President
Renz Layugan
Pronouns: he/him
Lab: Vinebrooke Lab
I’m a PhD student who currently serves as the President in the Association. My research focuses on how assembly processes (e.g., biotic interactions, dispersal rates, response diversity, etc.) shape the response of ecological communities to multiple environmental stressors. In my free time, I enjoy being involved in various side quests within and outside the city. I cannot stay put, so you will likely be seeing me around campus – feel free to approach me and say hi!
Co-Treasurers
Sydney Davidson-Yee
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: Blewett Lab
Hello! I serve as one of your 2026/2027 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 the second year of my MSc in the Blewett lab where my work focuses on nickel and cobalt 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!
Adrienne Poulin
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: The Blewett Lab
Hello! My name is Adrienne and I am so fortunate to serve as a co-treasurer for the BGSA this year where I will be working alongside Sydney to manage finances and budgets for the BGSA, while aiding in event planning. I am currently a second 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 playing soccer, knitting & sewing, hiking, and watching films.
Co-Vice President of External Affairs
Heather Anderson
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: Cahill Lab
I’m a PhD Candidate and currently the BGSA VP-External. My research focuses on grassland ecology, specifically looking at how cattle grazing impacts community dynamics and interactions of plants and grasshoppers. In my free time, I’m an avid crafter with a love for painting and sewing. Hope to see you around!
Katrine Guse
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: Bayne Lab
Hello! My name is Katrine, and I serve as the Co-Vice President of External Affairs for the Biology Graduate Student Association. In this role, Heather and I lead outreach for the biology graduate student community by managing the BGSA’s website, social media, and monthly updates. We 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
Pronouns: she/her
Lab: Green Lab
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 PhD 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.
Co-Vice President of Events
Sidney Mann
Pronouns: she/her
Lab: Luong lab
Hi, I’m Sidney! This year I will serve as one of the BGSA’s Vice Presidents of Events. Together with Tia and volunteers on the BGSA events committee I will plan events for members of the Bio Sci department. I am a PhD student in Dr. Lien Luong’s lab, where I research the effect of parasite exposure on host social interactions. When I’m not working I enjoy watching movies (especially horror), reading, drawing, and knitting! I’m excited to plan fun events for my fellow grad students and help foster community within our department!
Tia Attfield
Pronouns:She/her
Lab: The Venney Lab
Hey! My name is Tia and I am a co-Vice President of Events for the BGSA. With the help of Sidney and the BGSA events committee, I hope to bring plenty of fun events to the grad students of Bio Sci. I am a MSc student in the Venney Lab studying the epigenetic effects of contemporary hatchery rearing strategies on Lake Huron ciscoes! Outside of academia, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, listening to music, gardening, bouldering, and playing DnD! I am looking forward to building a sense of community amongst members of the department through our events.
Meeting Secretary
Danielle Nadeau
Lab: Boyce Lab
Hi! My name is Dani, and I am the meeting secretary for BGSA this year. My role involves supporting the president and other BGSA members by scheduling meetings, recording minutes, and other administrative tasks! I am a MSc student in the Boyce lab, and my research investigates wild ring-necked pheasant habitat selection and the ecological impacts of long-term sites where pheasants are released for hunting purposes. I enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, rock-climbing, and knitting in my free time!
GSA Councillors for the BGSA
Fleur Issac
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: The Blewett Lab
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.
Haylee Hatton
Pronouns: She/Her
Lab: The Blewett Lab
Hi there! I’m Haylee Hatton, a Master’s student working with Dr. Chris Glover and Dr. Tamzin Blewett in the Blewett Lab. I spend my days researching the mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus), an amphibious fish that thrives in extreme mangrove environments. By examining how these little extremophiles adapt their physiology and behaviour to harsh environmental shifts, we can better predict how changing human impacts and climates will affect marine and freshwater life. I’m deeply passionate about science communication, access to clean water, and pushing for stronger climate action and sustainable funding for biology research. When I step away from the lab, I’m usually doodling on my ipad, chasing a new personal record at the gym, playing video games, or unraveling a good “whodunit” mystery novel.
Olivia Oriet
Pronouns:She/her
Lab: The Venney Lab
Hello! My name is Olivia and I will serve as a co-GSA representative for the BGSA this fall where I will connect with the GSA council and advocate for graduate student interest. I am a second year Master’s student studying the developmental stage specific effects of structural enrichment on the epigenome of threatened salmonid species, in hopes to help meet the goals of captive rearing strategies. I am studying at UofA in pursuit of a career in conservation biology to fulfil my love for natural beauty and biodiversity. Out of office you can find me traveling with friends, practicing yoga, or making pinterest recipes while watching the same 4 sitcoms on repeat.
RE Peter Primary Organizer
Illia Pimenov
Science Graduate Students' Association Council Representative
Morgan Warawa
Pronouns:She/her
Lab: The Venney Lab
Hi! I’m Morgan, a master’s student in the Venney Lab and the SGSAC representative. My research focuses on how temperature and handling/transport stress can influence DNA methylation and physiological responses in bull trout, a threatened salmonid species in Alberta. When I’m not in the lab, you can usually find me fishing, travelling, or getting lost in a good book.
