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UTM welcomes new cohort of Pearson Scholars

UTM News

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship was created to bring exceptional students from around the world to study at the University of Toronto. This year, eight students of the 38-member cohort will study at the U of T Mississauga campus in social sciences, life sciences, psychology, commerce and management. 


Giorgi Kaikatsishvili
Giorgi Kaikatsishvili 

Glacier Peak High School, U.S.A. and Georgia

Giorgi Kaikatsishvili lives by the words of American President Franklin D. Roosevelt: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” a philosophy adopted after Kaikatsishvili’s family survived a 2008 bombing by Russian jets during the Russo-Georgian war.  

That harrowing experience was also a formative one, inspiring a life-long interest in politics and international affairs in the Georgian-born student. 

After moving to the United States, Kaikatsishvili landed in the Pacific North West to study at Washington's Glacier Peak High School. That’s where he honed his oratorical skills at debate tournaments and pursued his interest in international affairs through Model UN conferences and a student leadership exchange program.  

Through it all, he says, “my curiosity in exploring the world of international affairs has only grown.” 

In his free time, he likes to cook – particularly Sicilian dishes – and indulge another passion which extends far beyond international borders.  

“I am very fond of exploring the vast boundaries of space,” says Kaikatsishvili. “Articles on string theory, black matter and white holes never fail to garner my attention.” 

As a Pearson Scholar, Kaikatsishvili will study social sciences at the UTM campus and says he’s excited to join U of T’s “diverse, all-encompassing international communities.” 

“I am immensely grateful to the University of Toronto and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship for making it possible to expand the scope of my knowledge and experience,” says Kaikatsishvili. “I hope to build on my insight and expertise as to how our world functions, what its imperfections are, and how to do better as humans to solve those imperfections for a brighter world.” 


Muhammad Masood
Muhammad Masood 

Future World School, DHA Lahore, Pakistan 

“Studying at the University of Toronto has been my dream for years,” says Muhammad Masood, who looks forward to beginning studies with UTM’s commerce program this fall. “I am extremely humbled and honoured to have received the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.” 

Masood, who graduated from Future World School in Lahore, Pakistan, says his interest in commerce is inspired by experiences working alongside his father. “Helping out my father in his side business by recording the entries of sales and purchases, I developed a deep interest in the field of accounting and finance.” 

He is also passionate about exploring new business innovations. “You can discuss politics, start-up opportunities, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs with me,” he jokes. “I won’t be tired, even after hours of debate.” 

Out of class, Masood relaxes with chess, cricket, theatre and photography, but adds that community service is also very important to him. At home in Pakistan, Masood worked with the student charity group Organization for Education and Development (OED) Pakistan, giving him an avenue to give back through organizing events and managing accounting duties for the group.  

“Helping the underprivileged and playing my part in the betterment of society is an integral part of my life,” he says. 

Masood is eager to begin his studies at UTM. “I can’t wait to begin a new chapter of my life this fall and meet people from around the world to engage in healthy debates and listen to their experiences,” he says. “I look forward to making everyone’s time worthwhile at the university and taking initiatives that would bring a positive change to the community.” 


Kamsiyochi Davy Onyekere
Kamsiyochi Davy Onyekere 

Trinity College School, Canada and Nigeria 

Nigerian scholar Kamsiyochi Davy Onyekere says she lives by the words of late civil rights activist and leader Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change; I am changing the things that I cannot accept.” 

“These words…describe the life I have led and hope to continue to lead,” says Onyekere who has made “change” a galvanizing focus in her life.

 “The word has come to mean something different to me than it meant years ago,” she says. “I had always mentally reserved that job for people whom I deemed to be older, wiser, smarter. It was not until I came to Trinity College School, that I realized that I had the power to change the things that I could not accept. This newfound meaning of the word ‘change’ gave me courage.” 

Change inspired Oneykere to cofound and lead the Black Student Alliance at her high school, but there’s more ahead. The life sciences student has her sights set on the next goal—tackling the stigma of mental illness. 

“I hope to one day become a psychiatrist,” Oneykere says. “Mental health and illnesses remain heavily stigmatized in many ethnic communities, and I believe that the first step in de-stigmatization is representation.” 

As she prepares to take the next step towards her future, Onkeyere says she is buoyed by the “support and unwavering love” of her family, friends and the Trinity College School community, and her new community at U of T. “I am extremely grateful and honoured to be selected as a Lester B. Pearson Scholarship recipient.” 


Sandra Risco Brioso

Sandra Risco Brioso

Colegio Menor San Fransisco de Quito, Ecuador and Lima, Peru 

Life sciences student Sandra Risco Brioso counts both Peru and Ecuador as her home, but says she’s excited about her upcoming move to Canada.

“I am from Peru, but moved to Ecuador when I was two years old,” Brioso says. “These are the two countries I call home, and I look forward to adding Canada to the list soon.” 

Brioso is driven by curiosity and a love of learning, especially when the topic is science. “I never leave a question unanswered or be satisfied with knowing that something ‘is what it is,’” she says. “I always look for more, and truly like to get to the root of the problem or explanation.” 

Along with her studies, Brioso counts helping others as a ‘driving force’ in her life, and has pitched in to build and paint houses and schools in Mulalillo, a marginal community in Ecuador.  

“Seeing the smiles and joy of the people we helped gave me the certainty that finding ways to keep that light alive and growing was what I wanted to do with my life,” she says. “It gives me the greatest joy.”  

Now, Brioso is preparing to make her mark at U of T. “I have had the opportunity to positively impact my country these past few years, and now, the Lester B. Pearson scholarship is allowing me to dream on a global scale, and I couldn’t be more excited!” 


Paramvir Singh Paramvir Singh 
Paramvir Singh 

St. Theresa’s Convent School, Karnal, India  

Business student Paramvir Singh joins UTM’s management program this fall. “I have a deep interest in business studies, economics, and unfolding the complications that lie in the subject of management,” says the scholar from northern India. 

Outside of the classroom, he unwinds with soccer, friends and reading, and makes time to give back through community service projects. In 2021, Singh organized Speak Up Friends, an online event for youth to raise awareness of drug and child abuse. The 21-hour live stream nabbed a world record for the longest webinar on the topic. 

Singh says he’s excited by the opportunities available to him at U of T. “I aim to continue exploring my interests while trying to create a positive impact on society,” he says. “I look forward to starting my journey at the University of Toronto.” 


Cynthia Umuringa 
Cynthia Umuringa 

Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, Rwanda 

Cynthia Umuringa hails from Rwanda, a place she describes as “a country of a thousand hills.” 

“Growing up, I have been told of the devastating history that my country had been through, the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994,” says Umuringa. “The psychological toll of the genocide against the Tutsi still encumbers Rwanda.” 

Umuringa joins UTM's psychology program and plans to use her education to help others.

“Though an irreversible situation, it can be improved, and I want to be part of that evolution,” she says. “With costly psychiatry services and a shortage of psychiatrists, I saw an opening to offer my assistance.” 

“Lotus flowers bloom from the mud but still manage to keep their beauty and attractive smell that lures insects,” she says. “Just like lotus flowers, my ultimate goal is to use my challenges to flourish.” 

“I believe U of T’s challenging yet engaging environment will provide me with the ideal home in which to nurture my dreams,” Umuringa continues. “I can’t wait to see my future aspirations turn into reality all thanks to the Lester B Pearson Scholarship. I’m incredibly grateful to have received it.” 


Muhammad Qasim Virk  
Muhammad Qasim Virk  

Kaizen High School, Lahore Pakistan 

Muhammad Qasim Virk joins UTM as a student in the humanities program where he plans to focus on learning about policy making and law. He is inspired by experiences working with Lahore's Attorney General’s office, which gave him an inside look at policy implementation and the opportunity to write about legal loopholes concerning child protection policies in South Asia. 

Virk views education is a catalyst for change, and gives back to his community by advocating for accessible education. "I’ve worked in underprivileged regions to help develop holistic curriculums that focus on social sciences while setting up and promoting vocational training centers for the economic elevation of these areas,” he says. 

While his studies will take him far from Pakistan, Virk carries the country's rich history and culture with him. The self-professed foodie loves to share Pakistani cuisine. “My extended love for food that transcends the barriers of specific cuisines," he says.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to learn extensively through discourse and use the diversity of both the experiences and the people at the University of Toronto to broaden my academic and personal horizons.” 


Ginnie Ai Lee Wee 
Ginnie Ai Lee Wee 

Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore  

Author, STEM advocate and aspiring clinical psychologist Ginnie Ai Lee Wee joins UTM’s psychology program this fall. 

The graduate of Singapore’s Hwa Chong Institution says she’s fascinated by the challenges of the mind and human behaviour.  

“I hope to use my knowledge in areas of research and psychological support,” says Wee. “While the brain solves problems, the brain itself has many unsolved mysteries that fuel my desire to research, understand, and solve.” 

Lee’s lifelong love of science has granted her entry into a global community of women working in STEM. Last year, she attended Hong Kong University's Junior Neuroscience Academy. Through her participation in the ‘1000 Girls, 1000 Futures Program’ with the New York Academy of Sciences, Wee was matched with women mentors in STEM to learn about topics like science communication and ethics. 

Wee does her part to support the next generation of budding scientists, too. She founded Girl Up Singapore, interviewing dozens of women in STEM about their experiences and advice for young scientists. She also launched ‘Project Kidzread’, writing and illustrating a series of 10 e-books for children in hospitals during the pandemic. 

“I am passionate about advocating for gender equality and encouraging girls to pursue their interests in STEM,” Wee says. 

She brings her enthusiasm and energy to her studies at UTM this fall. “My goals at U of T are to grow as a leader and to contribute to an inclusive, accepting, and supportive community,” Wee says. I am honoured to be a Lester B. Pearson International Scholar and grateful to everyone who has supported me. I can’t wait to be a part of U of T’s diverse intellectual community!”