I am a Biomedical Engineering PhD student at the University of Toronto. My research focuses on computationally modeling the cellular dynamics for the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cardiomyocytes and alveolar epithelial cells.
Before this, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Winnipeg, majoring in Biochemistry and Mathematics. During my studies, I became really interested in biomedical science, especially in areas like biochemistry, molecular genetics, tissue engineering, and mathematical modeling for diseases. This made me extremely interested in pursuing exciting research and work opportunities in these fields.
As an international student in the past, I have had the chance to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This has helped me adapt quickly to new situations and gain a broader perspective. I am always eager to learn new things and enjoy solving problems.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I like to read books, spend time with friends, explore new cuisines, and play Monopoly competitively. I believe my experiences in both my academic and personal life have shaped me, and I’m excited to apply and refine the skills I’ve developed whenever the opportunity arises.
| Graduate Level – University of Toronto | |
| 2025 | Heart & Stroke Foundation Personnel Awards for Black Scholars - $120,000 CAD (Declined) |
| 2025 - 2028 | NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship – Doctoral (PGS-D) - $120,000 CAD |
| 2025 | Frederick Hudd Bursary (from Massey College) - $1,000 CAD |
| 2025 | Discovery Chemistry Lead Recognition Award (Fall 2024, Spring 2025) |
| 2024 - 2025 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) - $15,000 CAD |
| 2024 | Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award - $1,500 USD |
| 2024 | The University of Winnipeg Golden Key Chapter Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Grants & Fellowships | |
| 2025 - 2026 | Massey College Junior Fellowship |
| 2025 | Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) Chemical Education Fund Role: Principal Applicant; Amount: $1,000 CAD Project: Discovery Program Chemistry Hydrogel Project |
| Travel Awards | |
| 2024 | Stem Cell Network Travel Award - $2,200 CAD |
| 2024 | School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Conference Grant - $530 CAD |
| Undergraduate Level – University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB |
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| 2022 | University Convocation Gold Medal for Highest Achievement in Mathematics (4 Year) |
| 2020, 2022 | Dean’s Honour List – Student of Highest Distinction |
| 2022 | Academic Proficiency Scholarship - $400 CAD |
| 2021 | UWSA International Student Health Plan Bursary - $400 CAD |
| 2021 | International Student Services Award - $300 CAD |
| 2021 | General Bursary (Undergraduate) - $1,200 CAD |
| 2021 | The University of Winnipeg Golden Key Chapter In-Course Scholarship - $500 CAD |
| 2021 | Chemistry Faculty Scholarship - $600 CAD |
| 2021 | Crawford Campbell Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics - $1,200 CAD |
| 2020 | Dr. Jessie Blackwood Lang Scholarship - $2,339 CAD |
| 2020 | Academic Proficiency Scholarship - Robert Bruce Fund - $450 CAD |
| 2020 | Salem Abd-El-Aziz International Chemistry Scholarship - $1,000 CAD |
Driven by curiosity, I’m passionate about blending research, leadership, and service to create a positive impact.
avikpeferdinand@outlook.com
© 2025 Ferdinand Avikpe.