Biology Graduate Student Association - Our People

cacarong@uwaterloo.ca

Hi! My name is Chenelle Caron-Godon, I am in the 3^rd year of my PhD in the Glerum Lab. 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, you can find me coaching workout classes at F45 or attempting to cook/bake something new!

As the BGSA Co-President for the 2024-25 academic year, I look forward to advocating for the Biology Graduate Students within the Department and the Faculty. I hope to facilitate communication within the department to harvest a better sense of community. The BGSA has a lot planned for the year ahead, we’re looking forward to seeing you at our events & hearing from all of you!

yalshehabi@uwaterloo.ca

Hello! My name is Yasmeen, and I am a master's student in the Martin (NeurdyPhagy) lab, where I am studying a potential drug therapeutic for Huntington's disease. When I am not in the lab, I enjoy crafting, gardening, playing volleyball, and participating in outdoor activities.

As the GSA Representative for the 2024-2025 year, I look forward to being a liaison and advocating for biology graduate students at Graduate Student Association (GSA) meetings. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me—I would love to hear from you!

atiyeh.ahmadi@uwaterloo.ca

Hey Biology! I'm your EDI grad rep, working on my PhD in systems biology in the Ingalls lab. I’ve also been the EDI grad rep for the Canadian Society of Microbiologists. My goal here and in general as an EDI activist is to raise awareness about the importance of equity, inclusion, and diversity. I’m dedicated to ensuring all voices are heard, making the environment welcoming for everyone, and helping fix unfair practices. Outside the lab, I love baking all kinds of dishes, making tea, listening to music, knitting, reading books, kayaking, dancing, and photography.

alexander.umbach@uwaterloo.ca

Hello. I’m a fourth-year PhD student studying the microbiology of freshwater aquaria and wastewater treatment systems. I focus on nitrifiers – microorganisms that transform ammonia to nitrate.

I have previously served as BGSA editor-in-chief (2021), vice president (2022), and social convenor (2023). I believe that being part of an engaged and inclusive graduate student community is an essential aspect of graduate work. As one of your social convenors, I’ll continue to organize and host social events, such as the departmental coffee hours, trivia nights, and our pumpkin carving and door decorating competitions. Please keep a close eye on your email for anything labeled “BGSA SOCIAL”, and I can meet many of you throughout the year. If you have suggestions for any social events, don’t hesitate to let me know.

a56krishna@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! My name is Anjali, and I am a first year PhD student in the Müller Lab. My research focuses on the genetics and evolution of invasive red algae (Bangia) in the Great Lakes. Out of the lab, I love to read and hang out with friends! I am excited to take on this role of social convenor with other fellow graduate students in the BGSA. Previously in my Master’s at Waterloo, I enjoyed attending the BGSA social events. This made me want to get involved and be part of the biology graduate student community. I look forward to planning and hosting several social events! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to reach out and can’t wait to see everyone at the events!

ngwillms@uwaterloo.ca

Hello Biology! My name is Nathanael and I am a PhD candidate in the Hug lab, where I study microbial methane oxidation in landfill cover soils. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, singing, and playing D&D. This is my first year serving on the BGSA, and as one of your Seminar Co-ordinators I look forward to seeing all of you at the seminars and learning about your research!

aj2douglas@uwaterloo.ca

Hey Bio, I’m a PhD candidate in the Katzenback Lab with plans to defend in 2025. I study skin-secreted antimicrobial peptides from frogs and have shelves of amphibian memorabilia to prove it. In my free time you can find me at the gym, in the woods, or on a patio with my wife and two grumpy old dogs. I’ve served as BGSA President (2022), Social Coordinator (2021) and Athletics Coordinator (2020), and I’m happy to return as a Seminar Coordinator this year. I look forward to putting your excellent research on display, and I hope to see everyone there!

nschneider@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone, my name is Natalie and I am a 2nd year master’s student in Dr. Adam Yates - Streams Lab. My research looks at how ambient phosphorus concentrations in streams influence stream biofilm structure and function while receiving various phosphorus loading events. I enjoy playing hockey, spending time outdoors, traveling and hanging out with friends. This year I hope to plan fun athletic events and help the department stay connected through staying active and meeting new people!

anastasiia.kurnosova@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! My name is Anastasiia and I'm a first-year master's student in the Moira Glerum Lab. My research is about mitochondrial protein transporters in yeast. Outside of the lab, I enjoy an active lifestyle, including yoga and dancing, and I love traveling and playing the piano. 

As the Editor in Chief of the BGSA, I will help manage our social media to expand the engagement of graduate students. I'm excited to contribute to the department! 

mconturs@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! I’m Michela, one of your Sustainability Coordinators for the 2024/25 academic year. I am a second-year master’s student in the Broders Lab, studying the behaviour and social complexities of temperate bats. When I am not living a nocturnal lifestyle for my bat research, you can typically find me rock climbing, feeding my (slight) coffee addiction, cooking, or spending time with friends and family!  

I am super excited to be a part of the BGSA exec team this year! Alongside Yubing, we are working to further pave the way for the biology department at UWaterloo to be as green and eco-conscious as possible, as sustainability is incredibly important in today’s climate. I look forward to seeing what this year has in store!

adthakor@uwaterloo.ca

Hi Everyone! I’m Aranksha, this year’s TA rep for biology graduate students! I’m a PhD candidate in the Charles Lab, focusing on genome engineering Pseudomonas putida for improved bioplastic production using waste feedstocks. In my free time, I enjoy lounging and reading/watching a show.

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 approach/email me for any issues/questions related to TA assignments, and I will do my best to support and help you navigate through the issue!

lucia.liao@uwaterloo.ca

Hi everyone! I'm a PhD student in Dr. Dale Martin's (NeurdyPhagy) lab studying the role of a novel posttranslational protein modification in protein mislocalization and disease pathogenesis in ALS. Outside the lab, I love the outdoors and am hoping to be able to take my still-in-training puppy on hikes this summer.

I am looking forward to continue overseeing the BGSA community garden this year. Since it's setup several years ago, the BGSA garden has been growing vegetables with the help of volunteers, to offer free produce to grad students as well as the rest of the department. As my gardening knowledge and experience always have room to grow, I would love to have your suggestions and help!