Dileesha Fernando is currently a third-year undergraduate life science student at the University of Toronto. She is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree with two majors in Human Biology and Immunology. She aspires to be a pediatric physician and in the future to be able to contribute to scientific research.
Although science is her passion, Dileesha is also interested in creating engaging and creative content for various social media platforms that will help recruit more individuals to join the world of science education and research. Dileesha is also a firm believer in advocacy for student wellness and mental health, and she tries to mentor incoming first year students by offering advice on how to cope with the stressors of first year and how to ensure a successful year with minimal stress. Overall, she understands the need for more awareness on topics such as mental health and strongly believes that scientific research in psychology and behaviour can also help bring this awareness.
Dileesha is enthusiastic and grateful to have the opportunity to be one of this summer’s Communications Assistants, where she will be managing the MedGen social media accounts, as well as creating new content that is interactive, engaging and which displays the exciting and innovative work of the students and leading professionals in the MedGen program. Aside from her academic and career aspirations, she spends time volunteering at the Mississauga Trillium Hospital. She also enjoys hiking (her goal is to visit at least the majority of the Ontario Parks, if not all, to check out their awesome trails!), spending time with her family and her dog, Ginger.
Welcome to the team, Dileesha!