Pharmacy Graduate Association

PHGA logo overlayed on school of pharmacy building

Representing the graduate student body of the School of Pharmacy

The Pharmacy Graduate Association (PhGA) is a non-profit organization led by graduate student volunteers. Founded in Spring 2011, in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy, its primary goal is to represent the graduate students at the School of Pharmacy—a satellite campus—at University of Waterloo meetings, events, and other university-related activities, both on and off-campus.

Pharmacy graduate students are engaged in a wide range of multidisciplinary clinical and basic science research at both the MSc and PhD levels. The PhGA represents all graduate students affiliated with the School of Pharmacy and aims to create memorable and enjoyable experiences for them.

Clubs and services

PharmClub

PharmClub is a separate entity that collaborates with the PhGA to host meetings where graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can present seminars on their research or related topics. These gatherings are informal and friendly, providing presenters with the opportunity to enhance their scientific presentation skills.

PharmClub provides students the opportunity to practice their thesis proposal or defense presentations and receive constructive feedback from those who have successfully navigated these important milestones.

Grad lounge

Located in the heart of the student research and office areas, the Graduate Student Lounge can be found in PHR 4016.

The lounge was established in 2011 with support from the department, the GSA, and a $4,000 grant from the Graduate Student Endowment Fund (GSEF). This funding helped create a comfortable and inviting space with furnishings from Leon's and IKEA. As a central hub for graduate students, the grad lounge is a well-used and recognized landmark within the School of Pharmacy.

Constitution

The constitution outlines the general procedures that govern the PhGA, including its responsibilities, goals, and governance structure. It is subject to full or partial review when the presiding council or a majority of students deem it necessary. Newly elected council members are also required to review the constitution shortly after their appointment.

Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the constitution should be directed to the presiding VP of Student Affairs.

PhGA executive council leadership 2024-2025

Position Role Student representative

President

  • acting head and leader
  • represents graduate students at Pharmacy Council, GSRC, and strategic planning
  • ensures representation Pharmacy graduate students within the School 
Mehraveh Hosseinali
Vice-President Finance
  • assumes financial responsibilities of PhGA, including annual budget
  • involved with event planning and fundraising activities
Anna Ivanova
Vice-President Communications + Vice-President Student Affairs
  • responsible for communications between student body, PhGA execs, and administrative staff
  • involved with social event planning for Pharmacy graduate students
  • Pharmacy Chair for the Graduate Student Association

  • helps plan and organize events 

William Le Boeuf
Vice-President Operations + PharmClub Chair
  • oversees day-to-day operations
  • responsible for internal affairs pertaining to the School of Pharmacy graduate student body
  • creates opportunities for students to practice and polish their presentation and other career skills
Saduni Sumithrarachchige Don

Past PhGA executive council leadership

2023-2024

Nicholas Cheng, President

Ali Syed, Vice-President, Operations

Kaidy Orellana, Vice-President, Communications

Jiayang Li, Vice-President, Finance

Kartar Singh, Vice-President, Student Affairs + PharmClub Chair

2022-2023

Sam Hirniak, President

Alistair Kai Chak Chan, Vice-President Student Affairs

Nicole MacNeil, Vice-President Operations and Communications

Emelien Jentz, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Rishabh Sharma, PharmClub Chair

Carolina Araujo Cirne, Social Media Coordinator

2021-2022

Jesse St. Jean, President

Antoine Hakim, Vice-President Student Affairs

Ahsan Ayub, Vice-President Communications and Events

Nehil Ranjitham Gopalakrishnan, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Jin Wang, PharmClub Chair

2020-2021

Jesse St. Jean, President

Ahsan Ayub, Vice-President Student Affairs

Jacky Yu, Vice-President Communications and Events

Nehil Ranjitham Gopalakrishnan, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Ashley Bancsi, Vice-President Operations

Jin Wang, PharmClub Chair

2019-2020

Cindy Yeung, President

Jesse St. Jean, Vice-President Student Affairs

Derek Chen, Vice-President Communications and Events

Sadaf Faisal, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Gurmeet Lall, Vice-President Operations

Amy Pham, PharmClub Chair

2018-2019

Heidi Fernandes, President

Amna El Shatshat, Vice-President Student Affairs

Kristina Ellis, Vice-President Communications and Events

Yannick Traore, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Scott Gillis, Vice-President Operations

Alanna McEneny-King, PharmClub Chair

2017-2018

Amy Pham, President

Paul Malik, Vice-President Student Affairs

Alex Durocher, Vice-President Communications and Events

Bogdan Diaconu, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Hayden Huh, Vice-President Operations

Alanna McEneny-King, PharmClub Chair

2016-2017

Gokul Raj Pullagura, President

Amirreza Rafiee, Vice-President Student Affairs

Heather Dekker, Vice-President, Communications and Events

Amy Pham, Treasurer and Vice-President Finance

Alex Durocher, Vice-President Operations

Razan Amoud, PharmClub Chair

Alanna McEneny-King, Trivia Master

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