2023/24 Executive Candidates
HSGSA 2023-2024 Executive Nominations
See below for a list of executive profiles. The candidates names are listed below in alphabetical order by last name and are sorted by the position they have applied for, with their slate name in bold. The election takes place solely online and you will receive a link in your University of Manitoba email account that will connect you to your ballot.
President:
Akshi Malik (Physiology and Pathophysiology)
Vice-President Internal:
Lauren MacGowan (Community Health Sciences), COINDE (COllaboration -INvolvement -DEvelopment)
Vice-President External:
Md. Abdul Aziz (Pharmacy), COINDE
Jamie Sookhoo (Immunology)
Vice-President Academic:
Ghanan Bin Akhtar (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics)
Olamide Ogungbola (Immunology)
Shahin Shabanjpour (Pharmacy), COINDE
Yen My Vuu (Vicky) (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics)
Vice-President Marketing:
Samuel Akinola (Pharmacy), COINDE
Vice-President St. Boniface:
Leena Regi Saleth (Physiology and Pathophysiology), COINDE
Sikta Chattopadhyaya (Physiology and Pathophysiology)
President:
Akshi Malik (Physiology and Pathophysiology)
I am Akshi Malik, PhD Candidate in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at St. Boniface Research Centre, UofM. I had the opportunity to serve HSGSA members as the President (2020-22) and VP – St. Boniface (2022-23). This year, I am happy to nominate myself for President position. As part of the HSGSA exec team, I have worked closely with UofM Deans, administration, and fellow graduate students which has helped me in understanding the responsibility of a team to work together to bring out the best in favor of our graduate student community. With my experience and enthusiasm to work for HSGSA members, I aim to work towards collaboration and inclusiveness as we make our way through academic and co-curricular endeavors. On a personal level, I get along well with other people and consider myself to be a strong communicator, presenter, and listener. If the opportunity is given, I would work with the same ethics and honesty in this term as well.
Vice-President Internal:
Lauren MacGowan (Community Health Sciences), COINDE
Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am a MSc student in the department of Community Health Sciences. In 2022, I moved to Winnipeg to pursue graduate studies at the University of Manitoba. My undergraduate background is in psychology and my research looked at how spatial learning in rats is affected by environmental factors.
This year I have had the privilege of representing first year MSc students as a council member in the Community Health Sciences department. During my time in CHS student council, I have initiated and helped organize weekly study groups for various courses and partnered with fellow council members in coordinating social events and volunteer initiatives. Recently I started representing my department in the HSGSA as a council member where I serve on the Internal Development and Review Committee and the Finance Committee. My roles and responsibilities have allowed me to connect with HSGSA students and helped me contribute to a supportive and rewarding graduate school experience. My time serving with my department and HSGSA has been fulfilling. Community involvement with the goal of aiding my peers is my motivation for running in the HSGSA elections. I hope to further my involvement in the HSGSA as Vice-President Internal and continue to provide students with a positive experience by developing a budget that promotes advantages for graduate students in all areas necessary to succeed. This includes research and academic awards, workshops, and seminars, as well as social events. I aspire students to have a variety of opportunities enabling them to reach their goals and live successfully. Together with my team COINDE, we are committed to collaborate, involve, and establish events and opportunities for graduate students to develop personally and professionally. Vote for COINDE!
Vice-President External:
Md. Abdul Aziz (Pharmacy), COINDE
Hi everyone! My name is Md. Abdul Aziz, and I am an MSc student in the College of Pharmacy. My current research focuses on determining the pattern of antidepressant persistence, switching, and combination/augmentation strategies for mood and/or anxiety disorder in Manitoba, Canada. I have completed my Bachelors and Masters degrees at the Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Bangladesh. I moved to Winnipeg in Fall 2022 as an international student for my higher studies. At present, I am serving as the Vice President (VP) of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE)/ International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Student Chapter at the University of Manitoba.
During the 2021/2022 year, I served as an Executive of NSTU Science Club. Later, I also worked as a mentor of undergraduate students in State University of Bangladesh where I served as a Lecturer. Back to my undergraduate days, I was also a Member of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and Cadet at Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), NSTU Platoon.
The valuable experiences I have gained through distinct roles will help me to be one of your voices. My primary goal as your VP External is to coordinate different projects that support the academic success of graduate students and their professional development. As VP External, I will also focus on planning social and cultural events maintaining cultural diversity.
I am committed to COllaborate, INvolve, and orgnaize events that will enhance students personal and professional DEvelopment (COINDE).
I always prioritize others’ perspectives or viewpoints. So, don’t hesitate to reach me out with your ideas or suggestions. I am looking forward to serving you!.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/md-abdul-aziz-350708182/
Jamie Sookhoo (Immunology)
Hi all! I’m Jamie Sookhoo and I am running for the position of Vice-President External of HSGSA. I completed my BSc Biology and Biochemistry and MPhil Veterinary Virology at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago. Over the course of my BSc, I was the class representative for various courses, bringing student expectations and needs to the lecturers’ attention. During my Masters program, I was the student representative for the School of Veterinary Medicine’s GSA for three years. In this time, I also served as the secretary of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) Infectious Disease Research Cluster and have been on committees such as the FMS Research and Impact Committee which involves planning for various conferences, two of which I was highly involved in their success. Presently, I am a PhD Student at the Department of Immunology where I served as President of the Immunology GSA 2020-2021. In this role, I served on several committees for the HSGSA such as their MHRE, IDRC and CSHRF which I was heavily involved in for the past 3 years. I am also, currently, the President of HSGSA which gave me great insight into all of the roles of the HSGSA VPs. I chose to run as the HSGSA VPE this year as I believe it’s a role that fits my personal goals for serving all HSGSA students. I intend to fulfil my role as successfully as the past VPEs, granting awards, student services and support as well as the Graduate Student Experience. I believe that my 6+ years of experience in various administrative and leadership roles as well as my longstanding dedication to and involvement in the HSGSA over the past 4 years sets me as an excellent candidate for HSGSA VPE in the coming year.
Vice-President Academic:
Ghanan Bin Akhtar (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics)
I am Ghanan Bin Akhtar, Master’s student from the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics. I am currently working as an HSGSA councillor for my department. I have a strong background in academics and leadership positions during my undergraduate and graduate studies (including Graduate Student coordinator and Class Representative). I enjoy working to facilitate my fellow students and helping them explore their skills, which helps them in their academic and social life. Outside of academic life, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and playing badminton with my friends.
Olamide Ogungbola (Immunology)
Hello! My name is Olamide Ogungbola, I am a master’s student in the Department of Immunology with a bachelor’s degree in Genetics. My current research focuses on Investigating interferon lambda responses in inflammatory bowel disease patients.
As an undergraduate student, I served on several volunteer programs and organizations. Since completing my undergraduate program, I worked as a laboratory technician here at the University of Manitoba for almost two years where I managed our lab and assisted students with their lab projects. I have also mentored students through the cooperative program where I assisted students with securing a job, scouting potential job opportunities and assisting with work-study transitions.
I am a strong advocate for information sharing. Therefore, I will endeavor to keep everyone informed about academic, leadership and prospective career opportunities. I will also strive to invite more industry speakers, create more academic workshops and assist in developing a professional graduate student program that will help graduate students in all departments develop and become more aware of all skills necessary for their prospective careers.
Shahin Shabanjpour (Pharmacy), COINDE
Hello, I am Shahin Shabanipour, a Ph.D. student at the College of Pharmacy. I completed my master’s degree from the University of Manitoba in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science before starting my Ph.D. program.
Throughout my academic career, I have been passionate about contributing to the academic community and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth to students. During my master’s degree, I served as the VP of Human Anatomy and Cell Science for a year. This position helped me develop essential event planning, networking, and communication skills. I contributed to the planning and execution of several scientific events and workshops in the department, which helped foster a more collaborative and engaging academic environment.
As a Ph.D. student, I am actively involved in several organizations, including the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and the Society for Developmental Biology (SDB). I also took on a mentorship role, supervising undergraduate students during my studies. These experiences have taught me the importance of providing opportunities for personal and professional development to students, and I am committed to continuing this work in the future. Currently, I serve as a Basic Science VP at the College of Pharmacy and facilitate career development workshops and seminars for graduate students in our department.
I believe that my experience and skillset make me an ideal candidate for the HSGSA VP Academic position. If given the opportunity, I will work tirelessly to provide academic and career-oriented opportunities to students while also contributing to the organization of social events and workshops. I am excited about working with the COINDE team to create a better environment for the education and career development of graduate students at the University of Manitoba. Please vote for COINDE!
Yen My Vuu (Vicky) (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics)
Hi everyone, my name is Yen My Vuu (Vicky), a second-year PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics under Dr. Rastegar’s supervision. I obtained my second bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition Sciences at the University of Manitoba. My current research is about investigating potential therapeutic options for Rett Syndrome, which is an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder.
Since I began my graduate program, I became a trainee of the Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) and the Excellence in Neurodevelopment and Rehabilitation Research in Child Health (ENRRICH), a member of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB), and executive member of the Biomedical Youth Program (BYP).
Through these experiences, I have developed a passion for translating and sharing knowledge not only between researchers of differing fields, but with the public as well. If elected, the position of Vice-President Academic would allow me to use my skills and connections to provide University of Manitoba graduate students with educational and networking events by providing informative speaker sessions and career development workshops that can lead to new volunteer and academic opportunities.
Vice-President Marketing:
Samuel Akinola (Pharmacy), COINDE
Hi everyone! My name is Pelumi Samuel AKINOLA, and I am an MSc student at the College of Pharmacy. I graduated from the University of Pecs in Hungary with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. During my undergraduate studies, I served as a leader on several student organizations, including the student representative council, representing students’ interests at the senate level.
As the current President of the College of Pharmacy graduate students’ council, I represent the graduate pharmacy students on the HSGSA council and actively contribute to discussions on the by-law and events committees. I have facilitated workshops for graduate pharmacy students featuring Executive Directors and Vice Presidents of top biopharmaceutical companies as speakers. Outside the university, I am a recording and performing artiste with more than half a million streams across all streaming platforms. I have organized and performed on several big stages in Europe, Africa, and North America.
I am quite excited to serve my fellow graduate students at the health sciences. I hope to work together with the other executives to continue to represent the graduate student’s interests within and outside of the university. I will work closely with the graduate students, HSGSA and UMGSA executives, and the faculty leadership to identify and organize events and fun activities that will aid students’ personal and professional development. I am committed to COllaborate, INvolve, and organise events that will enhance students’ personal and professional DEvelopment (COINDE).
Vice-President St. Boniface:
Leena Regi Saleth (Physiology and Pathophysiology), COINDE
Hello! My name is Leena Regi Saleth and I am a 2nd year Ph.D. student from the department of Physiology and Pathophysiology working at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre. I also have a background in Biotechnology, having graduated with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field from India. Although I enjoy spending time in the lab, I am also passionate about finding ways to better my community and serve those around me.
One experience that really shaped my interest in doing more for my community happened in undergrad. I had the wonderful opportunity to serve as Vice-President and President of ENACTUS (ENtrepreneurial ACTion in US) – a worldwide organization that encourages emerging student entrepreneurs to create business solutions for social issues. I led a team of around 70 students in developing 3 different projects targeting the economically backward communities in our city. These projects aimed at equipping underprivileged individuals with business-savvy skills and educating them on how to run a business, so they could ultimately create a sustainable way of living for themselves. This showed me what a difference a small act could accomplish.
Soon after I completed my master’s degree, I was given an opportunity to work as a personality development teacher with Helen O’Grady International Speech and Drama Academy. I was responsible for teaching students from kindergarten to high school with a focus on developing their creativity, collaboration, and confidence through the medium of theatrics. The entrepreneurial skills I gained from ENACTUS helped me establish our education programs in several schools through workshops and new marketing strategies. My primary work now is in cardiac tissue engineering at the St. Boniface Research Centre. During my time as an MHRE instructor and member, I have realized the impact HSGSA can have on a student’s life. This has encouraged me to run for the position of Vice President – St. Boniface. My goal is to build a better community for every student on St. Boniface campus and unify our student body through a better network. I aim to ensure they receive all eligible benefits towards the betterment of their academic and research ventures. I am willing to go above and beyond to encourage and empower each student. As your hopeful VP, I seek to be open and communicative to encourage organic interactions and innovative ideas. Together with my team COINDE, we will work on establishing a “Collaborative Involvement towards Development” for every HSGSA student.
Sikta Chattopadhyaya (Physiology and Pathophysiology)
Hello everyone! My name is Sikta Chattopadhyaya. I am a fourth year PhD Candidate from the
Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre. My PhD project is focused on deciphering the role of Angiotensin II inhibitors in combating cardiac fibrosis. I completed my Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Calcutta, India. During my Masters program I was actively involved in organizing both academic and social events.
I started as a PhD student at the University of Manitoba in Jan 2020. I have been the Graduate Student Representative for the Cardiovascular Division of the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, and a Member of the Max Rady College of Medicine Council since 2021. As the Cardiac Representative, along with the other representatives we have organised several events such as Research Showcase Seminar Series, several Science Café events and also fun events such as online games night, pizza parties, etc. Through my leadership roles, I have been the voice of graduate students discussing about any requirement or problem that the students are facing and making sure that their voice is heard. Additionally, I have participated in several HSGSA events and have volunteered in quite a few of them. I will be more than happy to organize events for all the graduate students at St. Boniface campus and become their voice if I get the chance to become Vice President St. Boniface.
I am a very easily approachable person. If you have something on your mind that you want to discuss about, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.