2025 UHN Summer Training And Research (STAR) Program
The Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program, offered by the UHN Office of Research Trainees (ORT), enhances the UHN summer student research experience by providing an opportunity to develop research and professional development skills. The program includes 6 learning session, an opportunity to present at a UHN-wide research day, and a certificate of program completion. The program is open to all UHN summer research students, including those in paid, co-op, and volunteer positions.
UHN STAR Learning Sessions
To participate in the UHN STAR Program, summer students must register with the ORT. By registering, you will gain access to all communications about the program. Access the ORT registration using the link in your offer letter, welcome email, or email ortadmin@uhn.ca. All attendees of STAR Program must read and abide by the ORT Code of Conduct.
All sessions will take place in the Bob Bell Auditorium of the Princess Margaret Hospital (click here for directions) and will be recorded for anyone who cannot attend live. In-person attendance at the learning sessions will be encouraged to maximize the experience, as they will feature interactive activities such as networking and case studies.
Learning Session Dates and Topics:
Add the learning sessions to your calendar by clicking the respective date and time for each session! See below for session descriptions.
| May 16, 2:00-4:00 pm | An Introduction to Research at UHN & The Art of Scientific Research: From Hypothesis to Experiment |
| June 6, 2:00-3:30 pm | Research Done Right: The Dos and Don’ts of Research Integrity, with UHN Research Quality Integration |
| June 20, 2:00-3:30 pm | Creating Connections: Essential Networking Skills |
| July 4, 2:00-3:30 pm | Key Insights into Graduate School |
| July 18, 2:00-3:30 pm | Crafting Clear and Impactful Scientific Presentations |
| August 1, 2:00-3:30 pm | Exploring Diverse Careers in Science and Healthcare |
Missed a learning session?
Did you miss an in-person learning session but still want credit towards the Certificate of Program Completion? Fill out the missed session attendance form after you watch the recording to record your participation!
UHN STAR Research Day
The STAR program also includes an opportunity for students to share their summer research with the UHN research community through an in-person poster session.
The UHN STAR Research Day will be held on August 7th. Presenting students will be eligible to win prizes for the best poster presentations. Instructions on how to prepare the posters will be shared during the July 18th learning session.
UHN summer research students who cannot present at the poster session in person will be provided an online alternative.
Click here to read about the 2024 UHN STAR Research Day!
UHN STAR Certificate of Program Completion
UHN Research Students who attend or watch at least 4 learning sessions and participate in Research Day will receive a certificate of program completion.
Learning Session Descriptions
An Introduction to Research at UHN & The Art of Scientific Research: From Hypothesis to Experiment
This session will provide an overview of the groundbreaking research conducted across the University Health Network (UHN), introducing key insights and strategies to help you get started in research at UHN.
Dr. Pallavi Mathur, a postdoctoral researcher at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre will then guide participants through the foundations of scientific research, including how to develop a strong hypothesis, design effective experiments, and troubleshoot challenges. The session will conclude with a meet-and-greet, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow summer students and begin building your UHN network.
Research Done Right: The Dos and Don’ts of Research Integrity
Curious about what it really takes to be a responsible researcher? In this interactive session, UHN’s Research Quality Integration (RQI) team will break down everything you need to know about doing research the right way! From research integrity to ethical decision-making, you’ll learn the must-know dos and don’ts that will help you avoid common mistakes and set you up for success at the start of your research journey.
Creating Connections: Networking Essentials
Master networking skills that can transform your personal and professional development. In this session, you’ll gain practical strategies for effective networking, including how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, conduct impactful informational interviews and craft compelling elevator pitches.
The session will include an interactive networking activity that will help you to put the theory into practice.
Advance your Academics: Key Insights into Graduate School
Are you considering graduate school? This interactive session is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the graduate school experience. The session will feature a panel of UHN graduate students from various stages and departments at the University of Toronto, who will share their personal journeys, challenges, triumphs, and advice. Prepare your questions to ask in the interactive Q&A!
Panelists:
Nicole Bajcar, PhD Student at The Institute for Education Research, UHN/Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto
- Nicole Bajcar is a PhD student in Health Professions Education Research at the University of Toronto, a Research Fellow at the Wilson Centre, and a Research Student at the Institute for Education Research (TIER) at University Health Network. She is also a Registered Behaviour Analyst, passionate about bridging theory and practice to drive innovation and collaboration in education through applied research and design.
Rosemund Ragetli, MSc Student at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN/Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto
- Rosemund Ragetli is a MSc student in the Koritzinsky Lab at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Institute of Medical Science in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. In 2024, she completed an Honours BSc in biochemistry with a minor in music from the University of Ottawa. Rosemund is particularly interested in the intersection of oncological research and fundamental biochemistry. Her research is focused on elucidating the mechanism by which disulfide bonds are formed in hypoxia. Given the significance of hypoxia in cancer, it would beneficial to understand how these critical bonds are formed in the absence of oxygen. Rosemund recently placed 2nd in the Institute of Medical Science Three-Minute-Thesis competition and received the merit-based entrance award for an out of province student.
Ellene Yan, PhD Student at the Krembil Research Institute, UHN/Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto
- Ellene Yan is a fourth-year PhD student at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, affiliated with the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management at Toronto Western Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital. She is actively involved in several multicenter clinical trials, as well as systematic review and meta-analyses. Her research focuses on understanding and improving perioperative care for older surgical populations, with a particular emphasis on the impact of cognitive impairment on surgical recovery and long-term outcomes.
Bryan Piper, Former PhD Student at KITE/Toronto Rehab Institute, UHN/Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto
- Bryan is a recent PhD graduate, having successfully defended his thesis in Biomedical Engineering in June. His work involves body fluid monitoring related to heart failure and sleep apnea. Bryan is also a father of two, and loves sharing his passion for design and application of engineering!
Crafting Clear and Impactful Scientific Presentations
This session will focus on creating engaging and effective research poster presentations, to help you prepare for Research Day on August 7. Experienced graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will cover the best practices for designing visually appealing posters, communicating your research clearly, and presenting with confidence to diverse audiences. This session will include an interactive activity where students will review and discuss the design of sample scientific research posters.
Navigating Futures: Exploring Diverse Careers in Science and Healthcare
Discover the expansive array of career opportunities available in science and healthcare beyond the traditional roles of scientist and doctor. Join us for a panel discussion and interactive Q&A session featuring four distinguished UHN professionals from diverse areas of research and healthcare. Learn firsthand about their different roles at UHN, unique career journeys, and their advice for the next generation.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Office of Research Trainees at ortadmin@uhn.ca.