Melanie Ratnam

Dr. Ratnam has strong roots in Scarborough, where she was raised, lives, and works. She is a UTSC PhD graduate in neurobiology, where her research focused on how resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate inflammation after cerebral ischemia.

Dr. Ratnam is currently the President of the UTSC Alumni Association, where she dedicates her time to supporting activities that nurture the alumni community and deepen their connections with their alma mater. In 2022, she was recognized for her volunteer services to the University with an Arbor Award, the highest honour granted by U of T to individuals for exceptional and sustained volunteering.

Her advocacy work spans across Canada both nationally, through SCWIST, and locally, through UTSC and Toronto schools. She has mentored over 1000 elementary, high school, and university students and empowers them to tackle our time’s most pressing challenges through innovation in science and technology.

In October 2023, Woman and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada recognized Dr. Ratnam for Women’s History Month.