Student Ambassadors
Meet Alex and Sajeevan - IMS Student Ambassadors and senior PhD students. They are experienced and enthusiastic representatives for prospective and current students, both before and throughout graduate school. Alex and Sajeevan serve as liaisons between the Institute of Medical Science, our current student body, prospective and incoming students.
Do you have questions about what life is like as an IMS graduate student? Looking for advice in your search for a supervisor? Want to know more about leadership and other extracurricular opportunities at IMS? Want to discuss an MSc-to-PhD Transfer? Our Student Ambassadors are your go-to resource for authentic insight into the experience of being an IMS graduate student.
Please feel free to connect with Alex and Sajeevan at pa.medscience@utoronto.ca or via the contact form below. They'd love to hear from you!
Alexander Boshart
My name is Alex and I'm a 6th year PhD Candidate. I joined UofT as a Research Assistant in 2019 before pursuing my Master’s in kidney transplant rejection. In 2021 I made the decision to transfer to the PhD program. I received my Bachelor of Science in Honours Health Sciences from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. Currently, I conduct research out of the MaRS Building, which is connected to Toronto General Hospital. My research focuses on kidney transplant rejection, and more specifically on antibody mediated rejection.
Outside of my research I've been an active member of the IMS community as a MaRSSite Director, two-term IMS Students’ Association (IMSSA) Vice-president, a Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program Mentor, an IMS New Student Orientation leader, and a member of the IMS Student Recruitment Committee.
In my free time I love being outside exploring new parts of Toronto, trying out exercise classes, and watching movies with my Fiancée. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the IMS, and I want other students to have a fulfilling experience as well. There is a thriving community of support here, and we will help in any way we can to see you succeed!
Sajeevan Sujanthan
My name is Sajeevan (Sajee) and I’m a 5th year PhD Candidate, working at Sunnybrook Research Institute. I started in the MSc program and transferred to the PhD in my second year of studies. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto Scarborough, specializing in neuroscience. My PhD research is currently embedded in a national clinical trial where I am studying cognitive outcomes following an acute stroke intervention.
I've had the opportunity to immerse myself in various IMS initiatives, including IMSSA, UofT Talks, IMS Magazine, Ori Rotstein Lecture Planning Committee, IMS Student Recruitment Committee, and Youth-of-T Talks. I would love to provide advice to those interested in getting involved in leadership and extracurricular activities.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy mentoring/teaching, working out, brainstorming and making content for my TikTok and Instagram accounts (@sciencewithsajee), and spending time with friends and family. I understand that making the transition into graduate school can be challenging, especially as you juggle how to excel academically and maintain a healthy social and professional life in a busy city like Toronto. I’m here to help answer your questions about IMS and graduate student life, and to support you as a prospective, incoming or current IMS student. I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you!