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Ritu Sarpal is an Assistant Professor in the Teaching Stream in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto. She holds a Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (2004) and a Master of Science from the Indian Institute of Technology (1999). Her research focuses on adherens junctions, specialized intercellular junctions that bind epithelial cells together to form tissues. Her work utilizes Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to study the molecular mechanisms regulating cell-cell adhesion and tissue growth, which have implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer. In her teaching role, Ritu is committed to creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment, employing team-based learning and active participation to foster critical scientific thinking among her students. She also develops online lab tutorials and coordinates graduate teaching assistants to enhance educational outcomes. Ritu's involvement in outreach events like the Pursue STEM program reflects her dedication to increasing diversity in STEM fields, particularly among Black high school students.
Department of Sociology