HSGSA 2024-2025 Executive Team
The Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association (HSGSA) is a sub-organization of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) with the primary directive of representing the interest of health sciences graduate students of the Bannatyne and St. Boniface campuses. To further enhance the graduate community, the HSGSA organizes a multitude of events, academic programs, and student socials throughout the year.
We encourage all graduate students to email us at president@hsgsa.org or vpmarketingevents@hsgsa.org and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year. For more information please browse this website or alternatively you can check us out on Facebook and Instagram.
Sadhana R.N Sudhakar, HSGSA President (She/ Her)
Office Hours: Mondays 4pm-5pm – 114 Brodie Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello everyone!!! I am Sadhana R.N. Sudhakar, the newly elected President of the HSGSA executive team for 2024-2025. Currently in my second year of the master’s program at the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, under the guidance of Dr. Jim Davie. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical sciences with honors in Human Genetics.
I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for the presidential position, and I am fully committed to advocating for the student voice and fostering effective communication that benefits graduate students. Alongside our exceptional executive team, we promise to create an unforgettable experience for our fellow graduate students.
My leadership philosophy is rooted in attentive listening and effective action. As a team, our goal is to serve as a comprehensive resource for all graduate student needs. With HSGSA’s diverse network of students from various ethnicities and cultures, inclusivity is paramount. Your opinions matter, and we are here to listen. Let’s make this journey together an amazing one.
Sanjana Grover, Vice-President Internal (She/ Her)
Office Hours: Wednesdays 4pm-5pm – 114 Brodie Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello fellow graduate students! I’m Sanjana Grover, and I am a second-year master’s student in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science (HACS), passionately exploring neural stem cell regeneration in the zebrafish brain within the Lindsey Lab. Additionally, I hold the role of treasurer within the HACS Student Council.
My academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Subsequently, I pursued a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences Research in the UK. I also had the opportunity to be a participant in the Common Purpose Leadership Programme 2020 and currently hold the Leading Across Cultures Micro-credentials. Being a part of this program was an opportunity for me to understand the importance of cultural intelligence in modern leadership and I was better able to recognise the role of my values in response to diverse cultural experiences. Before joining the University of Manitoba, I worked at an Ed-Tech firm as a Senior Content Associate (Biology) in India for about two years. Concurrently, I ran my freelance business as a biology blog writer and tutor, a practice I continue to this day, making multitasking and management integral aspects of my daily life.
On a personal note, I enjoy interacting with others, and find joy in continuous learning. When I’m not immersed in research papers, I channel my creativity through freelance gigs, drawing, and painting. I also stay physically active by engaging in badminton and dancing.
In my role as VP-Internal of HSGSA, I am dedicated to maintaining accurate financial records and overseeing budgeting processes to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible allocation of resources. It’s my commitment to utilize student funds effectively, creating enriching experiences for all members of our graduate student community. If you have any ideas on how student contributions to HSGSA funds can be utilized for a better student experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Leena Regi Saleth, Vice-President External (She/ Her)
Office Hours: Fridays 12:30pm-1:30pm – 114 Brodie Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello everyone! My name is Leena Regi Saleth, your 2024-2025 HSGSA Vice-President External. I am a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, working under the supervision of Dr. Sanjiv Dhingra. My primary work now is in cardiac tissue engineering at the St. Boniface 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.
Throughout my academic journey, I have recognized the importance of supportive and nurturing environment for students and have seen opportunities to uplift the people around me. During my 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 my city, Chennai. I also have experience working as a personality development trainer for both children and teachers in helping them cultivate their confidence, master communication, and refine their interpersonal skills through theatrics.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, I have had the privilege of serving in the HSGSA as Vice-President- St. Boniface representing the interests of the St. Boniface students and HSGSA students. During my time, I committed into ensuring that every voice of the HSGSA students is heard and their needs are addressed. Believing in the power of collaboration to serve student interests, I took the initiative to engage with the student coordinators at the St. Boniface campus. By actively listening to student needs and working collaboratively with them, I helped bring their ideas, as well as my own, to fulfilment. My significant involvement played a crucial role in the successful launch of the multicultural event series at both the St. Boniface campus and the Bannatyne campus. In addition, understanding the St. Boniface students’ financial burden laid over their mental and physical health, I advocated in creating a positive campus atmosphere by introducing the gym membership subsidy. These experiences not only demonstrate my skill in engaging with students and addressing their concerns but also highlights my ability to integrate diverse perspectives to enhance the overall effectiveness of initiatives. I have also worked alongside with the other Executive members of HSGSA to co-ordinate social events and academic workshops, to create an environment where every HSGSA student feels empowered. With a track record of advocating tirelessly for the needs of students and the community, I am honored to step forward as your HSGSA Vice-President External. As your VP-E, I am committed to ensuring that every graduate student’s needs are equally addressed, with the goal of completely reshaping and enhancing your Graduate Student Experience. Feel free to reach out!
Md. Abdul Aziz, Vice-President Academic (He/Him)
Office Hours: Tuesdays 4pm-5pm – 114 Brodie Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello everyone!
My name is Md. Abdul Aziz, a PhD student at the College of Pharmacy. I completed my Bachelor’s (Pharmacy) and Master’s (Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology) degrees in Bangladesh.
It’s my privilege to serve as the Vice-President Academic (2024-2025) at HSGSA to facilitate graduate students’ academic success and foster their professional growth. I will focus on keeping students informed about different awards/scholarships, knowledge-translation activities, and leadership and career opportunities. Also, organizing workshops, seminars/webinars throughout the year based on the student needs will be another priority of my journey with HSGSA.
Apart from my academic study, I have been actively involved in different leadership and volunteer activities at the University of Manitoba. Currently, I am serving as the President-Elect of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) student chapter. I also worked as the Vice President of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE)/ISPOR student chapter from 2022-23. Besides these, I contributed to the Manitoba Students Health Research Forum (MSHRF) as a volunteer for the HSGSA. Moreover, I am involved in the College of Pharmacy mentorship program that helps graduate students provide one-to-one support. The valuable experiences I have gained through these distinct roles throughout my academic journey will help me to be one of your voices. I always prioritize students’ perspectives. So, don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas or suggestions. I am looking forward to working with you!
Ashraf Kadar Shahib, Vice-President Marketing & Events (He/Him)
Office Hours: Fridays 4pm-5pm – 114 Brodie Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello everyone! I’m ASHRAF KADAR SHAHIB, an MSc student from the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Vice-President Marketing and Events of the HSGSA. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with all of you to cultivate an engaging and memorable year for our student council.
As your new VP Marketing and Events, my primary focus will be on developing and executing innovative marketing strategies to promote our upcoming events and initiatives. I firmly believe that effective communication and creative branding are key to driving student participation and fostering a strong sense of community on campus. In addition to my marketing responsibilities, I will also be dedicated to planning and executing a diverse range of events that cater to the diverse interests and needs of the Health Sciences Graduate Student community. From academic workshops and professional development sessions to social gatherings and cultural celebrations, I am committed to organizing a vibrant calendar of activities that will enrich the student experience and foster a sense of community on campus.
Ultimately, my aim, along with my team, is to create an environment where students are enthusiastic about getting involved and participating in our events and activities. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with all of you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas to share. Let’s make this an amazing year!
Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy, Vice-President St. Boniface (He/ Him)
Office Hours: Fridays 1pm-2pm – R3036 St. Boniface Research Centre – Please book appointment ahead of time
Hello everyone! My name is Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy, a Ph.D. student in Physiology and Pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba. My academic path began in Chennai, India, with a degree in Biotechnology, leading to a Master’s in biomedical engineering at the University of Cincinnati, where I explored how technology could enhance medical therapies. I am currently at the Saint Boniface Hospital Research Center (SBRC), developing innovative strategies to improve heart cell regeneration from stem cells, aiming to treat heart diseases. This work is a dynamic mix of biology, engineering, and material science. I’ve published several articles, presented at international conferences, and won many awards including the first prize in the university’s 2023 3-minute thesis competition.
Beyond research, I’m deeply involved in community and leadership roles, from participating in faculty search committees to mentoring students across all levels and judging science fairs. Additionally, I engage high school students through the Meet-a-Scientist program and represent student interests in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at SBRC. This year, I am truly thrilled to serve as Vice-President at St. Boniface for the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. In this role, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment for all St. Boniface & HSC students. I strive to lead with empathy, consistently available to support and listen, with a strong commitment to enhancing student experiences and promoting a culture of inclusivity. Together, we can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable successes. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me; I am here to help and support you in any way I can. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to make a difference!