Student Ambassadors
Meet Alex and Valentina — IMS Student Ambassadors and senior PhD students — who are enthusiastic advisors for prospective and current students, both before and throughout graduate school. They serve as liaisons between the Institute of Medical Science, our current student body, prospective and incoming students.
Whether you're considering applying to IMS, adjusting to graduate school, exploring UofT resources and initiatives, or just need someone to talk to, Alex and Valentina are here to connect and support you throughout your journey. 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 discuss an MSc-to-PhD Transfer? Our Student Ambassadors are experienced graduate peers who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help you thrive academically and personally.
Please feel free to connect with Alex and Valentina at pa.medscience@utoronto.ca or via the contact form below. They'd love to hear from you! They also run weekly virtual office hours on Tuesdays at 10:00 am. See the IMS Weekly Digest for further details.
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!
Valentina Tamayo Velasquez
My name is Valentina and I am a senior PhD candidate and trainee at CAMH and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. I started at IMS as an MSc student and transferred to the PhD in my second year. I also completed my undergraduate degree, an Honours Bachelor of Science, at the University of Toronto (in Neuroscience, Psychology, and French Literature and Language Studies). My research focuses on development, implementation, and adoption strategies for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology in mental healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on patient safety and outcomes.
Throughout my graduate studies I been involved in a variety of IMS initiatives. Within the IMS Students' Association (IMSSA), I have been the director of community outreach and EDI, a co-president, and senior advisor. I am currently a volunteer with Pueblo Science, an organization targeted at increasing STEM education in underprivileged communities. I am also a research collaborator with Dr. Pamela Plant, Director for Graduate Professional Development (GPD) at IMS, where we evaluate the impact of GPD courses on IMS students’ career development education and skills.
Beyond research, I enjoy travelling and exploring, trying new restaurants, and biking through trails in the summer. I am here to help you transition into graduate school and support you with any questions about IMS and graduate student life. I look forward to meeting you all!