Biology Graduate Student Association - Our People

yalshehabi@uwaterloo.ca

cacarongodon@uwaterloo.ca

Hi! My name is Chenelle Caron-Godon, I am in the 4th year of my PhD in the Glerum Lab and will be the Secretary and AGM Coordinator this year for the BGSA. My research combines techniques in cell biology and biochemistry to explore the structure-function relationship of mitochondrial proteins involved in the electron transport chain. When I am not troubleshooting an experiment in the lab, you can find me coaching workout classes at F45 or playing online euchre. 

jordan.francis@uwaterloo.ca

My name is Jordan Francis. I am a second year Master's student in  the Peart lab. I study the functions of a protein called esrp1 in the in the Intestine using  mouse colon organoids, miniature versions of the mouse colon made from stem cells.

s37kwon@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! I’m Su, a first-year MSc student in the Charles Lab. My research focuses on functional metagenomics discovering novel antimicrobial resistance genes in Agrobacterium pathogen using Wastewater DNA libraries. In my free time, I enjoy golfing and watching Netflix.
As a part of social media team in BGSA, I look forward to support and advertise exciting graduate events on campus to expand the graduate students’ engagements and help connect new people!

e4collington@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! I'm your 2025/2026 graduate EDI representative. I'm a disabled PhD student in the Glerum lab, studying the metabolic pathways of parasitic worms. Outside of school, I work as a service dog trainer for the same program where I got my dog, Marlowe. I am also the co-founder and an executive director of The Disabled CoLab, a non-for-profit dedicated to advancing accessibility and disability inclusion in academia and STEM-related fields.

tclow@uwaterloo.ca

Hello everyone! My name is Tanner, and I am an MSc student in Dr. Paul Craig’s lab. My research focuses on the effects of thermal fluctuations on fish. More specifically, I examine the underlying epigenetic, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms that shape thermal tolerance. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, baking, and FaceTiming my dog back home in PEI!

I am excited to be a part of the BGSA social team this year! I’m looking forward to organizing fun social events where we can connect outside the lab. Can’t wait to see you all at the events!

e2dodsworth@uwaterloo.ca

Hi! My name is Emily Dodsworth and I am a first year master’s student in the Craig Lab. I am currently studying the effects of temperature and turbidity on an At-risk fish species. Outside of the lab, I really enjoy dance and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming! As a member of the BGSA social team, I am responsible for planning and executing all of the fun activities and events we host. I look forward to seeing you all there! 

srkobes@uwaterloo.ca

Hi, I’m Samantha! I am a Master’s student in Dr. McConkey’s lab studying Arctic wastewater microbes with bioinformatics. I enjoy knitting and hunting for good food. This is my first year with BGSA, and as part of the Social Team, I look forward to coordinating events and getting to know our community!

ejmckenzie@uwaterloo.ca

Hello! My name is Emily (Em) McKenzie and I'm a PhD student in the Katzenback Lab. My research focuses on the effects of microplastics on the amphibian immune system and on their ability to combat viral disease. Outside of the lab I spend time crocheting, listening to audiobooks, and watching my cat knock all of my possessions off of tables. 

As your TA rep, I am the initial point of contact when you have issues during your TA assignment. I aim to advocate for the fair treatment of graduate students when it comes to TA duties. Please don’t hesitate to email me for any issues/questions! 

s2mascarenhas@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! My name is Shyan Mascarenhas, and I’m a Master’s student in the Doxey Lab. My research focuses on using large-scale sequencing data and machine learning to study host–microbe interactions. Last year, I served as the BGSA First-Year Representative, and this year I’m excited to continue as one of the Seminar Coordinators. I look forward to helping organize seminars that showcase the diverse research in our department! Outside of grad school, I enjoy baking, gaming, and spending time with friends.

s24kalra@uwaterloo.ca

am2armstrong@uwaterloo.ca

Hello everyone! I am a MSc student in the McGuire Lab, where I study bat diet, insect abundance, and temporal interactions. This year, I am also your BGSA Sustainability Coordinator. Please reach out if you have any ideas or concerns regarding sustainability! 

cbarstow@uwaterloo.ca

Hi Bio Grads! My name is Cory, and I'm a master's student in the StrEAMS lab with Dr. Adam Yates. My research focuses on stream periphyton phosphorus uptake and transformation during storm events. In my spare time, I enjoy playing guitar, salsa dancing, and reading.
As this year's BGSA Garden Coordinator, I am looking forward to organizing and working in the community garden to provide free produce for the department.

shauhin.yazdani@uwaterloo.ca

Hi! My name is Shauhin, I am an MSc student in the Holyoak lab. I study structural biology, with a focus on X-ray crystallography. In my free time I like to try out new places to eat and go to the gym.

oroscow@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! I am a Ph.D. student in the Holyoak lab, where I aim to structurally and functionally characterize a novel group of previously misclassified antibody proteases and assess their potential for immunotherapeutic development. I am super excited to be a member of the BGSA this year, as your first year rep, and a member of the social team!

z4kuang@uwaterloo.ca

Hello, I’m ZiYu a PhD student in Dr. Charles’ lab. As a researching grad student, I’m currently investigating a nitrogen fixing bacteria and looking into enrichment methods to investigate its potential as a microbial inoculant for agricultural purposes. As a BGSA member, I’m currently filling the position as a GSA rep, responsible for conveying information between the greater grad student organization and biology grad students. I’m excited for a new year with my peers and with all the best to you!