Aarthi Ashok is a Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Biological Sciences, at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). She earned her PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Brown University (USA) and her BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics from the University of Sheffield, (UK). Joining UTSC in 2009 as a Lecturer, she was promoted to Associate Professor in 2015, and Professor Teaching Stream, in 2020.

Professor Ashok's research focuses on the impact of curricular design and pedagogical innovations on student learning, campus and classroom experience, metacognitive development, and the formation of scientific identity. As an innovative educator and accomplished scholar of teaching and learning, she is recognized for her leadership in curriculum development and administration. Her dedication to student-centered learning has been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including the Principal’s Faculty Teaching Award, the President’s Teaching Award, and the Early Career Teaching Award.

In addition to her teaching and research, Professor Ashok has extensive experience in advisory roles within the university. She currently serves as the Special Advisor on Teaching Stream Faculty Success.