2022 Candidates

Jamie Sookhoo (Immunology)

Hi all! I’m Jamie Sookhoo and I am running for the position of President 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 the upcoming CSHRF which I was involved in in both 2020 and 2021. I intend to fulfil my role as successfully as the past presidents, advocating for student issues and supporting each and every one of you to the best of my ability. I believe that my 5+ years of experience in various administrative and leadership roles as well as my longstanding dedication to and involvement in the HSGSA over the past 2 years sets me as an excellent candidate to lead the HSGSA in the coming year.

Kayla Kostal (Community Health Sciences)

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla and I am a MSc student in the Department of Community Health Sciences. I did my undergraduate degree in psychology. My research area focuses on the health and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

During the 2021/22 year, I represented the Department of Community Health Sciences at HSGSA as a council member. Throughout my time at HSGSA, I was the co-chair of the Internal Development and Review Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, and a member of the Ad-Hoc Budget Committee. I really enjoyed being part of HSGSA and being in those VP Internal related committees, which led me to running for VP Internal.

I am passionate about helping our community. Last summer, I co-founded Science FUNdamentals in Manitoba. This charity brought volunteer and personal development opportunities to university students, all the while enhancing elementary science education. My plan is to continue providing various beneficial opportunities to students at the University of Manitoba. My focus will be to establish a budget that benefits graduate students the most through a combination of awards, social events, workshops, and professional development and academic opportunities. My goal is to help all students become successful in their future endeavours.

Morgan Taverner (Microbiology & Infectious Disease) Glia

My name is Morgan and I’m a current master’s student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID) running for Vice President (VP) External for the HSGSA. During my undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba, I held several leadership roles that make me well-prepared. I was senior residence advisor at St. John’s College and was trusted to serve as the interim dean of residence during a vacancy. I also served as a member and then lead of the University of Manitoba Space Applications and Technology Society’s (UMSATS) biological payload team when we won the national Canadian Satellite Design Challenge. For this, I was named one of the 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans and won an Emerging Leader Award. During my graduate studies, I have won the Rookie Journal Club of the Year award in MMID as well as the department’s Allan Ronald Studentship.

This dedication and experience will be brought to my role as VP External. Make Morgan’s organs work for you!

Erwin Taguiam (Medical Microbiology) HSGSA Rising Minds

Hi, my name is Erwin and I am an MSc student of Medical Microbiology at UM. In addition, I also did my undergrad at UM, where I completed Bachelors of Science with a Major in Biochemistry and Minor in Psychology. As a running candidate from the Rising Minds HSGSA, our [Erwin & Ryan] goals are to (1) Create More Career Development Opportunities (2) Expand Support Services For Students (3) Promote Community Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination..

With career development, we want to organize workshops such as mock-interviews and guest talks to inform students about the academic pathway to industry. To expand support services, we will organize TroubleShooting sessions and create a senior-rookie mentorship program to offer guidance to new graduate students. Lastly, we hope to promote community-knowledge dissemination. Within our university, we plan to achieve this by continuing and expanding the MHRE program to facilitate graduate instructorship/mentorship opportunities. Outside of our university, we wish to arrange opportunities for classroom talks and knowledge dissemination within the community. If elected as your 2022-23 HSGSA team, we will work diligently to represent you and advocate for your needs. A vote for us, is a vote for you. Thank you – Rising Minds HSGSA.

Alekhya Lavu (Pharmacy) Glia

Hello, my name is Alekhya Lavu and I am a Ph.D. student at the college of pharmacy. I have an academic background of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from MAHE, India. I moved to Winnipeg in fall 2019 to pursue graduate studies at the University of Manitoba. During my undergrad days in India, I have served on various college student committees and several volunteer organizations. Since joining University of Manitoba, I have been serving as the president of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) and ISPOR student chapters. I have also been elected as the president of the college of pharmacy graduate student council, University of Manitoba (2021-2022). For the past year I have been working a councilor at HSGSA representing college of pharmacy.

With all the experience I have gained through my academic, professional, and volunteer work, I believe I am well-fitted to serve as the Vice president of Academics. I will give my utmost commitment to engage in the work being done by HSGSA and keep everyone well informed and updated on the progress and latest developments. I am an approachable person and will always be ready to reach out to all graduate students’ needs.

Ryan Ha (Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease) HSGSA Rising Minds

My name is Ryan and I am currently working on my MSc in the department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the UofM. Prior to grad school, I did my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the UofM as well. As a running candidate from the Rising Minds HSGSA, our [Ryan & Erwin] goals are to (1) Create More Career Development Opportunities (2) Expand Support Services For Students (3) Promote Community Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination.

With professional development, we want to organize workshops such as mock-interviews and guest talks to inform students about the academic pathway to industry. To expand support services, we will organize TroubleShooting sessions and create a senior-rookie mentorship program to offer guidance to new graduate students. Lastly, we hope to promote community-knowledge dissemination. Within our university, we plan to achieve this by continuing and expanding the MHRE program to facilitate graduate instructorship/mentorship opportunities. Outside of our university, we wish to arrange opportunities for classroom talks and knowledge dissemination within the community. If elected as your 2022-23 HSGSA team, we will work diligently to represent you and advocate for your needs. A vote for us, is a vote for you. Thank you – Rising Minds HSGSA.

Astrid Bravo Jimenez (Physiology & Pathophysiology) Glia

Hi everyone! I am Astrid Bravo, a MSc. student in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. I did a Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Universidad La Salle, in Mexico City. My current research is focused on investigating the role of lysosomal activity and unfolded protein response in the development of oligodendrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis.

My interest in engaging with other students has grown throughout this year. As a graduate student in her first year, I understand the importance of starting to build connections and a career, so I am committed to bringing new ideas to connect our community of graduate students and plan events and workshops that will help you shape your future. My goal is to encourage more graduate students to be involved in university life so they can make the most of this experience.

I look forward to giving more exposure to the HSGSA and engaging students in its activities through social media platforms and websites. I am always open to new ideas and suggestions, let’s discuss them!

Jamie Sookhoo (Immunology)

Hi all! I’m Jamie Sookhoo and I am running for the position of President 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 the upcoming CSHRF which I was involved in in both 2020 and 2021. I intend to fulfil my role as successfully as the past presidents, advocating for student issues and supporting each and every one of you to the best of my ability. I believe that my 5+ years of experience in various administrative and leadership roles as well as my longstanding dedication to and involvement in the HSGSA over the past 2 years sets me as an excellent candidate to lead the HSGSA in the coming year.

Kayla Kostal (Community Health Sciences)

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla and I am a MSc student in the Department of Community Health Sciences. I did my undergraduate degree in psychology. My research area focuses on the health and quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

During the 2021/22 year, I represented the Department of Community Health Sciences at HSGSA as a council member. Throughout my time at HSGSA, I was the co-chair of the Internal Development and Review Committee, a member of the Finance Committee, and a member of the Ad-Hoc Budget Committee. I really enjoyed being part of HSGSA and being in those VP Internal related committees, which led me to running for VP Internal.

I am passionate about helping our community. Last summer, I co-founded Science FUNdamentals in Manitoba. This charity brought volunteer and personal development opportunities to university students, all the while enhancing elementary science education. My plan is to continue providing various beneficial opportunities to students at the University of Manitoba. My focus will be to establish a budget that benefits graduate students the most through a combination of awards, social events, workshops, and professional development and academic opportunities. My goal is to help all students become successful in their future endeavours.

Morgan Taverner (Microbiology & Infectious Disease) Glia

My name is Morgan and I’m a current master’s student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID) running for Vice President (VP) External for the HSGSA. During my undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba, I held several leadership roles that make me well-prepared. I was senior residence advisor at St. John’s College and was trusted to serve as the interim dean of residence during a vacancy. I also served as a member and then lead of the University of Manitoba Space Applications and Technology Society’s (UMSATS) biological payload team when we won the national Canadian Satellite Design Challenge. For this, I was named one of the 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans and won an Emerging Leader Award. During my graduate studies, I have won the Rookie Journal Club of the Year award in MMID as well as the department’s Allan Ronald Studentship.

This dedication and experience will be brought to my role as VP External. Make Morgan’s organs work for you!

Erwin Taguiam (Medical Microbiology) HSGSA Rising Minds

Hi, my name is Erwin and I am an MSc student of Medical Microbiology at UM. In addition, I also did my undergrad at UM, where I completed Bachelors of Science with a Major in Biochemistry and Minor in Psychology. As a running candidate from the Rising Minds HSGSA, our [Erwin & Ryan] goals are to (1) Create More Career Development Opportunities (2) Expand Support Services For Students (3) Promote Community Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination..

With career development, we want to organize workshops such as mock-interviews and guest talks to inform students about the academic pathway to industry. To expand support services, we will organize TroubleShooting sessions and create a senior-rookie mentorship program to offer guidance to new graduate students. Lastly, we hope to promote community-knowledge dissemination. Within our university, we plan to achieve this by continuing and expanding the MHRE program to facilitate graduate instructorship/mentorship opportunities. Outside of our university, we wish to arrange opportunities for classroom talks and knowledge dissemination within the community. If elected as your 2022-23 HSGSA team, we will work diligently to represent you and advocate for your needs. A vote for us, is a vote for you. Thank you – Rising Minds HSGSA.

Alekhya Lavu (Pharmacy) Glia

Hello, my name is Alekhya Lavu and I am a Ph.D. student at the college of pharmacy. I have an academic background of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from MAHE, India. I moved to Winnipeg in fall 2019 to pursue graduate studies at the University of Manitoba. During my undergrad days in India, I have served on various college student committees and several volunteer organizations. Since joining University of Manitoba, I have been serving as the president of the International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) and ISPOR student chapters. I have also been elected as the president of the college of pharmacy graduate student council, University of Manitoba (2021-2022). For the past year I have been working a councilor at HSGSA representing college of pharmacy.

With all the experience I have gained through my academic, professional, and volunteer work, I believe I am well-fitted to serve as the Vice president of Academics. I will give my utmost commitment to engage in the work being done by HSGSA and keep everyone well informed and updated on the progress and latest developments. I am an approachable person and will always be ready to reach out to all graduate students’ needs.

Ryan Ha (Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease) HSGSA Rising Minds

My name is Ryan and I am currently working on my MSc in the department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the UofM. Prior to grad school, I did my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at the UofM as well. As a running candidate from the Rising Minds HSGSA, our [Ryan & Erwin] goals are to (1) Create More Career Development Opportunities (2) Expand Support Services For Students (3) Promote Community Outreach and Knowledge Dissemination.

With professional development, we want to organize workshops such as mock-interviews and guest talks to inform students about the academic pathway to industry. To expand support services, we will organize TroubleShooting sessions and create a senior-rookie mentorship program to offer guidance to new graduate students. Lastly, we hope to promote community-knowledge dissemination. Within our university, we plan to achieve this by continuing and expanding the MHRE program to facilitate graduate instructorship/mentorship opportunities. Outside of our university, we wish to arrange opportunities for classroom talks and knowledge dissemination within the community. If elected as your 2022-23 HSGSA team, we will work diligently to represent you and advocate for your needs. A vote for us, is a vote for you. Thank you – Rising Minds HSGSA.

Astrid Bravo Jimenez (Physiology & Pathophysiology) Glia

Hi everyone! I am Astrid Bravo, a MSc. student in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. I did a Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Universidad La Salle, in Mexico City. My current research is focused on investigating the role of lysosomal activity and unfolded protein response in the development of oligodendrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis.

My interest in engaging with other students has grown throughout this year. As a graduate student in her first year, I understand the importance of starting to build connections and a career, so I am committed to bringing new ideas to connect our community of graduate students and plan events and workshops that will help you shape your future. My goal is to encourage more graduate students to be involved in university life so they can make the most of this experience.

I look forward to giving more exposure to the HSGSA and engaging students in its activities through social media platforms and websites. I am always open to new ideas and suggestions, let’s discuss them!

Akshi Malik ( Physiology & Pathophysiology)

I am Akshi Malik, PhD student in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at St. Boniface Research Centre, UofM. I had the opportunity to serve HSGSA members as the President for two years. This year, I am happy to nominate myself for VP-St. Boniface position and I consider this position as a responsibility to enthusiastically support my fellow graduate students at St. Boniface campus and work towards collaboration and inclusiveness as they make their way through academic and co-curricular endeavours. As part of HSGSA, I worked closely with UofM Deans, administration, and fellow students which has helped me in understanding the responsibility of a team to work together to bring out the best in favour of our graduate student community. On a personal level, I get along well with other people and consider myself to be a strong communicator, presenter, and listener. I vow to navigate this opportunity to work with the same ethics and honesty in this term as well.