HSGSA 2025-2026 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.
Ashraf Kadar Shahib, HSGSA President (He/Him)
Office Hours: Friday – 3:30pm-5:30pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello everyone!
I’m Ashraf Kadar Shahib, and I’m honored to serve as the President of the Health Sciences Graduate Students’ Association (HSGSA) for the 2025–2026 term, and simultaneously as the Vice-President Health Sciences at the UMGSA. I am currently pursuing my PhD in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. My passion lies in creating a supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community for all graduate students within the University of Manitoba.
Before being elected as the President, I served as the Vice-President Marketing and Events for HSGSA, where I had the opportunity to organize major social and cultural events. These events brought together students from diverse backgrounds and helped foster a strong sense of community among us. In addition, I have held leadership roles where I developed valuable skills in event management, strategic planning, and student engagement.
As President, my focus is on enhancing student engagement through diverse events and initiatives, improving communication between the student council and the broader student body, expanding professional development opportunities including workshops and networking events, advocating for mental health and wellness resources, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across departments. I am committed to leading with integrity, empathy, and a passion for excellence.
I look forward to working closely with the HSGSA and UMGSA executive team and council to build a stronger, more connected graduate student community. I encourage all students to share their ideas, voice their concerns, and get involved so that together we can make this year memorable and impactful for everyone.
Deanne Nixie Miao, Vice-President Internal (She/her)
Office Hours: Monday – 12:00pm (noon)-1:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello! My name is Deanne Nixie Miao, and I currently serve as the Vice President Internal of HSGSA. I’m part of Mosaic – a team of passionate and diverse individuals dedicated to creating a stronger, more inclusive graduate student community.
As a PhD student in the department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics (BMG), I bring extensive experience in financial oversight, event coordination and student advocacy. Through my leadership in student governance (e.g., BMG-Graduate Student’s Association [BMG- GSA] and Filipino’s Advancing Research in Health Sciences [FLARES]), and participation on various committees (e.g., Organizing Committee for 25th BMG Anniversary, Science Rendezvous Planning Committee, and the Canadian Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Awards Committee), I have gained a strong understanding of the financial and administrative needs of graduate students. Building on these experiences, I am committed to ensuring that HSGSA’s resources are managed fairly, responsibly, and transparently.
In addition to my role with HSGSA, I currently serve as President of BMG-GSA, where I lead financial and logistical planning for student initiatives. One of BMG-GSA’s goals this year is to strengthen student connections, especially since our department is spread across four locations in Winnipeg: the BMG building, St. Boniface Research Hospital, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute – CancerCare Manitoba, and the John Buhler Research Centre. We’ve worked hard to bridge these gaps, and as part of Mosaic, I am excited to extend these efforts across Health Sciences graduate students.
Beyond financial management, I am deeply passionate about mentorship, community engagement, and student representation. I have mentored students through the BMG Mentorship Group, Welcome Mentors Group, New Student Peer Mentorship Program, and the Undergraduate Microbiology Student Group’s Mentorship Program, helping students grow both academically and professionally. I also co-founded FLARES to support and increase representation for Filipino students in research.
As HSGSA’s Vice President Internal, I will focus on:
• Ensuring HSGSA’s financial sustainability through responsible budgeting and resource management,
• Expanding funding opportunities for student-led initiatives and professional development, and
• Enhancing financial transparency and accessibility to funding for all Health Science graduate students
I believe that HSGSA should be a resource that truly serves students, and I’m dedicated to making sure that every dollar spent benefits our graduate student community. Thank you for your support!
Kibii Belindah, Vice-President External (She/her)
Office Hours: Friday – 12:00pm (noon)-1:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello, fellow grad students!!!
I am delighted to serve as your Vice President External. I am Kibii Belindah, currently in my second year of PhD program at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease. My work focuses on immune correlates of human papillomavirus infection, clearance, and persistence.
My philosophy is rooted in equity in diversity. I had the privilege to interact and study in a diverse culture with bachelor’s and master’s degree from Jomo Kenyatta University, Kenya and Chinse academy of science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, China respectively. Throughout my academic pursuit, I have actively engaged in volunteering initiatives that advocate for students well being in Kenyan students in Beijing (2017-2018) and Kenyan students in Wuhan (2018-2020).
In my role as HSGSA VP-external I am wholeheartedly committed to serving you through Proactive collaborations, initiatives and advocacies that drive a positive change and create a future where every graduate student thrives not survives.
Your opinions matter! We are here to listen.
Anam Ara, Vice-President Academic (She/her)
Office Hours: Thursday – 4pm-5pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello everyone!
My name is Anam Ara, and I am a PhD student in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba. My research focuses on DNA Methylation changes following early-life cannabis smoke exposure and their impact on lung development and health outcome. I hold a background in Biotechnology and Microbiology, having completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in India.
It’s my privilege to serve as the Vice-President Academic (2025–2026) at HSGSA. In this role, I am committed to supporting graduate students’ academic success and professional growth. I plan to organize events that will give exposure to different career options, many academic skill building sessions and opportunities for networking, professional development.
Beyond academics, I’ve been actively involved in volunteering and leadership activities at University of Manitoba, which has deepened my understanding of graduate student needs and engagement.
I believe in amplifying student voices and creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and visibility. Please feel free to reach out with any ideas or suggestions—I look forward to working with all of you
Andy Van Domelen, Vice-President Marketing & Events (He/him)
Office Hours: Tuesday – 12:00pm (noon)-1:00pm – 114 Brodie Centre – please book appointment ahead of time.
Hello all,
I’m Andy, and I’m thrilled to be serving as your HSGSA Vice President of Marketing and Events. My focus is all about enhancing your graduate school experience through engaging activities and relevant social media updates.
As your current VP, I’m already looking ahead to the fun events we’ll have this academic year. While I have a lot of ideas for student events, I know that each of you brings unique needs and perspectives to campus. My goal is to understand your personal vision for your graduate school experience and then tailor HSGSA events to bring that vision to life.
I’m also deeply committed to fostering stronger partnerships with department student leaders. Having served as an undergraduate club president and as the Biochemistry and Medical Genetics Events Representative, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful collaboration can be in creating truly memorable, fun, and inclusive events. By working closely with each department, I’m confident we can deepen the connections between the HSGSA and our diverse academic communities, across all of our many departments.
Reach out anytime! Let’s chat!
Roni Armon, Vice-President St. Boniface (She/her)
Hello everyone!
My name is Roni Armon, and I am the HSGSA Vice-President Saint Boniface.
I am a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the College of Pharmacy, working under the supervision of Dr. Hope Anderon. My research focuses on elucidating the protective mechanisms of cannabinoid receptor signaling in atrial fibrillation.
From a young age, I was drawn to the medical world and started volunteer work as a first aid provider on ambulances at the age of 16. After high school, I sought a profession that would be both impactful and aligned with my interests, choosing to become a paramedic. Due to my fascination with the depth of knowledge and opportunities that higher education provides, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medicine and, subsequently, a Master’s degree in Emergency Medicine and Crisis Management. This academic path not only deepened my expertise but also solidified my commitment to further study.
Beyond academics, I have actively engaged in leadership roles that have shaped my professional and personal growth. First and foremost, I am a paramedic. As a paramedic, I am responsible for leading both my team and my patients in high-stress situations, which has equipped me with strong leadership skills that are vital in any environment. In pre-hospital care, I manage critical situations by staying composed, making quick decisions, and coordinating with others to ensure the best outcomes. This experience has taught me how to lead with both empathy and confidence, balancing tough decisions with compassion.
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.