Get ready for an unforgettable evening with The Story Collider in Toronto! On April 13 at Burdock Music Hall, we’re bringing you five true, personal stories about science.
Storytellers will take you on a journey through the moments that sent them looking for answers. Sometimes that search is literal. Other times it’s for something less tangible: understanding, courage, connection, or a way forward when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Expect an evening full of surprising discoveries, unexpected turns, and stories that are funny, moving, and deeply human.
Whether you're a science enthusiast, a story lover, or simply searching for a night out that’s anything but ordinary, this show is for you!
Hosted by Sara Mazrouei and Misha Gajewski.
In person and live-streamed. Doors at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm.
This event is a part of Replay Storytelling Story Fest.
Stories By:
Emily Agard is a leader in science outreach at Toronto Metropolitan University. As the director of SciXchange, she is passionate about making science accessible, engaging and inclusive of all groups and people of all ages. Her academic background includes a PhD in Immunology from the University of Toronto. She embraces opportunities to speak about various career paths and science in everyday life. In her spare time, Emily enjoys music, travel, sports, especially opportunities to combine these interests. She learned to play many musical instruments and took lessons in various dance forms. She has travelled to countries in 6 continents and loves immersing herself in different cultures. She enjoys portrait photography after completing a certificate in photography studies. She lives in Toronto with her husband and 2 sweet dogs.
Lexa Graham is an award winning scientist, educator, and comedian who specializes in science centered comedy, humour workshops for professionals, and speaking about the science of success for university students. An expert at mixing science and comedy into a fun and educational cocktail, Lexa is the creator of DNAtured Journal, a satirical academic journal on student life and science, and Dirty Science, a monthly Science Comedy show. Lexa is also a popular host, performer, and panelist for all kinds of events due to her personable nature, quick wit, and broad scientific knowledge.
David Manly has an Honours Bachelor’s degree in biology/Zoology and a Master’s in journalism, and has been a science writer, presenter, editor, and educator for over 15 years. David has had an eclectic series of jobs, from a children’s birthday party scientist, writer about chickens and biofuels for an agricultural publication, and a copyeditor for a pharmaceutical advertising company. He’s been at SickKids since 2014 as the Research Program Coordinator of Kids Science, a science outreach and communication program, which works with patients at SickKids and students across Toronto and the GTA. The program runs a variety of events, including workshops, demonstrations, lab visits, in-patient programming, collaborations with the PACT & Child Life teams, and internship and mentorship programs for high school students during the summer. David also has an identical twin names Daniel, and never tires confusing people! He also loves learning and speaking about science, specifically animals, pop culture, anything nerdy related, video games, and more!
Swapna Mylabathula and Sandhya Mylabathula are the STEAM Sisters (@steam.sisters on Instagram)! When they’re not on fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) adventures, they research concussions (but let’s face it, that’s still a STEAM adventure!). Swapna is a McLaughlin Scholar and her research includes work on concussion policy and concussion in women’s hockey. Her clinical interest is sport and exercise medicine! Sandhya was a returning CIHR Fellow in Public Health Policy, and has investigated concussion risk factors, policy, education, sex/gender, and management. Sandhya and Swapna co-developed a national concussion strategy and consulted on provincial concussion policy, and co-delivered a TEDx Talk on youth engagement and health policy. Their work has informed Canada’s first concussion legislation, Rowan’s Law, and launched Canada’s Concussion Awareness Week. They are honoured to have been recognized as two of the top 50 Most Influential Torontonians (GridTO Magazine) and as Urban Heroes (Toronto Community News) for their contributions, which they’ve travelled internationally to present! The STEAM Sisters are passionate about science communication, and can be found on social media, television, and various podcasts. Sport [particularly hockey!] is one of their passions, and is what originally sparked their interest in concussions.
Pouria Nazemi is a science journalist, writer, and science communicator with more than two decades of experience in Persian-language media. His work focuses on astronomy, the history and philosophy of science, and the cultural meaning of scientific discovery. Over the years, he has written hundreds of articles, features, and essays that aim to make complex scientific ideas accessible to general audiences. Nazemi holds a BSc in mathematics and an MA in Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies from Concordia University in Montreal. His work often explores the intersection of science, culture, and storytelling, combining rigorous scientific reporting with narrative approaches that connect science to everyday human experience. He has collaborated with a wide range of media outlets and science communication initiatives in Iran and internationally, and he continues to develop bilingual projects that promote science literacy and critical thinking for global audiences. Currently based in Canada, Nazemi is involved in several digital media and science-communication initiatives, including podcasting, long-form journalism, and educational storytelling projects that bring science closer to the public.
Jen Mehrnoush Zomederis is a physicist-turned-technology strategist who has always been drawn to big questions — whether they’re about galaxies or the complex systems we build here on Earth. She studied physics and astronomy at York University, where she worked at the university’s observatory analyzing astronomical data and contributed to research. Her career eventually led her from studying the cosmos to working in the world of banking technology, where she now focuses on data, cloud transformation, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Along the way, Jen has lived across multiple countries and cultures, experiences that shaped both her curiosity and resilience. Today she combines her love of science, storytelling, and problem-solving, and is passionate about creating space for more diverse voices in STEM.