David Wu
Advisor
Engineering Science, Graduate
Experience: David loves to run conferences. He has organized the National Business & Technology Conference for 2007, 2008, and 2009. He is also currently the advisor for the 2010 Canadian Engineering Competition. In addition, David held the Senior VP Internal position with UT-ACCEL 2009, a start-up conference held in China. Professionally, David has worked as an intern at BEST Funds, and as an Electrical Engineer at 3M. Currently, he is looking forward to starting his employment with Labatt in their Operations Technical Trainee Program.
Fun facts: In his free time, David loves reading books, keeping fit, and playing computer games!
Helena Mistry
Advisor
PhD in Pharmacology, Graduate
Experience: Helena recently traveled to Germany for a research conference, gave a talk at the event, and won second place in the writing competition. She has a passion for the commercialization of scientific ideas. Helena feels that there is a lack of knowledge in business and industry in the graduate program, and thus Helena is a member of NBTC.
Fun facts: Helena climbs the CN tower every year to raise money for the WWF, has recently traveled to Morroco, plays soccer for the SGS team at the University of Toronto, and can speak three and a half languages.
Kirill Zubovsky
Conference Chair
Industrial Engineering – 4th year
Experience: Kirill is a leader in heart. In the past he was the Editor-in-Chief of a university newspaper, a head leader for the engineering orientation, held positions on a number of clubs and of course participated where possible. Last year Kirill completed a 16-month long internship with TELUS and he is now getting ready for the real world.
Fun facts: In his spare time Kirill enjoys reading, photography, learning new skills and concepts, debating with his friends on all things possible, exercising, dancing, and just enjoying life. In spring of 2009 Kirill ran the Vancouver BMO half-marathon in 1 hour 29 minutes, placing 8th in his division, and 145 out of nearly 6000 people overall. He is really proud about it.
Brad Menezes
Corporate Relations Director
Mechanical Engineering, 3rd Year
Experience: Brad believes that without a strong business instinct and comprehensive plan, even the best ideas cannot be successfully commercialized. It is for this reason that he has joined the NBTC and is a passionate member of the team. Brad has extensive sales experience in multiple Canadian provinces and has also worked as an Engineering Intern at Halsall Associates where he performed a site investigation on the exterior of Canada’s tallest building while hanging from a swing stage over 950 feet in the air! This aspiring entrepreneur thrives on learning in everything he does and has high hopes of entering the world of tech start-ups in the future. Brad embraces change and takes risks, living his life by the quote “The greatest failure is the failure to try”~ William A. Ward.
Fun facts: Brad has been a devoted musician since he was a child. When he’s not in the classroom, working, or thinking about the next crazy thing he wants to get into, he can often be found jamming out on the piano or guitar to his own compositions.
Zoe Yi Zhang
Corporate Relations Director
Master of Biotechnology 2010
Experience: Zoe has worked as a process development intern at Sanofi Pasteur. She has been the associate analyst of BDC Venture Capital, and is a membership committee member at the Toronto Biotechnology Initiative.
Fun facts: Zoe always wonders what will be the next big things: biotechnology, clean technology or something else? She wants to play a role in designing an efficient business model to support the biotech and clean tech industries. She also loves to be exposed to cutting edge technologies and enjoys working with teams on start up projects!
Charmaine Ferguson
Corporate Relations Associate
PhD Pharmacology & Toxicology
Experience: Charmaine has been working as a scientific researcher for the past 6 years in academia and industry.
Fun facts: Charmaine works part-time as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.
Moinul Delwar
Corporate Relations Associate
Mechanical Engineering, 2nd Year
Experience: Moinul is a member of the Bangladeshi Students’ Association at the University of Toronto. Moinul is actively involved in the engineering community as a member of the Eco-Marathon Tech Club, and as the co-producer of the Mechanical Engineering 1T2 t-shirts.
Fun facts: Moinul loves drama and spontaneity, photography, vehicle design and random 3AM walks to Harbour Front.
Jason Sukhram
Events Director
Materials Science Engineering, 3rd Year
Experience:
Jason has been dedicated to developing an all-rounded knowledge of the world and it’s complexities to combine with his engineering education from the University of Toronto. He has been intrigued about how the technological, economic, social and political landscapes are all interdependent, and has been active in pursuing his passion of understanding their relationships. For example, as Chair of the Faculty of Engineering’s Leaders of Tomorrow working group, he will have the opportunity to interview Toronto’s Mayor David Miller to explore the relationship between Engineering, Leadership and Public Policy in January. He has also done research within the Health Care system and consulted with Environmental Engineering firms to further develop his knowledge. As Co-Events Director for NBTC 2010, he plans to combine the vast and diverse concepts related to business and technology into a coherent and engaging conference for all delegates.
Fun Facts: Jason enjoys playing sports, staying active, spending time with friends, music and books when he has a chance. He once believed he could be an NBA star until he realized he wasn’t going to be tall enough (3 years ago).
Scott McAuley
Events Director
M.Sc Chemistry, 2nd Year
Experience: Scott has always gone down as many paths as he can find. Stepping between the laboratory, stage, and office has provided him with a wide variety of experiences that he is excited to bring to the NBTC team. Scott has worked with outreach programs such as Science Rendezvous, organized the Chemical Biophysics Symposium, been on the production team for over a dozen theatrical productions, sits on the executive of the Chemistry Graduate Students Union (ChemClub) and is currently working on a number of research projects in the field of semiconductor/polymer nano-composites.
Yasmin Razavi
Finance Director
Industrial Engineering, Operations Research & Economics, 3rd Year
Experience: Yasmin was granted the NSERC award, which allowed her to do research on financial models and mathematical algorithms pertaining to investment portfolio creation and management over the past summer. She is extremely passionate about management and strategy consulting and in May 2010 she will be starting a one year internship at ZS Associates as a junior consultant.
Fun facts: Yasmin enjoys snowboarding, fashion and interior design, going to the movies with friends and exploring new restaurants and cafes.
Sherry Xu
Logistics & Hospitality Director
Bachelor of Commerce, Specialist in Commerce and Finance, 3rd Year
Experience: In her first two years at the university, Sherry has been extensively involved in the Rotman Commerce community. Some of her recent roles include being the Director of Events for Rotman Commerce Finance Association and the Director of Logistics for a first year case competition within Rotman Commerce. This year, she also works at the Rotman Financial Research & Trading Lab as a Lab Assistant.
Fun facts: Sherry loves trying out new recipes. Her current favorite recipe is one of oatmeal raisin cookies that a friend gave her. She is also obsessed with Gossip Girl and House MD.
Chung-Sang Tse
Marketing & Publications Director
Life Sciences (Physiology Specialist, Physics Minor, Psychology Minor), 4th Year
Experience: Chung-Sang is particularly interested in gaining well-rounded experiences and have held leadership and/or volunteering positions in diverse settings: downtown Toronto homeless shelter, suburban Habitat for Humanity construction sites, the bedside of patients in hospital wards, and even half-way around the globe in Shenzhen Middle School located in China! On campus, she is actively involved in the executive committee of four school clubs and general member in three others. These positions allow her to learn a variety of skills, such as writing in a Life Sciences newspaper, marketing for a business and technology conference, organizing volunteering trips, and representing more than 150 students in the Physiology Program. Her motivation to benefit others and to get involved in extracurricular activities has helped her develop effective team work skills and professional communication skills: these have fostered in her the quintessential qualities of a leader.
Saksham Uppal
Marketing & Publications Director
Engineering Science, Major in Computer and Electrical Engineering, 3rd Year
Experience: Saksham is consistently striving to better himself and those around him. Alongside the team, he helped found Nspire, the parent organization of NBTC, in an effort to provide greater opportunities for students interested in business, entrepreneurship and general self-development. This is Saksham’s second year on the NBTC team as an executive member and he brings along with him diverse work experience in the fields of software, mobile and IT. Saksham has served on various executive councils in different capacities but admits that his time on the NBTC team has been a truly eye-opening experience. He holds a particular interest in the commercialization of emerging and cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship, consulting, leadership and management.
Fun facts: He enjoys spending free time with friends, as well as reading and playing basketball.
Israt Chowdhury
Operations Director
Industrial Engineering, 3rd Year
Experience: Israt strives to bring out her strong leadership and organization skills as often as possible. Within the department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University Toronto, Israt is part of the Leaders of Tomorrow working group where she avidly organizes events for her classmates such as Ace the Interview, Career Panel, and the Etiquette Dinner. Israt is always available to provide a helping hand and thus is a mentor for the first year engineering students in her program, as well as a “sister” for high school female students wanting to pursue a career in the field of applied science and engineering, as a part of the Skule Sisters program. Israt is a recipient for the Leaders of Tomorrow certificates for Team Leadership and Leading From the Inside Out, as well for the Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Leader & Scholar certificate.
Fun facts: Israt enjoys meeting new people, learning about new things, traveling, dancing, and reading.
Jane Ip
Program Chair
Industrial Engineering – completed 3rd year, on internship with Spin Master
Experience: The most effective way to learn and grow, as Jane has experienced, is to work with others. Jane has met and collaborated with many exceptional individuals during her 3 years in university while organizing National Engineering Week 2008, National Business and Technology Conference (NBTC) 2008 and 2009, and other projects. She learned the importance of innovations and talent management among many other valuable skills, with which she used to facilitate peer development programs and later found Nspire, the presenting organization of NBTC, a year-round program and a summer program unveiling in summer 2010.
Fun facts: In her spare time Jane enjoys making music and is learning the art of hosting – she gathers restaurant recommendations and entertaining tips from dining with colleagues and naturally from her passion for good food and company. She does not shy away from the thought of innovations and possibilities of new projects, musical and culinary ones included.
Shufrah Alam
Project Member
Chemical Engineering, completed 3rd Year, on internship with OPG
Experience: Shufrah is on a quest for knowledge, the truth and experience. Thus far, she has lived in 3 very culturally different countries, been able to enjoy an enrichment course in South Asia, teach computers to elementary school children, placed first in a consulting competition and is now knee-deep in matters related to nuclear waste management at OPG. She hopes to one day have a fulfilling yet unique career path that will make most people think, “I didn’t know that could be a job!”
Fun facts: The famous boxer, Mohammad Ali, once held Shufrah in his lap when she was 2 years old. As a child, she was once lost in a Chicago museum on a family vacation. Lastly, she highly recommends apple slices dipped in peanut butter.
Jonathan Zhao
Webmaster
Computer Engineering, 4th Year
Experience: Jonathan is passionate about the Internet as a social medium and enjoys web development. Last year, Jonathan completed a 15 month internship at Research in Motion Ltd, in Waterloo, where he worked as a software developer.
Fun facts: Jonathan loves to work on digital paintings and tackle new challenges such as indoor rock-climbing, especially because he is afraid of heights.
Jovan Sardinha
Webmaster
Industrial Engineering: Operations Research, 3rd Year
Experience: Jovan enjoys integrating technology with business and takes every opportunity to learn something new in this field. Over the past summer, Jovan was given the opportunity to design and implement Information Systems into various aspects of an organization to help functionality and decision making.
Fun facts: Jovan loves to try out different cuisines and in his free time enjoys reading, painting, cooking and playing soccer.
James JunXiao Shi
Creative Director
Business Management and Organizational Studies, 3rd Year
Experience: James is an active soul. Not only does he enjoy to take on huge challenges at work, school, or life, James actively seeks trouble at all times. An entrepreneur for two years, James is currently running a small but exciting graphic design firm. He is actively involved in school activities at University of Western Ontario. Not only has he been the VP of Media at the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, he is currently the President Advisor, responsible for various external issues outside of the club. He is also the producer of the Spring Festival Celebration at London, Ontario this year. Furthermore, he is collaborating with the London Chinese communities to promote culture awareness and tighten bonds amongst the community. He is hoping to see you at this year’s NBTC, because he promises it will be an epic experience.
Fun facts: James should be the first person you contact if you get your hands on Starcraft 2.
Andrew Wong
External Director
Chemical Engineering, 3rd Year
Experience: Andrew enjoys getting involved in a variety of things that challenge him to broaden his perspectives in any aspects possible. Andrew is a Staff Writer for the University of Waterloo Engineering Newspaper – The Iron Warrior. He was also a founding member for the University of Waterloo’s Toastmasters Club where he served two terms as the VP Public Relations. Andrew has also previously undertaken an Undergraduate Research Volunteer role for the NanoBio Interfacial Engineering group at the University of Waterloo in the area of self-assembling nanopeptides. Outside of the academic environment, Andrew has had the opportunity to work for the Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA) as a Research Analyst where he continues to provide ad-hoc contracting work. As well, he has worked for Petro-Canada in their Logistics department as an intern supporting their initiatives of Planning, Performancing and Optimization.
Fun facts: Andrew holds an internship position at Suncor Energy as their Technical Services (Production) Engineering intern to be completed December 2009.
Bo Xu
Marketing & Promotions Associate
Engineering Science, completed 3rd Year, on internship with IBM Corp
Experience: Bo is always up for the challenges. After spending 2 years in the textbooks, Bo decided to strengthen his organizational, management and net-working skills by actively involving himself in extracurricular activities. Bo joined Engineering Chinese Club at University of Toronto as the Event Director. During that time, he has learned a great amount of social and net-working skills and met a group of great individuals. Currently, Bo is working at IBM Corp. as a tester under the QA department for one of IBM’s major profit-earning products, DB2. Meanwhile, Bo still keeps himself busy by taking on the M/P Associate position for Nspire, the parent organization of NBTC.
Fun facts: Bo likes soccer, basketball, music and meeting new people.
Peter Yun Zhang
Marketing & Publications Associate
Engineering Science, completed 3rd Year, on internship with Deckchair Learning Inc.
Experience: Peter constantly seeks new challenges in leadership and he strongly believes in collaboration. He has been on the NBTC team for 2 years and he was past president of Engineering Chinese Club at University of Toronto – a young club that has been growing tremendously in recent three years. Peter is also currently an intern at Deckchair Learning Inc – the third start-up company he has joined in the past four years. Peter excels when facing challenges and tackling difficult technical and people problems.
Fun facts: Peter takes photos, listens to music, plays guitar, and enjoys reading books.