International Student Profiles
Meet some of our current IMS International Students
Faraz Chogan
PhD Student
Home country: Iran
What is your research area?
Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Wound Healing
What sparked your interest in this area of research?
I first became interested in this research area while taking an "Introduction to Biomedical Engineering" course in the first semester of my Master's degree. I came to realize there is a worldwide demand for biomedical engineers and decided to continue my education in this field.
Why did you choose IMS?
I chose IMS and the University of Toronto for my graduate studies because of the knowledgeable professors, advanced research centers and laboratories, the academic achievements of its graduate students and prestigious careers of its alumni.
What are your career goals post-graduation?
My ultimate goal is to become a professor or researcher in a high-tech corporation.
What's your favourite part of living in Toronto?
I like the multicultural nature of Toronto as a place where many people from different background come to live. It feels like an incarnation of hopes and dreams! I also like the snow. I love the lake, sailing, and kayaking. I love the islands, and the compactness of the downtown core, with its leafy neighborhoods.
Do you have any advice for new international students?
Make sure you complete your 'Things To Do in Toronto' checklist. There is so much to see and do in and around this city.
Vanessa Menezes
MSc Student
Home Country: Brazil
What is your research area?
Lung Transplant and Extracorporeal Life Support
What sparked your interest in this area of research?
The opportunity to push boundaries in surgery and give hope to more patients in the future. I had a friend who lost his beloved Mother while on the lung transplant waitlist when I was an undergraduate student.
Why did you choose IMS and the University of Toronto?
One of the reasons I chose IMS and UofT is because my mentor, a faculty member, is a role model surgeon for me.
What are your career goals post-graduation?
My dream job is to be a Professor in Surgery and help more women surgeons to thrive.
What's your favourite part of living in Toronto?
I love the diversity and the inclusive and artistic vibe of Toronto.
Do you have any advice for new international students?
Do what you love and go with your gut instinct.
Danielle Benedict Sacdalan
PhD Student
Home Country: The Philippines
What is your research area?
Small Cell Lung Cancer
What sparked your interest in this area of research?
Lung cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally. Over the past decade so much progress has been made in improving outcomes for patients. Survival times have increased even for those who are most ill. Nevertheless, more can still be done especially for those with small cell lung cancer. Furthering our understanding of the biology of this diverse group of malignancies will hopefully translate to better treatment approaches in the future. This work is something I am proud to be part of.
Why did you choose IMS and the University of Toronto?
UofT is a leading institution of higher education globally and I consider myself fortunate to be undertaking my doctoral studies here.
What are your career goals post-graduation?
My goal is to pursue a career as a clinician-scientist.
What's your favourite part of living in Toronto?
As someone who loves going on long walks, I appreciate how there are so many green spaces in Toronto; they offer a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Do you have any advice for new international students?
Three things: first, find a way to be an active part of your community – join your local parish or an organization, etc. Second, work hard – you’ve gotten this far, so make the most of your time here. Third, and most importantly, learn to advocate for yourself – many times no one else will.