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2026-2027 TEAM

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Co-President

LILI CASTIBLANCO

Hi everyone! My name is Lili (she/her) and I have the pleasure of being one of the co-presidents of NAUS again. I am currently in my 4th year (co-op) pursuing a double major in neuroscience and psychology (ASIP), and a minor in physiology. In my co-op term, I work full-time as a research student at the Shoichet Lab, investigating the purification, delivery, and storage of Chondroitinase ABC (ChASE37) as a therapeutic for ischemic stroke. I also work part-time as an event medic and a first aid instructor, both of which I love! Outside of work, I love to draw and play instruments (piano & electric guitar). I’m so excited for another amazing year of NAUS :)

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Co-President

HAMNA AKHTER

Hi everyone, my name is Hamna and I’m one of the co-presidents this year! I love all things neuroscience, but I’m particularly interested in the neurobiology of mental health. I currently do research in a lab that investigates GLP-1 receptor agonists as potential therapies for major depressive disorder (MDD). Besides that, I love to read, watch comfort shows, spend time in nature, and travel! So excited for this year :)

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Vice President of Finance

TIFFANY KIM

Hi everyone! My name is Tiffany (she/her) and I am in my fourth year with a double major in Neuroscience and Physiology. I am currently a research student at the Wong Lab investigating therapeutic approaches to improve CFTR localization implicated in cystic fibrosis using iPSC-derived models. A fun fact about me is that I have a cat named Gelato! I am so excited to be a part of NAUS this year!

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Vice President of Academics

ERICA AKENE

Hi everyone! I’m in my 4th year, specializing in neuroscience and majoring in physiology! I love the brain, especially plasticity and learning. I am currently a research student in the Morshead Lab, investigating neural stem cell behaviour! I love photography, baking, travelling, and trying new Thai restaurants in Toronto!

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Vice President of Academics

TONY LEE

Hey everyone! I’m Tony and I’m in my fourth year studying neuroscience and physiology. My interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience and emergency medicine, particularly in understanding how brain injuries affect behaviour and cognition. Through my work as an event medic with Odyssey Medical, I’ve gained a firsthand appreciation for how timely assessment and intervention can be important in managing acute injuries. In my free time, I enjoy eating, practicing card tricks, and catching up on sleep.

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Vice President of Socials

AKARI TOMITA

Akari (they/them) is a 4th Year student studying Neuroscience and Medical Anthropology. Their research interests include equitable surgical and neurodegeneration care; their current research at CAMH involves evaluating AI-related use cases for neurodegeneration care. 

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Vice President of Socials

LINDA LI

Heyy, my name is Linda. I’m a 3rd year Neuroscience and Physiology student. My interests lie in pediatric medicine and how we can give every kid the opportunity to dream big and play hard, making personalized healthcare accessible. 

 

Fun fact about me is that I still think that I can grow taller!—even if none of my friends or family support this dream 😔, confidence is KEY! I’m looking forward to a great year! Please don’t hesitate to reach out :))

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Vice President of Communications

LISA YUEN

Hi, I'm Lisa :D I'm a 4th-year student double majoring in statistics and neuroscience!
 

I'm currently interning as a Software Developer at Cove Neurosciences Inc. and researching causal relationships between health conditions using Mendelian randomization. I'm interested in learning more about BCIs and generative models. I enjoy drawing, frolicking, and listening to music. I’m looking forward to the year and feel free to reach out to connect :)

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Vice President of Communications

THEODORA MATASARU

Hey! I’m Theodora and I’m in my fourth year, doing a Neuro specialist with immunology and physiology minors. My interests include regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies, pediatric neurological conditions, and I’m also fascinated by sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. I am currently in my second year at the van der Kooy lab examining a key protein, β-catenin, which may control stem cell growth patterns. I love travelling, painting, spending time in nature, and reading in my free time. Feel free to reach out about any questions you may have! So excited and grateful to be part of the team again this year :)

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Graduating Year Representative

RYAN CHOI

Hi everyone, I’m Ryan, one of the Graduating year representatives this year. Throughout my undergraduate studies, many different experiences including coursework, research, volunteering, and internships have been centred around the field of neuroscience, and I’m excited to use this background to create & facilitate events this year for NAUS along with Jack, my co-grad year rep. A highlight of my undergraduate years was attending NAUS’s EN conference in my third year, where I got to meet and get my first research position with Dr. Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, whom I still work with today. Another recent one was securing an internship with Cove Neurosciences, a biotechnology startup developing a machine-learning driven software platform to accelerate clinical trials etc. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and I’m looking forward to my final year at UofT! 

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Graduating Year Representative

JACK LI

Hi guys, I'm Jack, one of NAUS's graduating year representatives. I'm in my fourth year of the Neuroscience Specialist, and I'm super excited to be joining the team this year! I've always been fascinated by the brain, especially the science behind mood and depression, so being part of NAUS feels like a perfect fit. When I'm not studying, I'm usually on a volleyball court playing or coaching. My fellow grad rep Ryan and I have some fun (and useful!) events planned this year, so keep an eye on our Instagram for updates!

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3rd Year Representative 

CHAD DUMÉ

I am currently in my third year studying Neuroscience, Immunology, and Biology. I’m interested in investigating the bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and Parkinson's Disease. Other than academics and research, I’m a big foodie/cafe enjoyer, fashion enthusiast, and lover of all genres of music

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3rd Year Representative

HANNAH TRAN

Hi! I am Hannah, and I’m from Vietnam! I’m currently doing my third year at the University of Toronto, majoring in Neuroscience and Physiology. Along with many other aspects of neuroscience, I am particularly interested in learning about and understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and I hope to gain some direct experience working on this concept this year. Outside of academics, I love cooking, baking, painting, and outdoor activities (though I wouldn’t say I have the best endurance:’). Very excited to be a part of NAUS this year!

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2nd Year Representative

JUNIE PAK

Hi my name is Junie and I’m a 2nd year studying neuroscience, physiology, and statistics. I’m from Toronto. I’m interested in neurological disorders, behaviour, and cognition. Outside of academics I love photography, Ultimate frisbee, and baking. I’m so excited for what NAUS has planned this year! 

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2nd Year Representative

MINHEE FERGUSSON

Hi! My name is Minhee and I’m originally from Seoul but moved to the Yukon. I’m currently in my second year majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in immunology and physiology. I’m fascinated by the brain, with a particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and ALS, and I would love to get involved in research in these areas. Outside of school, I love playing sports, especially soccer and volleyball. I also love spending time outdoors, whether that’s hiking, going to the lake or beach, or exploring the city! 

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Secretary

NATALIE FUNG

Natalie (she/her) is a 4th year student studying neuroscience, physiology, and immunology. Her research interests focus on disease-modelling and therapeutic development utilizing iPSC-derived models, and she is currently completing her undergraduate thesis project in the Khazaei Lab. Outside of NAUS, Natalie loves being outdoors, whether she’s hiking, canoeing, exploring the city, or trying something new. She’s so excited for another year of amazing NAUS events and to make the most of her last year of undergrad!!

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Graphic Designer

ANGELA JIANG

Hi everyone! I’m Angela and I’m in my fourth year, doing a neuroscience specialist, cognitive science (computational cognition) major, and psychology minor. I’ve always been interested in the brain and what it means to be conscious. I love travelling, reading, eating, and making small crafts in my free time. Outside of school, I love travelling, reading, trying new foods, and making little crafts in my free time. I’m excited to get to know everyone and be part of NAUS this year!

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Graphic Designer

MAHNOOR (NOOR) ANSARI

Bio to be added

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Deconstructing the power of the brain one neuron at a time

2026-2027 NAUS

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