UTM Student balances her studies and research while providing support and mentorship to the black community at UTM.
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Sidoné Grange, a dynamic and passionate fourth-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), is always looking for ways to test her limits and thrive more fully.
Majoring in Biology for the Health Sciences and minoring in French Studies and Sociology, Grange’s undergraduate journey through and towards the medical field is driven by a long-standing ambition to practice and care for women’s reproductive and child health and to provide holistic care.
“When you’re looking at health, you can’t just look at the body,” says Grange.
“You have to look at all the social factors that impact the body.”
Now on the cusp of graduating, Grange is determined to make her aspirations to work in healthcare a reality.
Since her youth, Grange was captivated by the idea of becoming a doctor and caring for others. While initially she had her sights set on pediatrics and more recently obstetrics and gynecology, her studies and research have reaffirmed her commitment to women’s health. Her passion for these areas has been a constant throughout her academic journey and her diverse scholarly pursuits offer her a unique perspective on health sciences.
Grange’s learning experiences also extend beyond campus: she conducted a summer research internship at William Osler Health System in 2023 where she studied pressure injuries. In this project, Grange conducted chart reviews to identify factors contributing to these injuries and explored prevention strategies.
“It’s been a bit of a learning curve,” admits Grange.
“But the skills I’ve gained have been incredibly helpful and transferable to my research experience at UTM.”
More recently, Grange completed a summer research internship with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) under the supervision of UTM Biology Chair, Dr. Steven Short. Through this project, she conducted research on virus-host interactions in freshwater algae to study patterns of replication and infectivity.
In reflecting on her academic path so far, Grange says her identity and race have profoundly influenced her undergraduate experience and her approach to health sciences. Additionally, her research highlights the disparities faced by minority populations, particularly in the prevalence and treatment of pressure injuries.
“Race is a social factor that influences how you see things,” says Grange.
“It has had a huge influence on how I see health and the factors that impact health outcomes, and it’s crucial to provide the care needed by racialized populations.”
Although she has maintained a rigorous academic schedule and experiential opportunities throughout her time at UTM, Grange has balanced her studies with extracurricular activities that reflect her other passions: Grange is president of UTM’s Black Student Association (BSA).
“On campus, you might not realize there are many Black students at UTM,” says Grange.
“But the BSA has been instrumental in bringing us together and ensuring we don’t feel isolated.”
Under her leadership, the BSA organizes social events, cultural celebrations, and career development activities, creating a supportive community for Black students. Most recently, the BSA has played an instrumental role in the establishment of UTM’s temporary Black Student Space.
Looking ahead, Grange is excited to continue her health-focused research and looks forward to beginning her path to post-graduate studies. Her commitment to her studies, the various leadership roles she has undertaken, and research endeavours reflect her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the medical field and advocating for marginalized communities.