THE PRIME TEAM
Molly Shoichet
Scientific Director
Molly Shoichet is a Michael E Charles University Professor in Chemical Engineering at U of T. She is known internationally for her innovative research in drug delivery, drug discovery and hydrogels, and has invented materials to both promote tissue repair in the brain and spinal cord, and help discover new drugs to treat cancer.
Carolyn Cummins
Associate Scientific Director
Carolyn Cummins is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy. Her team studies nuclear receptors and their role in the development of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets in disease pathways and developing drugs to prevent or treat these conditions. Her work has led to the development and preclinical testing of several drugs for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
Akshita Vincent
Director, Strategy & Partnerships
Akshita Vincent is a highly accomplished business development and research commercialization professional with over a decade of experience in academia, specializing in research translation, commercialization, and strategic partnerships with national and multinational corporations. As a dynamic and creative strategist, she excels at applying innovative approaches to bridge the gap between academic and corporate innovation. In her prior role as a Business Development Officer-Industry Partnerships at UofT, Akshita played a pivotal role in expanding the university's research partnerships with world-renowned pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Luella Chow
Administrative & Events Coordinator
Luella Chow graduated with a Master of International and Public Affairs from the University of Hong Kong in 2022. With over 7 years of experience in political journalism and 3 years in large-scale philanthropic organizations, she possesses expertise in non-profit communications, project coordination, and event planning. Before joining PRiME, Luella excelled in supporting initiatives that fostered community engagement and promoted impactful change.
PRiME Associates
Sina Fatehi
Business Associate
Sina Fatehi is a PhD candidate in the Molecular Genetics program at the University of Toronto, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat rare genetic disorders. With his current work in genome editing-based therapeutics, Sina is striving to develop approaches that could have a significant impact on precision child health.
Sabina Islamova
Science Communications Associate
Sabina Islamova is a second-year undergraduate student specializing in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Toronto. Passionate about the intersection of biotechnology and medical research, she is driven by a desire to advance healthcare through innovative solutions. With a keen interest in exploring new frontiers in biotechnology, Sabina hopes to contribute to medical advancements that improve patient outcomes in the future.
YingShan Ma
Business Associate
YingShan Ma is a PhD candidate in Polymers and Materials Chemistry at the UTSG, conducting research in designer materials for biomedical applications and environmental sustainability. Majority of her studies develop nanomaterials for the repair and regeneration of degenerative knee joints (osteoarthritis).
Naz Savranoglu
Science Communications Associate
Naz Savranoglu is a third-year undergraduate student completing her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Economics at the University of Toronto. With her passion for organic and biological chemistry, Naz wants to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry that merges scientific expertise with strategic business acumen, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial success.
PRiME Associates Alumni
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