SPARK Networking Event
By invitation only.
The event provides SPARK members with a valuable opportunity to engage with faculty, participate in stimulating talks, and network with fellow members and graduate students in a collaborative environment.
The day features 5-minute lightning talks showcasing SPARK members’ research, 10-minute oral presentations by new faculty at CANSSI Ontario partner universities, a networking lunch, a lecture by Dr. Nancy Reid as part of the Distinguished Lecture Seminar Series (DLSS), which includes a reception.
We look forward to bringing together the 2025-2026 cohort of SPARK members for a day of learning and meaningful connections.
Hourly Schedule
September 29, 2025
- 10:00 - 10:30
- SPARK Members Arrive
Rohan, Alina, and Esther welcome the students on arrival. Light breakfast will be provided.
Following breakfast, students take a brief tour of the DSI–CANSSI Ontario space.
If needed, students may leave their belongings in Room 10062.
Location: Room 10062, 10th Floor, 700 University Avenue, Toronto - Participants:
Agassi Iu
Elfreda Nartey
Jin Zhang
Laura Bumbulis
Nathaniel Phelps
Ruyi Pan
Saurabh Panchasara
Yuwei Ke
- 10:30 - 12:00
- 5-Minute Lightning Talks
CANSSI Ontario trainees* and faculty are welcome to attend.
*Trainees: Undergraduate students engaged in research, Master's or PhD students, or Postdoctoral Fellows at academic or research institutes.
Location: Rooms 10031 and 10032, 700 University Avenue, Toronto -
Speakers:
Agassi Iu, Elfreda Nartey, Jin Zhang, Laura Bumbulis, Nathaniel Phelps, Ruyi Pan, Saurabh Panchasara, Yuwei Ke
- 12:00 - 12:45
- Lunch with Faculty
- Participants: Spark Members + Ontario-based Researchers (listed below)
- 12:45 - 2:00
- Presentations by Ontario-based Researchers.
This segment will spotlight the work of new faculty members from CANSSI Ontario partner universities.
Location: Rooms 10031 and 10032, 700 University Avenue, Toronto Ricardo S. Baptista
Assistant Professor, Department of Statistical Sciences
University of Toronto
François-Michel Boire
Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Ottawa
Kat Clark
Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Trent University
Anastasis Kratsios
Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
McMaster University
Jeffrey Negrea
Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science
University of Waterloo-
Speakers:
Anastasis Kratsios, François-Michel Boire, Jeffrey Negrea, Kat Clark, Ricardo S. Baptista
- 2:00 - 3:00
- Meet the Investigator Series (MIS) with Professor Nancy Reid
The MIS is an informal meeting where trainees can engage with invited speakers on wide-ranging topics, including career, professional experiences and advice, and other aspects of the speaker's personal story or research. - Participants:
Professor Nancy Reid
Agassi Iu
Elfreda Nartey
Jin Zhang
Laura Bumbulis
Nathaniel Phelps
Ruyi Pan
Saurabh Panchasara
Yuwei Ke
- 3:00 - 3:30
- Transition to the Distinguished Lecture Series in Statistical Sciences (DLSS) with Professor Nancy Reid
Registration for the DLSS is separate and available here.
Location
Organizer
CANSSI Ontario
Website
https://canssiontario.utoronto.caModerator
Esther Berzunza
Phone
416-689-7271Program Manager, CANSSI Ontario
Alina Rizwan
Phone
416-569-0232Program and Communication Officer, CANSSI Ontario