“Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of Wolf Scholars. Selected from among the best and brightest students across Canada, this outstanding group has demonstrated academic excellence, civic engagement and leadership. We look forward to welcoming them to the University of Toronto this fall,” says Professor Stephen Wright, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Meet the 2026 Wolf Scholars Inaugural Class
Eniola Atoyebi, Computer Science, Innis College
Throughout high school, Eniola Atoyebi, originallly from The Pas, Manitoba, as worked to close the gender gap in STEM as a Hackergal Ambassador, removing barriers and fostering environments where all people can learn with confidence. Atoyebi has also served on her town’s municipal council and is currently a member of the Interac Youth Council – roles that have deepened her understanding of politics, advocacy and finance. Her academic focus is computer science.
Alexander Bilson, Social Sciences, University College
Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Alexander Bilson is interested in studying philosophy and public policy. He enjoys the analytical nature of philosophy and is especially interested in studying political philosophy to better understand social organization. In high school, Bilson founded and led his school’s environmental sustainability committee, which operates three gardens and spearheaded the purchase of an electric bus.
Grace Chen, Social Sciences, Trinity College
Grace Chen intends to explore the intersection of economics, ethics and policymaking, complemented by an ongoing interest in the physical sciences. While in high school in Ottawa, Ontario, she co-founded LitSpark Youth, a non-profit aiming to bridge the literacy gap in her community. By working with local organizations, charities and volunteers, Chen has also helped improve access to literacy tools by redistributing books to families in need.
Jiya Goel, Computer Science, University College
Jiya Goel plans to major in computer science and economics. Her interest in economics was sparked by learning about survivorship bias in World War II and led her to explore other fields grounded in the same analytical and lateral thinking, from computer science to physics. During high school in Mississauga, Ontario, Goel developed a passion for public speaking and debate. As president of her school’s debate team, she led a club of approximately 90 members and ran a mentorship program to empower beginner debaters.
Bianca Grossi, Social Sciences, Trinity College
Bianca Grossi aims to study international relations and public policy with a keen interest in how cultural institutions can serve as a bridge to forge connection and understanding on a national and global stage. In high school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Grossi developed a French language support program to assist middle school students new to the language. She is also an avid cross-country runner who has competed nationally and plans to join the University of Toronto Varsity Blues track and field team.
Daniela Grottoli, Social Sciences, Victoria College
Trilingual in English, French and Italian, Sudbury Ontario native Daniela Grottoli envisions a future career in policy and law, addressing complex societal issues and improving the systems that shape people’s lives through innovative, research-based solutions that leverage technology. In high school, Grottoli served as Ward 10’s representative on the Greater Sudbury Youth Advisory Panel, vice chair of the Rainbow District School Board Senate and student council president.
Andrés Guanchez Sucre, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, New College
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Andrés Guanchez Sucre witnessed firsthand how economic policy and democratic institutions shape the trajectories of nations. At U of T, Guanchez Sucre plans to integrate the quantitative nature of mathematics with the interpretive studies of economics. During high school, he founded a youth-led initiative, in collaboration with the City of Guelph Recreation Department, to implement seed libraries in youth hubs.
Nargis Jafari, Computer Science, University College
Nargis Jafari, from Toronto, is keen to explore how responsibly designed systems and technology can shape a safer, more accountable digital environment. In high school, her cross-cultural experiences inspired her to help co-found and lead a club dedicated to supporting newcomer students. Jafari is also an executive member of her school’s robotics team, where she applies her programming background while managing finances and general operations.
Ifechi Okwuagwu, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, University College
Ifechi Okwuagwu plans to study mathematics and economics, with an interest in learning how quantitative methods are used to understand and shape economic policy. Through high school in Oakville, Ontario, she served as co-president of her school’s Black Student Union, leading school-wide initiatives to foster cultural awareness and community connection. Okwuagwu has also spent four years as an executive volunteer of her school’s Social Justice Spirit Club, organizing initiatives such as a Thanksgiving Drive that collected over 800 items for refugee families.
James Ortiz, Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Woodsworth College
James Ortiz possesses a deep curiosity about the intersection of math, physics and intelligent robotic systems. While in high school in Fonthill, Ontario, he spent a summer living on campus at U of T while working as a research intern at SickKids Hospital. Throughout high school, Ortiz was an integral part of his school’s swim team, winning a gold medal in the Junior Boys’ 50m Freestyle at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships.
Ryan Perkins, Computer Science, Innis College
Ryan Perkins is interested in how AI and machine learning can be used in the fields of biology and computing. He is excited to see how AI develops and is applied to different industries effectively and sustainably. From Flamborough, Ontario, he represented his riding in the Ontario Legislative Model Parliament, where he drafted bills and gained firsthand experience in policymaking. Perkins also served as president of his school’s DECA Chapter where he led school-wide initiatives to promote diversity and celebrate different cultures.
Emmeline Pinnock, Social Sciences, Trinity College
Emmeline Pinnock is interested in international relations and how she can impact how we all work together in a changing world. Pinnock broadened her global understanding by spending a year abroad and connecting with other students from around the world. In high school in Stanley, New Brunswick, Pinnock worked in several student leadership positions, locally with her student council and regionally with her school district’s Council of Student Leaders.
Camilo Sierra de Rojas, Life Sciences, Trinity College
Born in Santiago, Chile, Camilo Sierra de Rojas plans to study life sciences, a decision arising from his interest in how animals and their physiology can help improve human lives. In high school in Toronto, he joined school initiatives such as the Model UN, DECA and student council, where he advocated for diverse dialogue and pushed for improvements to better the secondary experience of his fellow schoolmates. He also spent two years at SickKids as a patient advisor, gaining and providing insight into many impactful hospital programs.
Sadie Sullivan, Social Sciences, Trinity College
Sadie Sullivan plans to study political science and history, and is particularly interested in Canadian history, linguistics and international affairs. She worked as a lighting technician and stage manager of her local community theatre as a high school student in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and spent four summers as a camp counselor at the University of New Brunswick, teaching art, fashion and technology skills.
Raluca Voina, Life Sciences, Victoria College
As the daughter of Romanian immigrants who was raised in Ottawa, Ontario, language has shaped and continues to shape Raluca Voina’s engagement in thoughtful discourse: from speaking at the Women’s Summit to the TEDx stage. Captivated by the mystery of tissue regeneration in endangered species, Voina plans to major in Human Biology with the dream of applying axolotl limb regeneration to humans.
Declan Walsh, Social Sciences, Trinity College
From St. John’s Newfoundland, Declan Walsh will pursue political science to develop a greater understanding of a range of political ideologies; how governments obtain and maintain power; and how that power impacts citizenry. An avid tennis player, Walsh has competed at the national level and is currently a coach at his home club. He also shares his love of tennis through his non-profit organization, Open Courts Foundation, which breaks down the financial barriers of youth sport programming in his province.
The Faculty of Arts & Science and the Munk School eagerly await the arrival of the first cohort of Wolf Scholars and look forward to supporting these students with the resources, experiences and community to grow, lead and make a lasting impact in the world.
By Sean McNeely
