Dr. Imogen Coe is a biology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the founding dean of the Faculty of Science at TMU. Dr. Coe received a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology from the University of Exeter in England. She then went on to receive her master’s and PhD in biology from the University of Victoria in Vancouver, Canada. Following her PhD, Dr. Coe completed two post-doctoral fellowships before becoming a professor at York University in Toronto. During her time at York, Dr. Coe acted as chair and associate dean. Following these roles, she became the founding dean of the Faculty of Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. Now, Dr. Coe works as a biology professor at TMU and is an advocate for more inclusive science.

In this conversation, Dr. Coe discusses her path to become a biology professor and researcher, as well as what is involved in becoming dean and gaining larger leadership roles. Dr. Coe also discusses her passion towards advocating for equity in STEM and the importance of integrating humanity within STEM and academia.

Connect with Dr. Imogen Coe:

Instagram: drimogencoe

Twitter: @ImogenRCoePhD

New podcast episodes every Tuesday. Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services. 

Episode Transcript

We are back with a new name and a whole new season!

Formerly MENT TO BE, The Mentorship Podcast highlights diverse careers to mentor our audience on various fields. Our host, Julia Pia, interviews industry professionals on their academic and career path.

Season 3 premieres October 3rd. Join us every Tuesday as we sit down with a new guest to learn about their industry and career.  

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources.

Trailer Transcript

On the season two finale of MENT TO BE, we are joined by Dr. Nik Sharma, a pediatric dentist. Nik received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from McGill University in Montreal. He completed his general residency at the Montreal Children's Hospital, then specialized in pediatric dentistry by completing the pediatric residency program at the University of Rochester in New York. Following his residency, Nik worked as a pediatric dentist and assistant director of the Department of Dentistry at Montreal Children's Hospital. Currently, Nik is a part owner of a clinic and works as a clinical director and pediatric dentist.

In this conversation, Nik discusses his path to become a dentist and the various career opportunities within dentistry. He talks about how he entered dental school in an untraditional way, as he did not complete an undergraduate degree. Nik also tells us how he exercises diverse roles and skills to create balance in his dentistry career. Tune in to learn all about it and connect with Dr. Nik Sharma using the following links:

Instagram & TikTok: @nikthedentist

LinkedIn: Nikhil Sharma

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nikthedentist

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Episode Transcript

Avesta Rastan is a medical illustrator currently working as an associate art director for Real Chemistry. Avesta completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in life sciences and a minor in world languages from Queen’s University, followed by a Master of Science in biomedical communications from the University of Toronto. Since graduating, Avesta has been exploring her field by working freelance and in industry roles, specifically at INVIVO Communications and now at Real Chemistry.

In this conversation, Avesta tells us all about merging science and art through science illustration. She also discusses her journey of exploring her passions and discovering how to integrate them into her career. Tune in to learn all about it and connect with Avesta using the following links:

Instagram: azuravesta.design

Twitter: azuravesta

Linkedin: Avesta Rastan

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Episode Transcript

Alessandro Profenna is a gameplay programmer, currently working at Digital Extremes. Alessandro achieved a Bachelor of Science with a major in computer science and a minor in mathematics from Toronto Metropolitan University (previously Ryerson University). He then received a game development, advanced programming graduate certificate from Sheridan College. During his education, Alessandro completed several internships from Environment Canada, to IBM, and Activision. As a gameplay programmer, Alessandro worked at Ubisoft and most recently Digital Extremes.

In this conversation, Alessandro gives us an inside perspective on the path to becoming a gameplay programmer. He talks about the challenges he faced, like switching programs and building perseverance through difficult university courses. He also gives great advice on how to make yourself a strong candidate in the industry, from building your portfolio and resume to developing collaboration and leadership skills.

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services.

Episode Transcript

Chloe Brown is a policy analyst who is currently in the running for Toronto mayor. Chloe has dedicated her career to working in policy and serving the community. She has worked in various institutions including the City of Toronto, post-secondary schools, and at the Future Skills Centre. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts in public administration and governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. Currently, Chloe is in the running for Toronto mayor and the election takes place on June 26th.  

In this conversation, Chloe breaks down the difference between a career in policy vs politics. She also shares her motivation for running for mayor of Toronto and discusses her campaign platform. Tune in to learn all about it and connect with Chloe using the following links:

Instagram & Twitter: @Chloebrown4TO

Facebook: Vote Chloe Brown for Mayor

LinkedIn: Chloe Brown

Website: chloebrown.ca

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services of MENT.

Episode Transcript

Makena Arntsen is a social worker, psychotherapist, and podcast host. Makena completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish at Queens University, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. During her education, Makena participated in many diverse experiences from volunteering abroad, going on exchange, and working with various community organizations like CAMH. Now, Makena has her own private practice as a therapist and she hosts a mental health and wellness podcast called "Don't Worry, It's Confidential".

In this conversation, Makena talks about the various avenues of psychology and social work. She also gives us an inside perspective on working as a therapist and running your own private practice. Tune in to learn all about it and connect with Makena with the following links:

Website: makenaarntsen.com

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/dontworryitsconfidential

Social media: @dontworryitsconfidential

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services. 

Episode Transcript

Dr. Helen Tran is a professor at the University of Toronto in the department of chemistry, cross-appointed in chemical engineering. Helen received a Bachelor of Science with a major in chemistry and a minor in chemical engineering from UC Berkeley in California. Upon graduating, Helen worked as a scientific engineering assistant at the Molecular Foundry, before embarking on her PhD in chemistry at Columbia University in New York. Following her PhD, Helen then worked as a post doctorate fellow in chemical engineering at Stanford University, before becoming an assistant professor at UofT.

In this conversation, Helen talks about the path to becoming a professor and defining success for yourself. She also brings insight on top tier schools in the US and discusses how to combine different passions with chemistry, such as engineering. Tune in to learn all about Helen’s unique journey and the advice she gives about professorship!  

Team Tran Website: https://helen-t.com/

Twitter: @helen_chem

Produced by Ment Projects. New episodes every Tuesday! Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services. 

Episode Transcript

Stephanie Loureiro is the Chief Strategy Officer of Speer Technologies. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) with a major in media production and a minor in media business. During her academic career, Stephanie volunteered and interned at many notable production companies, like RogersTV and Breakfast Television. Following university, Stephanie changed career paths and entered the tech space as one of the founding members at Speer Technologies.

In this conversation, Stephanie explains how media production and tech are more connected than we realize. She also discusses the value of working in a startup, the mission of Speer Tech, and her role as CSO. Tune in the learn all about Stephanie’s unique journey and the advice she gives to women interested in tech.

Speer Tech Website: https://speer.io/

Speer Tech Social Media: @speertech

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about the mission and services.

Episode Transcript

Katerina earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Toronto. From a young age, she was passionate about becoming a doctor. Through her degree and volunteer positions, Katerina became exposed to the many more opportunities in healthcare. Ultimately, Katerina discovered the field of medical device sales, where she combines her love for sports, anatomy, and medicine.

In this conversation, Katerina discusses how broad the field of healthcare and kinesiology really is. She provides an inside perspective on medical device sales and how the job incorporates much more than sales, as it also involves having a strong presence in hospitals and working with devices.

Produced by Ment Projects. Follow us on @mentprojects on all social media platforms for updates and more mentorship resources. Visit our website to learn more about our mission and services. 

Episode transcript