What is GEARS Study Hall?
GEARS Study Hall is a weekly, drop-in space designed to support your success in first-year engineering. Study Hall gives you a dedicated place for self-directed solo or group work, with an Academic Peer Mentor available when you need support.
Work alongside your peers to complete course readings, work on assignments or prepare for tests with the support of knowledgeable student-staff.
Why come to GEARS Study Hall?
- Study independently in a dedicated space
- Work alongside other students to stay motivated
- Increase accountability & productivity
- Get support from successful upper-year engineering students when you need it
- Attend 4 sessions to earn a Co-Curricular Record credit
- No registration required, just drop in when you can. Stay for the full session or join for a bit
This Winter, GEARS Mentors will also be working directly in lectures/tutorials for CIV100, MAT186, and MAT188 alongside your Profs and TAs. You’ll receive the same academic support you experienced in the Fall, now integrated into your regular class time.
Same GEARS support. More flexibility. More access.
Winter 2026 GEARS Study Hall Schedule
Sessions will start on January 19!
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12–1 p.m. | First Year Office (FI 106, 222 College St.) |
| Monday | 2–3 p.m. | First Year Office (FI 106, 222 College St.) |
| Monday | 7–8 p.m. | Chestnut Residence (the Hearth, first floor; for students residing at Chestnut residence) |
| Wednesday | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | First Year Office (FI 106, 222 College St.) |
Meet the GEARS Academic Mentors
Led by students who have been where you are!
Lucas Aguiar (he/him) | IndE 2T8 + PEY
Hello everyone! My name is Lucas Aguiar, and I am a second-year Industrial Engineering student, planning to minor in Artificial Intelligence. I became a GEARS mentor because I’ve always enjoyed supporting others academically, and this year I wanted to take that passion more seriously. Outside academics, I’m deeply into music. I play the guitar and love classical music and jazz. I’m also involved with the St. George Capital Club, which focuses on applying mathematical models and programming in the world of finance.
Grace Lin (she/her) | IndE 2T7 + PEY Co-op
Hello! My name is Grace and I am a third-year Industrial Engineering student with anticipated minors in Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Business. I am interested in all things to do with data and optimization and I am deeply motivated by my passion to drive positive change. For similar reasons, I am returning for my second year as a GEARS Mentor because I want to support first years through one of the most challenging, but rewarding years of their undergraduate engineering degree (their first year)! Outside of my academics, I enjoy running and exploring new bubble tea / matcha places, among many other side quests that I embark on!
Salem Mehary (she/her) | MSE2T8 + PEY Co-op
Hi all! I'm Salem, a second-year Materials Engineering student. I'm interested in nanotechnology and quantum materials, but I also like the design and manufacturing side of MSE. I'm involved with U of T’s Aerospace and Machine Intelligence design teams. Outside of school, I love reading, playing guitar, baking, CADing, and going on day trips. I’ve also got some experience tutoring and working with students, so if you're ever struggling with a course or just adjusting to engineering life, feel free to come to my GEARS session. Can’t wait to meet you all!
George Mogilnikov (he/him) | MechE 2T8 + PEY Co-op
Hi all! I'm George, a 2nd-year Mechanical Engineering student with a growing interest in robotics and bioengineering. This summer, I conducted research on genomic language models, focusing on designing feature learning and dimensionality reduction techniques for controllable behavior steering. Outside of class, I'm obsessed with cooking, travelling, walking my dog, and occasionally modeling for brands! I’m excited to be a GEARS mentor because I know how challenging the transition into first year can be - and I'm here to help you build confidence and clarity along the way. Looking forward to seeing you all at GEARS sessions!
Mahreen Naila (she/her) | CompE 2T7 + PEY Co-op
Hey everyone! My name's Mahreen and I'm a 2T7 Computer Engineering student at U of T, also pursuing a Business Certificate and an AI Minor. I joined GEARS as an Academic Mentor because I know how tough first year can be - from learning how to study effectively to figuring out what you're even interested in. I wanted to give back and support students through that transition, and mentoring is such a great way to grow while helping others do the same. In my free time, I love going on scenic walks around the city, especially if there's a nice view (bonus points if there’s a coffee shop nearby). If you know any good walking routes around Toronto, please recommend me some! I also enjoy baking and cooking - trying out new recipes is my way to unwind.
Hridhay Tejura (he/him) | CompE 2T7 + PEY Co-op
Hey everyone! I'm Hridhay, a 3rd year Computer Engineering student with intended minors in AI and Business. I'm also VP at UTEFA (U of T Engineering Finance Association) this year. I had a great experience being a GEARS Academic Mentor last year, and I believe GEARS is a great opportunity for first years to strengthen their conceptual understanding or solve doubts!
Yawen Zhang (she/her) | ChemE 2T8 + PEY Co-op
Hey everyone, my name is Yawen Zhang and I’m a 2nd year Chemical Engineering student pursuing a minor in Artificial Intelligence. I joined GEARS because I know how challenging the transition to university life can be and it isn’t something you can easily tackle all at once. That’s why I wanted to be part of this supportive program and help first-year students who are going through the same path I once did! I’m particularly interested in green technology innovations, especially in the energy sector. Outside of classes, you’ll often find me involved with EWB, UTEK, and UTCV, or spending time playing the flute, watching movies, and working on coding projects.
Rosina Zingone (she/her) | CivE 2T8 + PEY Co-op
Hi everyone! My name is Rosina Zingone, I'm in my second year of civil engineering, and I'll be a GEARS Academic Mentor this year! My motivation to join the team was to stay connected to the U of T engineering community, and to help fellow engineering students navigate first year. Last year, I was an Events Lead in the Engineers Without Borders Walkable Cities team, and when I'm not studying, you'll find me thrifting, reading, or out with my friends. I'm always happy to help in any way I can!
Frequently Asked Questions
(Short link to this page: http://uoft.me/gears)