Meet Our 2025-26 Team

Hello, my name is Claire (she/her)! I am a 1st year Master's student in the Counselling Psychology (Global Mental Health) program. I had the opportunity to be in several leadership positions during my undergraduate studies, and through them, I grew my passion for being part of my community! In my free time, I like to write, exercise, and watch series or movies. I look forward to contributing to Grad Minds and the OISE community this year!

Hi everyone! I am Ali Raja (he/him), an MEd student in Developmental Psychology & Education at University of Toronto OISE. I am passionate about neurodiversity, inclusion, wellness and developmental psychology, and I am excited to help create welcoming, low-lift wellness events for grad students. I love workshop facilitation and brainstorming fun, student-driven ideas. I am also big on outreach—collaborating with graduate departments and student associations to co-host mental-health and wellness initiatives; organizing informational booths, panels, and workshops with academic units; and hosting events that address graduate student mental health in various contexts. Outside of school, I love biking, nature walks, and going on fun adventures around the city and I am always looking for ways to make a positive difference in the community. I can’t wait to connect with everyone this year!

Hi everyone! My name is Claire (she/her) and I am a first year Masters student in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology :) I’m super excited to be an Event and Wellness Committee member this year! Graduate school can be extremely stressful and overwhelming, so I hope to make a positive impact as part of Grad Minds by planning super fun and relaxing events for students to recharge. In my spare time, I like to read, watch movies, and play video games!

Emily is a PhD candidate in the Department of Philosophy. Her research primarily focuses on mental disorder and assessments of moral and legal responsibility. Before returning to her PhD, Emily worked as a lawyer in private practice with a focus in health and mental health law.

Hey everyone! I’m Harani Uthayakumar (she/her), a first-year MSc student in the Medical Sciences program at the University of Toronto. My research explores how structural, endocrine, and metabolic factors contribute to psychosis across different dementia subtypes. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy and love finding creative ways to promote community wellness. Outside of academics, you’ll probably find me journaling, exploring new cafes, or going on spontaneous city walks with friends!

My name is Junaid. I’m a master’s student at the Faculty of Information. As part of Grad Minds, I hope to help foster a sense of community where graduate students can connect, share experiences, and access mental health support and resources. In my free time, I enjoy design, photography, and exploring new cafés and hidden gems around Toronto.

I'm Lorraine, a first-year Master of Social Work student. Before joining U of T, I worked as an editor in Hong Kong and Toronto. As a journalist and editor for Elemental Magazine, I'm interested in conversations about mental health awareness, neurodiversity, and cross-cultural perspectives.

Hi! I'm Nitha (she/her), and I'm a first-year MSc in Medical Science student at the Institute of Medical Science (IMS). I graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Studies from the University of Toronto Scarborough, where I discovered my passion for understanding and treating substance use and substance use disorders, specifically in youth and youth adults. and helping youth and young adults affected by substance use. When I'm not in class, I spend my time reading books or playing video games!

Hi, I'm Samantha, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's in Biomedical Engineering. My undergraduate studies in neuroscience developed my interest in the social and psychological factors that contribute to mental health issues and distress. As a Grad Minds executive, I hope to help and report on the systemic, interpersonal, and psychological challenges that impact the mental health of graduate students on campus.

Hi everyone! My name is Talia Economakis and I am a part of the Events team! I am in my first year of the Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy program at OISE. I just officially became a high school teacher, so when I am not at school, I am supply teaching. I have always loved joining clubs in university and getting to meet new people. I led a mental health advocacy club in my undergrad at Queen’s and I look forward to getting involved with Grad Minds to continue promoting positive mental health through activities and workshops!

Hello all! My name is Victoria and I am a first year Master of Education student at OISE. I am super excited to work alongside you all to foster an inclusive space for graduate students to flourish. I am quite the hobbyist but as of late you can find me with my nose between a book or passing through every coffee shop in the city. I am eager to contribute to my fellow graduate peers through GradMinds as we strive to improve the mental health and wellbeing of students!