Education 

Sept 2024-Present: Bachelor of Science in Nursing: University of Toronto

• Accelerated, 2-year program

Sept 2019-Jun 2024: Honours Bachelor of Science: University of Toronto 

• Graduated with High Distinction

• Double Majors in Psychology and Biology for Health Sciences

Sept 2015-Jun 2019: OSSD: Newmarket High School, Newmarket ON

Experiences

Sept 2023-Present : Work-Study Student - UTM CLASS Lab

After completing my Research Opportunity Program position throughout Summer 2023, I am now a Work-Study Student in Dr. Elizabeth Johnson's Child Language and Speech Studies (CLASS) Lab at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). 

The CLASS Lab is an interdisciplinary research lab, exploring the field of psycholinguistics. By combining insights and methodologies from various related fields such as developmental psychology, linguistics, and speech studies, the CLASS Lab aims to better understand child language acquisition and development.

In this position, my current primary responsibility is as an experimenter for in-person adult studies.

Apr 2023-Apr 2024: Volunteer Clinic Assistant - Toronto General Hospital

I volunteered as a Clinic Assistant at the Vascular Surgery Department at Toronto General. My major responsibilities at the clinic include digitizing and organizing patient records.

During my time at the clinic, I witnessed how clinic staff such as receptionists coordinate with surgeons, family physicians, and other clinics to integrate patient data and ensure patients receive the care they need. Volunteering at the clinic has given me a greater appreciation for the level of cooperation and communication required to provide a seamless patient experience. 

May 2023-Aug 2023: Lab Member, Summer Research Opportunity Program (ROP) - UTM CLASS Lab

I was accepted to this experience through the UTM Research Opportunity Program (ROP), allowing undergraduate students to participate in research while gaining skills, hands-on experience, and earning course credit.

During my time as an ROP student, I was an experimenter for in-person adult studies, and for child studies at the Ontario Science Centre through their Research Live! program. I also presented a research poster at the UTM Summer Undergraduate Research Fair, an event for undergrads to showcase the research they were working on over the summer.

Academic Years 2022-2023 & 2023-2024: Computer Lab Assistant: PSY100

I served as a Computer Lab Assistant for the first year introductory psychology course (PSY100) at the University of Toronto Mississauga. PSY100 students at UTM use computer software and simulated labs to gain a deeper understanding of how to conduct research. 

My responsibilities included not only aiding students experiencing technical difficulties, but also identifying and bridging gaps in their knowledge of research methods. As a result, I have gained tremendous respect for the research upon which the course material I learn depends.

2017-2019: Member - Model United Nations: Newmarket High School

I was an active club member, and often guided discussions and selected topics for upcoming meetings. Later, as an executive member, I would create briefings for the attendees summarizing complex global events. I also attended the provincial Ontario Model United Nations and worked together with peers I had just met to complete tasks. 

My time with the Model United Nations taught me about the value of collaboration and the skills needed to collaborate with those you know well, and those you don't.  

2015-2019: Teacher Assistant: Newmarket Islamic Centre

I assisted the volunteer teachers of the centre's weekend school, an initiative to help the community's children find and develop their unique sense of identity in our multicultural society. I volunteered at the NIC for four years, working mostly with children ages 4 to 11.

I would work with the children to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on this, I then provided input to the teachers on how to adapt their lesson plans to better serve the students. To keep students engaged, events were held, which I helped to organize. Over time, I became very involved in the community. What started as a 40-hour commitment for a high school graduation requirement resulted in me volunteering throughout all four years of high school, and I wouldn't change a thing. 

The NIC was an invaluable learning experience for me. I learned how to talk to and deal with children and their parents, as well as the dynamics of teamwork with both peers and superiors. Lastly, I learned how rewarding it can be to spend my time for the sake of others. 

Achievements

June 2024 - Graduated with High Distinction - Honours Bachelor of Science, University of Toronto (Double Majors: Psychology and Biology for Health Sciences)

Apr 2024 - Poster Presentation at 2024 UTM Psychology Research Day 

Amir, I., Yang, C., Yu, M., Johnson, E.K. (2024, April 25). Cross-Linguistic Listening: Talker Recognition by English and Mandarin Speakers. [Poster presentation]. 2024 UTM Psychology Research Day, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada. 

Aug 2023 - Poster Presentation at 2023 UTM Summer Undergraduate Research Fair (SURF)

Amir, I., Yu, M., Johnson, E.K. (2023, August 16). Exploring the Mechanisms of The Other Accent Effect. [Poster presentation]. 2023 Summer Undergraduate Research Fair, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/vp-research/surf-2023-poster-presentations

Winter 2022-Present: University of Toronto Dean's List Scholar

• Awarded to students with a cGPA of 3.5+ / 4.00

Sept 2019: UofT Mississauga Entrance Scholarship

• Awarded to students with a high school average between 92-95% upon admission

Sept 2015-Sept 2018: Principal's Honour Roll

• Awarded to Newmarket High School students that complete Grades 9, 10, and/or 11 with an average of 90%+

• Received award all three years

Clinical Placements

Mar 2025 - Apr 2025: Adult Acute Care

• Credit Valley Hospital (112 hours)

Jan 2025 - Feb 2025: Obstetrics

• Credit Valley Hospital (84 hours)

Nov 2024 - Dec 2024: Mental Health 

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (40 hours)

Sep 2024 - Oct 2024: Geriatrics 

• Baycrest Health Sciences (80 hours)