Why are We Called U&Me?

President

Ciana Dawydiuk-Clozza

Ciana completed her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical specialization at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in June 2026 and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at UBC Vancouver. Drawing on her background as a former member of the UBCO Women’s Soccer team, she is passionate about applying engineering to healthcare.

Throughout her undergraduate degree, Ciana gained experience across research and healthcare through roles with BC Children’s Hospital, Interior Health, and the BC Ministry of Health. Inspired by her own experiences as an athlete, she also contributes to an initiative at BC Children’s Hospital focused on supporting young athletes throughout ACL injury and recovery.

Founder

Mya Bal

Mya is a second year medical student at UBC and the Founder of U & Me. Being the first person her my family to attend university, she went into it blind. By the end of first year, Mya had learned a lot, and wants to share the wisdom  gained with all high school students. These days, Mya spends quite a lot of time studying, but when she is away from flashcards, she enjoys cycling around town, reading the Picture of Dorian Gray for the 100th time, and volunteering at organizations that support her passions: science communication, mentorship, and women’s health.

Director of Finance​

Joanna Guan

Joanna is a fourth year Finance and Real Estate student at UBC Sauder. But before university, Joanna started out as the first person in her family to go to university. The process was unfamiliar, and at times, intimidating. With more questions than answers, she turned to U&Me as a mentee. That process transformed how she viewed mentorship, mental health advocacy, and student leadership.

Now she’s back for more as the Director of Finance. Ready to lead the club’s fundraisers and manage the books to keep U&Me growing!

Director of Mentorship​

Samantha Donato

Samantha is a fourth year Microbiology and Immunology student at UBC. She is interested in entering the pharmaceutical industry in the future and possibly working as a Medical Science Liaison. Her hobbies include hip-hop dancing, ultimate frisbee and volleyball. As a former U&Me mentee, now Director of Mentorship, she is excited to help the next cohort of students reach their goals.

Director of Outreach

Harnoor Dhaliwal

Harnoor is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia. With a variety of academic interests, she brings extensive research experience spanning clinical and wet lab work, as well as public health projects. As an employed tutor for an advanced scholarly research and writing course at UBC, Harnoor helps students strengthen their academic communication skills. Outside of academics, Harnoor is passionate about mental health advocacy.

Director of Ambassadors

Daniel Koo

Daniel is currently in his third year at UBC, majoring in Cellular, Anatomical, and Physiological Sciences (CAPS). He first joined University & Me as a student ambassador in high school, and is honoured to now serve as the Director of Ambassadors for the 2026/2027 academic year. He is excited to work with a new crew of passionate ambassadors to plan initiatives that will support and empower high school students in all aspects of their high school endeavours. Outside of academics, Daniel can be found learning new languages or spending time outdoors with his friends.

Director of Content

Emma Lo

Emma is a Biochemistry student at UBC, who is passionate about peer programs, science communication, and scientific research. She is excited to be working with U&Me to provide informative and relatable resources for high school and undergraduate students. When not at work, studying, or volunteering, she can be found at different cafes trying to find the best matcha latte in town.

Content Writer

Taranveer Dosanjh

Taranveer Dosanjh is entering her first year at the University of British Columbia, with aspirations of pursuing a career in either medicine or law. In high school, she was actively involved in multiple non-profit organizations and is now in her second year with the U&Me Association, where she contributes as a content writer. Alongside her academic and volunteer commitments, Taranveer has a strong musical background, having participated in several choirs and bands over five years, while also serving as a flute section leader. She is passionate about combining creativity, leadership, and service to support and inspire students.

Director of Social Media

Maria Ardelean

Maria Ardelean is a third-year Honours Life Sciences student at McMaster University, pursuing a career in medicine with aspirations of becoming a family physician. A creative spirit who loves exploring hands-on hobbies, Maria enjoys cooking, baking, knitting and crocheting. Whenever she travels, she collects unique rocks and paints them with distinct symbols to commemorate her trips, keeping some as mementos and placing others around her neighbourhood as decorative art. Maria is thrilled to bring her enthusiasm and creativity to U&Me and all those affiliated! 

Graphic Designer

Rayan Shaya

Originally from Calgary, Rayan Shaya is a student at the University of Alberta, pursuing a major in Biochemistry. With a strong interest in the sciences, he is eager to explore the foundations of molecular biology and its applications in research and healthcare. Outside of academics, Rayan Shaya enjoys spending time with friends, hiking, and discovering new hobbies, from learning guitar to experimenting with new recipes. Always curious and open to new experiences, he brings a balanced and enthusiastic approach to both their studies and personal life.

Graphic Designer

Melody Truong

Melody is a third-year Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) candidate pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Applied Statistics at the University of Toronto. She has been involved in several labs, conferences, networking events, and other extracurricular activities throughout her undergraduate degree. During her free time, Melody enjoys spending time in nature, watching shows, or revisiting her passion for visual arts. Melody looks forward to supporting students in their transition from high school to post-secondary by offering her guidance and insights shaped by her experiences.

Content Writer

Sharlin Canton

Sharlin Kay, who prefers to be called just “Sharlin” or “Kay”, studies at Langara College as a second-year English student. Upon completing an Associates degree, she plans to further her education through the Publishing program/s at Simon Fraser University. She adores learning piano pieces, photography, and writing short stories. If forced to choose between the art of music, films/tv, and books, she would argue that musicals are her preferred compromise. This will be her first year with U&Me and she intends for her writing to be concise, impactful, and expressive. 

Content Writer

Angela Rancourt

Angela is a fifth-year student studying at SFU, majoring in English and a minor in Communications. She was involved in other volunteer work as an Associate Editor for SFU’s literary journal. With a passion for stories, Angela enjoys watching movies and shows, reading, and writing during her free time. Now being a part of U&Me, she is looking forward to helping navigate high school and undergraduate students throughout their post-secondary journey.

Content Writer

Abeer Sarfraz

Abeer is a first-year Life Sciences student at the University of Toronto. She has been actively involved in tutoring students from diverse backgrounds, and providing recreational support to children with developmental disabilities. In her spare time, she enjoys watching horror movies and baking sweet treats. She is always open to suggestions on something scary to watch! As part of the team at U&Me, Abeer is eager to use her experiences to make the post-secondary transition less daunting for high school students.

Video Editor

Valentina Jones

Valentina is a second year student in the Advertising and Marketing Communications Management program at Mohawk College. She’s a multidisciplinary artist with the goal of becoming an Art Director after completing her program. She’s also a pop culture nerd with an interest in film and tv, fashion, and philosophy. Cross-stitch is another hobby of hers as she finds the concentration it requires to be soothing. On any given day she likes to spend time online, at concerts, or at home binge watching her new favourite show (last show she binge watched was From). Her attention to detail and passion for visual storytelling will be skills she uses as a video editor to make the voice of U & Me resonate with high school students.