Meet our team — Leads & Mentors

Connect with student leads, grad mentors, and industry friends. Book a 1-on-1 for projects, coding help, wet-lab skills, or career chats.

Our Team

UTGEC is a collaborative ecosystem where disciplines meet and ideas move. Our teams span wet-lab experimentation, genomics & bioinformatics, design & communication, and ethics & policy—working together to turn questions into data, data into insight, and insight into action. Whether you’re new and curious or ready to lead, there’s a place to build with peers, learn from mentors, and contribute to projects that matter.

Meet our amazing team

Meet our team -- A group of top leaders at Uoft in Life Sciences -- Email us if you want to reach out to any of them.

Adminstrive Executive Assistant
Mentor: Lina Chen

Essa Rashid

Bio (Marketing & Events Director – Genetics Engineering Club, UTM) Eissa is a neuroscience student at the University of Toronto Mississauga with a passion for exploring how science connects across disciplines. As the Marketing and Events Director for the Genetics Engineering Club, Eissa combines a strong background in brain and behavior research with a creative flair for communication and outreach. In this role, Eissa designs engaging campaigns, builds connections with students and faculty, and ensures that every event—from hands-on experiments to career-focused panels—sparks curiosity and conversation. With a keen interest in making complex scientific ideas accessible and exciting, Eissa is dedicated to helping peers discover opportunities in research, graduate studies, and the many branches of biology beyond medicine. When not planning events, Eissa enjoys translating neuroscience concepts into approachable stories, mentoring fellow students, and finding innovative ways to bring the campus community together through science.

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Marketing Executive Assistant
Mentor: Jacob Singh

Harith Alnuaimy

Harith Alnuaimy is a second-year student pursuing a Biotechnology Specialist program at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He has a deep passion for genetic engineering and its potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and sustainability. Harith is especially interested in the molecular techniques and ethical challenges that shape the future of biotechnology. Through his involvement in the Genetic Engineering Club, he aims to inspire students to explore the power of genetics, hands-on research, and innovation in the life sciences.

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Vice president
Mentor: Sara Al-Khalil

Samir Altakini

Hi! I’m Samir Altakhin, a third-year Biology major with a deep passion for genetics, research, and genetic engineering. I love exploring how science can push boundaries and shape the future of biology. Outside of academics, I’m a huge soccer fan — it’s my favorite way to unwind and stay active!

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President
Mentor: Priya Raman

Ammar Adlan

Ammar Adlan is a Molecular Biology Specialist student at the University of Toronto and President of the UofT Genetic Engineering Club. His research spans AI-assisted medical analysis and microbial genomics, including work on linking biological factors in children's growth and development to thier well-being and studying adaptive genetic patterns in E. coli. Beyond research, Ammar is a mentor and Facilitated Study Group Leader, helping students strengthen their scientific reasoning and research confidence. As President, he leads UTGEC in creating hands-on learning, research exposure, and community-building opportunities that empower students to explore the future of genetic engineering.

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Mentor: Ammar Adlan
Mentor of the Month

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the executive team?

We open applications for executive and coordinator roles at the start of each semester. Keep an eye on our Instagram and mailing list for announcements!

Can I shadow or volunteer before applying for a team role?

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers to help with events, social media, and outreach. It’s a great way to get involved and learn about the team.

Can international or first-year students apply for executive roles?

Yes! Our team includes students from diverse academic years and backgrounds. First-year and international students are encouraged to apply and bring fresh perspectives to the club.

What kinds of roles are on the team?

Our team includes:

• First-Year and General Representatives
• President & Vice President
• Events Coordinators
• Outreach & Communications Leads
• Academic & Research Coordinators

Do I need experience to apply?

Not necessarily. Passion, commitment, and willingness to learn are the most important. We provide guidance and support for new executives.

How much time do executive members commit weekly?

On average, 2–5 hours per week. Time commitment may increase slightly during event weeks or team planning meetings.

Got questions?

Reach out to us via uoftgenetic@gmail.com or on Instagram — we’d love to hear from you!