*all positions are elected by student vote

Executive Members

President - Olga Koppel
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I'm final-year PhD Candidate in the lab of Dr. Kerr, studying how bumblebees are impacted by a changing climate. I'm excited to help biograds get the most of their graduate experience by creating a sense of community and advocating for student need with the Faculty. In my spare time I'm going on nature walks and making Spotify playlists for every occasion.
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VP Internal - Divya Ramachandran
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​​​I'm a second 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.

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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 - Alex Hicks

I'm a Master's student in the Kassen Lab using experimental evolution to study diversification in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I'm excited to be a part of BGSA this year, keeping biograds in the loop about events happening in the department! Outside of school I like watching TV/movies, reading, and playing Stardew Valley. I'm also a member of the GeeGee's artistic (synchronized) swimming team.

GSAÉD Councillor - Keaton Sinclair​
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

Non-Executive Members

CUPE Representatives

Ryan Pusiak

​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!

Tori Scherle

​I’m a first year Masters student in the Harris Lab. My previous research included modeling Echinacea Alkylamide interactions with Cannabinoid Receptors. Currently I am studying protein/ligand interactions using computer programs and in vitro assays using both cannabinoids and psychedelics. In my spare time I am the External Communications Director for Rotaract Ottawa and Social Media Coordinator for Glee Gees. These roles have provided me with great communications skills that will benefit me in the CUPE position. I also enjoy reading, creating content and adventuring!

Tricia Skelton
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I'm a masters student co-supervised by Julie Morand-Ferron and Sue Bertram, studying social learning in crickets. My scientific background is in animal behaviour and psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy crochet, art, and video games!
​Je suis une étudiante de Maîtrise, co-supervisée par Julie Morand-Ferron et Sue Bertram. J'étudie l'apprentissage social avec les grillons. Mon expérience scientifique est dans la psychologie et le comportement des animaux. Pendant mon temps libre, j'aime le crochet, l'art, et les jeux vidéos!
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Social Coordinators

​Emil Isaksson

I'm a third year PhD in Julie Morand-Ferron's lab where I study environmental and individual influences on social learning. I moved to Canada from Sweden for graduate studies and really appreciated BGSA's hard work on strengthening the biograd community and making everyone feel welcome, which is something I hope to contribute to. Outside of school I'm an amateur bird watcher, I love spending time in nature, socialize, listening to metal and nerd out with movies.

Maddie Empey

I am in my second 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

Hannah Keefe​

I've been a Master's student in the Kharouba lab since July 2020, where I've been researching how climate influences butterfly distribution through a combination of species distribution modelling and field work. In my spare time I enjoy getting outside, reading, cooking, socializing and staying active. I look forward to meeting everyone, learning more about the support systems in place at uOttawa and helping you however I can!

EDI Coordinator

Michela Dumas
 
I’m a PhD student in the MAD lab under the co-supervision of Julien Martin and Pierre Bize, studying sexual selection and mating strategies in the Alpine Swift. I love anything that brings me outdoors, including long-distance backpacking and wildlife photography. Please reach out so that we can chat about nature and science, and what the EDI committee can do to improve your graduate experience! 

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