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Frank Chen 

Hi! My name is Frank Chen and I'm from St. John's, Newfoundland. I've always been passionate about using technology and electronics to design creative and practical solutions to real-world problems.  

Since junior high, I've been programming and experimenting with electronic components like servo motors, LEDs, and microcontrollers such as Arduinos and Raspberry Pis to build solutions for everyday challenges like a soil moisture detection system to automate plant watering. One of my most impactful projects was designing and 3D printing a prosthetic hand for a colleague of my parents who had lost several fingers in a workplace accident. This experience was a powerful reminder of how engineering can be used to create meaningful, real-world change.

I deepened my interest in engineering and discovered a passion for robotics in high school, where I played an active role on our robotics team. I helped design and program our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and our team qualified twice in the MATE ROV World Championships.

In the future, I hope to combine my interests in engineering and robotics to develop solutions for global challenges, such as assistive technology.

I am extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to study Computer Engineering at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ. Receiving the National Scholarship has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my studies, contribute to the student community at UofT, and work on projects that aim to make a meaningful difference in the world. 

Alexander Li 

My passion for computer science has driven me to win university hackathons, excel in international programming competitions, publish research papers, and earn a bronze medal at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. In addition to these accomplishments, I have embraced leadership in both academic and extracurricular settings. For example, I am the leader of one of Canada’s top competitive cybersecurity teams, where I guided my peers to success in international events. I have also led a Vancouver hackathon, building on my achievements in previous competitions. I founded an AI startup that protects online users via automated moderation of instant messaging platforms. Moreover, I developed a custom tournament management program for my district robotics league to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Beyond my technical pursuits, I served as student council president, where I promoted inclusivity by organizing diverse cultural celebrations. I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen my expertise in computer science at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ. There, I hope to learn and collaborate with leading professors to make the world a better place.

Anna Iacob 

I’m deeply passionate about chemistry and pharmacology, and I hope to use my education to design, develop, and manufacture medicines that target the world’s most chronic and complex diseases. A major catalyst that sparked my interest in STEM was the Students on the Beamlines program at the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon. In my first year we conducted a research project on metal concentrations in salmon eye lenses, and my second year I led a research team on a project investigating the effects micro-plastics have on nutrient absorption in blackberry plants. Another defining moment was participating in the National Geographic Exchange Program, where I collaborated with a researcher in Macau to study the impact of artificial light at night on moth biodiversity. These experiences, alongside leading my school’s service club, being part of my rowing team, volunteering on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and my love for continuous learning, inspired me to choose a path of both research and service, especially at ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ. After my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend medical school to become a clinician-scientist, combining pharmaceutical research with patient care. The National Scholarship has made this dream possible, and I want to give back to the community that has invested in me. Being able to pursue this journey, financially unburdened, is a gift that continues to motivate me every day. 

Arjun Sharma

Hello! My name is Arjun Sharma, and I’m from Oshawa, Ontario.

One of my favourite subjects in high school was computer science. The process of learning to code was challenging but rewarding, and I enjoyed creating a computer science club, volunteering in mentor roles, and developing software to improve systems at my school. At the same time, I became fascinated with biology and the seemingly miraculous workings of the human body. I have been fortunate to be able to explore the subject in more depth by contributing to biomedical research at Ontario Tech University and representing Canada at the 2024 International Biology Olympiad. Outside academics, I participated in string ensembles and led my school’s DECA chapter. By pursuing the intersection of biology and computer science at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ, I hope to ultimately contribute to improvements in the healthcare industry.

I am truly grateful and honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the National Scholarship. I can’t wait to join the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ community!

Julian Moncarz 

Hi, I’m Julian Moncarz. I’ll be studying Engineering Science, and I plan to major in Machine Intelligence. This field is evolving rapidly, and I want to help ensure that its advancement benefits both individuals and communities.

Since I was four, I’ve been involved with the PINE Project, a nonprofit that runs outdoor education programs for kids. I started as a participant, then became a volunteer, and now work as a mentor. In high school, I was student council president and co-founded the Computer Science club. I explored a wide range of interests and earned awards in law, research, and Model UN. I also teach and compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’ve won gold at Canadian Nationals and other tournaments, and I will be representing Team Canada at the IJJF World Championships in Thailand. I am excited to join the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ community, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. 

Prerana Manoj 

At 14, I stood under the studio lights of Dragons’ Den, pitching a water-saving showerhead idea to address water conservation challenges in Canadian households. That life-changing moment taught me something I carry to this day: meaningful innovation begins with a drive to solve problems that matter.

From co-developing Project HeartScope—a health tech initiative that took me to the Technovation International Stage in Silicon Valley—to co-authoring my first research paper with Ontario Tech’s EILab, I’ve come to love exploring how emerging technologies intersect with real-world impact.

Being honoured in 2023 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN gave me the privilege of hearing firsthand stories of resilience and powerful voices breaking the glass ceiling. Their commitment to lifting others inspired me to channel my passions toward creating similar opportunities and support.

This passion led me to found and lead my school’s DECA chapter, which focuses on nurturing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and creating a supportive community where young leaders in my school community can develop their skills and confidence. As debate co-captain, I find joy in helping teammates discover their unique voices and grow their confidence—not just in public speaking, but in trusting their perspectives and becoming informed decision-makers.

As I begin my journey at the ²ÝÁñ2024еس¶Ò»¶þ, I’m excited to keep building a better future for all. 

Helene Li 

How can our brains store a lifetime of memories, yet lose them all to Alzheimer’s disease? The deceptively straightforward question motivated me to learn about the brain, from its intricate structures to the multifaceted pathologies of its disorders. This journey led to the 2022 International Brain Bee, where I achieved first place, and I began my neuroscience research internship at Carleton University.  

Recently, I presented our findings on decoding mouse emotions using machine learning at the 2025 Canadian Association for Neuroscience meeting, where I learned from inspiring researchers from across the country. I am passionate about channeling my creativity through research – through the Ottawa Science Innovation Challenge, I was invited as a national finalist to present my research proposal on probiotic supplementation to address microbiome disruption in age-related macular degeneration.  

Committed to giving back to my communities, I help organize local events including the Ottawa Brain Bee, Brain and Mental Health Art Show, and Brain Awareness Week at the Science and Technology Museum, connecting with audiences of all ages. Globally, I volunteer as a curriculum developer and presenter at the International Youth Neuroscience Association Bootcamp, a 10-week virtual program reaching 300+ students from 26 countries.  

At UofT, I aspire to broaden my horizons by combining neuroscience with computational biology. I envision myself as a clinician-researcher, where patient care informs my research, and my discoveries contribute to novel treatments. I am honoured to join the incoming class of National Scholars and will dedicate myself to applying my learning for positive change. 

Anna VanderBerg 

Hello! My name is Anna VanderBerg and I am from Brampton, Ontario.  

In highschool I participated in many extracurriculars. As President of my school’s branch of Zonta I helped raise awareness on gender-based issues and support women and girls throughout my community, and as Secretary General for my school’s Model UN delegation — one of the largest in Ontario with over 300 students involved – I organized and led events and competed in several international-level conferences.  

Additionally, I worked with a group of peers to design a space settlement which won prizes in two of the NSS’s international competitions with up to 26,000 competitors. And I’ve also played soccer for most of my life — competitively, in school, and as a volunteer youth coach.

One of the most influential experiences from my time in highschool, however, was participating in the Boyd Archaeological Field School. Graduating as a student from this summer program and returning as an intern, I gained hands-on experience in field and laboratory work, and found a new respect and understanding of the world around me. This experience combined with my interest in research fostered through the AP Capstone program set me on a pathway to study my current passion: astrobiology.  

While this is my current path, I am excited to explore all of the opportunities provided by UofT. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and excited to join the UofT community to deepen my passions and understanding of life and the universe. 

Bisman Randhawa 

I am a changemaker and advocate whose work stands at the intersection of equity, leadership, and lived experience. Born with a visual impairment, I have never let limitations define my vision for myself or the inclusive future I strive to create.

As the founder of Maples4Women, I launched a movement to empower young women through mentorship, political dialogue, and community-building. Through this initiative, I’ve hosted province-wide summits, engaged elected officials, and raised funds for women’s organizations, ensuring that young female voices are heard and valued. In school, I served as student council co-president and vice-president of the Sikh Heritage Committee, where I worked to foster belonging and unity among over 1,600 students.

In 2023, I was honoured to be selected as a Girls Belong Here Youth Ambassador with Plan International Canada, where I spoke on Parliament Hill about global gender equity and the rights of children in emergencies. As Folklorama’s 2025 Youth Ambassador General, I represent one of the world’s largest multicultural festivals, uplifting diasporic stories through culture and public engagement.

I bring lived experience to policy making. I was the first student from my school to serve as a Legislative Page in Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly and now contribute to shaping education policy as a member of the Manitoba Student Advisory Council. I also support civic engagement as an organizer for Winnipeg Model United Nations and the Youth Parliament of Manitoba.

As a published writer, I researched and shared my reflections on domestic violence in South Asian communities through an article in The Outland Magazine. My story is not just one of resilience, but of reimagining power, not as inherited but as something consciously and inclusively shaped. 

Jack Levy 

I find it endlessly fascinating how nature adapts to solve complex problems over eons of evolution with remarkable efficiency. Many of the greatest innovations in engineering are inspired by biology, while some of the most exciting advancements in biology increasingly apply engineering principles to life itself. I am drawn to this intersection, where breakthroughs in technology and biology come together to reshape the future of human health and environmental sustainability.

While in high school, I worked as a summer researcher at the University of Calgary as a recipient of Alberta Innovates–funded studentships, applying machine learning techniques to develop novel pre-screening tools. My projects included a model to predict celiac disease positivity from routine blood tests, as well as a heart disease risk stratification model to support earlier intervention.

Outside of my research, I co-founded my high school’s engineering club to provide the space, resources, and mentorship to empower peers to design STEM-based solutions to real-world problems. I have also served on multiple youth advisory panels, advancing environmental education, climate change policy, and youth nutrition in Alberta. In 2022, my environmental education group received the 31st Annual Alberta Emerald Award in the Youth Legacy category for our work advancing climate and sustainability education in Alberta schools.

My goal is to develop transformative technologies to help humanity adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world, as we face both old and emerging biomedical, environmental, and technological challenges.