artist bios

Karima Afghoul
Karima Afghoul is a second-year undergraduate BFA student in Design at Concordia University. She mainly focuses on graphic design as she tries to approach the practice with a more sustainable perspective. Karima has also a good amount of experience in social media design as well as branding. As she explores different areas of design, she started dabbling in web and user experience design which allows her to create more user-centric and holistic designs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature and finding new brunch spots in the city.

John Mendoza
John Mendoza is primarily a graphic designer but has interests in venturing in other areas of design. He is particularly interested in the collaborative nature of design and its link in all fields, which compelled him to pursue higher education. Today, he is currently studying Design at Concordia University as an undergrad while working as a visual communication lab coordinator where he oversees the many talented students and their projects to provide support ranging from technical to conceptual.
Ursula J'vlyn d'Ark


The Renaissance Lab Podcast aims to expose and exemplify the intersection of art and (neuro)science by highlighting the works of (neuro)scientists who practise art, and artists who use science in their practise. Through informal, conversation-style interviews, this series will help unite divergent fields and inspire creativity in research and art in Montreal and beyond.
Episodes are freely available online, and the show is led, hosted and produced by Kathryn Vaillancourt, who has produced 97 episodes of the On Your Mind Neuroscience Podcast.
Interviewees and content will include the ongoing programming of the Convergence Initiative.
Do you want to participate in our podcast series? Please contact Kathryn by email at podcast.convergence@gmail.com
