Business Minor Spotlight: Velislav Dzhebarov
Balancing the demands of a rigorous science degree with leadership roles, athletics, and long-standing community service requires focus and intention — qualities that Velislav Dzhebarov has consistently demonstrated throughout his undergraduate journey. Dzhebarov is a fourth-year Biology student at the University of Toronto Mississauga, minoring in Chemistry while also completing the IMI Business Minor, a program that has allowed him to bridge scientific training with real-world application. Throughout his time at UTM, Dzhebarov has received multiple scholarships and awards for his academic dedication, reflecting both merit and perseverance.
A defining component of Dzhebarov’s undergraduate experience has been his research in the Senatore Lab, where he investigated ligand modulation in placozoan ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and their evolutionary conservation. His work included designing primers and performing site-directed mutagenesis workflows to generate targeted receptor variants, alongside techniques such as bacterial cloning, colony screening, minipreps and maxipreps, and construct verification through Sanger sequencing. He also contributed to cell-culture work, HEK-293T transfection, and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology assays to evaluate functional effects. Together, these experiences strengthened his technical skills and gave him valuable exposure to how experimental research can be used to investigate complex biological questions.
Dzhebarov first discovered the IMI Business Minor at a campus career fair prior to program selection, but it was his experience in IMI302 (Managing Projects, Operations and Preparing a Business Plan) with Duncan Jones that solidified his interest. “I really enjoyed the class,” he explained. “It showed me a side of learning that wasn’t just theory — it was about applying ideas in a practical way.” As a student aiming for a future in healthcare, he saw the Minor as a way to strengthen his future professional path. “A lot of people going into healthcare don’t value business enough,” he noted, “but having that background helps you move forward and stand out.”
While he has not yet launched a venture of his own, Dzhebarov has actively applied his business training in practical ways. As Treasurer of the Pre-Dental Club, he manages budgeting and financial planning, and he has supported peers in developing early-stage ideas by offering structured feedback on strategy and feasibility. Courses such as IMI202 (Principles of Human Resource Management) and IMI400 (Innovation and
Entrepreneurship) were particularly impactful. “HR and management really helped me understand how to work effectively with people,” he shared. “And IMI400 showed me that innovation isn’t just about having an idea — it’s about communicating it clearly and demonstrating its value.”
For Dzhebarov, the Business Minor filled a critical gap in his science education. “In science, we focus so much on content and pressure-heavy coursework,” he said. “What’s often missing is a deeper understanding of the implications and real world applications — how that knowledge is actually put into use.” In IMI303 (Technology Strategy) exposure to discussions around emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, further expanded his perspective. “Seeing how tools like AI can support learning and decision making really changed how I approach problem solving.”
Beyond academics, Dzhebarov is highly involved in athletics including soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee at UTM, the Toronto Ultimate Club, and numerous JAM leagues. His commitment to community service has been equally consistent. He began volunteering at a local food bank and soup kitchen at a young age, a commitment he has maintained throughout university. “It became something constant for me,” he reflected. “I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact showing up consistently can make.”
This commitment to leadership and service extends into his other roles. As a FROSH Leader, he helped incoming students transition to university and build connections on campus. His work in the Resulaj Lab gave him additional research experience in neuroscience, while his role as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Scientific Innovation strengthened his communication and critical evaluation skills. His ongoing
shadowing at East Credit Dental Centre has also provided valuable exposure to clinical practice and reinforced his interest in healthcare.
This long-standing dedication to academic excellence and community service has been largely supported by awards such as the Associates of the University of Toronto Mississauga Scholarship, the Michael Lettieri Experiential Learning Bursary, the Nancy Salmon Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of Mississauga, the University of Toronto Mississauga Grant, and the renewable UTM Entrance Award. It has also been recognized through his designation as a University of Toronto Scholar.
Looking ahead, Dzhebarov feels well prepared to pursue opportunities that integrate science, business, and leadership. “One thing I’ve learned through work and school is how important it is to differentiate yourself,” he said. “The Business Minor really helped build that confidence, especially with the support from instructors and Program Staff.” Whether he ultimately pursues dental school, research focused graduate studies, or professional programs such as the Master of Management of Innovation (MMI) or MBiotech, Dzhebarov credits his interdisciplinary experiences in science and business with shaping a broader, more impact driven approach to his future career.
To learn more about Velislav Dzhebarov, you can connect with him on LinkedIn
To learn more about the Minor in Business, Science and Entrepreneurship at
IMI, please visit the IMI website or contact imi.businessminor@utoronto.ca.
