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Jun 25, 2025

Celebrating our graduates 2025!

A montage of students faces

At our recent Annual Celebration of Excellence event, we celebrated all the learners who graduated from a program in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP) this academic year. 

Department Chair, Dr. Rita Kandel, in her address on the evening encouraged the graduates to try new things and find their passions. “Once you have found your passion and are hooked, you will know because you will want to master it and won’t be able to do anything but that. The challenges you then experience and overcome to master it makes the activity rewarding simply by just doing it – that’s why it is so important to find your passion”. 

Congratulations to all, we cannot wait to see you all become future leaders in laboratory medicine and pathobiology and improve the health outcomes of individuals and populations throughout the world.

We asked our graduating learners what their highlight was in LMP and what they’re doing next – here are some of their responses.

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The Specialist Program in Pathobiology

Find out what our undergraduate students had to say!

More about the Specialist Program in Pathobiology

Read what our undergraduates said about their time in LMP

"LMP has truly been like a family to me — a community where I’ve grown tremendously and have had the opportunity to meet the kindest, most hard-working, passionate, and inspiring classmates. I will always treasure the memories we made together, both in and out of the classroom. I’m excited to continue exploring the intersection of science, discovery, care, and service in the next chapter of my journey, and I look forward to seeing all that our graduating class will go on to accomplish." Aaron Chan

"I enjoyed the lovely community and many opportunities at LMP. I hope everyone can achieve their dreams!" Ye Peng

"I really enjoyed the vast amount of knowledge I gained through my LMP classes and professors, covering interesting topics such as cancer and stem cells. Being involved in engaging research projects was another highlight, giving me practical experience beyond the classroom. I am very grateful for the knowledge, mentorship and friendships I gained along the way." Eric Kim

"During my time in LMP, I developed a passion for tackling new challenges, whether in class, the lab, or extracurriculars. More than anything, I appreciated the friendships and connections that came out of those shared experiences. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to new challenges and seeing where everyone’s path leads next." Hamza Sghayare

"The LMP program has been such a rich part of my undergrad experience. Above all else, I must thank the friends in LMP who made it so memorable. Nowhere else could you find such a talented, inspirational, and kind community, and I look forward to seeing the journey life will take us on moving forward." Jane Ngo

"When I look back on my time as an LMP student, I will remember being part of a beating heart that kept science and innovation alive. Friends and faculty in the program gave me a tempo to stay focused and forward-moving through even the toughest moments. I hope to carry this momentum as I look towards pushing my boundaries in advocacy and health." Riley Denise Alvarez

"I cherish the tight-knit community among my classmates, teaching assistants, and professors, as well as the friendships I have made along the way. We supported each other through challenges and successes. Moving forward, I am eager to further explore my passion for health and science." Hao-Yuan River Zhang

"I deeply appreciated the program’s small class sizes, supportive community, and strong emphasis on research. Surrounded by inspiring peers and approachable professors/TAs, I found a space to grow both intellectually and personally. I’m excited to carry forward these experiences as I continue pursuing my passion for research and medicine." Yunting (Sophie) Liu

"I greatly enjoyed the friendships that I formed with other students in the community, which were fostered by the tight-knitted class sizes. I also appreciated the unique research and learning opportunities available to undergraduate students from the program's diverse faculty. Looking forward, I hope to use my experiences in the program to further pursue my interest in health and science." Tin Yan (Trinity) Cheung

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The Translational Research Program (TRP)

Find out more about this professional master's program on the TRP website.

Read what our TRP students said about their time in the program

“It feels amazing how LMP transformed me from a student into a translational researcher; integrating research with patient impact. My highlight? Working alongside bright, compassionate minds who challenged me to ask not just ‘How does this work?’ but ‘Who does this serve?’ This program didn’t just teach me research; it taught me to bridge gaps for equity, one discovery at a time and no matter how “small” I feel it is. I found it truly rewarding to grow as a researcher and advocate in such a supportive, interdisciplinary community.” Anisatu Alhassan

“The TRP gave that unique experience where I was able to work on numerous different projects with a diverse group of people; allowing me to understand what I enjoyed doing and rule out what I found abrasive. I've now started a role at Canada's Drug Agency, where I am responsible for providing recommendations on drug reimbursement as a Health Economics Research Officer.” Derek Choi

“I have been working since the beginning of my Masters in the environmental health sector. Moving forward, I will be taking the translational tools with me to continue my advocacy and work to make research more meaningful again for healthier and safer communities.” Janna Mohamed 

“Many of my favorite learning experiences from the TRP were out of the classroom, but were opportunities afforded to me through the program. This included participating in clubs, case competitions, the LMP 3-minute thesis competition (3MT) and the U of T 3MT. As a Registered Nurse who has just graduated from the TRP, I am now seeking a job where I can advocate for the nursing profession as a whole. I’d like to support nurses to get the resources they need to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.” Carolyn Kelly-Ruetz

“The TRP has taught us the importance of collaboration in healthcare, especially when trying to make meaningful and sustainable change. Everyone brings unique skills and perspectives based on their lived experiences to the table, and it is important to embrace this diversity and foster a collaborative environment.” Subiksha Nagatharam

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The MHSc in Laboratory Medicine

Find out more about this professional master's program that trains students to become Pathologists' Assistants and Clinical Embryologists.

Read what our Lab Medicine students said about their time in their program

“Now that I have graduated, I am looking forward to starting my career as a clinical embryologist! I’m excited to start helping people get the babies they’ve always wanted. I’m also passionate about continuing research in reproductive medicine, a dynamic and evolving field. I aspire to contribute to developing new therapies for women facing challenges with fertility, making a meaningful impact on their lives.” Saudah Butt

“I have already started working as a full time Pathologists' Assistant at SickKids Hospital, to find answers that patients and families need, and to be part of a field that, although often operates behind the scenes, is vital to every patient’s journey. I am also continuing my research and preparing to publish it. As I continue in my career, I also want to help teach the new incoming students and show them the intricacies and joys of being a Pathologists' Assistant!” Isabel Gu

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The Research Stream: MSc and PhD

Find out more about our research stream for graduate students.

Read what our MSc students and PhD candidates said about their time in their programs

“What I enjoyed most about my time in LMP was the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning while being surrounded by passionate faculty, researchers, and peers. I particularly appreciated the balance between academic rigor and clinical relevance, which allowed me to see how foundational science translates into real-world applications in patient care. In the future, I am excited to continue building on this foundation, as I hope to contribute to innovative research and further develop my skills in translational medicine.” Narisa Dhupar, MSc

“The most important thing I learned in my program was that each failed experiment became a steppingstone, reinforcing the idea that success is built on the foundation of adaptability and a strong research support network. Now that I’ve completed my MSc, I’m looking forward to starting a new role as a clinical research associate.” Viktor Prifti, MSc

“I enjoyed being part of a multidisciplinary community where everyone was supportive and there were many opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow as a scientist.” Negin Khosraviani, PhD

“I deeply appreciate the continuous support from the LMP community and the collaborative research environment, which have significantly contributed to my professional growth during my PhD. Additionally, the student networking opportunities provided through CLAMPS have greatly supported my personal development. I look forward to leveraging the skills and experiences I’ve gained during graduate school to pursue a more translational and impactful career path in life sciences.” Lakshmy Vasan, PhD

“LMP was a place where students had the opportunity to be deeply involved in its research and leadership. Such experiences gave me confidence moving forward to pursue my career path in research, and to dream big!” Seojin Lee, PhD

“LMP has given me an experience beyond research - it opened my eyes to some of the challenges in our field, especially regarding scientific communication through our first LMP 3MT competition. LMP has encouraged interdisciplinary studies, where taking an AI course during my graduate studies led me to further pursue my research career in AI-based analysis of neuropathological data.” Ain Kim, PhD

“What I enjoyed most during my time at LMP was the thrill of scientific discovery, the chance to grow as both a scientist and a thinker, and the opportunity to integrate cutting-edge research to generate translational insights. Looking ahead, I’m inspired to expand my expertise and take on a leading role in advancing clinical and biomedical sciences through innovative, impactful work.” Mitra Shokrollahi, PhD

“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of collaboration and the passion for research from everyone I met here. I had a great supervisor who mentored me and showed me the way of how science should be done. In the future, I hope to carry that on and continue to be a researcher whether it being in academia or industry.” Wenda Zhao, PhD

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Residents and Postdoctoral Diploma Fellows

Read what our Residents and Postdoctoral Diploma Fellows said about their time in LMP

“There are many things I value about my time at LMP, but if I had to choose one, it would be the people. As a trainee across the University of Toronto sites, the LMP staff in various roles have always made me feel supported. I am honoured to have been part of LMP for the past six years, and even more honoured to now be joining as a member of the staff. I look forward to continuing my growth and contributing meaningfully to LMP’s future.” Niloofar Sina

“The one thing I enjoyed most about my time with the LMP are the people. I have met many wonderful friends and colleagues throughout my training. I am grateful for everything I have learned from others and for the personal and professional relationships that I will bring with me for years to come. I am looking forward to starting my career within the LMP as a pathologist. I hope I can take all the best parts of my education here and give them back to future learners.” Alexander Oberc

“I truly valued the rich learning experience in LMP, especially the opportunity to engage with experts in hematopathology and participate in research. These experiences deepened my understanding and sparked new interests. I look forward to continued learning, future consultations, and meaningful collaborations in the field of hematopathology.” Qianghua (Steven) Zhou

“What I appreciated most was the opportunity to rotate through various laboratories and work closely with a diverse group of clinical biochemists. This experience allowed me to gain a broad perspective on laboratory operations, learn from different leadership styles, and expand my expertise through exposure to a wide range of diagnostic practices and professional insights.” Meshach Asare-Werehene

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Clinical Fellows

Read what our clinical fellows said about their time in their programs

“After two years, two fellowships, two mentors, and so many experiences and friends, I’ve realized this: all the good memories are kept together in one special place, no matter how many they are. Every moment has helped shape who I am, and I truly hope I’ve been able to give something valuable to others along the way.” Salman Ali

“I enjoyed my interactions with the pathology staff and fellows. Our time together was as academically stimulating as it was fun. I look forward to expanding my career in Genitourinary Pathology.” Sophia M. Green

“I loved the connections and friends made in LMP. I had the fortune of having a diverse set of mentors, each of whom shaped my career graph in the most productive way possible. LMP is a place with an open and fun learning environment. I will be licensing in Canada for practicing Pathology and am moving to McMaster University. I hope I can abridge meaningful connections here at LMP in the form of impactful collaborations in healthcare.” Harsh Batra

“I enjoyed the exceptional opportunity to deepen my understanding of renal pathology through exposure to a diverse and complex case load. Working alongside one of the leading figures in the field allowed me to learn directly from their expertise, diagnostic approach, and commitment to excellence. This not only refined my diagnostic skills but also fostered a collaborative environment where I felt continually challenged and inspired. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to improve patient care by providing accurate and meaningful diagnoses.” Summayah Alsabei

“I loved the Gastrointestinal Pathology Fellowship for its adaptable approach.” Muath Alyahya

“What I enjoyed most was learning from brilliant mentors, tackling complex head and neck cases, and being part of such a supportive team. Every day brought new challenges and growth - I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’m excited to return to Saudi Arabia and contribute as one of the few head and neck pathologists in the country. I look forward to advancing diagnostics, sharing knowledge from my training here, and helping shape the future of pathology in our region.” Salafa Albaghli 

“I enjoyed the opportunity to train alongside an exceptional team of mentors and colleagues who fostered both academic rigor and a strong sense of collaboration. Looking ahead, I'm excited to apply what I've learned as I begin the next phase of my career, contributing to advancements in clinical microbiology and continuing to grow as both a clinician and educator.” Esraa Al-Fraihat