The voting period for the 2024 AGSBS Elections will take place from August 28th – August 30th
to select our next Communications Director (1 position) and Honours Thesis Committee (5 positions)
There are two candidates running for one position.
Move between the tabs below to view each candidate’s biography.
I am Anthony Ayers and I am a third-year PhD candidate studying urban ecology in the Rehan lab. I believe I am an excellent candidate for the role of communications director for AGSBS as communication, particularly community outreach, plays a crucial role in both my dissertation and recreational work. This work broadly focuses on understanding how urbanization influences wild bee communities and their plant interactions in addition to gauging public perceptions of bees and methods of promoting and conserving them. Since much of this work is often dependent on building relationships with community members, I regularly engage with the public both in-person and online with the hopes of increasing broader awareness and appreciation for wild bees. In my free time I am actively engaged in wild bee macrophotography/content creation which I share publicly on Instagram (@rembr.ant) as a means of further educating the public within and beyond Toronto about the diversity and life histories of our most essential and overlooked pollinators. It would be fulfilling to use these experiences to enhance the social media presence of AGSBS and promote science communication initiatives for biology graduate students. I can also revamp the AGSBS website to increase accessibility and ensure that it remains a reliable resource for incoming and current biology graduate students. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to pour the excitement I possess for bees and biology generally into this role.
My name is Taegan Perez (she/her) and I am currently running to be your next Communications Director for AGSBS 2024-2025. I am a 3rd year PhD student in Dr. Ryan Schott’s lab. My research interest lies in exploring the molecular evolution of the amphibian visual system across different ecologies, life histories and behaviours (Taegan JM Perez MSc (wordpress.com)).
This past year I was fortunate to be the co-chair of the AGSBS Symposium Committee. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances we were unable to hold the symposium this year, but the committee and I worked hard to bring other events to the Biograds including the AGSBS Poster Blitz (hopefully you were able to attend!). Additionally, during my time in the co-chair position, the committee worked to bring an additional presentation and networking opportunity for Fall 2024 and helped to expand the symposium even further for Spring 2025. This energy and enthusiasm is something I plan to bring to the Communications Director position if elected.
I have also held other positions in communications in other volunteer-based societies. Prior to beginning my PhD at York, I completed both my undergrad and MSc at U of T. During my time there, I held the Director of Public Relations and Vice-President of Communications positions for the University of Toronto Scarbrough Cheerleading Team (2017-2021). Both positions required organization, time management, and creativity to ensure the executive committee functioned efficiently and to continue fostering community engagement. Earlier this year I also completed a certificate program in Scientific Communication with the Royal Canadian Institute of Science (RCIS: https://www.rciscience.ca/). The goal of this program is to guide researchers on how to bring their research to wider audiences. I learned valuable skills in effective communication, community engagement, and graphic design. I continue to work with RCIS and if elected I plan to foster a relationship between RCIS and AGSBS to bring guidance in scientific communication to Biograds.
If elected to the position of Communications Director for AGSBS 2024-2025 I promise to dedicate my time and energy to facilitating communication between AGSBS and Biograds, the AGSBS executives, York University, and the wider public. I promise to continue to grow our social media presence and enhance event communications. I also promise to be available and willing to listen to constructive feedback to continued ensured growth during my time in the position. I am very excited about the future of AGSBS and how communication fits into it!
Hi everyone! My name is Annabelle, and I’m a first-year PhD student in the Hudak Lab. My research focuses on plant-virus interactions, where I’m diving into the fascinating world of how viruses can manipulate plant immune responses. You might have seen me around before as I recently completed my MSc, where I worked on plant protein-protein interactions. That experience has given me a strong foundation in experimental research, and now I’m excited to apply those skills to uncover new insights in plant pathology. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me exploring the great outdoors, playing my favourite video games, or tending to my ever-growing collection of houseplants. I’m passionate about nature in all its forms, whether it’s through hiking in the woods or cultivating greenery at home.
I’m thrilled at the possibility of joining the Honors Thesis Committee because I genuinely enjoy seeing what other students are working on and appreciate the dedication that goes into crafting a great thesis. Throughout my studies, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to evaluate and critique research, and I feel prepared to help select the best undergraduate honours thesis and award it the recognition it deserves. Being part of this committee would allow me to give back to our academic community, support fellow students, and shine a spotlight on some amazing research. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the selection process and making sure that the hard work of our undergraduates doesn’t go unnoticed.
I believe I am a strong candidate for the Honours Thesis Committee due to my firsthand experience with the honour’s thesis process. Having completed my own honours thesis, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and demands faced by the students, which enables me to evaluate their work with both empathy and insight. Additionally, my previous experience with AGSBS has improved my skills in maintaining consistent standards, which are crucial for the committee’s role. My dedication to academic excellence and the ability to apply a fair evaluation makes me a strong candidate for this role.
Hi everyone! My name is Renée Gorman, and I am a second-year Ph.D. Student in Biology under Dr. Peter Backx. My motivations for joining the Honours Thesis Committee and why I would be an asset to the group are below.
One, I was fortunate enough to gain valuable research experience during my undergraduate degree with Dr. Ryan Schott. The Schott laboratory was my first opportunity to directly engage in research and interpretation of results, present in journal club meetings and co-produce a presentation for the NSERC Undergraduate Conference. This experience has equipped me with an understanding of research at the undergraduate level, which is beneficial for reviewing the top selected honours theses.
Second, I also wrote a thesis when I successfully defended my Master’s work in August 2023 under Dr. Peter Backx. I published those findings in the Journal of Physiology, and the paper was awarded Editor’s Choice for the February 2024 issue and deemed the Muscle Health Research Center’s Paper of the Month in March 2024. Together, this demonstrates that I have gone through a similar process and can recognize the qualities that contribute to outstanding scholarly work, making me well-suited to evaluate and select deserving candidates for the thesis award.
Lastly, during my Masters, I took on a leadership role within the Backx laboratory by electing to mentor and train four undergraduate volunteers eager to gain research experience. The support, guidance, and encouragement gained from the Schott and Backx laboratory played a crucial role in my academic journey and paying it forward ensures others can benefit from similar opportunities and assistance in achieving their aspirations. Joining the AGSBS Honours Thesis Committee provides another means for me to give back and support the undergraduate students at York who strive for research excellence.
With this, I would be honoured to join the Thesis Committee, and please consider me when voting! Thanks!
As Ahmed Nadeem, a Master’s student in Biology at York University, I believe I am well-suited for the Honours Thesis Committee due to the following:
Proven Leadership in Project Management: At the Canadian Science Fair Journal, I managed a team of layout designers to produce high-quality scientific journals under tight deadlines. I oversaw the work of over 90 students, ensuring their papers were published and formatted correctly. This experience has equipped me with the skills to manage teams effectively and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and to a high standard—skills that will be invaluable for the undergraduate thesis committee.
Experience Working with Large Teams: As an executive in the Game Development Club at York University, I coordinated the efforts of a team of 10 executives, facilitating discussions and driving collaborative projects. Additionally, as a Senior Recreational Support Worker, I managed staff and clients, ensuring smooth operations and effective teamwork. These roles have honed my ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people, addressing challenges and providing support, much like what is required in overseeing the undergraduate thesis process.
Strong Analytical and Research Skills: My background in lab work and participation in science fairs (2016-2020)—where I conducted research projects akin to mini undergraduate theses—has sharpened my logical thinking and ability to identify critical aspects of research. This experience will allow me to assess projects critically and provide meaningful guidance, drawing on a strong foundation of mentorship and scientific rigour.
So, vote for me, and I’ll ensure this year’s theses go smoothly!
Hi everyone, my name is Tanya Prashar, and I am a third-year PhD candidate in the Hudak Lab. My current research focuses on studying how cells detect and respond to damaged ribosomal RNA. I previously served as co-chair of the Honours Thesis Committee in 2021-22 and 2022-23, where I helped ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of the top BIOL 4000 theses. This role has deepened my appreciation for the importance of a meticulous and consistent evaluation process in recognizing the best undergraduate research.
During my time as co-chair, I collaborated closely with fellow committee members to ensure that every thesis submitted for the award was assessed with the precision and fairness it deserved. I am also passionate about mentoring undergraduate students and understand the dedication and effort they invest in their research. I believe recognizing and rewarding this hard work is crucial, as it promotes academic excellence and builds a supportive research community. I am available during the summer semester and am eager to contribute to the committee again.
As a first-year PhD candidate in Dr. Peter Backx’s lab, specializing in cardiac arrhythmia, I am deeply committed to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting the next generation of researchers. My academic journey has been shaped by a rigorous training background, a love for teaching, and a dedication to mentorship – all of which I am eager to bring to the Honours Thesis Committee.
Before starting my PhD, I competed nationally as a swimmer for 15 years, an experience that instilled discipline, perseverance, and organizational skills. These qualities have been crucial in my academic success and continue to drive my commitment to excellence in research.
Outside of my research, I am actively involved in mentoring and teaching. I work with the Ontario Girls in STEM program, where I guide female high school students interested in science, and I was the head coach for the Junior Maccabiah swim team, where I developed my leadership and education skills. These roles have deepened my passion for helping others excel and provided me with valuable experience in effective communication and evaluation.
As the sole master’s student presenter in the Early Career Investigator stream at the International Society for Heart Research, I gained invaluable experience in high-level academic presentations and what it takes to produce exceptional scholarly work. This experience has refined my understanding of what it takes to create and evaluate top-tier research.
My drive to support academic excellence is why I’m eager to join the Honours Thesis Committee. I look forward to having the opportunity to review and provide constructive feedback on the top Honours theses from the BIOL 4000 course. I am committed to contributing to a fair, thorough evaluation process that highlights and supports outstanding undergraduate research. By offering thoughtful critiques and encouragement, I hope to inspire young scientists to reach their full potential in their academic and research careers.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at York University, where my research focuses on understanding how contaminants, particularly microplastics, impact water ecosystems. Since joining Dr. Raymond Kwong and Prof. Satinder K. Brar’s research team in the fall of 2022, I have been exploring the role of microplastics in dispersing antibiotic-resistant genes into Canadian waters. This research is crucial in assessing the risks these contaminants pose to the environment and public health. My dedication to this critical area of study has been recognized through the receipt of the prestigious Elia Scholar Award and the York Graduate Scholarship (YGS), both of which are honors reserved for outstanding PhD candidates at York University.
My passion for research drives my desire to join the AGSBS Honours Thesis Committee. I believe that a deep understanding of the problem is crucial for effective problem-solving. I am committed to leveraging my research experience to guide students in their thesis projects, helping them contribute to advancing academic knowledge and practical solutions.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, I served on the AGSBS event committee, where I gained a deep understanding of AGSBS operations and the needs of our student community. This experience has prepared me to contribute effectively to the Honours Thesis Committee, and I’m eager to continue supporting fellow students in this new role.