Executive Team
Suman Birdee
Co-Chair
Suman is a second-year MSc student in Dr. Corson’s lab, focusing on investigating the effects of a novel inhibitor for retinal degeneration in dry age-related macular degeneration. She holds a Bachelor of Technology with a specialization in Biotechnology, along with a Business Management certificate, both earned through a joint program at McMaster University. In her free time, she will binge shows quicker than she should.
Cici Chen
Co-Chair
Cici is a second year MSc Student under the supervision of Dr. Wu. She is working on the development and validation of nanoparticles targeted to the pancreas for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. She graduated from McGill University in 2024 with a HBSc in Pharmacology and a minor in Neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting and consuming video essays.
Angela Liang
Past Chair & Advisor
Angela Liang is a third year PhD candidate in the Zheng Lab. She is currently working on developing novel nanoparticles for targeting bacteria to treat lung infections using photodynamic therapy. Angela graduated from McMaster University in 2023 with a B.Sc. in Chemical Biology Co-op and a minor in Classics. Some of her favorite pastimes include reading, crocheting, and journaling.
Arthur Chu
Vice Chair/Chair-elect
Arthur Chu is a third year PhD student in Dr. Raymond Reilly’s Lab, studying 197Hg labeled Panitumumab for the radioimmunotherapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. He received his undergraduate degree in the University of Toronto in Pharmaceutical Chemistry Specialist and Biochemistry Major. His hobby includes video game and walking in the park.
Amir Afsharpour
Secretary
Amir graduated with an Honors Bachelor in Medical Cell Biology with a minor in Biochemistry from Western University in 2024 and is now a 2nd year MSc student in the Corson Lab. His project focuses on elucidating metabolic changes that take place in neovascular eye diseases. In his free time he likes swimming, trying out new cafes, and spending time with his two cats!
Manu Kattimani
Event Coordinator
Manu is a first-year PhD student in Dr. Tim Corson’s group focusing on Ref-1 targets in endothelial cells relevant to neovascularization. He received his HBSc in Pharmacology (2025) from the University of Toronto. In his free time, he plays basketball and hikes local trails in Toronto.
Melissa Loeffen
Marketing Coordinator
Melissa is a second year MSc student in Dr. Gang Zheng’s lab. Her research is focusing on the development and targeted delivery of nanoparticles for use with photodynamic therapy for lung cancer. Melissa graduated from the University of Guelph in 2024 with a BSc in Biomedical Toxicology Co-op. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors and baking!
Alexia Chiodo
Webmaster
Alexia is a second year MSc student under the supervision of Dr. Carolyn Cummins. Her research focuses on investigating soluble TREM2 as an LXR-dependent anti-atherogenic secreted protein. She received her HBSc in Health Sciences from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024. In her spare time, she enjoys going to concerts and baking!
Jenna Alli
Marketing Coordinator
Jenna is a first-year MSc student in the CSAP stream under the supervision of Dr. Tara Gomes. Her research focuses on how planned opioid treatment discontinuation and lack of primary care can affect patient safety. She received her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa in October 2025. In her spare time, she enjoys going on hikes and sightseeing!
Hetvi Shah
Treasurer
Hetvi Shah is a PhD student at the University of Toronto, where she is developing nuclear-targeting nanoclusters for X-ray–activated cancer therapy to improve treatment outcomes. She holds an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Toronto. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring new places through travel.
Ivy Liu
Alumni Coordinator
Ivy Liu is a second-year MSc student at the University of Toronto, where her research focuses on synthetic biology and cell-free biomanufacturing of biologics to improve global access to vaccines and biologics. She completed her Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, solo road trips, and small creative projects.
Missy Kim
Outreach Coordinator
Missy graduated from Western University in 2024 with a BSc in Pharmacology and is now a 2nd-year MSc student in the Angers Lab. Her research focuses on elucidating the mechanistic basis of Frizzled-mediated beta-catenin-independent Wnt signaling. In her free time, she likes listening to podcasts and exploring the city!
Simon Qu
Alumni Coordinator
Simon is a second-year MSc student under the supervision of Dr. Reina Bendayan. He is studying HIV antiretroviral toxicities at the blood-brain barrier level. He has recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a HBSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring food and coffee shops around the city.
Ayah Najarbashi
PCSU Representative
Ayah is a first-year PharmD student, with an academic undergraduate background in molecular biology and creative writing. She has volunteered with several non-profit organizations promoting women’s health and youth mentorship. She is passionate about the intersection of health, storytelling, and advocacy.
Yue Dai
Social Media Coordinator
Yue Dai is a first-year PhD student in Dr. Tim Corson’s lab, focusing on the effects of sEH inhibitors in age-related macular degeneration. She completed her Master in Biology at Tufts University in 2019. In her free time, she loves cooking and exploring local restaurants in GTA.
Joy Cheng
PSGSA Representative
Joy is a first-year MSc student in Dr. Piquette-Miller lab, focusing on investigating the impact of lupus-associated inflammatory cytokines and medications on the expression and activity of drug transporters in human placental explants and/or rodent models. She holds a Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from Queen’s University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, making new coffee syrup and watching random movies.