Learning to Think Like a Researcher
Ashenafee Mandefro came into MScAC with a strong technical background, a lot of curiosity and not a fully defined destination which, in hindsight, turned out to be exactly the point. What followed was a year of sharpening his research skills, stepping into biotech industry work and figuring out where his interests in computation and biology actually fit in the real world.
Academic Background & Early Experience
Before MScAC, Ashenafee completed his Honours Bachelor of Science at U of T in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, with a focus on Neuroscience and Computer Science. During undergrad, he also worked at a startup called PieTree through a course project. The work focused on using computer vision to automate lab tasks like counting cells and analyzing gel electrophoresis results. That early exposure to applied AI in biology stuck with him and quietly shaped what came next.
Why MScAC
For Ashenafee, MScAC was appealing for one main reason: it combined structured learning with real applied research experience.
“I didn’t just want more coursework. I wanted to actually see how research happens outside of school,” he explains.
The Data Science for Biology concentration also felt like a natural continuation of his undergrad, especially as he became more interested in machine learning, genomics and deep learning. MScAC, in his view, was a way to bridge all of that together.
Figuring Things Out (Career Direction)
Going into the program, Ashenafee didn’t have a super fixed plan. At different points, he had considered medicine, then moved toward computational biology and eventually found himself somewhere between AI and life sciences, but without a clear niche.
“I knew I liked research and problem-solving in biology, but I didn’t know exactly where I fit within that yet.” MScAC ended up being the space that started to make sense.
Internship at insitro
His internship at insitro, a biotech company in South San Francisco, became one of the most defining parts of the program. The company focuses on AI-driven drug discovery, especially complex diseases with genetic components.
“It was my first time working in a place where almost everyone had a PhD. At first, it was intimidating, but honestly, it pushed me in a good way.”
He worked on research problems tied to genomics and drug discovery, and quickly realized it wasn’t just about coding models; it was about thinking through scientific questions properly. What stood out most was how research-focused the environment was. It didn’t feel like typical software engineering; it felt like applied science. Outside of work, he also got immersed in life in the Bay Area joining a running club, exploring national parks, and getting a feel for a very different tech culture.
Proudest Moments & What He’s Doing Now
One moment that stood out during his internship came near the end, when his project results were validated by senior researchers he deeply respected.
“That was a big moment! It felt like I wasn’t just doing tasks anymore, I was actually thinking like a researcher.”
Another major highlight was a side project that was accepted at an ICLR workshop, which gave him confidence that his work could hold up beyond a single environment.
Since graduating, Ashenafee has been focused on roles in biotech and pharma, particularly in areas like generative modeling and the emerging “virtual cell” space. At the same time, he’s also considering whether a PhD might be next.
“I’m still figuring it out, but MScAC showed me I don’t have to choose just one path right away.”
Advice for Future Students
His advice is pretty straightforward: don’t rush through the program.
“Everyone here is really strong, so it’s easy to feel like you need to constantly keep up. But you should also just enjoy it.”
He also emphasizes the importance of talking to people, not just for networking, but for actually getting to know your cohort. Looking back, Ashenafee sees MScAC as a turning point: less about changing who he is, and more about clarifying what he wants to build toward. And being at the University of Toronto made it even more meaningful.
“It’s my dream school, honestly. I’ve been here since undergrad, and there’s something special about doing all of this in Toronto … it just feels right.”
