Graduate Students' Association Expressions of Interest
Arts and Science Positions
Kelly Grannon
Social Science
My name is Kelly Grannon and my expression of interest is in serving as the Social Sciences Graduate Students’ Association Representative (GSAR) for the 2025–2026 term. I believe that my academic background, extensive event coordination experience, and passion for community building make me a strong candidate for this position.
I am a PhD student in Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Jamal Mansour. My research has been presented at numerous national conferences, and I’ve collaborated with international teams on memory conformity projects. I also have experience in statistical modeling, science communication, and cross-disciplinary outreach.
I am particularly drawn to the GSAR position because I enjoy facilitating engagement among students and supporting initiatives that reflect their diverse interests and challenges. During my time as Co-President of the University of Victoria's Psychology Undergraduate Students, I successfully adapted our program during COVID-19, helping move events like volunteer fairs and Clubs Day online using platforms like Zoom and Discord. My past roles (e.g., coordinating events, and managing communications) have sharpened my leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
I am confident that my experience coordinating student-centered events, serving in executive roles, and working across various communities (including as an advocate for epilepsy awareness and inclusion) will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the GSA Council. I am enthusiastic about supporting the GSA's objectives and representing the Social Sciences graduate student community with diligence and integrity.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the chance to collaborate with fellow council members in supporting our graduate community.
Natalie Krizan
Humanities
My name is Natalie Krizan, and my expression of interest is in the Humanities Representative position. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for being on the GSA Council.
I am just starting the second year of my M.Sc. in Geography with Dr. Laura Chasmer. My project entails mapping burn severity of the 2022 Chetamon Fire in Jasper National Park and relating it to antecedent forest conditions and long-term fire history. I completed my B.Sc. at the University of Lethbridge (UofL) as well and greatly valued the liberal education mandate which allowed me to explore a variety of courses, including several in the Humanities sphere despite my focus being within the Sciences. Through my graduate studies, I intend to continue to uphold a multidisciplinary perspective, and I believe one way to do that is to be more involved and connected with my fellow graduate students.
Following my participation in the Meeting of the Minds conference this year, I became inspired to join the GSA Council to be involved with planning such events that facilitate those connections, and promote the inspiring research and creative work we are accomplishing. I am particularly drawn to the Humanities position as it is within the Arts and Science umbrella, and elements of it spill over into every other discipline. I firmly believe that encouraging connection amongst students from various faculties will foster interesting discussion, meaningful relationships, and help students grow both academically and as individuals.
I am confident that my enthusiasm and dedication will enable me to make a valuable contribution to the GSA Council. Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to this opportunity.
Emma Neigel
Natural Sciences
My name is Emma Neigel and my expression of interest is in re-filling the GSAC Natural Sciences representative role. I have held this role for the past two years (since spring 2023) and would like to serve until my graduation in December.
I have been engaged in various committees such as the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) and the GSA events committee, including helping to organize a yoga student wellness event. I thank you for being considered for this position.
Abiodun Adesina
Dhillon School of Business
My name is Abiodun Adesina and my expression of interest is in the Dhillon School of Business Representative Position. I am a second-year graduate student in the Dhillon School of Business, Master’s in Human Resources Management and Labour Relations program.
I am writing to express my keen interest in joining the Graduate Student Association as Dhillon School of Business Representative for the GSA.
I am enthusiastic about contributing to our graduate community and supporting the initiatives of the GSA. I believe my skills and dedication can be valuable to the team, and I am eager to assist in any role where I can positively impact.
I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the GSA. Thank you for your consideration.
Umer Yaqoob
Education
My name is Umer Yaqoob and my expression of interest is in the representative position for Education at GSA. I am currently a PhD student in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department and have been actively engaged in academic (GA) and student community activities (ISMP). With over eight years of teaching experience at the high school level, I was a member of the government teachers’ association. I can bring my professional expertise to the GSA to address and communicate the requirements and needs of the education department's graduates, all while respecting the governing body's policies.
I also have a Bachelor of Education, where I learned to manage educational groups and departments. Through successful teaching, membership in the teachers’ association, service as a successful graduate assistant, and 13 research publications, I bring both leadership and organizational skills, along with written and verbal communication skills that will benefit GSA.
If elected, I aim to advocate for stronger communication/raise voice between graduate students and the University of Lethbridge administration, enhance support for international graduate students (by serving as an international student mentor for Fall 2025) and domestic graduate students, and help foster a more inclusive and collaborative academic environment.
Thank you very much for considering my interest. I look forward to this opportunity.
Fine Arts
No Expressions of Interest
Health Science
No Expression of Interest
Indigenous
No Expressions of Interest
Ademilayo Michael Enigbokan
International
My name is Ademilayo Michael Enigbokan and I would like to formally express my interest in the International Student Representative position. I believe that my skills and experience position me as a strong candidate to contribute effectively to the GSA Council.
Michael, a graduate student in the Dhillon School of Business, has demonstrated a strong commitment to student advocacy through involvement in various initiatives. These include advocating for food security sustainability and working to ensure equitable access to student awards. He has also played a key role in fostering community engagement and collaboration among graduate students by organizing events such as the widely attended graduate student extracurricular activities, which promote networking and meaningful conversations.
I am particularly interested in this GSAR position because I am dedicated to supporting our graduate community and contributing to the GSA’s ongoing initiatives. I am confident that my skills and commitment would enable me to make a valuable contribution to the team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to serve.
Alireza Taheritorbati
International
My name is Alireza Taheritorbati and my expression of interest is in the International Representative position on the Graduate Students’ Association Council. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for serving the diverse and vibrant international graduate student community at the University of Lethbridge.
As a Master's student in Neuroscience originally from Iran, I bring both lived experience as an international student and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive academic environments. I currently serve as a research and teaching assistant in the Department of Neuroscience and work part-time in leadership and customer-facing roles. These experiences have honed my organizational skills, communication abilities, and cultural sensitivity—qualities that I believe are essential for this representative role.
I am particularly drawn to this GSAR position because I want to advocate for the needs and voices of international graduate students, many of whom face unique academic, financial, and personal challenges. Having navigated these challenges myself, I feel a responsibility to help others feel heard, supported, and empowered within our graduate community. I am confident that my multicultural background, strong interpersonal skills, and passion for community-building will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the GSA Council.
Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to the opportunity to represent and serve our international graduate student community.
Amanda Luzardo
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Calgary Campus
My name is Amanda Luzardo and my expression of interest is in the Calgary campus representative position. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for being on the GSA Council.
As a fellow graduate student, I am passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive academic community and am committed to amplifying the voices of my fellow students. Through active engagement and transparent communication, I aim to ensure that every student's concerns and ideas are heard and addressed.
I am particularly drawn to this GSAR position because I spend a lot of time in Calgary and believe that I could represent the students that are on the Calgary campus to the best of my abilities. I am confident that my experience as an independent representative in the years 2024-2025 gave me the experience needed to represent students in the best way possible and will enable me to make a valuable contribution to the GSA Council.
Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to this opportunity.
Co-operative Education
Carisa McGale
My name is Carisa McGale and my expression of interest is in the Co-operative Education Representative position. I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for being on the GSA Council.
I am an M.Sc. student in Biological Sciences studying rare plant community distributions in the McCune lab. I completed an Undergraduate Thesis with Dr. McCune during my undergrad program and worked in her lab for two summers as a research tech before starting my M.Sc. program. I believe that this research and work experience that I sought out has been foundational to my development as a graduate student and continues to shape my academic and professional goals. I was on the GSA council from 2024-2025 as an Independent Representative and I valued the opportunity to work with other graduate students at the U of L to represent our graduate student body. I am eager to continue building that sense of connection and collaboration among graduate students in the 2025-2026 year.
I am particularly drawn to this GSAR position because I am passionate about encouraging students to engage in both professional development and opportunities for connection with fellow graduate students at the U of L. Graduate school can be very enriching and fulfilling, but only if students are aware of and feel empowered to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to them. I want to help make these opportunities more visible, accessible, and inviting for students. I hope that by doing so, students will gain the experience and skills they need to grow into whatever comes next after graduate school. I am confident that my previous experience on the GSA council and my dedication to student development will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the GSA Council.
Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to this opportunity.
Sexual Awareness & Inclusion
Niayesh Allahdad
My name is Niayesh Allahdad and my expression of interest is in the Sexual Awareness and Inclusion Representative position on the Graduate Students’ Association Council. As an immigrant woman, a neuroscience researcher, and someone deeply passionate about equity, I see this as a meaningful opportunity to represent and advocate for the diverse voices in our graduate community.
In my current research at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, I focus on neural synchrony in romantic relationships, including non-heterosexual couples. This work is not just academic for me, it reflects my commitment to visibility, inclusion, and the understanding of underrepresented relationships in science. I believe sexuality and relationship diversity deserve not only recognition but active support within university spaces.
Beyond the lab, I serve as a teaching assistant and mentor, and I volunteer with local organizations supporting newcomers and families. These experiences have shaped my belief that inclusion must be intentional, culturally sensitive, and intersectional. I’m eager to bring that perspective to the GSA Council, especially to push for safer, more informed, and more affirming campus policies and events around sexual awareness.
My background in psychology and neuroscience, combined with my lived experience navigating academia as a woman of color and immigrant, has fueled my desire to amplify marginalized voices. I would be honoured to contribute to building a campus culture where all sexual and gender identities are respected, celebrated, and better understood.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I’m looking forward to the possibility of serving our graduate student community in this important role.
Disability & Accommodated Learning
Sodiq Olawoore
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My name is Sodiq Olawoore and my expression of interest is in the Disability and Accommodated Learning position with the GSA council. As a previous equity diversity inclusion committee with the GSA, I have had a deep understanding of the importance of creating an inclusive environment to support all students, including those that utilize the Disability and Accommodated Learning workshop.
I am a second-year student at the University of Lethbridge, in the department of biological science under the supervision of Dr. Steve Wiseman.
Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to this opportunity.
Student Parent
Akeem Bamigbola
My name is Akeem Bamigbola and my expression of interest is in becoming a member of the GSA Council as the Student Parent Representative.
In the GSA Council, I want to actively represent their voice and address their concerns in all council discussions and decisions. I will identify and articulate the challenges unique to this group and drive for policies that allow them to pursue their educational goals. My other key responsibilities will be to work with allied council members to propose legislation that makes the council and the University more inclusive of student-parents, to help organize council activities that build community among all its members, and to make sure the services of the University are responsive to the needs of student-parents.
Apart from advocating, I will ensure excellent organizational, communication, and problem solving skills that I have honed in both my academic and professional experiences in project coordination and IT. I am committed to representing and engaging with the GSA in a way that will allow me to make meaningful contributions. Also, I will establish a dialogue with the GSA Council and the student-parent community I represent to ensure that the GSA's
governance is more transparent and pays more attention to students' concerns and needs. I have the skills and mindset to achieve the objectives of the action role.
Thank you for considering me for this vital role.
