Meet Your transition mentors!

Amiya Mertsis

Senior Transition Mentor

Hey there! My name is Amiya Mertsis, and I am a 4th year double majoring in Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and Psychology! Some of my favourite places to study on campus include Graham, Gerstein, & Emmanuel Library! I find that they are the perfect blend of quiet and scenic…perfect for getting into that studying mood! As for hanging out, I honestly love coming to Vic and chatting with friends in the Cat’s Eye or in Ned’s Café – some places I’m sure you’re going to get accustomed to quite soon :) 

Aside from studying, I am a piano teacher and an Indian Classical dancer!! These are some activities that help take my mind off of school and allow me to stay mentally and physically active :) I am looking SO forward to meeting you all this year and wish you all the best over these next couple of months!!

Eesha Banerjee 

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Eesha Banerjee, and I’m a 1st year with Life Sciences (intended study of program for 2nd year - health & disease major, immunology & bioethics minor). My favourite place to study at UofT is Gerstein Library as it is super quiet and beautiful.

A unique talent about me is that I have a bachelor's degree in Indian classical music. I am super excited to meet everyone & kickstart the academic year to a positive & new beginning.

Denise Chang

Transition Mentor

Hiii! My name is Denise and I’m a 3rd year student double majoring in Mathematics and Statistics! During the school year, you’ll most likely find me studying at Hart House’s Arbor Room or at the Cat’s Eye (on the couches of the games room to be exact).  

A fun fact about me is that I absolutely can’t handle anything remotely sour. Cranberries in particular are the bane of my existence… Feel free to say hi if you spot me on campus! 

Ashleigh Chu Cheong 

Transition Mentor

Hey I'm Ashleigh! Currently I'm in 2nd year studying Economics and Statistics and my favourite place to study is Burwash dining hall.  Waking up early to get those breakfast croissants and to get work done became a ritual during finals season. 

Fun fact, I love winter sports and I would go by St. Mikes to figure skate all the time after class. I can't wait to be a part of making your first year a great experience! 

Erica Chong

Transition Mentor

Hello! My name is Erica, and I'm a second-year student majoring in Sociology and minoring in English and Education and Society. Currently, my favourite place to hang out at U of T is the Wendy Cecil Atrium in the Goldring Student Centre. Here, you'll always find fun events and activities to join.

In my free time, I love writing creative nonfiction, playing the piano, trying new baking recipes, doing food photography, and exploring Ontario. I'm so excited to be part of the Transition Mentor team this year, and I look forward to connecting with you! 

Elaine Fang 

Transition Mentor

My name is Elaine Fang. I am an incoming second-year student studying in the Rotman Commerce undergraduate program. My favourite place to hang out is the Hart House Fitness Center. My favourite place to study at UofT is The Cat’s Eye in the Goldring Student Center. They have very comfy bean bags!

I played basketball competitively and I still enjoy playing basketball during my free time. I look forward to meeting the Class of 2028! 

Kate Howden

Transition Mentor

My name is Kate Howden and I am a third-year international relations specialist. My favorite spot to study on campus would definitely be the Harbord wing on the 13th floor of Robarts. It has one of the best views of the city on campus and is just a great quiet spot to get work done.  

In high school, I was in an internationally renowned marching band and had the opportunity to compete in several world championship events. 

Manaal Khan 

Transition Mentor

My name is Manaal Khan, and I'm a second year hoping to study Biochemistry and Global Health. My favourite places to relax/study at UofT include the basement in EJ Pratt, by the tall windows high up in Robarts, the Vic Quad, or really any green spaces where you can enjoy the sun with friends.

A fact about myself is that I had a very multi-cultural upbringing, having been born in Pakistan, and raised in Bahrain in a British school. 

Tilde Koskinen 

Transition Mentor

My name is Tilde! I'm double majoring in Math and Economics. I'm starting my 4th year this fall. My favorite place to hang out on campus is Vic Quad. The trees are so pretty :) 

I'm from Finland so I obviously play hockey and love saunas. I also have the cutest cat (pictured here). His name is Sparky. I can't wait to meet y'all! 

Jia Li Liang

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Jia Li. I am a Life Sciences student and going into my second year in the fall semester of 2024. My favourite place to hang out at UTSG is Caffiends, located at the Old Vic building!

I really enjoy reading. Just counting this year, I have read over 30 books and have started to enjoy audiobooks more! Feel free to come and chat or drop a book recommendation. 

Vivian Luo 

Transition Mentor

My name is Vivian Luo and I am a third-year student studying a double major in the programs of English and Philosophy. My favourite place to study at UofT is in the EJ Pratt Library!

A unique fact about me is that I love animals and I have a cat at home (pictured here)! 

Sophie Mutch 

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Sophie, and I am a second-year student double majoring in Public Policy and Ethics, Society, and Law. My favourite place to study at UofT  is EJ Pratt library. I especially like sitting upstairs in front of the windows, it's nice to be in the sunlight!

An interesting fact about me is that I used to do musical theatre and Irish dance!! 

Mehtab Kaur Sandhu 

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Mehtab and I am a 3rd year Accounting Specialist and Economics Minor (Rotman Commerce). When I'm not studying on the 4th floor of Robarts Library, you will find me hanging out in the Vic Quad with my friends or reading a romcom.

I absolutely love all things astronomy and sky-related (so original) and you will definitely NOT find more pictures of the moon and stars than of me in my camera roll ;). Fun fact: I'm deathly afraid of snails. I am super excited to meet everyone at orientation and have an amazing year with the other TM's and incoming first years!

Robson Smith 

Transition Mentor

My name is Robson Smith, and I'm pursuing a double major in Immunology and Health & Disease with a minor in Physiology. I will be entering my 4th year this fall. My favourite place to hang out on campus is Robarts and off campus is the subway (yes, I'm serious :)).

A unique fact about me is that I spent the first 2 years of my life on a farm.

Mina Sun

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Mina Sun, a 3rd year student majoring in Political Science and Ethics, Society, & Law. My favourite place to hang out is the Vic Commuter Lounge.

Some fun facts about me are that I have a dog named Cleo (who we think is a corgi/chihuahua mix) and I am half Chinese and half Iranian - so I celebrate 3 new years!

Haley Tran

Transition Mentor

My name is Haley Tran. I am going into my third year studying business management at Rotman Commerce. My favourite place to hang out at UofT is Hart House. It has many fun clubs, events, and study spaces too. It is also a beautiful building with a great location; relatively close to Vic and not too far from any given point across campus.

A unique fact about myself is that I like the arts, particularly drawing and painting. My preferred medium is either digital or acrylic. 

Judy Wang  

Transition Mentor

Hello there! I'm Judy, a 2nd year student majoring in Sociocultural and Linguistic Anthropology with a focus in Medical Anthropology, and minoring in Women and Gender Studies, and Material Culture and Semiotics! You'll often find me studying at Gerstein and E.J. Pratt Library, or hanging out at Vic's wonderful Cat's Eye. 

I am heavily inclined towards all things arts and crafts, and fictional podcasts! I'll never turn down a night in of drawing, sewing, jewelry making or journaling with a good bit of media (or obsessive rambling about them, I love hearing about people's interests!!!). So excited to connect with all of you! 

Logan Xerri 

Transition Mentor

Hello, my name is Logan! I am a fourth-year student double majoring in Neuroscience and Physiology, with a minor in Immunology. I work part-time as a volunteer supervisor at Humber River Health. My favourite place to study on campus is the Ramsay Wright student lounge. It offers quiet, small rooms that are perfect for studying, especially if you have labs in the same building.

A fun fact about me is that I have two dogs! In my photo, you can see Bailey, my nine-year-old Havanese, and Oz, my seven-year-old Bichon Frise. I am looking forward to meeting all of you! P.S. Look below for my brother :)

Zachary Xerri 

Transition Mentor

Hi everyone! My name is Zachary Xerri, I’m a second-year student pursuing a neuroscience specialist and immunology minor, and I’m super excited to be a Transition Mentor this academic year. On campus, you’ll often find me with friends at Hart House, or relaxing on the 2nd floor of Lash Miller. My go-to study spot is the Emmanuel College Library at Vic, but I’m always on the lookout for new spaces to explore! 

I really enjoy community service, and a fun fact about myself is that I currently volunteer year-round at two hospitals! I am thrilled to meet the incoming Class of 2028, so please don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with me! I’m always happy to discuss my involvement and the many extracurricular opportunities available at Vic and UofT. See you around campus! P.S. Look above for my brother :) 

Athena Yiu 

Transition Mentor

Hi! My name is Athena. I’m in my second year double majoring in Health & Disease and Psychology with a minor in Music History & Culture. My favourite study spot is Robarts Second Floor Commons because everyone else studying there motivates me to stay on task, but I absolutely love to hang out in the music room at the Goldring.  

A fun fact about me is that I’m a classical pianist studying with the RCM. My most memorable experience this past year was being part of a medical brigade in Guatemala. I also love travelling across the world and eating all the food I possibly can. I’m so excited to be a transition mentor and can’t wait to meet all of you! 

Erin Zheng 

Transition Mentor

My name is Erin. I am a 3rd year in Immunology and Human Biology with a minor in Physiology. My favourite place to study at UofT would be either Robarts Library or EJ Pratt Library. I think Robarts is great to study and hang out with friends. EJ Pratt is great for concentrated work and is at Vic. 

Outside of academics, I am a part of a dance group at UofT, Silhouettes Dance Company. I’m excited to be a TM this year!” 

Dhir Shah

Transition Mentor

My name is Dhir Shah (he/him), and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a double major in Economics and Mathematics. My favourite place to study on campus is the VUSAC office in the Goldring Students' Centre. The view of Charles Street outside combined with a vibrant atmosphere in the office makes it the perfect spot for engaging study sessions.

A fun fact about me is that I am a Hindustani classical singer with 6 years of formal training.

Additionally, I have a strong interest in financial markets, - I love talking about anything related to the market - and I'm interested in pursuing a PhD in Financial Econometrics.

I am an avid explorer, and I enjoy being in the wild - ps. I am from Kenya, home to wildlife!

I look forward to meeting you on campus and mentoring you as you commence your journey at UofT!

Please feel free to contact me with any information and/or queries you may have: dhir.shah@mail.utoronto.ca.