Executive Team
Angela Liang
Co-Chair
Angela Liang is a second year MSc student in the Zheng Lab. She is currently working on developing novel nanoparticles for targeting bacteria to treat pneumonia 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 includes reading, crocheting, and journaling.
Mahya Rezaeifarimani
Co-Chair
Mahya is a second year MSc student in Dr. Shirley Wu’s lab. They completed a BSc Honors in Chemistry with specialization in Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry at York University in 2023. Mahya is currently working with BBB penetrative MnO2 nanoparticles as a theranostic agent for image-guided radiation therapy against glioblastoma multiforme.
Ricky Chang
Past Chair & Advisor
Ricky is a third year PhD candidate under the supervision of Dr. Shirley Wu, studying the application of novel polymeric nanoparticles for amorphous solid dispersion and alcohol-resistance. He holds a HBSc. and MSc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Toronto. Ricky has worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry as a Scientist and Project Manager (and obtained his CAPM and PMP) prior to his return as a graduate student. His hobbies include board games and guitar. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickychang5/
Amir Afsharpour
Vice-chair and Social Coordinator
Amir is an MSc student at Dr. Corson’s lab; his research explores the regulatory effects of heme synthesis on retinal endothelial cell metabolomics and its linkage to neovascularization. Amir graduated from Western University with a Bachelor’s in Medical Sciences prior to joining Corson Lab. Some of his hobbies include binging TV shows, eating out, and working out.
Cici Chen
Treasurer and Alumni Coordinator
Cici is a first year MSc student in the lab of Dr. Shirley Wu working on a project using nanoparticles to target type 1 diabetes. She received an undergraduate degree in Pharmacology from McGill University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing and roller skating when the weather is nice.
Suman Birdee
Secretary and Social Media Coordinator
Suman is a first-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.
Melissa Loeffen
Marketing
Melissa is a first year MSc student in Dr. 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.
Alexia Chiodo
Outreach Coordinator
Alexia is a first 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 reading!
Arthur Chu
Webmaster and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Representative
Arthur Chu is a second year MSc 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 games, memes and walking in the park.
Liting Wang
Event coordinator and Marketing
Liting Wang is a postdoctoral fellow in the Dr. Shirley Wu’s Lab. She received her Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Her research interests focused on cancer treatment, especially on overcoming treatment resistance and metastasis by nanoparticle-based approaches. Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow in Wu lab, she is advancing nanomedicine with multifunctionality and brain-penetrability to enhance the treatment of diseases in the brain including brain tumors, brain metastases, and Alzheimer’s disease. In her spare time, she enjoys lego and knitting.
Raveen Christian
Event coordinator and PSGSA liaison
Raveen Christian is a PhD student in Dr. Shirley Wu’s Lab. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree at the University of Toronto in Pharmacology and Immunology. His research interests are in exploring novel therapeutics for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In his spare time, he likes playing basketball and badminton. He also likes to paint.
Xiaotian Lyu
Alumni Coordinator
Xiaotian is a second year PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Jack Uetrecht, studying the mechanism of idiosyncratic drug reaction. She holds a BSc. in Biochemistry and Pharmacology from the China Pharmaceutical University and the University of Strathclyde. In her spare time, she enjoyed exploring the local market and learning new skills.
Simon Qu
Chair-elect
Simon is a first-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.