Department of Biology Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

The Department's EDI committee consists of:

Committee Chair / EDI Representative: Dr. Jola Gurska

Jola Gurska (she/her) is the EDI Committee Chair and EDI Representative. Her duties include 1) establishing methods of assessing EDI in the Department including but not limited to hiring, awards, culture, practices, systems, working within existing University Policies and in collaboration with the Equity Office; 2) promoting awareness of EDI best practices in Department processes and activities; 3) conducting regular pulse checks (e.g., once or twice a year), and 4) supporting all other committee representatives as needed. 

Internal/External Resources and Communications: Dr. Mark Servos

Mark Servos is the EDI Internal/External resource and communication representative.  The duties will include maintaining the Biology EDI website; establishing and updating EDI-related resource webpage; connecting all members of the department with resources and supports relationship building; advertising/promoting events and training.  

Training and Events Coordinator: Dr. Okey Igboeli

Okey Igboeli is the EDI training and events coordinator. In this role, Dr. Igboeli helps facilitate activities that will help foster an EDI-positive environment for all primary stakeholders in the Biology Department. Dr. Igboeli is a Continuing Lecturer as well as the Director of the Science and Business Program. Prior to joining the Science and Business program, he founded and led the drug discovery company, True Spring Pharmaceuticals Inc.  Dr. Igboeli teaches several Biology and Science and Business courses and facilitates the integration of Science and Business students’ experience with entrepreneurial activities on campus and in the community. 

Graduate student representative: Atiyeh Ahmadi

Atiyeh Ahmadi (she/her) is the graduate student representative. As the graduate student representative, she brings the perspective of biology graduate students to the committee to foster inclusivity in the department that also benefits the unique experience of graduate students. She maintains connections to the Biology Graduate Student Association and helps create activities to increase EDI in the department.  

Undergraduate student representative: Hayya Halime

Hayya Halime (she/her) is the undergraduate student representative. She is an Honours Biology Co-op student in her 4A term. Hayya was previously a part of BUGS for 3 years and took on many roles, including president, and have been helping the current exec teams if they need an extra hand. She is currently and have been a biology science ambassador for 3 years, and an orientation leader for 2 years. Hayya loves being able to foster a welcoming community for new students, as well as upper year students. As a POC and woman in STEM, she thinks it’s important to give individuals who aren't as well represented in our community an equal opportunity, and have everyone be on an equal playing field.