A lab leader and community builder, Sidoné Grange leaves her mark at UTM

Sidoné Grange may have graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga this spring, but she’s not quite finished with her time on campus.

A two-time recipient of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), Grange is spending her final summer on campus in the Short Lab. Led by Associate Professor Steven Short, chair of biology, the lab uses molecular tools to study viruses in aquatic environments. 

Grange, who majored in biology for the health sciences leaves campus having solidified her love of research and deepened her passion for science. 

“This experience has shown me how much there is to discover at even the smallest scale,” Grange says. “Exploring the molecular interactions between viruses and their hosts has deepened my curiosity and affirmed my commitment to a future in medicine.” 

For the past year, Grange has studied Chrysochromulina parva (CpV), a type of microscopic algae found in freshwater lakes and rivers that is vulnerable to viral infections. Water samples from Lake Ontario revealed that CpV is infected by four major viruses: CpV-BQ1, CpV-BQ2, CpV-BQ3 and CpV-BQ4. 

During her first NSERC placement in the Short Lab, Grange worked to confirm the genome sequence of CpV-BQ3, while also helping to contextualize the virus’s structure and characteristics. This summer, she’s turning her attention to CpV-BQ4 to examine its infectivity and compare its effects on CpV cells to those caused by other viral strains. 

“The USRA was one of my first introductions to lab work. It gave me the opportunity to learn and build skills in scientific methods and techniques and made all the difference in successfully applying to post-graduate programs,” says Grange.

While she thrives in the lab, Grange says her ultimate goal is to work as a medical professional, interacting directly with patients. 

In 2023, she studied the prevalence of pressure injuries as a summer research student at the William Osler Health System. 

“During my time at the hospital, I spoke with patients, listened to how they were feeling and heard their perspectives on the treatment they were receiving,” Grange says. “That experience really stuck with me and helped solidify my vision for the future.” 

Beyond her academic achievements, Grange has also made a lasting impact on student life. 

As co-president of the UTM Black Students’ Association (BSA), Grange started the Black Student Mentorship Program and helped launch the interim Black Student Space at the Kaneff Centre.

The space offers a dedicated environment for Black students to connect, collaborate and build community. 

The initiative — led by the BSA with the support and collaboration of the Office of the Vice-President and Principal, Student Affairs and Services, the Centre for Student Engagement and the department of management — aligns with the Black at UTM Framework's call to co-create spaces Black-focused spaces to promote inclusive excellence and ensure Black students have the necessary supports to flourish.

Grange, who joined the BSA during her first year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, says creating the space was about recognizing a real need. 

“When we returned to campus, I realized how important it was for Black students to have a space to gather, feel seen and supported,” she says. “For me, it’s about making an impact and driving meaningful change.” 

As she prepares to pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University this fall, Grange feels a special sense of pride knowing her brother, who recently started at UTM, will have that space from his very first day. 

“The staff were incredibly supportive, and together we’ve created a space that feels like home,” Grange says. “It’s a warm environment that I know new students will feel welcome in, too.” 

Grange credits several mentors for supporting her journey, including Martin Kengo, manager of Black Initiatives, who played a key role in advancing BSA projects. She also acknowledges Short and David Armstrong, an assistant professor in the department of chemical and physical sciences, for guiding her through her research experiences. 

Grange encourages new students to embrace opportunities early. 

“I’m really grateful that I got involved in research and other opportunities right after my first year,” Grange says. “If you can, start early, but don’t stress if things don’t happen right away. Stay open, be proactive and trust that the right opportunities will come at the right time.”

Read more at the Black Research Network