Hey!! I'm

Sara Parvaresh Rizi

Aspiring Data Engineer & Doctor

I'm a passionate engineer with experience in research and data analysis, currently a second-year Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto. I specialize in AI model development, medical imaging, and building data-driven solutions. I'm very interested in healthcare as well, with ambitions to pursue an MD/PhD in the future. Currently seeking internship and full-time opportunities! :)

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Sara Parvaresh Rizi
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01. About Me

Hello! I'm Sara, a second-year Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto with a passion for biotechnology and data engineering.

I'm currently working on improving AI model accuracy for medical imaging, conducting research on sustainable technologies, and developing full-stack applications. Here are a few technologies I've been working with recently:

  • Python & PyTorch
  • JavaScript
  • React & Node.js
  • Neural ODEs & Stochastic DEs
  • C
  • System Verilog & Assembly (FPGA)
  • Git & GitHub

Some pictures I like:

Dad in Istanbul, Turkiye
Streetcat in Esfahan
Flower display at IKEA
Gerstein
Airport in Esfahan

A landscape view from Istanbul, Turkiye (2025).

02. Where I've Worked

Research Assistant @ Niloufar Delfan

May 2025 - Present

  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research initiatives, analyzing previous works to construct a solid foundation for future projects
  • Developed an automated image preprocessing and deep learning pipeline for Glaucoma detection using VGG16 and multi-spectral analysis, exploring how different color transformations (RGB, GrayScale, HSV, CMYK) affect classification performance
  • Implemented preprocessing techniques including noise removal, histogram equalization, and data augmentation, improving model accuracy in medical imaging applications

Contact: ndelfan@yorku.ca

Academic Tutor @ Guided Engineering Academic Review Sessions

Sep 2025 - Present

  • Guided weekly tutoring sessions for ~20 first-year Engineering Science students, using interactive problem-solving, Python notebooks, and project management tools to clarify core concepts
  • Helped raise average exam scores and increased student confidence through personalized teaching approaches
  • Taught first-year engineering physics, calculus, linear algebra, chemistry, and mechanics, improving students' grasp of complex concepts

Marketing Director @ Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Artificial Intelligence

May 2025 - Present

  • Developed and implemented a marketing strategy for the 2025-2026 season using association marketing techniques and analytical skills, targeting 350+ delegates, 25+ universities, and 20+ sponsors
  • Increased engagement and attracted additional sponsorship interest through strategic content planning
  • Built a content calendar in Excel and coordinated with product designers to deliver assets across email, social media, and Discord on schedule
  • Collaborated with External Relations and Logistics teams to distribute conference information via Discord, improving information dissemination and delegate engagement

Undergraduate Researcher @ Green Technology Laboratory

May 2025 - Present

  • Conducted research on photothermal water purification using wood biochar monoliths, leading to improved methods for sustainable, solar-driven desalination techniques
  • Participated in the Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) and presented findings at the University of Toronto Undergraduate Engineering Research Day, winning best podium in Chemical and Materials Engineering
  • Performed material synthesis, spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, UVVis) and data interpretation using Microsoft Excel, confirming the feasibility of the biochar approach

Director of Communications @ Engineering Science Education Conference

May 2025 - Present

  • Led a team of Engineering Science students to plan and execute ESEC 2026, attracting 300+ attendees and 8 industry-leading speakers
  • Enhanced the conference's reputation through strategic planning and execution
  • Ensured the conference delivered insightful programming on emerging technologies, innovative research, and evolving career landscapes, leading to positive feedback from attendees

Production Staff @ Young Scientists Journal

Dec 2023 - Present

  • Organized production processes, ensuring timely publication across 50+ countries, which improved global reach and readership for 1.5+ million readers
  • Analyzed production metrics with Excel and statistical methods to pinpoint bottlenecks, then implemented process changes that increased efficiency and improved output quality
  • Allocated resources and coordinated schedules with the team, met all deadlines while preserving scientific accuracy, which boosted overall team performance

First Year Intern @ UTMIST

Sep 2024 - Apr 2025

  • Led marketing initiatives for UofT's ML club, engaging members across 8 departments and 24+ design teams
  • Increased event attendance and cross-departmental projects through strategic outreach campaigns
  • Applied research and communication skills to support machine learning projects (such as Respiracheck), and organize events, increasing active participation across the 2,200+ member AI/ML community

Additional Experience

Below are additional experiences and past roles that demonstrate my diverse background and growth over time. These include earlier positions from high school, community involvement, and research projects that have contributed to my development.

These experiences showcase my journey across different fields including education, community service, AI research, and the arts.

03. Some Things I've Built

Featured Project

Forecasting Glioblastoma Tumour Growth with Neural and Stochastic DEs

Engineered a time-dependent Stochastic Differential Equation (SDE) using a modified Gompertz framework to simulate tumor proliferation and chemotherapy decay. Developed a HybridStateODE that combined Markov transition matrices with continuous dynamics to predict disease stage progression. Implemented and benchmarked Milstein, SRK, and Euler-Maruyama solvers using Monte Carlo simulations to quantify biological uncertainty.

  • Python
  • PyTorch
  • Neural ODEs
  • Stochastic Calculus
  • U-Net
View PDF Report Link to GitHub

Project

Cadence AI | Higgs Boson AI Hackathon

Developed a full-stack web application that translates song lyrics across languages with real-time karaoke functionality. Built and integrated backend systems using Node.js (Express) and Python (FastAPI) for audio processing and AI model communication, with Boson AI audio recognition and LLM models. Designed frontend-backend integration between React (Vite/Tailwind) and API endpoints for audio separation, translation, and real-time lyric synchronization features.

  • React
  • Node.js
  • FastAPI
  • Python
  • TailwindCSS
  • LLM Integration
Link to GitHub

Project

LabPath Corti-Call Watch Proposal

Proposed a cortisol-monitoring watch called "Corti-Call" for individuals with Addison's Disease. The watch utilizes a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-functionalized laser-induced graphene interdigitated electrode (LIG-IDE) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to detect cortisol from a range of 0.1 pm to 100 nm in synthetic human sweat. Integrated various AI algorithms, including latent-based food recommendation system and RL-PPO algorithm for drug scheduling, with extensive research in metabolism, circadian rhythm, and regeneration in the endocrine system.

  • Biosensor Development
  • Reinforcement Learning (RL-PPO)
  • Latent-Factor Models
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Wearable Device Architecture
View Proposal PDF

Research Project

Photothermal Water Purification with Biochar

Conducted research on photothermal water purification using wood biochar monoliths, leading to improved methods for sustainable, solar-driven desalination techniques. Performed material synthesis, spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, UVVis) and data interpretation. Presented findings at the University of Toronto Undergraduate Engineering Research Day, winning best podium in Chemical and Materials Engineering.

  • Material Synthesis
  • Spectroscopic Analysis
  • Sustainable Technology
  • Data Analysis
  • Research
View Presentation PDF View Abstract PDF View One-Pager PDF

Research Project

Glaucoma Classification using VGG16 and Multi-Spectral Analysis

Implemented an automated image preprocessing and deep learning pipeline for Glaucoma detection using the Drishti-GS Retina Dataset. Explored how different color transformations (RGB, GrayScale, HSV, and CMYK) affect classification performance. Applied preprocessing techniques including median filtering, Gaussian blurring, histogram equalization, and data augmentation. Utilized transfer learning with pre-trained VGG16, fine-tuning with differential learning rates and class-weighted cross-entropy loss to handle dataset imbalance.

  • PyTorch
  • Deep Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Medical Imaging
  • Transfer Learning
  • Image Preprocessing
View GitHub Repository

Medical Imaging Research

Deep Learning for Healthcare

Project

Lego Building Solution & ToroLUG Community

Developed innovative building solutions and contributed to the ToroLUG (Toronto LEGO Users Group) community. Created a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a LEGO sorter system, focusing on automated sorting techniques and community engagement solutions.

  • Design
  • Community Building
  • Collaboration
  • Project Management
  • RFP Development
View RFP PDF View Poster View Community Profile PDF

04. Skills & Technologies

Programming Languages

Python JavaScript (ES6+) C Assembly System Verilog VHDL HTML5 CSS3

Frameworks & Libraries

PyTorch React Node.js Express FastAPI Neural ODEs NumPy SciPy

Tools & Technologies

Git GitHub Figma MATLAB Microsoft Suite CAD LaTeX U-Net

Skills & Expertise

Machine Learning Data Analysis Research Project Management Event Planning Marketing Teaching Communication

05. Education

Sep 2024 - Jun 2029

Bachelor of Engineering - Engineering Science + PEY Co-op

University of Toronto

GPA: 4.0
Awards: Fessedon-Trott Scholarship, Dean's Merit Award, Dean's List
Coursework: C, Python, VHDL, System Verilog

Sep 2020 - Jun 2024

High School Diploma

William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

GPA: 4.0
Awards: Jim McQueen Excellence in Education Award, UofT National Book Award, Liberal Arts Award
Leadership: President of School Paper, President of Mock Trials, Arts Council Chair, Science Club Event Designer

View Labs & Coursework

06. Get In Touch

I'm currently looking for new opportunities, whether that's an internship, full-time position, or just a friendly chat. Feel free to reach out!

Say Hello