Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Sidoné Grange studies viruses and builds community
The UTM biology graduate combined aquatic virus research with student leadership before beginning a master's degree in biomedical engineering.
Sidoné Grange, UTM biology graduate and former Black Students' Association co-president.Photo: Angelia Baccarella
The context
Where the work begins
Sidoné Grange stayed at UTM for a final research summer after graduating in 2025. In Steven Short's lab, she examined viruses that infect freshwater algae. Two undergraduate research awards supported work on a viral genome and, later, comparisons of how another strain infected algal cells.
The takeaway
What follows
Outside the lab, Grange co-led the Black Students' Association, started its mentorship program and helped establish an interim Black Student Space at the Kaneff Centre. A hospital research placement, where she spoke with patients about their treatment, strengthened her interest in medicine. She began a master's in biomedical engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University in fall 2025.
Source reporting
Sidoné Grange studies viruses and builds community
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
