Forensic Science Specialists win 2026 University of Toronto Student Leadership Award

The recipients of the 2026 University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards (UTSLA) were announced this week, and we are pleased to share that 17 UTM students were chosen from the whole tri-campus, and three of them were forensic science students! This distinguished award recognizes their outstanding student leadership, service and commitment to the University, as well as their significant impact on U of T and on the university experience of their peers.

The winning forensic students are:

• Grace FitzGerald, Forensic Psychology Specialist
• Tiana Manias, Forensic Chemistry Specialist
• Fatima Nawaz, Forensic Science Minor

Tiana Manias has been an active member of the UTM community through the Forensic Outreach Program, as well as the Accessibility Peer Mentor Program, run through Accessibility Services. Tiana has provided leadership, guidance, and support to first and second year students registered with Accessibility Services as they make the transition to university life. She supported students in building academic skills and fostering connections through interactive workshops and social events, and also participated in one-on-one mentoring, providing guidance in key areas such as goal setting, problem solving, and resource navigation. 

Says Manias, of winning the award, "It is an honour to receive the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award in recognition of my volunteer work at UTM! I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the UTM community through my experience as a volunteer for the forensic science outreach program and as a peer mentor for Accessibility Services! These roles have been enriching experiences, and I am excited to continue learning and giving back to these communities as I complete my final year at UTM!"

Grace FitzGerald has been dedicated to community service since her first year, when she first joined the Forensic Outreach Program, and quickly became a workshop leader connecting with community partners. Grace independently leads workshops and activities with groups of all ages and educates the community about forensic science, as a great representative for girls and women interested in STEM fields. Knowledgeable and articulate, she sets an example to those who may not otherwise feel they have a place in the discipline. In this way, she affects the broader community outside of UTM, as both an educator and an inspiration to ‘be what you can see’. 

Grace has worked for the UTM summer camps since 2024, positively impacting a whole different sector of impressionable community, and her engagement at UTM contributes significantly to foster positive relations with campus units incl. Admissions & Recruitment, Recreation and Wellness Centre, Office of Advancement, Student Housing & Residence Life, and more. Her representation has strengthened the reputation of both the Forensic Science unit as well as UTM as a whole.

Pictured below (L-R): Forensic Psychology student Grace FitzGerald engages in Forensic Outreach, and the annual March Open House. 

Says FitzGerald, of winning the award:

"I am honoured to receive the 2026 University of Toronto Student Leadership Award. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it reflects my commitment to connecting UTM’s forensic science community with the public. During my time with the Forensic Outreach Program, I have had the opportunity to host workshops and fundraisers and communicate forensic science in engaging ways to diverse audiences. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to step into leadership roles with confidence. I am grateful to all past/present volunteers of the Forensic Outreach Program who have supported me throughout my journey. I would like to extend a special thanks to Murray Clayton, whose guidance, encouragement, and continued support has been invaluable in my growth as a leader. This recognition marks a milestone that motivates me to continue championing student engagement and contributing meaningfully to the UTM community."

Congratulations to all uToronto UTSLA winners!