HSGSA 2026-2027 Executive Team
The Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association (HSGSA) is a sub-organization of the University of Manitoba Graduate Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) 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.
Ashraf Kadar Shahib, HSGSA President (He/Him)
Office Hours: Fridays – 3:00pm – 5:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hi everyone! I’m Ashraf Kadar Shahib, a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, and it is an absolute honor to serve my second term as your HSGSA President and simultaneously as the Vice-President Health Sciences at the UMGPS. With a deep commitment to student life and a multidisciplinary perspective, I am dedicated to fostering a resilient, engaged, and well-supported graduate student community across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
During my first term as President, I focused heavily on the long-term sustainability of our association. To future-proof our organization, I spearheaded a comprehensive restructuring of the HSGSA executive framework and successfully reframed our election structures to guarantee a transparent, fair democratic process. Recognizing the critical need for peer support and development, my team and I also launched the inaugural HSGSA Mentorship Program cohort, established an endowment fund to provide additional graduate awards, and expanded the executive capacity of the Multidisciplinary Health Research Experience (MHRE) Program.
My commitment to this community is built on over three years of active, on-the-ground service, including a highly successful tenure as VP Marketing & Events. Building on that foundation, my vision for the 2026–2027 term is centered entirely on continuity and growth.
Moving forward, my focus shifts from establishing these vital new systems to perfecting and expanding them. I am actively working to deepen our strategic partnerships with key external organizations and fiercely advocate for your well-being and campus resources at the highest levels of university administration. I remain passionately and relentlessly committed to delivering maximum value to every single graduate student and elevating our collective experience here at the University of Manitoba.
Deanne Nixie Miao, Vice-President Finance and Administration (She/Her)
Office Hours: Mondays – 08:00pm – 09:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello! My name is Deanne Nixie Miao, and I am currently serving as the Vice President Finance and Administration of the HSGSA. Previously, I served as Vice President Internal, where I gained extensive experience in financial oversight, budgeting, reimbursements, and administrative coordination in support of graduate students and trainee initiatives.
I am a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (BMG) at the University of Manitoba. In addition to my work with HSGSA, I have been actively involved in student leadership and advocacy through the BMG Graduate Students’ Association (BMG-GSA) and Filipinos Advancing Research in the Health Sciences (FLARES). I have also contributed to several committees and initiatives, including the 25th BMG Anniversary, Science Rendezvous, Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Awards Committee, and the Co-Mentorship of Patients, Investigators and Learners in Oncology Training (Co-PILOT) Program.
Through these experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of student governance, financial administration, and the importance of accessible and transparent processes that support graduate students and trainees. As Vice President Finance and Administration, I am committed to maintaining responsible financial oversight, strengthening administrative efficiency, and supporting initiatives that enhance student engagement, professional development, and community building within HSGSA.
I believe that student organizations should be transparent, reliable and student-centered, and I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for the graduate student community.
Suraj Shaji, Vice-President Academic and External Affairs (He/Him)
Office Hours: Tuesdays – 04:00pm – 05:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
I am a third-year PhD student in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne Campus, and I am humbled to serve as your Vice President Academic and External Affairs for the 2026-2027 term.
My involvement in the student community spans both my undergraduate and graduate years. During my undergrad, I served on student club boards and organized large-scale technical and cultural events, experiences that laid a strong foundation in teamwork and organizational leadership. Since joining graduate school, I have continued that momentum – volunteering with HSGSA since my first year and representing students as a departmental council member. These experiences have shaped both my understanding of student needs and my approach to leadership.
Having navigated the graduate journey firsthand – the research pressures, the demands of work-life balance, and the uncertainty of what comes next – I bring a grounded perspective to this role. That experience informs everything I do.
My mandate centres on supporting graduate students both academically and in their transition to professional life. Key initiatives include workshops on stress management, networking, career readiness, and professional skill development, all designed to equip students with the tools they need to move confidently from academia into the wider world. And while the goals are serious, the journey doesn’t have to be – expect engaging, interactive sessions that are as enjoyable as they are meaningful.
I am also committed to fostering meaningful connections between students and academic and industry professionals, creating pathways to opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.
Mahin Hasan, Vice-President Events (He/Him)
Office Hours: Thursdays – 03pm – 04pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hi everyone! I am Mahin, Vice President (Events) of the HSGSA for 2026-27 and a PhD student in the College of Pharmacy at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
Graduate school can be demanding, and I value the role that well-designed events play in fostering connection, balance, and a sense of community. Through my work as President of the College of Pharmacy Graduate Students Council and as a member of the HSGSA Events Subcommittee, I have gained experience in planning and delivering student-focused events, coordinating logistics, and engaging with students to understand their needs beyond academics.
In my role as VP (Events), I look forward to continuing HSGSA traditions such as the Winter Gala and Culturo-Fest. I also have several ideas that I am planning to implement in ways that align with the academic calendar, while introducing initiatives shaped by student feedback. My focus is to support inclusive, welcoming, and meaningful experiences that bring students together across programs and campuses and help us feel more connected.
I welcome your ideas and feedback. Please feel free to reach out.
Roni Armon, Vice-President Marketing & Communications (She/her)
Office Hours: Wednesdays – 01:00pm – 02:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello everyone, my name is Roni Armon, and I am the Vice-President Marketing and Communications for HSGSA. I am currently a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the College of Pharmacy, where my research focuses on the protective mechanisms of cannabinoid receptor signaling in atrial fibrillation.
My path to graduate studies began in emergency medicine, where I trained and worked as a paramedic. In that role, I led teams and made critical decisions in high-pressure environments – experiences that shaped my approach to leadership, communication, and responsibility.
Over the past year, I had the privilege of serving as Vice-President St. Boniface, where I worked closely with students to better understand their needs and perspectives. That experience reinforced the importance of representation, accessibility, and building connections across campuses – principles I carry forward in my current role.
As Vice-President Marketing and Communications, I aim to strengthen communication, increase visibility, and create more meaningful connections within our graduate student community. I believe that strong communities are built intentionally – through collaboration, representation, and shared purpose. Because strong communities don’t happen by accident – we build them by making every voice heard.
Elika Verma, Vice-President St. Boniface (She/her)
Office Hours: Fridays – 04:00pm – 05:00pm – R-3019, St. Boniface Research Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello everyone!
My name is Elika Verma, and I am a PhD student in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology. I’m passionate about research that creates real-world impact and I bring that same mindset to student leadership by turning student voices into meaningful action.
Through my role as a Student Editor for the ICS Pulse Student Magazine, I have connected with researchers and industry professionals to help students explore different career paths and opportunities. As a Graduate Student Representative (GSR) for Physiology and Pathophysiology, I have advocated for student concerns while helping organize events that foster networking, collaboration, and community.
As Vice President for St. Boniface, I am committed to:
Advocating for student priorities
Improving communication and transparency between students and HSGSA
Expanding career development and networking opportunities
Building a more connected, collaborative, and inclusive graduate community
Graduate school can be challenging, and strong leadership should help students feel supported, heard, and empowered. My goal is to continue building a community where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Your voice. Your community. Your future. Let’s build it together.
As an HSGSA executive, I bring my problem-solving skills, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to advocating for the well-being of my peers. I’m passionate about enhancing student life, whether it’s through organizing events, supporting student health and wellness, or pushing for more opportunities to connect and grow together. I believe in leading by example and ensuring that every voice is heard, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for all students. I want us to become a true community. While the academic journey can sometimes feel isolating, it doesn’t have to be. We are all on this path together, and by fostering a sense of connection and support, we can lift each other up and thrive. A strong, united community will not only make us better students but better individuals, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, grow, and feel truly valued. Together, we can make student life more fulfilling, rewarding, and connected than ever before.