Navya Mathur

Forensic Psychology Specialist Student at University of Toronto Mississauga │ Working in AI and Forensics │ Interested in Forensic Developmental Psychology and Mental Health in the Justice System Research │

Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

About

Hi, I'm Navya! A little bit about me: I’m a fourth-year Forensic Psychology specialist with a curiosity for the world and the people in it. Whether analyzing crime scene evidence, creating events, or pursuing music and art, I bring energy and enthusiasm to everything I do. Currently, I’m part of a team developing an educational video game that brings forensics to life, blending science with creative storytelling to teach players how to navigate different forensic scenarios, from crime scene to the courtroom. My capstone project is an extension of this video game project, as I'm developing a proof of concept for a generative AI tool to assess and evaluate expert testimony to occupy the courtroom level of the game. This project combines my interests in law, science, and technology in a way that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Beyond my studies and project work, I’m also active in community leadership, where I focus on creating inclusive, engaging spaces for students. Through my roles as a Residence Don and mentor with the IVNVI Forensic Society’s MAP program, I demonstrate my passion for education, mentorship, and helping others grow in both student life and the forensic field! What sets me apart: My academic and professional experiences are enriched by my artistic pursuits. I find creative freedom and community outside traditional "boxes". Balancing my artistic ventures with my forensic path has taught me adaptability, shaping my unique approach to problem-solving and collaboration. As an extrovert, I’m passionate about connecting with people and making complex ideas relatable. I aim to create spaces, whether in a lab, a meeting, or a music venue, that invite curiosity and inspire confidence.

Experience

  • Social Media Manager and Events Coordinator at New Friends DIY
    Dec 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 5 mos

    ▪ Managed online presence and engaged with the audience, addressing guest concerns and fostering connections with bands. ▪ Actively contributed to the organization of local shows, overseeing event venue logistics. ▪ Spearheaded advertising efforts and collaborated on ticket sales to ensure event success. ▪ Welcomed and assisted guests at the event's entrance, ensuring a positive and seamless experience. ▪ Gained comprehensive experience in event coordination, from initial planning to on-site execution. ▪ Fostered valuable connections and contributed to the overall success of each event.

  • University of Toronto Mississauga (1 yr 4 mos)
    • Forensics Pursuit - Team Lead and Research Assistant
      Apr 2025 - Aug 2025 · 5 mos

      ▪ Led a multidisciplinary team of Forensic Science Coordinators, serving as the primary point of contact. ▪ Leveraged my dual expertise in forensic science and game development to help translate complex forensic concepts into engaging, pedagogically sound game mechanics. ▪ Provided ongoing mentorship and technical support to both forensic and computer science students, fostering cross-disciplinary communication and collaborative problem-solving. ▪ Oversaw the design and construction of in-game crime scenes, ensuring accuracy and educational value through narrative planning, evidence selection, and scene layout. ▪ Helped coordinate site visits and led asset collection efforts, including reference photos and documentation used in the visual development of game environments.

    • Forensic Pursuit - Forensic Science Coordinator
      May 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      ▪ Collaborated with forensic science and computer science teams to help develop an educational forensic-themed video game, contributing forensic science expertise and creative writing skills. ▪ Built some experience using Ren’py to build and pitch a digital forensic module ▪ Designed and documented realistic mock crime scenes for game production, ensuring authenticity and educational value. ▪ Participated in user testing, providing feedback to enhance game functionality and user experience

    • Residence Don, Student Housing & Residence Life
      Aug 2024 - Apr 2025 · 9 mos

      ▪ Took on a leadership role by being the first line of support for first-year students, helping them navigate academic, social, and personal challenges. ▪ Created a supportive and inclusive community within undergraduate residence by focusing on individual growth and intercultural understanding. This was done through One-on-Ones with students, and Community Gatherings. ▪ Enforced community standards by conducting house checks. Additionally, I addressed and documented behaviour issues, and conducted follow-ups as necessary. ▪ Planned, organized, and marketed engaging community events for students throughout the year, generating innovative ideas and content to encourage participation and ensure the effective delivery of important information. ▪ Provided support to residents by addressing high-risk concerns, including mental health, suicide awareness, sexual assault, and domestic violence. ▪ Utilized safeTALK training and knowledge of university/residence resources to offer effective guidance and referrals.

  • Summer Camp Counselor at Scarborough Gym Elites
    Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 · 3 mos

    ▪ Served as Group Leader for children aged 4-12, guiding my team through various activities and fostering a sense of belonging and team spirit. ▪ Acted as Arts and Crafts Lead Coach, developing artistic and teaching skills while ensuring a calm learning atmosphere. ▪ Introduced engaging activities as Games Lead, focusing on strength and conditioning for gymnastics. ▪ Set-up and clean-up processes of the gym at the beginning and end of each day, organizing activities for the following day. ▪ Balanced extroversion and authority, allowing for effective communication with children. ▪ Developed leadership capabilities and the ability to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for campers. ▪ Emphasized the importance of positive relationships with children, while building a dynamic skill set in arts, teaching, and physical activities.