Ideation Mentors
Cameron Douglas is a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Waterloo graduating in 2021. Originally from St. Thomas, he’s a member of Renaissance Robotics and has been involved in FIRST Robotics since 2015. Outside of robotics some of his favorite hobbies are, coaching his minor hockey team, running, and playing squash.
Eileen is an expert in education and advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is an experienced manager of programs, certified project management professional, with over 10 years of experience in higher education, transcending post-secondary to graduate programs in a top-ranking institution and university with proven expertise in project management, administrative support, and coordination of all aspects of courses.
Heather is a Trade Commissioner for Global Affairs Canada based in Vancouver. Born and raised in British Columbia, Heather has been working for the Federal Government as a senior environmental scientist and project manager for 14 years. Prior to joining the government Heather owned her own consulting business specializing in providing aquatic biomonitoring and taxonomic services to industry and government. She has degrees in both Pacific and Asian Studies and Environmental Science. Heather lives in Vancouver with her husband and daughter and in her spare time she volunteers on the downtown eastside with the IndoAfrica society, enjoys cycling, travel, walking her dogs and photography.
Jonathan McDermott is a Professional Engineer who specializes in the field of solid waste management with a focus on policy, operational improvement, leadership, and strategic planning. Solid waste refers to recyclables, organic materials, and garbage generated by homes, businesses, and institutions. He is currently the Manager of Solid Waste Programs for the City of Vancouver and he studied Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Jon is passionate about environmental impact and sustainability and believes in engaging youth in problem-solving real-world issues.
Rajosree Paul is a 2nd-year Biology student at the University of Waterloo. Throughout high school, Rajosree captained her school’s FIRST Robotics team and played an active part in many initiatives promoting STEM education for all. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Rajosree has been fundraising to start robotics teams for underserved youth around Ontario and continues to fuel her passion for promoting STEM. Rajosree’s other passions include improving health care for Indigenous communities and protecting wildlife and the environment. Rajosree hopes to pursue a degree in medicine and improve as many people’s lives as she can.
Shreya Sarma
Shreya Sarma is an inspiring role model to her younger peers by organizing opportunities for her community’s youth to engage in S.T.E.M activities. She is the lead admin for her FIRST robotics team and is the Girls Can Talk Society ambassador at her school. Shreya has arranged and mentored multiple workshops to educate children on the foundations of S.T.E.M. She also hosts and engages in discussions about diversity and inclusion with her school’s youth to create a safe environment. Shreya can speak fluent English and Assamese, and she has been a passionate pianist for the past eleven years. She has also performed various dance styles since the age of three. Shreya’s ambition is to share her learning with children and teenagers worldwide and learn from them.
Selina Novello is 18 years old and loves to spread happiness, light, and love wherever she is with a grateful heart in all that she does! Since she was young she struggled with learning disabilities but after finding the right school, she has learned how to make them into her superpowers. She recently graduated from Foothills Academy and is starting the business program at Mount Royal University. Selina has worked for the company Origami Owl as a Senior Designer and has been on their Young Entrepreneurs Council for the past 2 years. She trains other young entrepreneurs and has spoken at their convention in Savannah, GA last summer. These experiences have led her to explore her passion for motivational speaking and business! Selina’s mission is to love unconditionally, to be a force for good, and to inspire others to never give up.
Tech Mentors
Joshua Johnson is a very logic-oriented thinker, so problem-solving for programming comes naturally and he is always excited to tackle a new challenge. Since first learning to code at 14 years old, he has used his skills in the workplace to efficiently complete tasks as well as work on several programming problems on the side. As he continues his education at the University of Waterloo, Joshua aims to develop technologies that will significantly improve our lifestyle and spread STEM education to everyone. During his break times, you could find Joshua watching TV shows like Person of Interest.
Ayana Siddiqui
Ayana is a first-year Computer Science student and Dev Degree intern at Shopify, where she’s learning to leverage tech to make entrepreneurship more accessible for everyone. On the side, she works to build meaningful platforms and opportunities for youth from marginalized communities to engage in advocacy and pursue STEM education.
Haris Kamal
As a critical thinker, computer science student, and philosophy enthusiast, I seek to spark meaningful and lasting change in the ecosphere of today by unifying elements of computer science alongside the study of theology and Islam. I particularly focus my efforts towards both front-end and back-end development for web applications. Through the synthesis of my passions of design and computer science in addition to my strong identity as a Muslim, I seek to assist in the development of technologies that will serve in the betterment of local and national communities. I am a twelfth grade student at North Park Secondary School and reside in Brampton, Ontario.
Sam Assareymuriyil is a backend web-developer and artificial intelligence enthusiast, inspired to develop technologies for the greater good. He is the president and co-founder of the North Park Hack Club and is experienced in security system installation.
Hannah GuoHannah is a current first-year at the University of Waterloo studying Software Engineering. Her passion and drive for programming helped her land software development jobs at Hatch and RBC while she was still in high school. Outside of code, Hannah enjoys reading, geocaching, skating, and drinking ice coffee.