The Science Students’ Association is the governing student body representative for the 6000+ students in the Faculty of Science. The Council is composed of 15 elected members and 19 appointed members who act as a link between students, staff, and the science community. The SSA manages the Science Lounge and organizes Science Orientation, labTREK, food giveaways, locker sales, a free tutoring program, the annual Asessippi ski trip, socials, movie nights, graduation photos, info nights, exam crams, test nights, HealthTalks, and the year-end Gala.
2023/2024 SSA Elected Council Members
President - Amy Lloyd
Hi everyone! I am so incredibly excited to be your 2023/24 SSA President. Going into my final year of a general science degree, this will be my third year on the SSA council. Outside of school you can catch me snowboarding, playing basketball or kicking around a soccer ball. A fun fact about me is that I played violin in Michael Bublé's orchestra!
Vice President - Caleigh Guillou
Hi everyone! This is my third term on SSA, and I am absolutely thrilled to be serving as your Vice President! I am currently majoring in Psychology, with a double minor in Political Studies and Health Sciences. A fun fact about me is that I am an avid dinosaur enthusiast!
UMSU Director - Paul Houston
Hi! My name is Paul Houston and I am entering my third year of a microbiology degree. In my spare time I love playing and coaching basketball. A fun fact about me is that I love skiing!
UMSU Representative - Noah Banmann
Hey everyone, I’m Noah! I’m a Fourth Year Microbiology Co-Op Student. I’m a black belt in Taekwondo and was even once a national champion of Canada!
UMSU Representative - Janvi Vaswani
Hi everyone! My name is Jan and this is my 2nd year on SSA! I am so excited to be your UMSU Rep this year! I am going into my final year of my general science degree. Some fun facts about me:
I am a Certified Scuba Diver
I love a good cold brew!
I enjoy gaming (Apex, COD, etc.)
I've gone to 12 schools and lived in 6 countries all my life!
UMSU Representative - Julia Suderman
Hi my name is Julia. I have interests in both Biology and Chemistry but have not chosen a major yet. One fun fact about me is that I love to oil paint!
Senator - Cara Follows
Hi everyone! I am Majoring in Microbiology with a double minor in Chemistry and Psychology. I love reading, coffee and plants! I enjoy spending time with friends, family and my dog.
Senator - Hannah Garber
Hi I’m Hannah! This is my third year on SSA, and I am currently one of the Senators for the Faculty of Science! I previously held the positions of Special Events Programmer, and UMSU representative. I am going into my last year of my Biological Sciences degree, and outside of SSA I am the Let’s Talk Science Major Events Coordinator! Some fun facts about me are that I’m a twin, and my birthdays on Halloween :)
Senator - Eldrec Abanto
Hello! My name is Eldrec Ralph Abanto and I major in Microbiology with dual minors in biology and chemistry. I pass my time suffering from my dog allergy or drawing. I used to breakdance.
2SLGBTQ+ Representative - Sahand Babaie
I'm Sahand(He/Him) and I'm a transfer International student from Iran entering my 3rd year in general science program. When I'm not studying or working, you can find me listening to music or playing on my console or watching a Hockey game.
First Year Representative - Anshika Sharma
Hi everyone, my name is Anshika Sharma, and I am now in my second year pursuing a major in Biochemistry. To add on, I am also someone who loves to be involved, take up opportunities and make an impact. So having just completed my first year, I will do my best to share advice with you directly from those further in their degrees and present opportunities that many wish they had known about earlier. Due to this, I am thrilled to be the First Year's Representative this year, and if you have any questions or concerns you would like to share with me, you can always dm me on telegram @annshikaa. With that, best wishes to you this upcoming year!
International Representative - Bhavik Jain
Hi there! I'm Bhavik Jain, a computer science major with a passion for innovation and exploration. From coding to globetrotting, I find joy in pushing boundaries both in the digital realm and in the world. With a love for gaming and a curious mind, I'm constantly seeking new adventures and embracing the endless possibilities of technology.
Accessibility Representative - Isham Behl
Hello! I'm a type 2 INFJ studying astronomy and film! I like rice crackers, milk tea, and noodles! I like to learn new things and try new foods. Most recently, I'm trying to learn knitting and crocheting so send me patterns! (:
Indigenous Community Representative - Sarah Gregoire
Hi there! My name is Sarah and I am in my 3rd and final year of my general science degree. I enjoy spending time with friends and family! I love camping and being outdoors! Outside of SSA, I am the women’s representative for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Students Association. Fun fact about myself is that I have my scuba diving license!
Women’s Community Representative - Komal Saroya
Hi everyone! My name is Komal Saroya and I'm in my second year, majoring in psychology. In my free time I enjoy reading, finding new cafes/restaurants to eat out at, and listening to music! A fun fact about me is that I love baking!
Racialized Community Representative - Aryan Sharma
I am in my First Year In the faculty of science, my sights are set on a future in computer science, where I aspire to blend the artistry of visuals with the precision of code. Balancing pixels and algorithms. Navigating the diverse landscapes of creativity and logic, I'm a visual storyteller with a passion for freezing moments in time through photography and videography. You could also find me playing Pool or Partying.
2023/2024 SSA Appointed Council Members
Treasurer - Hiruni Jayaratne
I'm a Biology major in the last year of my degree, and this will be my second year on SSA! I'm very excited for another year back to in-person classes and can't wait for another great year. Fun fact about me is I love going to new fun cafés and I'm always looking for recommendations :)
Secretary - Jasmine Groisman
Hey, I'm Jasmine, I’m a faculty of science student double majoring in Psychology and Biochemistry. When I'm not studying, I am working as a Teaching Assistant for Biology and Anatomy labs. My love for science extends beyond the classroom, as I am an active contributor to a neuroscience research lab in the Biological Science Department. People around me often say I am addicted to coffee, but I like to believe that is an understatement. Oh, and here's a fun fact: I'm a Taylor Swift fan, my favorite song is Cardigan!
Executive Assistant - Sarah Marks
Hi, my name is Sarah Marks and I am entering my second year at the University of Manitoba. I plan to pursue a major in genetics. When I’m not studying, I love to go camping, play basketball, and hangout with my friends. I can’t wait for an amazing year with SSA!
Lounge Programmer - Andrea Nguyen
Hi! I am Andrea Nguyen, major in Data Science. My MBTI is INFJ. I like volunteering,baking. Fun facts about me I like everything related to matcha, also I know 4 languages (Vietnamese, English, Mandarin and American Sign Language)!
Community Programmer - Yasmin Gelfman
Hi there! My name is Yasmin Gelfman, and I am a second-year student in the Faculty of Science. Something I enjoy doing in my free time is camping.
Chairperson - Yashas Samtani
Hey folks! I'm Yashas, I go by Sam too. I'm excited to be SSA's chair for my third consecutive term. I am an economics major. A fun fact about me is that I'm a writer in the horror genre, and I play pool competitively too.
Academics
Director - Noor Imran
Hello! I am currently a Microbiology student and aspire to pursue healthcare, research or education in the future, or maybe a combination of all of them! Outside of SSA, I am involved in the community as a mentor for newcomer youth and a presenter for Let's Talk Science. One fun fact about me is that the longest book I have ever read was 1200 pages long (the book was Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson, check it out if you like fantasy!)
Programmer - Aishat Bello
Hello! I am a student in the Faculty of Science. My favourite hobbies are knitting, playing guitar, and gaming on my Nintendo DS :)
Programmer - Clarissa Nitafan
I am studying Microbiology. A fun fact about me is that I love matcha lattes!
Programmer - Anthony Kozak
Hi everyone! I’m Anthony and I am an academic programmer for the SSA council for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year! I’m currently a 4th year Honours Genetics student and planning to pursue medicine after my undergrad. In my spare time I like to play guitar and trumpet! I’m very excited to be a part of the council this year!
Student Services
Director - Annie Jiang
Hi, my name is Annie and I am in my fourth year studying biological sciences, with a minor in chemistry. This is my third year on SSA, and I look forward to working with a wonderful group of people to organize events for science students. A fun fact about myself is that I grew up in five different cities. I love spending time outdoors and would love to backpack through New Zealand and Australia one day!
Programmer - Rushal Rattan
Hello!! My name is Rushal Rattan, and I am majoring in psychology with a minor in chemistry and biology. Whenever I am not studying for exams or doing assignments, I like to read a book, go on long walks, or hangout with my friends and get starbucks!
Programmer - Erika Gatbonton
I am in my final year, with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. When I am not working or in the library studying, I enjoy going to cafés and spending time with my friends and family.
Programmer - Dexter Andres
My name is Dexter and I am majoring in the biological sciences with a concentration on cell, molecular, and developmental biology. I enjoy working in teams and I'm passionate about engaging with peers to address the needs of science students. I'm a big foodie so a noteworthy hobby of mine is visiting the diverse restaurants Winnipeg has to offer!
Communications
Director - Jenna Solomon
My name is Jenna Solomon, and I am entering my fourth year of doing a BSc in Honours Psychology. I am excited to be part of the SSA council this year and having the opportunity to meet/work with a motivated and inspiring group of individuals! In my spare time you will find me working out, painting or watching a documentary.
Programmer - Angela Jiang
I will be a 2nd year science student studying microbiology! In my free time, I enjoy running, exploring the great outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends!
Programmer - Piolo Turdanes
Hi! My name's Piolo Turdanes and I'm currently in a General Science degree planning to major in computer science. When I'm not coding, you can find me going on hikes or making music with friends.
Special Events
Director - Jacob Marks
Hello my name is Jacob Marks. I am your Director of Special Events for the 2023-2024 year. I am a third-year student pursuing a General Science degree or a Biological Sciences Degree under the Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology theme. I am an avid runner and enjoy watching NFL football in my free time!
Programmer - Amina Mohammed
Hi everyone! My name is Amina Mohammed and I will be the Special Events Programmer for the 2023/2024 SSA council this year. I am in my fourth year majoring in Genetics with a minor in chemistry. As a Special Events Programmer, I will be responsible for assisting the Special Events Coordinator with organizing and coordinating special and exciting events for the year. In my spare time, I like to practice Arabic calligraphy and bake delicious goods. I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the council members this year and connecting with you all!
Programmer - Huda Alfarekh
I'm currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in microbiology. I love going on road trips in summer.
Programmer - Carl Harvey De Guzman
Hi! My name is Carl, and I am currently pursuing a degree in General Science with a specialization in Chemistry and Biology. Apart from my academic pursuits, I have a passion for photography and enjoy capturing moments in my daily life. Additionally, I have developed a keen interest in golf!
Programmer - Rabia Shuaib
Hi everyone! My name is Rabia Shuaib and I will be one of the Special Events Programmers for SSA this year. My role consists of helping in the organization and planning fun events to engage students in the science community! I am going into my fourth year studying Biochemistry Honours CO-OP with a minor in statistics. Academics aside, when I have free time, I usually read fiction novels, do fun makeup looks, sing, or hang out with my friends! If you ever see me in person feel free to say hi! I always enjoy meeting new people.