The Office of International Collaborations and Partnerships (OICP) is dedicated to establishing international partnerships and creating educational opportunities for both domestic and international students in the Faculty of Science.
Get to know us and reach out if you have questions.
Office of International Collaborations and Partnerships (OICP)
Hugo Chen
Director, International Collaborations And Partnerships
With over 16 years of experience in higher education and international engagement, Hugo Chen serves as the inaugural Director of International Collaborations and Partnerships at the Faculty of Science. In this role, he leads the development of strategic global partnerships, drives international student recruitment initiatives, and supports cross-border academic mobility and program innovation.
Passionate about fostering globally minded academic communities, Hugo is committed to ensuring that students and faculty benefit from inclusive, sustainable, and impactful international experiences.
Fun fact: Hugo once jumped into a frozen lake in –18°C weather to support the Special Olympics Ontario’s Polar Plunge. Talk about global commitment—and serious Canadian spirit!
Mingming Li
Science International Recruitment Coordinator
Mingming Li has been working as the Science International Recruitment Coordinator at York University’s Faculty of Science since 2021. With over ten years of experience in international education, she supports the coordination of recruitment activities for prospective international students in Canada and worldwide.
Mingming contributes to organizing and participating in virtual and in-person information sessions, on-campus visits, and high school outreach events. She also supports the implementation of academic partnership programs and pathway initiatives. In addition, Mingming contributes to the Faculty’s social media work by co-managing content and supporting efforts to maintain an engaging and informative online presence.
Fun fact: Mingming is passionate about music, dance, and weekend hikes—and is absolutely devoted to her cat.
Amna Imran
Recruitment & Campus Ambassador Lead, Global Leader Of York Science Lead (GLYS)
Amna Imran joined the York Science International Initiative Team in June 2023. She is the Recruitment and Campus Ambassador Lead (GLYS) her role includes helping with organizing and coordinating events, as well as new volunteers. Amna is a second-year Biology student. Before joining the team, she was a volunteer in Global Leader of York Science.
Amna has been very involved with the community. As of now she volunteers in multiple organizations which include a hospital, research project here at York University, and teaches various activities!
Fun fact: I enjoy being around kittens, late night drives, I can speak 4 languages, and aspire to be a dentist!
Tien Hoang
Recruitment & Campus Ambassador Lead
Tien Hoang joined the York Science International Initiative team in April 2024 as the Recruitment & Campus Ambassador Lead. She is enthusiastic about her role, which involves supporting recruitment and outreach initiatives such as campus tours, presentations, and orientation events.
Currently in her third year studying Statistics, Tien brings a strong analytical mindset and a passion for problem-solving to the team. Prior to this role, she actively volunteered in diverse settings including retirement communities and schools.
Tien also serves as a member of the International Student Advisory Board, where she contributes strategies to enhance the experience of international students at York University. In addition, she is part of the Global Leaders of York Science program, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and global engagement.
Fun fact: I have played badminton for more than 7 years and I am currently a member of the York badminton team. If you see me at Tait, feel free to come and say hi!
Amit Bijlani
Special Projects Assistant
Amit Bijlani joined the York Science International Initiative team in April 2024. He serves as a Special Projects Assistant and is responsible for providing administrative support for special projects and activities. Amit is a second-year biomedical science student, and he loves being involved in the community.
He enjoys playing basketball, developing websites and apps, and trying out new food spots. Additionally, he plans on becoming a doctor!
Fun fact: I was born on one of the islands in the Caribbean and can be seen in the background of one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Kathleen He
Graphic Design & Multimedia Assistant
Hello! My name is Kathleen He, and I'm a first-year design student at York University. I have a strong passion for interaction design and a deep interest in STEM. As a designer, I love creating things that others will be intrigued by and that will help others in their day-to-day life.
Fun fact: I love playing video games, crocheting, and baking.
Marwa Balouch
Communications & Marketing Assistant
I am a current second-year student majoring in Biology with aspirations to get into the healthcare field. I currently volunteer around the school as well as with a hospital, and I was lucky enough to intern with a lab over the Summer of 2024. I am very excited to bring my hard-working personality to this team and have the opportunity to meet and work with new people.
Fun fact: Some of my hobbies include crocheting, reading, and playing board games and badminton with my friends/family. I also love animals and speak multiple languages!
Gratitude to Our Former Work-Study Stars
| Name | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Arghavan Sammak Moghaddam | Biomedical Science | |
| Jui Sharma | Biology | Connect on LinkedIn |
| Gina Quan | Mathematics Education and Statistics | Connect on LinkedIn |
| Tracy Li | Financial and Business Economics | |
| Daniela Escobar | Marketing | Connect on LinkedIn |
| Ziping Wu | Digital Media |