President

Paul Walz
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences
gsa.pres@uleth.ca

My name is Paul Walz and I am in my first year as a MSc. Candidate in the Kovalchuks’ Laboratory. I am researching the influence of pathogenic bacteria determinants on genome stability of direct (spleen, liver and intestinal tissue) and distal cells (ex. Muscle).

Originally, I am from a small Northern Ontario city called Sault Ste. Marie, where I received my first opportunity to be a part of a student governing body as a member of the Graduating Students Council. For my undergraduate studies (Hon. Spec. Biological Science), I attended the University of Western Ontario, where I also became involved in the governance of the student body. I became part of the Science Students Council (SSC) and later developed my skills on the University Students Council (USC) as a Commissioner of Student Services. The responsibility of the position allowed myself to represent the entire student body and the services that the USC provided (such as Student Health, EnviroWestern, PRIDE Western, Office of International Students, Centre for New Students, Campus Rec, FootPatrol/WalkSafe, Women’s Issues Network, Student Development Services, as well as the USC itself on many public occasions and debates). During the 2008/2009 school year, I had the rare opportunity to be a coordinator for Orientation Week at UWO.

Beyond the classroom, I was a co-creator of a YMCA/UWO Student Volunteer joint effort of Super Science. This afterschool program reached out to 14 elementary school, and two school boards, to encourage student to continue in their studies, embrace the science in everyday life, and to have fun. Also, I have been an avid volunteer with my home town Rotary Club; assisting in the coordination of the Easter Seals Telethon, Battle of the Band Hockey Fundraiser, Rotary Community Days, and the Rotary Day Parade.

As president of the GSA, I will use my skills and past experiences to help develop and expand the reaches of our graduate council and our graduates here at the UofL. I will be the liaison between students, faculty, and administration.

If I am not in the lab, I can be found hiking the beautiful landscapes of Alberta, fishing, camping or just tossing a ball around campus with some friends. Please contact me any time to ask questions, leave comments or to arrange a meeting: walz@uleth.ca

Vice-President Internal

Wing Li
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Neuroscience
gsa.internal@uleth.ca

Hello, everyone! My name is Wing Li and I am a master’s degree student conducting research at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN). I am investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal networks underlying memory processes. Specifically, I’m interested in the reactivation of temporally tagged neocortical neurons upon exposure to familiar contexts. I received my undergraduate degree, majoring in both Biological Sciences and Psychology, from the University of Alberta. At the U of A, I was heavily involved with the Students’ Union and also coordinated many campus activities. At the U of L, I am a student councillor for the Society for Neuroscience (Lethbridge Chapter), an organizer for Brain Awareness Week and also for the Brenda Milner Lecture Series.Outside of the lab, I enjoy shopping (a natural trait derived from basically growing up in West Edmonton Mall), karaoke nights at the Duke, and planning our wedding with my fiancé.While graduate students can find themselves immersed completely in their research and courses, I truly believe that a well-rounded student experience also calls for becoming involved and exposing oneself to diverse experiences aside from books and papers. This year, as your VP internal, I will strive to bring my palette of skills and experience to increase graduate student representation and visibility at multiple levels of university administration. I aim to continue ongoing efforts in legislative negotiations with the School of Graduate Studies in the best interests of the student body. I also hope to host frequent and relevant social events in order to promote a tight-knit graduate student community and foster authentic cross- disciplinary relationship building.

Vice-President External

Jeanne Xie
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Neuroscience
gsa.external@uleth.ca

My name is Jeanne Xie. I am a first year master’s student in Bruce McNaughton’s lab at the Canadian Centre for Behaviour Neuroscience at the U of L. FACT: You were born with most, but not all, of the brain cells you’ll ever have. New neurons are generated every day in a brain region called the hippocampus. My research focuses on the phenomenon of neurogenesis and the functional role of these newborn cells, particularly in encoding new events and/or experiences.I enjoy ripping up the drums in Rock Band 2, dodgeball, rock climbing, and dry humor.

Vice-President Finance

Carolyn Penniket
Ph.D. Student, Department of Biology
Carolyn.Penniket@uleth.ca

I am currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Biomolecular Science. My research is conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research Centre (LRC) where I am identifying and characterizing tissue-specific gene expression patterns in cereal crops, and in particular triticale. Triticale is a man made hybrid of wheat and rye and while it is currently not a major player in western Canadian agriculture it has been proposed to be suitable platform as a bioindustrial crop. In order to maximize its potential to produce a number of valuable bioproducts, an understanding of the gene expression patterns and regulatory networks controlling its development is critical. This is an exciting time to be involved in molecular genomics research for me as the pace of technological advance is proving possible feats that only a few years ago seemed unachievable. When not in the lab I enjoy going to the mountains and skiing, boarding, kayaking, biking and hiking.I will be responsible for bookkeeping this year for the GSA and look forward to another year on the council. Feel free to contact me with any issues and concerns you might have at vp.finance@ulgsa.ca

Ph.D. Representative

Kim Dohms
Ph.D. Student, Department of Biological Sciences

My name is Kim Dohms and I am a PhD student in Biological Sciences. For my research in the Burg Lab, I am using genetic markers and morphological characteristics to investigate variation and dispersal patterns in two high latitude, resident North American corvid species – Gray Jay and Clark’s Nutcracker.I came to Lethbridge in September 2009 from Regina, Saskatchewan, where I recently completed my MSc researching grassland songbird behaviour and reproduction. Most of my research and volunteer work to date has involved environmental advocacy and education programs at nature organizations, including time spent as the VP of Nature Saskatchewan and several years as the Secretary of Friends of Wascana Marsh. While I do not have any experience as a GSA council member, I bring a wealth of experience to the table from other activities, including fundraising, event planning, and communications design and implementation skills.When I don’t have birds on the brain, I love spending time hiking and camping, enjoying food, appreciating live music, practicing hatha yoga, crafting, taking photographs, video gaming, and bellydancing.I look forward to working with this dynamic group of council members and representing my fellow PhD students in 2010-2011. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or issues that you’d like me to bring to the GSA’s attention!

M.A./M.F.A. Representative

Mandy Espezel
M.F.A. Candidate, Department of Fine Arts

Hello there, my name is Mandy Espezel. I’m a first year graduate student in the MFA program. My area of focus is in Art (visual), specifically painting and drawing, and I’ve just started experimenting with video. My research is based largely in studio practice, as well studying historical and contemporary social/art theory.I’m a big fan of all things creativity related; things like paintings and movies and books. I was born and raised in Fort McMurray, and attended the University of Alberta for my undergrad degree. After receiving my BFA, I remained in Edmonton for a couple of years, working in a number of art related positions until graduate school won me over. I’ve been in Lethbridge for about seven months, and I am steadily being endeared to the place by both the warm temperatures and the abundance of deer. I’m looking forward to being involved with the GSA Council, and to representing a soon to be growing amount of graduate level Arts students.

M.Sc. Representative

Mohammad Reza Rahavi
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences

Hi, my name is Mohammad Reza Rahavi, and I am doing my Master’s degree in Dr. Igor Kovalchuk’s laboratory on plant biotechnology. I moved to Lethbridge in 2005 where I finished my bachelor degree in Agricultural Biotechnology. Along with my bachelors program, I was employed in Dr. Keyvan’s Virology Lab; Dr. Hannesson’s Neuroscience lab, doing Epilepsy Research; and Dr. Kovalchuk’s Lab, doing epigenetic research. I have also done some research in Dr. Wieden’s biochemistry lab working on molecular dynamics simulations of translation factors. In my current research, I am focusing on epigenetic perspective of transgenerational stress tolerance.I am originally from Iran, and moving to Canada was a major change in my life. This experience has provided me with many different strategies in how to adapt to new situations and other challenges. I would like to be able to share my experience from such change with other students. My work with the international center in helping students new to Canada adjust to the new language and new culture, has prepared me for the work required for this position.I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, and skiing. I always would like to meet new people and make more friends. As a graduate student representative, I would aim to help graduate students have better experience at the University of Lethbridge. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding graduate programs.

M.Sc. (Management) Representative

Patty Vadnais
M.Sc. (Management) Candidate, Faculty of Management

My name is Patty Vadnais. I am in my first year as MSc candidate in the Management program focusing on Policy and Strategy. My research is currently at a very broad state of non-profit organization sustainability. I completed my BSc at Montana State University in Plant Science and recently completed the UofL’s Post-Bachelor Management Certificate Program.

FNMI Representative

Mike Frank
M.A. Candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies

My name is Mike Frank. I recently graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Art degree in Philosophy. Currently, I am in my first year as a M.A. Candidate within the Interdisciplinary Studies program within the Native American Studies department and Health Sciences Department. My research involves examining Aboriginal men’s masculinity within the Blackfoot culture. I hope to examine the stressors and tensions that Aboriginal men face towards themselves, their communities, and Aboriginal culture as a whole. As a member of the Kainai (Blood) Tribe and as a founding member of the University of Lethbridge First Nation, Metis, Inuit Alumni Chapter, I hope to provide an Aboriginal voice to the Graduate Student’s Association. Moreover, I will provide all Aboriginal students on campus the ability to have their voices and concerns heard by the GSA, faculty, and staff members. I would like to see a stronger Aboriginal presence at the U of L in any capacity and this is possible with your help. I wish everyone the best in their studies and feel free to wave me down in U-Hall or send me an email with your thoughts.

International Student Representative

Gibion Makiwa
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Hi, my name is Gibion Makiwa. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I hold a BSc Honours degree in Physics and an MSc in Applied Physics degree from the University of Zimbabwe. Currently I am doing a second MSc degree in Astrophysics. I am a member of the Astronomical Instrumentation Group (AIG) led by Dr. David Naylor. I am working on data from the SPIRE instrument. SPIRE is one of the instrument payloads aboard the Herschel Space Observatory which was launched to space in May last year. Herschel is currently in orbit at the second Lagrangian point (L2) about 1.5 million km from the Earth.As the International Student Representative, I would like to help create an environment where International students do not feel isolated. I also intend to engage the university administration to lower fees and/or increase funding for international students.

M.Sc. Representative

Md. Raqibur Rahman
M.Sc. Candidate, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Hi friends! I am doing my second Master in Computer Science in U of L. I am researching on ternary reversible logic, a very new technology in computer industry. You have heard of binary 0 and 1 yet now, let’s prepare for ternary 0, 1 and 2! My research focuses on the inbuilt self testing capability of the ternary circuits. It is related to ‘quantum computing’ which is hoping to be the next generation of computer yet to come.
I have completed my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh is my home country. Moving to a western country from an eastern country provides me a lot of experiences to be faced. I’d be happy if I can help the international students with any of my experiences. I have been associated with different kinds of clubs like, debating club, cultural club, science club etc. all through my student life. So, it’s a great opportunity for me to be a GSA member and serve the grad students.
I enjoy travelling most and also fond of all kind of outdoor activities. I am looking forward to work with GSA and would be honoured if I get the chance to help you.