I’m also a G2G Peer Advisor at the Graduate Conflict Resolution Centre and the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Elemental Magazine, the official mental health magazine of the University of Toronto. Outside of academia I’m usually hiking, reading, or going to concerts. I look forward to working with our remarkable team and the University on a number of important mental health initiatives. Here’s to an exciting and productive year ahead!
Co-Chair
Jacalyn Kelly is pursuing her PhD in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. She is researching a pediatric brain cancer at the Hospital for Sick Children in the lab of SickKids oncologist Dr. Uri Tabori. Jacalyn is extremely passionate about mental health advocacy and eliminating the stigma around mental illness, and she is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Committee for Mental Wellness for the Faculty of Arts and Science. Jacalyn has extensive experience in mental health advocacy, including organizing mental health conferences and events and speaking about mental health as a recurring panelist at screenings of the TIFF featured mental health film "I'm Okay" produced by University of Toronto alum Curt Jaimungal. Jacalyn also conducts workshops on stress management and effective communication for at-risk youth at elementary schools throughout Toronto with the Peer Project Organization, and volunteers for Ronald McDonald House. Jacalyn is also a member of the University of Toronto Dance Team.
Director of Events, Executive Editor
Kate is a second year Master’s student in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at UofT. She studies quality of life and treatment compliance in glioblastoma patients. Passionate about fighting stigma and providing a safe space for the discussion of mental health on campus, this is Kate’s second year as Director of Events for Grad Minds and first year as the Executive Editor of Elemental, the official mental health magazine of the University of Toronto. She is also heavily involved in mentorship through the Collaborative Program in Neuroscience and is an associate consultant for a not-for-profit in the healthcare sector through the University of Toronto Consulting Association. In her spare time, Kate enjoys teaching and engaging youth in STEM-related activities, baking, and running along the Lakeshore. She is excited to lead her incredible team in planning the annual Open Minds Conference in 2018 among other mental health initiatives on campus!
Communications Manager
Alexa recently graduated from the Masters of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Program. She hopes to instil, in the workplace, what she has learned through her Grad Mind experience. She continues to volunteer for Grad Minds as she believes in its cause and wants to continue to help break stigma regarding mental health. On her spare time she loves to take walks, bake and read.
Event Coordinator
Farinaz is a second year MSc student in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, researching prion diseases. She majored in Neuroscience as an undergrad at UofT and has since been passionate about mental health and being involved in organizations and events aimed at raising mental heath awareness. When she's not busy pipetting, she can be found in the kitchen trying to master the art of cooking with her friends.
Social Media Manager
Sarah Dolman is a Master of Education student in the Student Development & Student Services in Higher Education program at OISE. Currently the Social Media and Correspondence Coordinator at Grad Minds, Sarah is passionate about student mental wellbeing and aspires to work in postsecondary mental wellness services. Outside of her academic and co-curricular involvement, Sarah enjoys doing yoga and watercolour painting.
Student Resources Specialist
Andrea Hung is a first year Master’s student at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. She developed a passion for physical activity and mental health promotion while completing her undergraduate degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto. In her free time, Andrea loves spending time outdoors and watching dog videos.
Student Resources Specialist
Michelle is currently a post-graduate student in the Master of Theological Studies program at the University of Toronto. She earned her Honours Diploma in Practical Nursing from Sheridan College and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing as well as her certificate in Psychology from Ryerson University. She currently works as a Registered Practical Nurse at an outpatient clinic. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar, reading and practicing yoga.
Events Coordinator
Hi there! My name is Siya and I'm in the first year of my Master's in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at U of T. In my free time I love to explore Toronto, bake desserts, and hang out with friends and family. I'm excited for what's to come this year and planning events as your Events coordinator for Grad Minds.
Events Coordinator
Hi there! My name is Siya and I'm in the first year of my Master's in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at U of T. In my free time I love to explore Toronto, bake desserts, and hang out with friends and family. I'm excited for what's to come this year and planning events as your Events coordinator for Grad Minds.
Events Coordinator
I am a graduate student at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, interested in exploring how cognition is affected in mood disorders. My current project aims to investigate early cognitive indicators of antidepressant treatment outcome. I am a strong advocate of healthy living, and I love dogs, sushi, and good company.
Member-at-Large
I am a PhD student in the Department of Molecular Genetics. My research focuses on studying the effect of human cellular proteins on Epstein-Barr virus infections. During the limited number of hours I get away from the lab, I enjoy reading books, painting, and watching TED talks. I have always been passionate about mental health and wellness, and look forward to helping create a more positive space for such relevant discussions at UofT.