Scholarship Dinner - 2026 Winner Beatrice Dsouza

Scholarship Winner 2026!

Biography Beatrice Dsouza

Beatrice is a graduate of St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School and an incoming Life Science student at the University of Toronto (St. George). Graduating with a 98.7% average, she was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal alongside a designation as a University of Toronto Scholar, a distinction reserved for the top 1% of incoming students. Driven by a deep commitment to service, Beatrice accumulated 2,140 volunteer hours, earning the Lieutenant Governor's Award. She enjoys joining diverse initiatives to help her community flourish, particularly through her roles as president of the school’s environmental club, a leader in the charity fundraising campaign, an executive in a financial literacy program for students, a Church catechist and a long-term care home volunteer. Beatrice remains committed to volunteering and she looks forward to participating in similar initiatives in university. In the future, she aims to pursue a career as a microbiologist to study pathogens, contribute to the development of vaccines and prevent global health crises. Beatrice will use her research to create a lasting, positive impact on the world, using science in order to protect vulnerable communities. As she embarks on her university journey, she is eager to embrace every opportunity and challenge that may come her way.

Scholarship Winner 2025

Biography Aruni Gomes

Aruni is entering her second year at the University of Toronto, majoring in Human Biology and double-minoring in psychology and physiology. Her first year was challenging, but she is proud of how much she learned and grew from the experience. Over the summer, she has been volunteering at Toronto General Hospital, where she has enjoyed meeting new people and being part of a team that supports so many patients and families. This year, Aruni is excited to be a member of her college’s Mental Health Committee to give back to her community. She looks forward to building new connections and taking on new opportunities throughout her second year.

Scholarship Winner 2024

Biography Nira Roberts 

After completing a challenging second year, Nira is excited to move forward into her third year of Biomedical Science. She continues to explore her interests in the biological sciences and is looking forward to growing both academically and personally while maintaining a healthy balance between her studies, work, and well-being.

Scholarship Winner 2023

Biography Sawjana Rafique

Sawjana Rafique is a dedicated second-year student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a double major in Genetics & Genome Biology and Fundamental Applications, with a minor in Gender Studies. Her academic journey is deeply intertwined with hands-on research, as she has worked as a Cancer Researcher at the University Health Network (UHN) since July 2022. In this role, she has published my first paper, contributed to clinical study design through literature review, and maintained rigorous lab protocols, reflecting her commitment to scientific excellence. Sawjana is currently preparing for the MCAT while applying for a Master’s program, aiming to directly bridge her undergraduate research experience with advanced graduate studies. Beyond the lab, she is committed to community service, as seen through her long-standing volunteer work with The Leacock Foundation.