U of T engSuccess Mentors

engSuccess Logo. Graphic of one person helping another move up.The U of T engSuccess Academic Peer Mentors understand that your success in university goes beyond the classroom. They have experienced success but also understand what it’s like to face academic challenges and effectively overcome them using various strategies, including tools to help you learn and leverage the community around you!

Through one-to-one sessions, the engSuccess Mentors focus on helping you:

  • Build effective time management skills
  • Improve on class preparation and notetaking
  • Manage your academic course load and create a school-life balance
  • Help you set realistic goals and expectations
  • Deal with procrastination and distractions
  • Much more!

engSuccess Mentors also organize pop-up events centred on student success and building community for undergraduate Engineering students.

Learn more about the engSuccess Mentors and stay updated on their activities below:

Email: engsuccess@engineering.utoronto.ca

Instagram: @engsuccessuoft

One-on-One Sessions

Our experienced mentors understand both the triumphs and challenges of university life. Through personalized one-to-one sessions, you'll gain essential skills in time management, class preparation, and balancing your academic workload. Receive support in setting realistic goals, overcoming procrastination, and more!

Appointments will begin on September 16, 2024.

Events

Throughout the year, the engSuccess events subdivision mentors will host events for U of T Engineering undergraduate students.  Check out their upcoming events.

Meet the engSuccess Mentors

Each of the engSuccess Mentors is unique with different backgrounds and experiences that we are excited to share with you. As engSuccess Mentors, we are here to help you navigate challenges that come up through informal, peer-to-peer mentorship.

Do you have a question about U of T Engineering? Want to enhance your professional and academic skills? Or just want to meet someone new? Ask an engSuccess Mentor!

Tala engSuccess Mentor lead

Tala Malkawi (she/her), Team Lead | IndE 2T5

My name is Tala, and I’m a fourth-year Industrial Engineering student with a minor in AI. I joined engSuccess because I know how stressful engineering can get, and I want to help you all navigate that. We’ve all been there! I’m an active member of the Indy Club as my class's representative, so I’m always here to listen to your concerns and help foster a supportive community within our class. Outside of academics, I love to read, go out with friends, visit the beach and enjoy a good cup of coffee. Work-life balance is extremely important to me, and I hope to help you achieve that so you can fully enjoy everything U of T has to offer.

Tanushree engSuccess mentor team lead

Tanushree Bhattacharjee (she/her), Team Lead | MechE 2T6 +PEY 

I'm Tanushree and I'm a Mechanical Engineering student pursuing a Robotics minor and certificate in Engineering Leadership. This past summer, I worked as an intern at a chemical plant where I got a lot of exposure to the chemical manufacturing industry. I was an engSuccess mentor last year as well, and I had the best time, which is why I’m back this year. Mentorship is a two-way street; becoming a learning strategies mentor has helped me become a better student myself! I can't wait for the events we have planned this year, see you there!

Reem engSucccess Mentor

Reem Bu Khzam (she/her) | ChemE 2T7+PEY

I'm Reem, a second-year Chemical Engineering student. I'm super excited to be an engSuccess peer mentor this year! The biggest help I found during my first-year struggles was the supportive Skule™ community, whether it be friendly upper years or the many engSuccess offerings. I hope to be able to bring this same support to you! I'm passionate about wellness, and as Mental Wellness Director for Chem Club, I'm always happy to chat and share resources. In my free time, I love reading, crocheting, watching movies, and exploring the city. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

Bala engSuccess Mentor

Bala Kannan Murali (he/him) | ChemE 2T6 + PEY 

My name is Bala Kannan Murali or Bala for short. I am a Chemical Engineering student pursuing a minor in Artificial Intelligence Engineering. I am motivated to be an engSuccess peer mentor because I am passionate about supporting my peers' academic and personal growth, as well as contributing to a positive and collaborative engineering community. In the summer, I completed research on Carbon Capture at IIT Madras in India. My hobbies are rock climbing and cycling. Currently, I work as a webmaster for CSCHE and am involved in UTFR.

Neging engSuccess mentors

Negin Soltanghorkhaneh (she/her) | CivE 2T6 + PEY

I’m Negin, a third-year Civil Engineering student pursuing the Business minor. I’m excited to be an EngSuccess mentor because I know how challenging the first years of university can be. I want to share my experiences and help others make the most of the resources available so they can have a smoother university journey. Outside classes, you can find me reading books, watching movies, hitting the gym, or playing tennis. Last year, I was a F!rosh Leadur and had an amazing time meeting new faces and showing them around U of T. I'm also an executive in the Troitsky Bridge Building Club and CivClub, which is really cool – I highly recommend joining clubs and putting yourself out there. Feel free to reach out if you need any advice or want to chat about anything!

Jeffrey engSuccess Mentor

Jeffrey Wong (he/him) | ECE 2T7 + PEY 

My name is Jeffrey and I am a second-year ECE student. I enjoy playing instruments, digital drawing, and going to the gym in my free time. One of my goals upon first entering UofT was to transfer into a more desirable program, but I was told this would be very challenging. Facing this process with little support, led me to realize the importance of having guidance in these situations. As an engSuccess mentor, I want to be there to provide that support. So, if you need any guidance or just someone to talk to, I'm one meeting away 🙂

engSuccess Mentor Nikita

Nikita Chiduku (she/her) | CivE 2T6 + PEY 

I'm Nikita, and I'm currently a third-year Civil Engineering student, pursuing a minor in Engineering Business. I've previously held a summer position for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Ontario, and more recently I have completed a term of summer research at U of T. I'm looking forward to connecting with you all and assisting you throughout your journey of growth this year. I'm hoping to help make your experience the most productive and enjoyable it can be! In my free time, I crochet, write, make comics, and do about a million other things. Feel free to come chat about pretty much anything and everything!

engSuccess Mentor Kristen

Kristen Ho (she/they) | MechE 2T6 + PEY 

I'm Kristen, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student pursuing a minor in Sustainable Energy, and I completed my first year in EngSci. Something that would've helped me in 1st year is the realization that nobody has it all figured out, as much as it may seem; we're all just trying to navigate this complicated journey called life for the first time. I'm always open to chat or listen. If I cannot directly support you, I'll connect you with the right person or resources. I have completed two summer internships and I'm also a part of UTWind and Tri-Campus Soccer. I look forward to meeting you!

engSuccess Mentor Paige

Paige McFarlane (she/her) | EngSci 2T4 (BME) + PEY 

Hello! My name is Paige and I am a 4th year Engineering Science student specializing in Biomedical Engineering and completing a minor in Engineering Business. I have just completed my 16-month PEY Co-Op at a Canadian pharmaceutical company and would be happy to talk about it. I am excited to create a space that allows for your learning and growth using resources that will help you excel. I enjoy cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, a good movie, and a crochet project. I am excited to meet over some hot cocoa or coffee! 🙂

engSuccess mentor Lexi

Lex Piunno (any/all) | MechE 2T6

I’m Lexi, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student minoring in Robotics and Mechatronics. I’m part of the UTRA SUMO robotics team, sing with the Skule™ choir, and enjoy staying active at the gym. As a queer, commuter student with a learning disability, I understand some of the unique challenges we may face in university, especially in the first year. That’s why I joined engSuccess—to help students like you and me overcome obstacles and find our place, people, and passion at U of T. Let’s make this journey together!

Avani engSuccess mentor

Avani Yadav (she/her) | ECE 2T6 + PEY

I’m Avani, a third-year ECE international student pursuing a minor in Sustainable Energy and AI. I also participated in an international summer research program in Finland, which helped me explore my academic interests. I joined engSuccess because I understand how overwhelming engineering can be, so I hope to be a supportive resource for you! Outside academics, I’m involved in EWB, UTSM, and Iron Dragons, which has enriched my university experience. I’m excited to help you find your path by sharing such opportunities. Feel free to reach out for a chat about anything – academic, social or career-related!


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