Co-Presidents
Julia Briand
Milène Wiebe
Co-Treasurers
Adrienne Poulin
Hello! My name is Adrienne and I am so fortunate to serve as a co-treasurer for the BGSA this year where I handle budgets and aid in event planning. I am currently a first year master’s student in the Blewett lab, primarily focusing on the interaction of climate change and anthropogenic copper toxicity on Arctic-adapted organisms. Outside of research, I enjoy devoting my time to playing soccer, knitting, sewing, hiking, and watching films.
Sydney Davidson-Yee
Hello! I serve as one of your 2025/2026 Co-Treasurers, where I am responsible for managing our budget so that the Biology Graduate Student Association has the capacity to host events and support initiatives that strengthen our graduate student community. I am currently in my first year of my MSc in the Blewett lab where my work focuses on nickel toxicity and its impact on the physiology of Arctic species. In my spare time I enjoy crocheting, baking and all things related to music. I am excited to help put BGSA resources towards engaging opportunities for all!
Vice President of External Affairs
Katrine Guse
Hello! My name is Katrine, and I serve as the Vice President of External Affairs for the Biology Graduate Student Association. In this role, I lead outreach for the biology graduate student community by managing the BGSA’s website, social media, and monthly updates. I also work closely with the VP Internal and VP Events to highlight upcoming opportunities. I am currently pursuing my MSc in Dr. Erin Bayne’s lab, where my work compares human- and automated-acoustic surveys to understand and reduce errors in bird monitoring. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, and skiing.
Vice President of Internal Affairs
Kiara Kattler
Hello! I serve as the Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Biology Graduate Student Association, where I work to strengthen communication, collaboration, and community within our graduate student body and on the committee. I am also pursuing my MSc in Dr. Stephanie Green’s lab, focusing on conservation and invasive marine ecology. I value the chance to bring my love for ecology and my commitment to student advocacy together through the BGSA, helping to create a supportive and connected environment for all biology graduate students.
Vice President of Events
Christina Bowhay
Meeting Secretary
Heather Anderson
GSA Councillors for the BGSA
Fleur Issac
My research focuses on the physiological and ecotoxicological effects of exposure to these fuels on Arctic-relevant species, integrating field-based studies conducted in Arctic and coastal marine environments, to advance understanding of fuel toxicity and support the development of improved spill response and management strategies in northern ecosystems.
Luke Nelson
Hello! My name is Luke, and I am a third year master’s student with a specialization in evolution and systematics. My thesis research is focused on the taxonomy of sabre-toothed fish fossils from the Late Cretaceous of North America. In my free time, I do as many outdoor activities as possible: fishing, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
RE Peter Primary Organizer
Simonne Tremblay
Hello! I am Simonne Tremblay, a second year Master’s student and the primary organizer of BGSA’s 2026 RE Peter Biology Conference. I look forward to hosting an exciting conference that allows students to present their research in a welcoming environment and build community with their peers. As a member of the Derocher Lab, my research focuses on changes to female Western Hudson Bay polar bear movement patterns in response to climate change. In my free time, I love to hike, practice yoga, bake, and read!
Science Graduate Students' Association Council Representative
Renald “RJ” Legaspi
I study how non-coding RNAs and MHC shape antiviral immune responses in ducks against bird flu, and melanomacrophage centers in teleost fish as a primitive site of antibody affinity maturation. Outside the lab, you’ll usually find me playing badminton, biking, taking photos, or doing karaoke (Filipino-style, ofc).
