Iryeong (Kyla) Ko

Research professional with extensive experience at SickKids, specializing in PCR techniques and scientific writing. Demonstrated success in collaborative research on glioblastoma at Yonsei University, contributing to significant findings. Focused on advancing medical knowledge through innovative methodologies and patient-centered approaches.

• Double Take Donations Sorter, Yonge Street Mission, Toronto, ON, 11/24-11/24, sorted through donated items to ensure they are in good condition, performed physical labor, stood for 3.5 hours, and carried large bags
• 5K course water station volunteer, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Toronto, ON, 10/24-10/24, set up water cups for runners, and served cups of water to runners
• 1:1 mentoring with a child inpatient at Purme Nexon Children's Rehabilitation Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, 06/24-07/24, taught a 9-year-old inpatient math and Korean, and helped enhance social skills through play
• UTSCC Volunteer, University of Toronto Stem Cell Club (UTSCC), Toronto, ON, 12/23-05/24, engaged faculty, staff, and students to register as stem cell donors, and participated in bi-weekly online meetings
• Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, 05/23-08/23, Guided outpatients through processes at the Department of Radiology and Health Checkup Center, instructed outpatients on appropriate clothing removal for X-ray procedures, Escorted dizzy outpatients post-endoscopy to beds, and Ensured sanitization after use, Assisted elderly outpatients over the age of 65 during reception, payment, examination, and treatment

• Awarded the International Merit Award at the University of Toronto, valued at $50,000
• Awarded UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) Awards at the University of Toronto, valued at $7,225

• External Events Director of the Korean Outreach Volunteer Association (KOVA) at the University of Toronto, 04/2025-present, Toronto, ON. Organized and coordinated volunteer activities, events, and projects, conducted meetings with department committees or directors and heads to discuss challenges or successes, encouraged collaboration between volunteers and committees to ensure productive relationships, and planned, developed, and implemented strategies for successful recruitment and accomplishment of new volunteers
• External Events Committee of the Korean Outreach Volunteer Association (KOVA) at the University of Toronto, 05/2024-04/2025, Toronto, ON. Increased volunteer engagement through identifying long-term and short-term opportunities, assisted the External Events Director, and was in charge of keeping in contact with organizations to guarantee our attendance on the day of the event
• Volunteering Executive of Volunteer Organization of Korean Life Science Students (VOKLS) at the University of Toronto, 05/2024-04/2025, Toronto, ON. Volunteered on various social issues such as social welfare, environmental protection, and education, planned and operated volunteer activities for the club, collected information on the field of volunteering events, and arranged connections with cooperative institutions and organizations