Meet Your Council!

*all positions are elected by student vote

President - Tori Scherle

I am a PhD student in the Harris Lab studying protein/ligand interactions using in silico and in vitro approches for various Natural Health Products. Last year, I was a CUPE rep for BGSA and was looking to take on more responsibility. Outside of academics I am the vice-president for Rotaract Ottawa and have held previous leadership roles in other clubs that have prepared me to take on this role. I also enjoy reading, creating content and adventuring!

VP Communications - Maddie Empey

I am a PhD student in the Trudeau lab studying the effects of insecticides on amphibians. My passions include being outdoors, reading, writing, gardening, and of course, frogs. I look forward to contributing to the BGSA as VP Communications and making our community welcoming for students. If you have anything you want to share with the department or have general questions, feel free to email me!

VP Social Media - Brianna Raven

I’m a PhD student in the Trudeau lab studying novel hormones and how they affect amphibian reproduction. Outside of research I enjoy rock climbing, cooking, and the outdoors. I am so excited to be VP Social Media for the BGSA to expand my creativity and to be more involved! Feel free to reach out on any social media sites if you have any questions or concerns and I’ll be happy to help!

VP Finance - Alibek Kruglikov

I am a PhD student in the Xia lab working on a project on protein structures in thermophiles. I am also very interested in developing Machine Learning applications in protein structure studies. Outside of academia I enjoy watching movies, playing soccer and, possibly to a fault, engaging in socio-political debates.

GSAÉD Councillor - Keaton Sinclair

ksinc039@uottawa.ca

I'm a Masters student studying Pseudomonas aeruginosa genetics in the lab of Dr. Kassen. I'm your representative to and from the Graduate Student Association des Étudiants Diplômé (GSAÉD); tell me your concerns and I'll make sure they're heard. I'm working to foster solidarity amongst all graduate students

Student Support Advisor

Tovah Kashetsky

​tkash084@uottawa.ca

I’m a PhD student studying wild bee cognition in the Forrest lab. In my downtime, I love socializing, being creative, watching movies, and keeping active. Please reach out if you have any concerns. As the student support advisor, I’m always here to help!

EDI Coordinator

Tricia Skelton

uobioedi@gmail.com

I'm Tricia, this year's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator. I'm a second-year master's student in the Morand-Ferron lab, studying learning in crickets. I hope to build a welcoming, inclusive space, so don't be afraid to reach out if you have any ideas, criticisms, or suggestions

Bilingualism Officers

Karen Kadamani

I am in my first year of PhD in the Pamenter lab after fast-tracking last year. The immune system is absolutely fascinating to me and so I study the immune response in naked-mole rats, one of the most hypoxia-tolerant mammals identified to date. I started graduate school during the pandemic, but now I hope to finally be able to meet my fellow biograds in person! Outside of research, I love reading books and am finally building my own collection.​ 

Emmanuelle Monniez

I am a Ph.D. student co-supervised by Vance Trudeau and Carole Yauk, studying stress response in zebrafish. I moved to Canada from France for this project, and I am happy to join the BGSA as Bilingualism Officer this year! As a French native speaker, I help translate BGSA’s communications, but do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime you need a French speaker. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and exploring the outdoors.

Social Coordinators

Anik Martin

I’m a first year master’s student in the Chan Lab. My research focuses on Thaleichthys pacificus, a very oily fish that can be found off the coast of BC. I will be studying how traditional Indigenous preparation techniques can change their nutritional content and comparing this to commercially available omega-3 supplements. As a new student in Ottawa, I joined the BGSA to meet other graduate students and get involved in the community.

Alexa D’Addario

I am a second-year PhD student in Dr. Jeremy Kerr’s lab, studying species at-risk! When I’m not lost in my research I spend my time practising gymnastics, singing, reading and playing video games. I absolutely love planning parties and social events, so be sure to check out all of the fun stuff we have planned this year and feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas!

CUPE Representatives

Haya Hawari

​hhawari@uottawa.ca

I’m a first year masters student exploring the resistance of retinal neurons to hypoxia in goldfish in Micheal Jonz’s lab. As a union steward, I’ll be the medium between you and the CUPE2626 and I’ll keep you informed about important union activities such as upcoming general assemblies that are the most important decision-making body of the union. In my spare time, I enjoy video montaging, volunteering, and socializing. I also love exploring Ottawa and its various cafes.

Mohamed Ojaghi

mojag071@uottawa.ca

I am a PhD student in the Pamenter lab studying glucose metabolism in naked mole-rats. Previously, I was a member of the bylaw CUPE2626 committee. I will be happy to help students who have any questions about CUPE. Outside of academia, I like playing soccer, chess and tennis.