Lisa Strug is a Professor in the Departments of Statistical Sciences, Computer Science and the Division of Biostatistics, and the Director of CANSSI Ontario, at the University of Toronto. She is also the Associate Director of The Centre for Applied Genomics and a Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children.
Professor Strug is a statistical geneticist and her research focuses on the development of novel statistical approaches to analyze and integrate multi-omics data to identify genetic contributors to complex human disease.
Dr. Helen Lasthiotakis is the Director, Operations and Strategy at the Data Sciences Institute, University of Toronto. At DSI, she is responsible for the development and management of strategic plans and partnerships, the development of thematic and collaborative research strategies, and oversight of the DSI’s fellowship, training and event programs, and strategic communications plans.
Dr. Lasthiotakis has held senior roles at U of T, including in the offices of the Vice-President Research & Strategic Initiatives, the Office of the Provost, the Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Arts & Science, as well as the Nortel Institute in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. She holds her Masters in Science in Geology, and her PhD in Higher Education Leadership & Policy.
Mark supports DSI grants and awards, playing a pivotal role in the promotion and support of DSI research initiatives.
Mark has worked in research project management and awards for the past six years. He has managed relationships with external partners, as well as drafted sections of grants, data transfer agreements, and supported High-Performance Computing data projects. He received a Ph.D. in History at York University.
Wisam provides research software development and analysis support for data science projects.
Wisam has experience building software utilizing an array of programming languages, technologies and software frameworks. He received his degree in software engineering from McGill.
Sumaiya is responsible for identifying, developing, and working with private sector, community and global organizations to launch research and education partnerships.
Sumaiya has experience building collaborations between industry and academia having worked as the Business Development Advisor in a joint role with Mitacs and the University of Waterloo. She has worked with non-profits, government organizations, and private companies to implement water projects in rural areas of East Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada. Sumaiya holds a Bachelor of Business & Commerce, a Master’s in International Business from Monash University, and a Master’s in Development Practice from the University of Waterloo.
Conor provides research software development and analysis support for data science projects.
Conor has built research support applications for a variety of institutions, including Southern Methodist University, The University of Pennsylvania, and The Hospital for Sick Children. He has a PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Regina is responsible for providing frontline support for DSI, managing inquiries, scheduling, and coordinating all DSI events.
Regina brings customer service expertise from the university, government, and retail sectors. She holds a Music degree from Anyang University, Korea, and has played as a cellist in an orchestra. Regina has been a member of the UofT community working with the Office of the Vice-President International and the A&S Department of Geography and Planning.
Jennie is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the DSI Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates.
Jennie is a dedicated professional with experience in the non-profit sector as a program coordinator. She has successfully managed and coordinated various organizational aspects, including marketing, scheduling, events, fundraising, and partner outreach. With a master’s degree in environmental studies from Queen’s University and research assistant experience in various labs, Jennie possesses a solid foundation in analytical skills and knowledge. Previously, she served as the Learner Recruitment Specialist for the DSI Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates.
Jennie is responsible for overseeing the delivery of cohort program activities for the DSI’s SUDS, Postdoctoral and Doctoral Student Fellows, as well as the DSI’s not-for-credit offerings.
Jennie is a dedicated professional with experience in the non-profit sector as a program coordinator. She has successfully managed and coordinated various organizational aspects, including marketing, scheduling, events, fundraising, and partner outreach. With a master’s degree in environmental studies from Queen’s University and research assistant experience in various labs, Jennie possesses a solid foundation in analytical skills and knowledge.
Daniel provides research software development and analysis support for the Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates.
Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics from the University of Toronto. As a Teaching Assistant at the university, he developed innovative auto-marking systems and educational materials. His professional journey includes a role as a Software Developer at Environment and Climate Change Canada, where he worked on meteorological tools. At Amazon, he excelled as a Software Developer Engineer, focusing on customer-facing solutions, feature development, and providing on-call support. His diverse experience across the public sector and major tech companies underscores his commitment to impactful and innovative software development.
Cormac provides full spectrum communications support for all of DSI’s projects and initiatives.
Cormac Rea joined the Data Sciences Institute (DSI) from University of Toronto’s Dept. of Computer Science. He has held communications roles at University of Toronto since early 2021, working with the Troost Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Sport & Recreation division at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
An experienced communications professional, Rea previously held leadership roles in the professional sport and sport governance sectors with Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) and Ontario Soccer. A former editor and journalist, Rea’s work has also appeared in Canadian Geographic, CBC.ca, Montreal Hour, Ottawa XPress, Ottawa Magazine, Carleton Alumni Magazine, and more.
Nazeem is responsible for initiating and stewarding collaborative relationships with organizations to form partnerships with potential employers and collaborators. His focus is on increasing the visibility and impact of the DSI and the Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates.
With over 14 years of diverse experience spanning higher education, healthcare, non-profit, and industry sectors, Nazeem is a seasoned professional in strategic planning, partnership development, and business growth. In his previous role as External Relations Manager at UTM, Nazeem established academic partnerships and fostered community-engaged learning, particularly in the emerging field of Digital Health Technologies. Nazeem’s robust educational background – featuring a Master’s, PhD and Post-Doctoral studies in Life Sciences, along with a Diploma in Business Administration, and a BusinessEdge certificate from the Rotman School of Management at U of T – underpins his business acumen and proficiency in navigating complex professional landscapes.
Nazeem holds a PhD in Life Sciences and Diploma in Business Administration, and a BusinessEdge certificate from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Keerthana provides business and financial support across the DSI including reporting and oversight of funds for DSI awards.
With a Bachelor of Commerce, Keerthana is a seasoned financial professional with over 10 years of experience of dedicated service within the University of Toronto’s financial sector.
Linda is responsible for initiating and stewarding collaborative relationships with organizations to form partnerships with potential employers and collaborators. Her focus is on increasing the visibility and impact of the DSI and the Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates.
With extensive experience in project management, Linda has successfully developed, planned, and executed important initiatives. She previously held the position of Engagement Manager at the Creative Destruction Lab within the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management and Manager, Business Development & Sales with the Initiative for Women in Business. Before her time at UofT, Linda worked with public schools, not-for-profits, academic institutions as well as corporate and not-for-profit partners. Also in various business and marketing roles at Petro-Canada.
Linda holds a BA in Economics from McMaster University and an MBA from the University of Antwerp.
