*all positions are elected by student vote

Executive Members

President - Peter Soroye

I’m in the last year of my PhD with Prof Jeremy Kerr, where I research the impacts of climate change and land use change on biodiversity, with the goal of better predicting extinction risk. The BGSA has always been a very welcoming, friendly, and fun community to me, and really made my grad school experience special, so I’m happy that I get to help make sure others have that same experience.
Outside of uni I enjoy getting hyped about nature, basketball, and rap music.
VP Internal - Manel Belhadji

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VP Communications - Maisy Krajewski

I have been a Master's student in the Kharouba lab since September 2020. My research interests include plant and animal interactions and distributions, particularly under climate change. I love being outside, whether that means hiking, camping, or just sitting in a park with a good book. I love animals and have a background in veterinary science and pet nutrition, and I have a cat named Bug! I'm new to Ottawa (Montreal born and raised!) and would love to meet new people, so don't hesitate to reach out! I'm excited to take on the role of VP Communications this summer and play a part in helping students feel welcome, supported and involved in our Bio Grad community!
VP Finance - Corrine Dobson

​I’m a PhD student in the Harris lab starting a project on plant metabolism and interactions with the CYP family of enzymes. I have a background in food science and natural health products. Outside of school, I also enjoy food as well as reading, watching movies, and biking.
VP Social Media - Stephanie Rivest

I'm a PhD student in the Kharouba lab where I study butterfly-plant interactions in the context of non-native species. A big part of my research involves surveying natural populations so I love to go out on bug hunts and am always looking for rare species to add to my collection. Outside of academia, I am an avid nature photographer, hiker, bread baker, and cat mom. 
GSAÉD Councillor - Megan Reich
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​I am a PhD student co-supervised by Heather Kharouba and Clement Bataille. I study various aspects of butterfly migration using isotope geolocation and population genomics. As GSAÉD representative, I look forward to connecting with more biograds and making sure that our needs are being voiced at the GSAÉD Meetings. I love getting out in nature, travelling, reading books, and socializing!

Non-Executive Members

CUPE Representatives
Ryan Pusiak
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​I am a PhD candidate in the Harris lab exploring the anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal plants. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my fiancé (Amanda), cooking, fermenting something, and gardening. I am a hardworking individual and a critical thinker. I am also one of three CUPE stewards for the BGSA, and I volunteer for the Ottawa hub for Harm Reduction. I truly care about the rights and freedoms of all individuals and I am generally open for a good conversation!
Sampurna Bartaula

​I am a master's student in the Sylvie Lab at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada(AAFC), studying the Genomic selection for improving cross prediction of synthetic hexaploid wheat. Outside of academia, I love to interact with people, watching movies, and involve myself in sports. I look forward to meeting many students ahead in this journey and glad to help you all.
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Adam Waldbillig
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​My name is Adam Waldbillig and I am one of the department’s CUPE representatives for the 2019-20 academic year. I just completed my undergraduate degree here at the University of Ottawa studying a Bachelor of Science Biology. I have worked at RGN and CHEO doing a cell culture project as well as a lung pathology honours project during my undergrad. An interest in elucidating the biopharmacodynamics of cannabinoids and associated phytochemicals in human cell models is what brought me to the Dr. Harris’ Lab. I am an executive with Team uOttawa Diabetes and enjoy getting into volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee and rock climbing on campus.
Social Coordinators
Divya Ramachandran

​​I'm a first year master's student in the Mennigen Lab working on IT/VT Knockout lines in Zebrafish. I joined the BGSA to meet my fellow graduate students and to get involved with the community. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and planning fun events this year.
Maddie Empey

I am in my first year of my Master's in the Trudeau lab working on the effect of insecticides on amphibians. My passions include the outdoors, reading, gardening, and of course, frogs. Feel free to reach out to me anytime, I am very friendly and love meeting new people. Event ideas on how the social coordinators can make your summer as fun (and safe) as possible are welcome! I look forward to contributing to the BGSA!
Student Support Advisor
Rui Zhang

I’m a first year PhD student in the Poulain lab studying the cycling of mercury in rice paddies using metagenomics and marked-gene based approaches. Having completed my undergrad at uOttawa as an international student, I have been personally benefited from various student support services available on campus, and I think now is the perfect time to contribute back to the community. I am glad to help you with any concerns that you may have! ​
EDI Coordinator
Olga Koppel

I'm final-year PhD Candidate in the lab of Dr. Kerr, studying how bumblebees are impacted by a changing climate.  This summer, my role is all about promoting and supporting other women and underrepresented minorities in science. If you're interested in this too, reach out and let's talk! 🙂 My hobbies include playing music and waiting patiently for Drake's sixth album.