Our People - Board of Directors

Taronish Kotwall is a Master of Science student in the School of Public Health Sciences. Her research involves exploring the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for symptoms of post-COVID-19 condition. Outside of school, she enjoys reading fiction, cycling, and swimming.

As the GSEF Coordinator, Taronish is responsible for overseeing GSEF operations and chairs the Project Review Committee and the Board of Directors.

Ebosetale Hope Isabu is a Master of Sustainability Management student at the School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED) in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Benin, Nigeria. Hope's research focuses on net-zero climate action plans in Canadian municipalities, emphasizing partnerships in implementing local climate plans. With over four years of managerial and communication experience and relevant certifications, she aims to enhance student engagement as GSEF Vice-Coordinator, focusing on communication, outreach, and administrative support.

Ahmed Niaz is a Master of Development Practice student in the Faculty of Environment. Prior to starting his graduate studies, he was working in the financial and sustainability consulting sectors. His areas of interest include implementing data analytics with M&E frameworks in the areas of organizational development and sustainability reporting.

Tamara is an MSc student in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Her research involves the piloting and evaluation of new engagement programs for persons living with dementia, care partners, and community members. Her general interests involve improving the health and wellbeing of others through education, knowledge translation, and community building. 

Maria (she/her) is a PhD student in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies. Broadly, her research interests lie in K-12 education investigating student discipline issues such as educators’ approaches and use of discipline interventions, and students’ experiences with suspensions. Outside of her research, Maria is actively involved in the community through peer mentorship and participation on a school board’s equity advisory committee.

Ryley is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. His research focuses on using machine learning to improve computer simulations of fluids, such as air flowing over a car, water flowing through a nuclear reactor, or the air passing through a wind farm.

Isabel is a PhD candidate in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. She is primarily interested in competition for shared water resources and how conflict and cooperation can yield sustainable and equitable outcomes. She has a track record of leadership and helping out in her community, particularly on environmental initiatives.

Lucas (he/him) is a Master’s Student in the Department of Computer Science who started in Fall 2021. He is part of the CrySP lab where he works on Security & Privacy related to Machine Learning with Professor Florian Kerschbaum.

Max (he/him) is a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on developing nanoparticles and peptides for the detection and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. As a Faculty of Science representative on the GSEF Project Review Committee, Max reviews project applications and provides funding recommendations.

During Matthew’s time at the University of Waterloo, he was extensively involved with graduate student advocacy through both the Graduate Student Association and Graduate Studies Endowment Fund. As a former Coordinator of GSEF, Matthew is excited to continue serving on the Board of Directors in the role of alumni representative.

With over 20 years’ experience, Heidi is the Associate Director, Graduate Financial Aid & Awards in Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. She oversees the administration and decision-making of internal and external award programs for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows that may or may not require University evaluation and adjudication, as well as graduate bursary and loan programs.