Toronto RIOT

Megan George is an incoming PhD candidate at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Megan’s research focuses on the implementation of CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully), particularly its feasibility in improving psychological distress for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. After seeing family members battle late-stage cancer, Megan found her calling in advocacy work. Today, she leads as Co-Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society's Research Information Outreach Team in Toronto, where she channels her personal motivation into community service. With a keen interest in both clinical and cultural dimensions of psychological care, she is committed to advancing the understanding and standardization of psychological interventions to improve outcomes for patients with advanced cancer.

Shreya Gandhi is a PhD candidate, researching the single-cell proteomic landscape of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment of glioblastomas, in the lab of Dr. Gelareh Zadeh. Inspired by her mother’s brain tumour journey, which sparked a lifelong passion for advocacy and research outreach, Shreya currently serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society Research Information Outreach Team (Toronto Division), on the Board of Directors for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC), as an Advisor to the Meagan Bebenek Foundation, and a Public Policy Committee member for the Society of Neuro-Oncology. Shreya received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Community Service in 2018 and the 2022 National Volunteer of Distinction Award from BTFC. 

Nicole Rapallo is a recent graduate from the Biology and Pharmacology Co-op program at McMaster University, with nearly two years’ experience working in cancer research. Her involvements have contributed to advancing knowledge of metabolic adaptation in resistance of both pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Academically, Nicole’s interests include radiation biology and immunotherapy. Outside of academics, Nicole enjoys reading, creative writing, and playing soccer. She hopes to pursue pharmacy school and supplement her research experience by working on the clinical side of cancer treatment.

Helena Nunes is a volunteer at RIOT’s Toronto Chapter. With a passion for science and science communication, she completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia, followed by a Master of Science in the same area. Her research focused on developing more sustainable alternatives for the production of plant-based cancer treatments. Now she works at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research supporting research and translating innovations with the goal of improving patients’ lives. On her free time, she volunteers with RIOT to spread awareness and teach accurate and reliable science to the public. 

Cassie Elises is a Master of Public Health candidate at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, specializing in Occupational and Environmental Health. Her research interests emerged from profound personal experience—watching close family members navigate cancer both as healthcare providers and as patients themselves. Cassie brings frontline experience from healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and from long-term care facilities.

Udani De Silva holds a MSc in Public Health Sciences and an MPH from the Universities of Waterloo and Edinburgh, respectively. She has vast experience in epidemiology and systematic review methodology primarily in infectious diseases, having produced evidence reviews for stakeholders such as the World Health Organization, Scottish Government and the UK Health Security Agency. 

Brandon Dickson is currently working within the biotech industry to develop Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) products for the next generation of cancer therapeutics. He is a former researcher at the University of Toronto, where he first became involved with the RIOT team as a Community Talks Coordinator. Prior to this, Brandon completed a Master’s in Microbiology & Immunology at Western University. In graduate school, he gained an appreciation for the immense complexity of the immune system and its critical role in cancer therapy. His goal is to share his passion for research and build trust in the healthcare system with the general public. 

Cory Richman completed his PhD in at the University of Toronto and as his MSc/BSc from McMaster University. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of pediatric brain cancers and throughout his training he served as a teaching assistant for advanced level graduate and undergraduate courses. He is passionate about scientific outreach and aims to prove that science can be both accessible and exciting, with the ultimate hope of empowering others to advocate for their own health.  Outside of the lab, he loves to travel, explore the food scene, and be outdoors whether hiking, biking, rock climbing or scuba diving. 

Tala Alrashid completed her Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology at the University of Toronto, where she researched NPS drug surveillance tools and its implications for public health harm reduction strategies and forensic toxicology cases. She is currently pursuing her MHSc in Translational Research at the University of Toronto and actively contributes to patient care through her role as a Medical Assistant. She is dedicated to advancing healthcare by bridging gaps in access and quality of care for underserved communities. Her interests focus on patient care and medicine, and she aims to become involved with humanitarian aid organizations. She joined RIOT in 2025 as a co-coordinator of the high school talks. 

Nathan Symss is a Master of Science candidate at the University of Toronto in the Department of Medical Biophysics. He studies a rare but aggressive form of soft tissue  sarcoma called undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma using genetically engineered mouse models, where his primary research focus is on understanding how low oxygen levels in these tumors make them prone to metastasize (spread) to the lungs. Outside of research, he enjoys playing and coaching soccer, reading, and finding the best espresso in the city.

Bryn Livingston is a Ph.D. candidate studying the molecular drivers of childhood brain cancer at the SickKids Research Institute. Shas a strong interest in accurate and accessible science communication and through volunteering with RIOT she has written and presented talks on the basics of cancer biology to diverse audiences including community members impacted by cancer, as well as high school students. She has also written pieces for the RIOT blog and social media, introducing lay audiences to cancer biology topics in accessible language. Bryn also has experience communicating about science for policy, as former Co-President of the Toronto Science Policy Network, and as an executive council member of the grassroots advocacy organization Support Our Science.