Meet Your Council!

Kennis Ross

kross086@uottawa.com

Hi! My name is Kennis and I’m a Master’s student in the Standen lab. I work with salamanders and how sensory feedback influences their movement. I’m so excited to be a part of the BGSA and use my creativity to expand our social media presence! Outside of my research I love knitting, reading, hanging out with my bunny, and staying active. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Sarah Heffernan

sheff019@uottawa.ca

Hi! I am a PhD candidate in the Rajakumar Lab studying the evolutionary development of compound eyes in ants. Outside of the lab I love playing sports, hiking, finding cool bugs, and taking pictures of my cat. I am very excited to be apart of the BGSA and look forward to being more involved in the department community!

Edie Olender

You might notice my photo is a bit different than the usual headshot... I actually work as a concert and event photographer in my spare time! This is why I was drawn to joining the BGSA - I am so excited to funnel that creative energy into our social media presence! I am equally as excited to be a master's student in the Rajakumar lab where my research will explore the origins of wing polyphenism in ants. When I'm not behind the camera or the lab bench, I love reading horror and new journalism literature or teaching my cat to speak (have you seen those awesome videos of pets communicating by pushing buttons?!)

Lai Wei 

I’m a master’s student in the Mennigen Lab. I am studying the toxicity effects of PFAS on pancreatic beta-cell development in zebrafish. I enjoy crocheting, baking, music, and badminton during my free time and love getting involved in the community!

Feel free to contact me with any concerns you may have, I’m always here to help!

Jenna Boomhower

jboom073@uottawa.ca

I am a master’s student in the Kharouba lab studying how climate warming impacts the nectar quality of native and introduced plants, and how that in turn affects the body composition of monarch butterflies. In my free time I really enjoy cooking, baking, and watching movies.  I am also a strong advocate, so please reach out if you have any questions related to Academic Accommodations, accessibility, and inclusion at the university.

Christie Crews

Hello! I am a master’s student in the Lee-Yaw lab studying long-toed salamander use of road mitigation systems, particularly in the face of landscape change. I love being outside and you will often find me herping, birding, or helping out with my family’s giant vegetable garden (and I mean giant veggies – just ask me about our pumpkins). I am excited to be part of the BGSA and work to make the departmental seminars work for you!

Karanveer Johal

I am a Master's student in the lab of Dr. Gilda Stefanelli studying neurodevelop and neurodevelopmental disorders in mice models. This is my first year as a member of the BGSA but I love hosting group events and meeting people, so I am excited to get started as the Social Event Coordinator. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing board games, going to the gym, watching movies, and playing pool. You'll be seeing me around plenty from now on!

Abigail Kos

Hi! I'm Abigail, a Master's student in the Lewis lab. My research looks at how neural network structure influences function in weakly electric fish. I'm excited to organize events where biograds can relax, recharge, and socialize. Outside of the lab, I like to spend my time swimming, writing, and playing video games!

Sambina Bevilacqua 

sbevi092@uottawa.ca

Hi! I am a PhD candidate co-supervised by Dr. Laurie Chan and Dr. Dawn Jin. In collaboration with the Food Directorate at Health Canada, my research investigates how confounding variables influence the toxicity and physicochemical properties of food-grade and nano-scale titanium dioxide in vitro. Outside the lab I enjoy reading, watching horror movies, bird watching, and teaching my cats new tricks!

Mary Maamoun

Hey, everyone! My name’s Mary, and I’m a first-year Master’s student in the Harris Lab studying stress response pathways on secondary metabolite production in yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.). I’m honoured to serve as this year’s Professional Development Coordinator, where I hope to facilitate opportunities for networking, scientific engagement, and career preparation for my fellow biology students! Aside from plants and community engagement, I enjoy watching sports (go Sens!), hiking, and painting; so, if you know of any good walking trails or have anything in mind you’d want the BGSA to coordinate, please don’t hesitate to reach out!(:

Augustin Birot

I am a first-year PhD student in the M.A.D. Lab, all the way from Lyon, France. I’m doing research on the Yellow-Bellied Marmots body mass evolution with climate change. As a newcomer here, I am really excited to get to know the Biograd community! When I’m not studying I love to hike and hang out!

Gabrielle Quenneville

I am a first-year master's student in the Ekker lab, studying nervous system development and gene regulation in fish. As a Franco-Ontarian, I’m passionate about representing my community and reconnecting with my roots. I love plants, music, and reading, and I strive to advocate for intersectionality in both my research and daily life.

Dexter Lash-Burrows

dlash094@uottawa.ca

I am a first year master's student in the Bui lab. I study spinal interneurons and their role in recovery from spinal cord injury. As a CUPE representative I hope to be a voice for Uottawa biograds and to make sure we are all able to enjoy fair work conditions. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns related to CUPE.

Madeleine Robitaille

mrobi047@uottawa.ca

Hello everyone! I’m Madeleine (she/her/elle) and I’m excited to be one of your CUPE reps! I’m a second-year PhD student in the Lee-Yaw Lab studying the ecology and genetics of Fowler’s toads. I am a strong advocate for graduate workers’ rights and I am looking forward to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment among graduate students. I enjoy spending time outdoors, knitting, and cooking. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns!

Bhavya Kansara

Hello everyone, My name is Bhavya Kansara and I am a first semester student in Dr. Mottiar's lab. I work on plant lignin and its genetic modification. Outside of school, I like reading, dancing, watching movies, and playing non-competitive sport. As a student support advisor, I would love to help you in any way possible. If I cannot help out with certain aspect, I will certainly assist you in connecting with the responsible team. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the BGSA team and let us help you in making this journey smoother for you.