2022 Jennifer Mactavish Student Leadership Award Recipients

Melissa Iazzi, Molecular Science, PhD

I completed my HBSc in the Biology Coop Program at TMU. I transferred to my PhD in TMU in Molecular Science. During my undergraduate degree my sister was diagnosed and passed away from a rare bone cancer and that sparked my interest to pursue a career in biomedical sciences. Throughout my academic journey I found I was very passionate about being a leader and keeping my student peers around me engaged in the program we are in. This is seen through my role progression in various student groups and teaching positions. Now I plan to continue my role as a leader as I start my post-doctoral research project to help characterize the rare cancer that claimed my sister and countless other children's lives.

Meghan Koo, Physics, PhD

Meghan Koo is a PhD student in Medical Physics under the supervision of Dr. Miranda Kirby. Her research focuses on the development of CT texture-based radiomics biomarkers to aid in the understanding of lung disease. Meghan won first place in the 2022 J.R. Cunningham Young Investigators Symposium, making her the first woman of colour, first TMU student, and first woman in 11 years to win this prestigious competition. Aside from research, Meghan is a student-athlete and assistant coach of the TMU Bold Varsity Track and Field team, and a member of the TMU Athletics EDI Advisory Committee. She is the co-chair of the Canadian Organization of Medical Physics EDIA committee and a member of multiple EDI committees within the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Meghan is actively involved in promoting science literacy and youth engagement in science outreach initiatives such as Soapbox Science and Science Rendezvous. As a woman of colour in these diverse leadership roles, Meghan is a trailblazer in these fields, promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility by amplifying the voices and perspectives of marginalized groups.

Rebecca Cabral-Dias, Molecular Science PhD

Rebecca has been an active TMU member since 2012 and has multiple prestigious academic accolades. She is the recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, CIHR Master's Award and CIHR Doctoral Award, presented at national and international conferences, and published multiple first-authored articles. Rebecca has taken on many leadership roles, which includes serving on the Student Advisory Board for the School of Medicine, SATI Symposium organizing committee, and the Chemistry and Biology EDI committee. Rebecca served for two consecutive years on the Molecular Science Graduate Student Union, one of which she was the President and spearheaded a cross-disciplinary initiative to enhance students’ professional development.

Rebecca served as an elected executive for TMGSU and created new financial opportunities for students to further their academic research and professional development. She has been a liaison between faculty and graduate students in hopes to enhance the graduate student experience and represents the spirit of this award.