TEAM

Hey guys! My name is Nicole and I'm a second year medical student at the University of Toronto. I come from Ottawa and did my undergrad at uOttawa. I have been podcasting for the past 4 years with BEaTS Research Radio, where I established the Mandarin radio program. Now, I am so excited to be working with Raw Talk Podcast as I love storytelling and simplifying research so that people from all backgrounds can understand. In my free time, I do Chinese dance with Yun Dance Crew and love trying new coffee shops across the city!

Hi everyone! My name is Areej. I'm a first-year Master's student in the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) at the University of Toronto. I completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology at Western University, where I developed a passion for research and science communication. I'm thrilled to be part of Raw Talk Podcast, helping to share stories that make health research more accessible and engaging for all audiences. Outside of academics, I enjoy volunteering in my community, exploring Toronto's food scene, and curating creative content online.

Hi everyone! My name is Saleena and I'm a second year MSc student at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto. My research focuses on investigating the role of gender identity and socioenvironmental variables in outcomes for people with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders. I am excited to be joining Raw Talk Podcasts this year as a co-executive producer and graphic designer to share health research in an accessible and easy to understand way. Outside of academia I love spending time with my family, friends, and dog, Bailee!

Hello :) My name is Bellinda and I'm a fourth-year medical student at the UofT. I came to Toronto from Vancouver, but have lived in 7 cities across 3 continents! This is my fourth year with RawTalk, and it's been a blast. I am passionate about science communication and love fostering enlightening discussions with esteemed guests to showcase the brilliant scientific minds shaping medicine. In my free time, I'll be traveling, exploring new food, and doing pilates!

Hello! My name is Julia and this is my third year as a show host on the Raw Talk podcast! I am currently a PhD student in the Health Systems Research Program with an emphasis in Health Informatics at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. I am also a Research Coordinator at the Science of Care Institute at Sinai Health, supporting the co-design and implementation of a discharge coordination tool (The Digital Bridge Project) to support care transitions from the hospital to home. Outside of work, I love trying new restaurants, learning how to sail, and reading books!

Hey Hey! My name is Sonika and I'm a second year Master's student at the Institute of Medical Sciences studying multiple sclerosis in children and youth. I am so excited to be working with Raw Talk Podcast for a second season. My hobbies include boxing, hiking, painting, reading and trying out new cafes around the city.

Hi folks! I'm Noor, a third year medical student at the University of Toronto. This is my 6th season with the podcast and I have been with Raw Talk since right after my undergrad and throughout my master's degree. I'm excited to bring you episodes spanning a variety of topics with guests with unique insights and experiences. Outside of my academics, I love photography, digital art and soccer.

Hi! I'm Avni, a fourth-year Health and Disease major at U of T, excited to join the Raw Talk team this season and dive into creating engaging content on medical sciences. This is my first season with Raw Talk, and I'm looking forward to work with this team that I have so much to learn from. Outside of academics, I've been learning American Sign Language for nearly five years, and I'm passionate about bridging the gap between the hearing and Deaf communities. As for a Toronto rarity, I'm looking forward to a snowy white Christmas!

Heyo Raw Talk fam! 😊 My name is Swapna and I'm currently in the MD/PhD program doing my research on concussion policy and also on concussion in hockey. I'm aiming to become a clinician scientist with a clinical focus in sport medicine. Alongside academia, I have a passion for translating science into policy at multiple levels of government, and I also love to play hockey and the violin and sitar, learn languages, and I am attempting to cook my way around the world (emphasis on attempting 😆). I am also very passionate about science communication, and I do scicomm and outreach with youth through classrooms & multimedia including TV, YouTube, and social media! I am super excited to be returning for another season of Raw Talk Podcast as a show host to create some interesting content with the team and share incredible science stories with all of you! I am constantly inspired by the talented team that I get to work with and the amazing guests whose stories we get to share, so I can't wait for what this season has in store! 😊

Hi everyone, My name is Prisca and I'm so excited to be back for my 4th season with the RTP! I completed my master's at the IMS in 2023 where I studied pediatric stroke motor outcomes using MEG and MRI. Currently, I am a second-year medical student at UofT! When I'm not studying or in the lab, you'll find me playing the piano, attending TSO performances, doing pilates and exploring coffee shops around the city! Stay tuned to some amazing episodes coming in Season 9!

Hi everyone! My name is Tesam, I'm a second year MSc student at the Institute of Medical Science and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, where I'm researching genetic factors influencing psychosis symptom trajectories in youth. This is my second season with the podcast as a content creator, and I'm very excited to take part in generating exciting new episodes!

Hi there! My name is Clara and I'm a second year MSc student in the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. My research focuses on exploring patient and caregiver satisfaction with care on palliative care units. This is my second year with Raw Talk, and I am excited to work with an incredible team on content creation and episode narration. We have many fascinating episode topics lined up this season and I can't wait for you to hear them. Outside of school, I enjoy biking, reading, and spending time in nature.

Hey! My name is Angela and I am in my fourth year with Raw Talk! I graduated with my MSc in Medical Science from IMS in 2023 and currently work at CAMH as a Research Coordinator! I've worked in research related to substance use, women's mental health, depression, and patient-centred care. Outside of work, I like to explore new places to eat in Toronto, go to the gym, and bake.

Hi everyone! I'm Samantha, and I'm excited to be returning for my third year as RawTalk's webmaster. As a medical science researcher turned UX/UI designer, I'm passionate about bridging the worlds of science and design to make our website as engaging and user-friendly as possible. I'm a long-time fan of the show, and it's a privilege to help this community thrive. When I'm not working, you can find me running with my husky, Astra, or unwinding with a good book/tv show, knitting/crocheting, or baking. Let's make this the best season yet!

Hi everyone! My name is Dana and I'm a first-year MSc student at IMS. I've been a Raw Talk Podcast listener for a few years, so I'm thrilled to now join the team as Social Media Manager! I love using creative storytelling to make science more engaging and accessible, so I'm super happy to help promote RTP to a larger audience. When I'm not doing research, I love exploring new restaurants and skiing. Excited to help share the voices and stories that make Raw Talk so inspiring!

Hi everyone, I'm Selina, and I'm currently in the first year of my master's at IMS. I am so excited to be joining the Raw Talk Podcast team and working along with everyone. Looking forward to a fantastic season!

Hello all! My name is Sam and this is my fourth year on the RawTalk team as a Science Writer. I am completing a master's degree in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering where I study aligned collagen biomaterials for vascular and biliary tissue engineering. When I'm not in the lab or working on the podcast, you can find me swimming laps in the pool or dancing tango. We have so many great topics planned for the season, and I look forward to providing engaging content with the other members of the writing team!

Hey listeners! I'm Tiffany and I'm a PhD candidate in the Department of Medical Biophysics at UofT. My research is focused on the longitudinal effects on brain and behaviour development following gestational exposure to maternal autoantibodies, and its risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Outside of research, I love being outdoors with my husband and dog, reading, baking, and playing board games. This is my second season with RawTalk and I am excited to continue in my role as a science writer to bring you exciting and entertaining articles that complement our episodes! Stay tuned!

Hi everyone! I'm Emily Forster, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. My research focuses on sperm-egg fusion proteins, aiming to develop non-hormonal contraceptives. I've previously worked as a virology researcher in biotech, an adjunct professor in NYC, and a public health researcher in reproductive health—varied experiences that shaped my passion for science communication. I'm thrilled to join Raw Talk Podcast as a Science Writer to share research stories in engaging, accessible ways. In my free time, I love playing strategy board games, solving puzzles, and walking with my rescue dog, Gamora.