Current Nominations/Elections

The following are the names of those members of Senate whose terms of office expire that year and whether such members are eligible for a further term of service:

Faculty Senators

1. Arts:
   1. Shana MacDonald; and
   2. James Skidmore (2^nd term – cannot run again)
2. Engineering: Christopher Nielsen
3. Health: Michael Barnett-Cowan
4. Mathematics: Achim Kempf (2^nd term – cannot run again)
5. Science: Colleen Maxwell

There are no vacancies in Environment for the 2026 Elections. 

Faculty-at-Large Senators

1. Nadine Ibrahim
2. James Nugent
3. Mark Ferro
4. Peter Hall
5. Christiane Lemieux (2^nd term – cannot run again)
6. Blake Madill (2^nd term – cannot run again)
7. Stan Woo
8. Kevin Hare (resigning effective August 31, 2026)

Graduate Student Senators:

1. Nicholas Pellegrino
2. Rindlisbacher, Jessica

Undergraduate Senators:

1. Andrew Chang - Arts
2. Katie Traynor - Environment
3. Jordan Bauman - Science
4. Alex Pawelko - Math                  
5. Christopher Lim - Health
6. Misha Khan – Student at Large
7. Rida Sayed - Engineering

Faculty - Art (2 vacancies)

Shana MacDonald

I would be honoured to serve a second term as an Arts representative on Senate. I have served on the Senate Long Range Planning committee as part of my first term as well as helped initiate on-going conversations with senators and administration around establishing more equitable modes of participation at Senate. I would continue this work in my second term with a focus on creating robust conversation around how to support women in governance both inside and outside of Senate.

Marcel O'Gorman

I have been a faculty member in English for 19 years, serving as Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and on Undergraduate, Tenure and Promotion, and Appointments committees. I am Founding Director of the Critical Media Lab, Chair of Arts AI Task Force, and a member of Waterloo’s Research Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion council. By working in research, teaching, and administrative contexts across faculties, I have championed the arts and humanities, social justice, and tech ethics. In this time of both austerity and disruptive innovation, I will support a progressive Senate agenda that promotes fiscal responsibility, trust, and strong educational principles.

Blake Phillips

I’ve been a faculty member in the Faculty of Arts for 16 years, 9 of those in leadership positions at the School of Accounting of Finance as Deputy Director – Student Experience and Director. In those roles, I’ve enjoyed collaborated closely with most of the other faculties on campus developing interdisciplinary programming. Our university is facing critical decisions regarding financial constraints, program restructuring and advancing technologies influence. I believe I can bring a balanced, proactive, and constructive perspective to the Senate. I am committed to protecting quality education, and fostering a collaborative workplace for all staff, students, and faculty.

Faculty - Health (1 vacancy)

Michael Barnett-Cowan

I seek re-election to the University of Waterloo Senate to represent the Faculty of Health for a second term. As Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, I have worked to strengthen graduate education and support student success. I bring extensive experience serving on faculty committees, program reviews, and tenure and promotion panels, ensuring accountability and academic integrity. At this critical time of leadership change, I am committed to fostering transparent governance, advancing research and education, and ensuring the Faculty of Health's priorities contribute meaningfully to the University's resilience and academic excellence.

Bryan Grimwood

I am a Professor in Recreation and Leisure Studies and have worked at the University of Waterloo since 2011. I am an interdisciplinary social scientist with a background in geography and community-engaged research.
My approach to academic leadership emphasizes collegial governance and careful attention to people, processes, and outcomes. I have served as Associate Chair (Graduate Studies), on Chair and Dean nomination committees, curriculum and strategic planning committees, and the Human Research Ethics Board. As a Senate representative, I would contribute a measured, collaborative voice attentive to Faculty of Health and
university-wide priorities.

Faculty-at-Large (8 vacancies)

Derek Armitage

I am Full Professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and specialize in the human dimensions of environmental change. I am currently the Director, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, and have served in several administrative roles (e.g., as Associate Director, Graduate for SERS; Chair of the Faculty Committee on Student Appeals). I am actively engaged in undergraduate and graduate curriculum processes, and have been recognized with the University of Waterloo Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision. I would bring to the role and a commitment to valuing perspectives of faculty members as we navigate current circumstances.

Benoit Charbonneau

I am tenured Associate Professor in Mathematics, specialized in gauge theory. I bring 15 years of governance, academic leadership, and institution wide experience. I led and negotiated the adoption of Crowdmark at UW. From 2016 to 2020, I worked closely with FAUW to improve salary conditions (anomalies and thresholds) and was chief negotiator. Since 2019, as Associate Dean, I have overseen all undergraduate operations in the Faculty of Mathematics, served as a de facto chair of a unit of teaching stream colleagues, and worked with my colleagues campus wide on matters related to undergraduate curriculum and student experience.

Jason Grove

I am seeking election to Senate to support strong academic governance and represent the diverse needs of our campus community. My experience as Associate Dean of Engineering for Undergraduate Studies, former Associate Chair Undergraduate, and long serving teaching stream faculty member has given me a deep understanding of policy, curriculum, and the student experience. I have collaborated widely across campus through the FAUW lecturers’ committee and value transparent, community minded decision making. With over fifteen years at the University of Waterloo, I am committed to contributing thoughtful, informed, and collegial perspectives to Senate.

Nadine Ibrahim

Seeking renewal on Senate. Nadine Ibrahim is the Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering and Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She dedicates her efforts towards industry-academic engagements, sustainable cities across faculties, re-imagining education and the Canadian Engineering Grand Challenges which motivate what we teach, learn and research. She is an Ambassador to How to Change the World, Board Director on the Canadian Engineering Education Association and chairs the Engineer of 2050 group. I leverage my knowledge and networks to gain insights on issues of interest to the university and the global scene on the future of education.

Marios Ioannidis

Staunch supporter of the bicameral governance model with service record too long to describe in 100 words (including as Senator), currently on the Board of FAUW and actively contributing to governance and policy development through FRC, seeks election to Senate in order to take again an active role in its deliberations.

Spiro Karigiannis

The state of universities in Ontario is currently at a crossroads, due both to domestic pressures (provincial funding cuts and federal reductions in international study/work permits), and to the global paradigm shift brought upon us by the rapid advances in AI. These affect all aspects of our function, including but not limited to teaching, learning, assessment, research and its evaluation. This is a critical time for all universities worldwide. As an institution, we must take a careful/cautious approach while at the same time not “missing the boat”. The answers are not clear, but we must find them.

Jennifer Lynes Murray

I look forward to serving a second term in Senate. My approach emphasizes cross campus partnerships, community building, and ensuring a wide range of voices are heard. I bring over 20 years of experience at UW in leadership roles, including directing two undergraduate programs, serving as experiential learning lead with CTE, and now as Shad Waterloo’s incoming program director. I have also been an advocate for sustainability initiatives and for strengthening women’s representation in governance. I’m committed to applying this experience to strengthen Senate’s work and support effective, inclusive governance.

James Nugent

Unprecedented financial and political pressures on the post-secondary sector are reducing budgets and straining collegial governance, affecting our working conditions and the learning conditions of our students. As senior administrators at UW (and elsewhere) become increasingly guided by ‘efficiencies’ and expediency, it is vital for faculty to stay informed and engaged in Senate, FAUW, and departmental- and faculty-level governance. I am committed to fostering collegial governance that is representative, transparent, and collaborative. I will bring your ideas and concerns directly to Senate and its committees, drawing on my three years of experience as a Senator and ongoing involvement in FAUW.

Armaghan Salehian

I, Armaghan Salehian, am a professor in the Faculty of Engineering with a strong record of teaching, research, and service. I have demonstrated a sustained commitment to academic excellence, collegial governance, and the advancement of interdisciplinary collaboration across the university, nationality and internationally. Through my involvement in curriculum development, student mentorship, and committee services, DACA hirings and EFC, I will bring a thoughtful and balanced perspective to institutional decision-making. As a Senate-at-Large Board member, I will contribute constructively to discussions on academic policy, equity, and long-term strategic planning, while representing the interests of faculty and students with integrity and diligence.

Gerald Voorhees

This is a challenging moment for UW. External economic and social pressures and internal financial and institutional practices threaten our core mission to pursue learning, scholarship, and teaching. My perspective and experience – as a leader in interdisciplinary organizations; an accomplished scholar in the critical, humanistic study of technology; and a racialized, disabled person – are well suited for this moment. As Chair of the Department of Communication Arts, past President of the Canadian Game Studies Association, and in leadership roles at the UW Games Institute, I maintain good working relationships with colleagues across the (applied, natural, and social) sciences and humanities.

Stan Woo

I would like to build upon the interdisciplinary work across Faculties in the are of health, technology and society as a member-at-large representative. As we strive to support our multiple missions in research, education, patient/client care, and community impact, I will continue my best efforts to represent faculty and students. I believe my past experience on Senate and Board of Governors will help to promote positive change through collaboration and shared commitment as we make new connections and facilitate partnerships within and beyond the university.

Graduate Student (2 vacancies)

Michael Domm

I am running for Senate to represent graduate students with a clear focus on affordability, academic quality, and fairness. I believe access to graduate education should not be undermined by rising costs, and I will consistently advocate for responsible tuition policies. I am committed to supporting the collective rights of graduate students, transparent decision-making, and strong academic standards.

Dean Eaton

I am a PhD candidate in Physics and Astronomy and currently serve as Board Chair of the Graduate Student Association and as a member of the Graduate Student Relations Committee, with prior experience on GSA Council. I have worked on governance reform, policy development, and financial oversight, with a focus on accountability and transparency. As a Senator, I will provide strong, evidence-driven advocacy for graduate students, supporting academic quality, student wellbeing, and responsible institutional decision-making.

Geetam Saha

Geetam Saha is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in Sustainability Management at the School of Environment, Enterprise & Development. Currently, he also serves on the GSA Board of Directors and is a non-voting member of the Graduate Student Relations Committee of the UWaterloo Secretariat. In addition, he is chairing the 2026 GSA annual general meeting committee. He is interested in running for Senate to ensure graduate voices are acknowledged in decisions on programs, funding, and policies. He is dedicated to transparent communication, fair policies, and practical support for research and well-being, especially where delays or unclear rules cause stress.

Sandra Maria Thomas

I am a Master’s student in Vision Science running for Senate to ensure graduate voices lead academic governance. I believe Waterloo can set the global standard for graduate education by pairing excellence with well-being and sustainability. Graduate students drive research and innovation, and our concerns deserve to be heard. As your Senator, I will advocate for transparent policies, equitable assessment, and supportive supervision that protect student interests. With healthcare experience, student leadership, and a collaborative, evidence-informed approach, I am committed to accountable representation and to building a graduate environment where both students and research thrive.

Acclaimed 

Faculty - Engineering

Christopher Nielsen

I would be happy to continue my service on Senate as the engineering rep.

Faculty - Mathematics

Martin Karsten

I have served on Senate before, including the Senate Finance Committee, and would welcome this opportunity to serve again. Given the difficult financial situation of the university and what seems to become a widening rift between faculty colleagues and the administration, I expect Senate will face novel questions and have challenging discussions in the next few years. I believe that I have the necessary experience and temperament to effectively represent the Faculty of Math and seek balanced solutions to the university’s various matters of concern.

Faculty - Science

Chris Yakymchuk

I am an Associate Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences and a University Research Chair; I will bring a balance of expertise in teaching and research to this role. I will represent the interests of all units in the Faculty of Science to ensure that University-level decisions are made that forward the core missions of the University of Waterloo, including outstanding teaching, excellence in both applied and blue-sky research, and ensuring a positive and collaborative environment for students, staff and faculty. [This was written without the aid of AI].