2025 Team Canada

Hi, I'm Parth! I just graduated from Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in Calgary and will be studying at Stanford this fall. Oftentimes when I look up at the night sky, I realize just how tiny we are in comparison to the rest of the universe. However, through astronomy, we are able to at least comprehend why and how the universe is the way it is.

My personal favourite topic is cosmology because unlike studying the dynamics of a singular object, in cosmology we study the structure of space itself. Beyond astronomy, I also like a lot of random stuff, from binging old Bollywood movies to playing clash royale. I also spend a lot of time listening to music, whether that be while studying at home or dozing off in class.

Last year's IOAA was one of the funnest weeks I've had, from competing in a mini soccer Olympics to gazing up into the clear night sky with other astro-enthusiasts. I hope to make more such memories at the IOAA this year in India, and I can't wait to meet you all!

Hello! My name is Wenyu Ruan, but my friends call me Wendy. I am an incoming 12th grader at Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill, Ontario. My fascination with astronomy began very young: when I began picking up books and reading about Ancient Greek myths and legends. I found it fascinating how people could look up at the night sky and see such vast and colourful stories.

Over time, my interest shifted from the stories to the actual stars—and how we can use astrophysics to study them! But aside from astronomy, I also enjoy playing volleyball. I’ve been playing for both an OVA team and my school varsity team for the past few years, and use it as a respite from the heavy rigour of preparing for an Olympiads. Some of my other hobbies include reading and drawing, and my favourite subjects in school are physics, chemistry, and English.

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of nights out on the soccer field with my telescope—watching the stars, taking lots of pictures of the moon, and getting even more mosquito bites. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to explore this passion of mine in India for the 18th IOAA!

Hey! I'm Sana Huang and I'm a rising senior at St. Robert Catholic High School in Thornhill, Ontario. I don't exactly have nicknames, they're just common mispronunciations that seem to have unfortunately stuck (Sauna and Santa being the top runners). My favourite constellation is Boötes because nobody really knows how to say it and its shape is as funky as its pronunciation. I like that the more you learn about astronomy, the more it humbles you and puts your tiny existence into perspective (especially cosmology).

Outside of astronomy, you can find me enjoying my pastimes such as dancing, eating out, discovering new music, rotting in bed, and travelling! While I may suffer from heat stroke in Mumbai, I'm super excited to meet tons of new people from all around the world.

Hi, I’m Jinyang Hong, a rising 12th grader at Mentor College in Mississauga, Ontario, and I’m deeply honoured to represent Canada at the 2025 IOAA. Astronomy and astrophysics appealed to me because they are at the intersection of physics, mathematics, and history. These subjects invite us to ponder about the origin of the universe, the nature of time, and the possibility of life beyond Earth while reminding us that our quest for knowledge is part of a centuries-old human endeavor, spanning from Kepler to Hubble.

In my free time, I enjoy playing ice hockey, playing piano, and debating (arguing with my friends about almost anything). I look forward to seeing many brilliant minds in Mumbai!

Hi guys! I’m Ethan (Bailin) Wang, a soon to be senior at St. Robert in Thornhill, Ontario, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 18th IOAA in Mumbai this year. My love for physics began with a failed attempt at contest math (although my contest math has now improved thanks to physics).

Physics allowed me to poke, test, and perceive nature, and I found joy in watching theory come alive through tangible phenomena. The purpose I found in physics eventually manifested in astrophysics, where I’m most passionate about celestial mechanics, especially the elegant chaos of multi body dynamics and how simple laws govern complex motion.

In my free time, you’ll often find me making hand drip coffee, or playing tennis to clear my mind. I’m incredibly thankful to my teammates for making this journey unforgettable, and to my teachers Mr. Hodaei, whose physics classes I’ve been in for quite some time now, and Dr. Zagainova, who helped deepen my interest in the practical sides of astronomy. Looking forward to meeting everyone in Mumbai!