Meet Trinity’s 2026 Pearson Scholars

Sowparnika Nair

Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
Indian student in Ontario, Canada

Faculty of Arts and Science, Trinity College, Studies in Computer Science

Hi, my name is Sowparnika Nair, or Nika to my closest friends! Born in Dublin, Ireland, and raised in Bangalore, I am a passionate learner in the field of Computer Science. I am eager to begin this exciting new journey as a Pearson Scholar at the University of Toronto.

Right from a young age, I have been deeply fascinated with mathematics, which has shaped the way I think and interpret problems. I enjoyed solving complex challenges through logic, often spending late hours coding, and I eventually won awards at numerous math and programming competitions.

I constantly challenged myself in mathematics and computer programming by undertaking several research projects, including one where I explored different approaches to factorial computation under diverse time-memory complexities. Optimizing the time-complexity of fundamental mathematical logic helped me improve large-scale software efficiency, which later laid the foundation for my Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based prediction model for real world problems. My research has been ultimately recognized with several awards and peer-reviewed international publications.

My work at the intersection of AI and Sustainability was officially recognized by the British Science Association, which inspired me to found The GreenAI Network. It has eventually grown into a global learning platform, where I partnered with CISCO to provide opportunities for anyone to learn and explore various disciplines in Computer Science. The platform now supports hundreds of learners from across 40+ countries, and I hope to continue this initiative to ensure intellectual rigor is grounded in societal responsibility.

Apart from technology, I enjoy being a hobbyist artist and a sky photographer in my leisure time! My love for nature and its beauty is reflected in most of my artworks.

I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship. I look forward to continuing my passion for Computer Science at one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Haoxuan Wang

The American School Foundation of Guadalajara; Chinese student in Mexico

Faculty of Arts and Science, Trinity College, Studies in Computer Science

¡Hola a todos! My name is Haoxuan, but I go by Ciro, and I come from Guadalajara, Mexico. As the son of Chinese immigrants in Mexico, I have grown up navigating two distinct cultures that shape the way I see the world.

Growing up in this manner has encouraged me to explore new cultures and embrace the different ways in which people think.

During high school, I served as the Software Captain for FTC Team 16255, Minerva Warriors; last season, our team became the number one-ranked team in Mexico and later represented the country at the Maryland Tech Invitational. I also love building personal projects in music technology, namely using machine learning and signal processing to analyze guitar chords to facilitate my learning. Since I was a child, I’ve been an avid player of the piano and electric guitar (shoutout to Franz Liszt), and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to perform on stage with my band, Wrec’d. Thank you to my parents and all of my friends who have supported me and encouraged me to explore my passions. I truly appreciate you all.

As I begin this new chapter in my life as a Pearson Scholar, I’m beyond excited to meet people from different backgrounds, and I look forward to learning from the multicultural community at the University of Toronto!

Kornelia Weronika Wieczorek

III Liceum Ogólnoksztalcace Im. Marynarki Wojennej Rp
Poland

Faculty of Arts and Science, Trinity College, Studies in Life Sciences

Hi! My name is Kornelia, and I am a 17-year-old student in the IB Diploma Programme in Gdynia, Poland – nearly 7,000 kilometers away from Toronto.

For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply fascinated by science. What began as simple experiments at home gradually evolved into a passion shaped by visits to professional laboratories and hands-on research experiences. Over time, I discovered that neuroscience is the field that truly captivates me, and it is the area I am most eager to explore further at the University of Toronto.

My scientific journey has led me to participate in international competitions, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, where I had the honor of representing my country as the youngest participant in its history. Currently, I am particularly interested in the intersection of innovation and medicine, with a long-term goal of becoming a physician. Within neuroscience, I am especially drawn to the potential of stem cells in Parkinson’s disease treatment and the development of Deep Brain Stimulation techniques. Through research experiences in institutions both in Poland and abroad, I have developed the skills and curiosity that I am excited to bring to future projects in Toronto.

Beyond academics, I have been fortunate to receive recognition such as the Silver Polish Cross of Merit and being named TIME Girl of the Year, which even led to the creation of my own LEGO figure. However, what matters most to me is using my platform to inspire others. As someone from an underprivileged background with no family history in science, I am passionate about showing that determination and curiosity can overcome barriers. I actively share my story at conferences, including TEDx Warsaw Women, world’s biggest TEDx Women event, encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.

Outside of science, I enjoy sports and baking, and I train dog agility, where I became a World Champion. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become a Lester B. Pearson Scholar, as it brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams and contributing meaningfully to the field of neuroscience. See you in Toronto <333