May 1, 2026

LMP students recognized for community-focused leadership at U of T

Programs: Graduate, Programs: TRP, Programs: Undergraduate, Agile education, Dynamic Collaboration, Inclusive community

By Jenni Bozec

What connects undergraduate student Catherine Wang and Translational Research Program (TRP) student Muhammad Ansar is how they approach leadership. Named recipients of the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award (UTSLA), both see leadership not as authority, but as a way to build community, foster collaboration and create opportunities for others.

Wang joined the Specialist Program in Pathobiology late – she originally chose a different major and minor but was so drawn to the small, close-knit nature of the LMP program, she transferred and also did a major in Nutritional Sciences.

Her leadership has been developed across several communities across the university. At New College, she served as a residence don and held multiple roles on student council, while in LMP she represented students as a member of the LMP Student Union (LMPSU). She also took on executive roles in the Nutritional Sciences Student Association and helped organize events through the UC Dragon Boat Club, consistently creating opportunities for students to connect.

While Wang’s leadership has centred on building community within student life, Ansar’s has focused on service, health and large-scale impact across campuses.

He made a significant impact on the U of T Scarborough Campus (UTSC) where he completed his bachelor's degree in Life Sciences. At UTSC, he served as Operations Director and later Executive Director of the Emergency Medical Response Group, where he helped raise funds, train hundreds in first aid and support the campus as a student first responder over several years. He has also led mental health initiatives across the UTSC and St. George campuses, supporting both Muslim and broader student communities.

More recently, alongside two of his classmates in the Translational Research Program, he organized the TRPEX: Innovation in Action conference, bringing arts and science together to advance healthcare innovation. He also co-founded his own not-for-profit organization which aims to advance literacy to inspire meaningful and equitable environmental action. Through that, he has led educational and stewardship-based events, such as cleanups, tree plantings, workshops, summits, and conferences, mobilizing over 10k youth globally in environmental education and conservation to date.

For both students, what has made all these experiences memorable and valuable, was the opportunity it gave them to benefit others and help strengthen communities they were part of.

“A lot of my contributions have centered around building community - I’ve always tried to create spaces where people feel comfortable and connected. To me, student life becomes more meaningful when people feel like they belong,” says Wang.

For Ansar, he sees leadership as a way to empower others. “Developing leadership skills is important because it enables young people like me to create meaningful impact within their communities. To me, effective leadership goes beyond directing others, it involves listening, fostering collaboration, and empowering people - my goal as a leader is to create more leaders, rather than followers.”

Both students are grateful and honored to receive the UTSLA. “It feels meaningful to have my efforts in both leadership and academics recognized. This recognition is not mine alone, it is a reflection of the incredible communities, teams, and individuals I've had the privilege of working alongside,” says Ansar.

Wang commented, “Receiving this award prompted reflection on all the experiences and communities I’ve been part of throughout my time at U of T and the impact those moments may have had on others. I hope that in some way, I have helped make someone’s experience at the university a little more positive or memorable”.

Muhammad and Catherine’s advice on developing leadership skills

Both students emphasize that leadership is shaped by values, not titles.

Catherine's advice

“Leadership is not a checklist and university is not a competition.

Do things because they make you excited to show up. Join communities because they genuinely make you happy, not just because they look good on paper – these will build the most meaningful experiences, the ones that stay with you.”

Muhammad's advice

“Pursue opportunities that align with your values and passions, even if they seem outside your comfort zone or not directly related to your academics.

Do not be afraid of making mistakes; instead, take initiative and do not hesitate to carve your own path and create your own opportunities. Prioritize collaboration and learn from the people around you.

Finally, remember that impact doesn’t have to be large to be meaningful; consistent, small efforts can lead to significant change over time and even if you impact one person/life, that's reason enough to do it.”