Pearson Scholars bring a world of knowledge to UTM

They’ve excelled in classrooms, led change in their communities and created innovative solutions — and now they’re bringing their vision, talent and drive to the University of Toronto Mississauga.

This fall, UTM welcomes the 2025 cohort of Lester B. Pearson International Scholars. The university’s most prestigious award for international students, the scholarship provides full funding and recognizes academic excellence, creativity and leadership.

Chosen from around the world to study at UTM, these exceptional students share their stories in their own words.

Renfred Ize Alonge 

Apt Scholars Universal School
Nigeria

University of Toronto Mississauga; computer science, mathematics and statistics

"I am Renfred Ize Alonge. I attended Apt Scholars Universal College in Ogun state, Nigeria, where I served as head boy, president of the peer-to-peer counselors, co-ordinator of the STEM club and the student co-ordinator of the SMATHSKIDs competition. I am a machine learning/artificial intelligence enthusiast and I intend to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Toronto Mississauga. I am honoured to be a Lester B. Pearson Scholar.

Being a Pearson Scholar is more than the opportunity to study abroad; it reinforces my belief in giving back to the world. Life is all about intentionality, where we are a function of the choices we have made, and I choose impactful learning, transforming knowledge into empowerment and affecting people positively until the world has no problems (yes, until there are no problems). Besides academics, I play basketball, chess and solve Rubik’s cubes. I may initially come across as the chill guy in the corner, but once you get to know me, you’ll realize the unlimited potential I have and what an incredible person I am — a peacemaker you will love spending time with."

Muhammad Daniyal Ishfaq 

The City School, Ravi Campus
Pakistan

University of Toronto Mississauga, social sciences

"Hi! My name is Daniyal, and while I would like to tell you where I’m from, the funny thing is that the answer often eludes me with all the moving around I’ve done since I was a child. However, I won’t bore you with the long details of all the cities I’ve lived in and just tell you that I’ve spent the better part of my life in Lahore.

Being the youngest in the house, I’ve grown up being the favourite in the house (or at least that’s what I like to think). From running to my older siblings’ classrooms when I was in kindergarten to sitting with them and watching movies after midnight, I’ve spent my fair share of time annoying them as any self-respecting younger sibling should. But despite all of this, I do think the laughter we shared together is something I cherish the most.

Beyond my familial antics, I have always been deeply intrigued by the intersection of public policy and technology — how governance and innovation can work together to create meaningful change. Under the mentorship of Dr. Saeed Shafqat, I researched and wrote a paper on ensuring equitable access to quantum cryptography, exploring how emerging technologies can be made accessible to all rather than exacerbating existing disparities.

But my love for policy isn’t confined to the digital realm. As someone passionate about cultural preservation, I launched Daryaft-e-Lahore, an initiative dedicated to documenting the rich history of Old Lahore. I developed an interactive map showcasing over 20 historical sites, making Lahore’s heritage more accessible to tourists and locals alike. My project was officially recognized by the Walled City of Lahore Authority, and they have now integrated it into their official website to aid in heritage conservation.

Those closest to me would tell you that I’m usually found thinking up a new scheme to play around with my family and friends so that I can make sure they’re not bored and stuck in the mundane routine of every day, and that’s exactly what I aim to do at UTM."

Yukta Matai

ABA Oman International School
Indian student in Oman

University of Toronto Mississauga, psychology

"Hi! My name is Yukta, and I’m an inquisitive, passionate and optimistic Indian girl who calls the Middle East her second home. As an IB (International Baccalaureate) student studying in the beautiful country of Oman, I have always been involved in various activities, constantly seeking ways to challenge myself, develop my skills and contribute meaningfully to my school and community.

Throughout high school, I actively took on multiple leadership roles, stepping out of my comfort zone to make a meaningful impact. As student council president, I advocated for change and hosted school-wide assemblies and events. Leading Teens Giving Back, a non-profit initiative focused on service, allowed me to channel my passion for helping others. By organizing creative fundraisers, walkathons and awareness campaigns, we raised money to support the Oman Cancer Association, providing tangible aid to those in need. Moreover, wanting to go beyond financial support, I initiated visits to the local oncology ward, enabling my team to connect with and uplift child cancer patients through recovery. My deep interest in psychology led me to establish my school’s inaugural psychology club, where I share my passion for the brain and behaviour, discuss fascinating psychological phenomena and mentor prospective psychology students.

Beyond extracurricular pursuits, my hobbies include reading, swimming and playing basketball. However, most of all, I enjoy travelling: exploring new places, experiencing diverse cultures and trying exotic foods that broaden my perspective of the world.

I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be part of this inspiring community of Pearson Scholars. I look forward to forming meaningful connections, embracing new opportunities and creating a positive, lasting impact."

Giovanna Ravagnani De Oliveira  

Colégio Positivo Londrina
Brazil

University of Toronto Mississauga, life sciences

"Hey there! My name is Giovanna, a Brazilian who is absolutely in love with biology, especially genetics and neuroscience. Since I was a little kid, it has been my passion to uncover the secrets of our bodies — from conducting research on CRISPR for a school project to interning in a neurogastroenterology lab at UEL (Londrina State University). By diving into these topics, I have realized that my way of helping people is actually behind the scenes, or quite literally, a microscope.

Being a curious person has not only guided me toward research but has also made my list of hobbies quite extensive. You might find me painting one morning, running in the afternoon, studying another language in the evening, and by the next day, I could have an instrument in hand. Regardless of what I am doing, it is always done with dedication, because if there is one thing I have learned throughout my life is that our dreams deserve our discipline.

More than anything, I am grateful to God, my family and everyone who has supported me in this process. I promise to always cherish each one of you. Undoubtedly, receiving the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is a privilege for which I will forever be honoured to have. I can’t wait to meet U of T’s amazing and diverse community and see what we will accomplish in the future!"

Dua Tauqir Rana  

Lahore Grammar School LGS 55 Main
Pakistan

University of Toronto Mississauga; computer science, mathematics and statistics

"My name is Dua Tauqir and I’m from Lahore, Pakistan — a city whose rhythm, warmth, and deep-rooted sense of community have shaped the person I am. My academic journey began at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, and later led me to LGS 55 Main, where I had the privilege of serving as deputy head girl. Those years were filled not only with learning, but with quiet growth — of character, purpose and the belief that impact begins with intention.

By nature, I’m a reflective person. I take my time with decisions, weighing every possibility. But once I commit, I give it everything I have. I’ve always believed that talent can open doors, but it’s perseverance and discipline that carry you through them. I’ve learned to embrace the power of hard work, because when you give your full effort, even in the face of uncertainty, you walk away with no regrets.

That mindset has guided me across a diverse set of experiences. I’ve volunteered in under-resourced hospitals, tutored younger students in science, interned with the World Health Organization and continuously sought out ways to support my community. One of the most transformative outcomes of this work was a web application I developed in response to the recurring blood shortages I witnessed in emergency wards. The app connects donors with patients. It represents just one part of my broader goal: not simply to succeed, but to help build systems where others can thrive too.

Discovering the math, statistics and computer Science program at the University of Toronto Mississauga felt like the clarity I had been searching for — a place where all my interests could converge and grow. And being named a Lester B. Pearson Scholar? That still feels surreal. Just a year ago, I was quietly reading through the profiles of past recipients, never quite imagining I would find my name among them.

However, none of this would have been possible without my community — the family, friends, teachers and mentors who stayed right beside me every step of the way.

This scholarship is more than an honour — it’s a promise. A promise to give back to the university, the program and the community that shaped me."

Milana Otabekovna Sobirova  

Specialized School #36, Bukhara
Uzbekistan

University of Toronto Mississauga, psychology

"Assalomu Alaykum! I am Milana, and I come from the small city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Since childhood, I have been passionate about the intricacies of the human mind. I love exploring why people behave in certain ways and how it relates to their overall mental well-being.

Being accepted as a Pearson Scholar is a huge honour for me. With my upcoming experience in a new country and a diverse community, I aspire to study psychology and apply my knowledge to real life — such as treating mental illnesses and developing therapies that are both effective and safe for patients.

Beyond academics, I am a huge fan of yoga and enjoy reading novels."

Nandin-Erdene Sukhchuluun 

Shildeg School
Mongolia

University of Toronto Mississauga, social sciences

"I’m Nandin from Mongolia, and being named a 2025 Pearson Scholar isn’t just an honour — it’s a promise I intend to keep.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of changing the world. In fact, I didn’t even know what I wanted to major in until the end of 11th grade. I wasn’t the student with shelves lined with trophies or a résumé full of early accolades. I wasn’t a prodigy or a planner. I was simply someone who followed the current — curious, but never rushed. Maybe it was because I hadn’t yet found the thing that made me feel like me. But looking back, maybe that was a gift: I was never pressured into a career I didn’t love, or boxed into the 'doctor-engineer-lawyer' triangle. I was free to wait until something truly lit a spark.

That spark came when I returned home from Australia.

I visited the lake where I once played with my cousins, dipping our feet into cool, clear water on hot summer days. My grandparents would say the sharp pebbles poking our soles were 'good for the nerves' (I’m still unsure if that’s scientifically true, but the memory stuck). What also stuck was the change I saw years later — the water now blackened with coal dust, the mountains nearby scarred by mining. The beauty I once knew had faded.

But I had also seen something else. In Australia, I noticed how deeply people respected their land — how parks were protected, how nature was not just admired, but honoured. Coming back to Mongolia, I saw my home through new eyes. And with that heartbreak came clarity: I wasn’t just grieving a lost landscape, I was watching a part of our cultural heritage, a piece of my identity, disappear. And I couldn’t let it go.

That’s how Gobi EcoConnect began — a board game I started designing to help children and families understand ecosystems and conservation. It’s a work in progress, not a finished solution — but it marks the beginning of my journey. I don’t just want to talk about change, I want to build it.

Since deciding to apply abroad, I’ve sought out spaces where I could learn and lead. I joined my school’s student council, the interact club and even founded my own environmental group. I didn’t do it for certificates or application boxes. I did it because I wanted to understand, to grow and to give back.

As I prepare to begin my studies in international affairs at the University of Toronto, I carry my memories like a map, and my purpose like a compass. I may not be the loudest voice in the room, but I listen carefully and act with intention. And to anyone still searching: you don’t need to be extraordinary at the start. Sometimes purpose arrives quietly — but once it does, it stays."

Pannawish Tanthawichian  

Kamnoetvidya Science Academy
Thailand

University of Toronto Mississauga; computer science, mathematics and statistics

"Hello! I’m Pannawish Tanthawichian from Thailand, but you can call me Yoshi. This fall, I’ll be joining the computer science, mathematics and statistics program at UTM, an exciting step toward my dream of using AI to solve real-world problems.

My fascination with AI began in ninth grade when I built a stock investment system, which later earned me a national scholarship. At KVIS, Thailand’s top STEM high school, I explored reinforcement learning, developing an AI-driven trading system inspired by DeepMind’s AlphaGo. I also created an AI model for flood prediction, winning first place in the Asia-Pacific region. These experiences reinforced my belief in AI’s potential to transform industries and improve lives — but they also made me realize how much more there is to learn.

Being named a Lester B. Pearson Scholar 2025 is an incredible honour. The financial and academic support from this scholarship allows me to fully focus on research and innovation without external constraints. U of T’s leadership in AI, including its contributions to autonomous systems through researchers like Professor Raquel Urtasun, the cutting-edge work at the Vector Institute and the BIGDataAIHUB, provides the perfect environment for me to grow and contribute.

While my current work focuses on AI in finance, I am eager to apply reinforcement learning in new areas such as autonomous vehicles, humanoid robotics and large language models (LLMs). I approach this new chapter with humility and curiosity, knowing there’s still so much more to discover.

At U of T, I look forward to collaborating with leading AI researchers, gaining hands-on experience through internships and working on AI solutions that are ethical, impactful and transformative. Ultimately, I aspire to build a career where I can contribute to advancing AI in ways that benefit society."