Grad Student Association Council Members 2025
President
Jade Oldfield
Pursuing a MSc in Neuroscience, Jade's goal as President is to focus on initiatives geared towards student awards and funding, food sustainability and improving the University of Lethbridge graduate Student experience.
VP Academic & Student Life
Ridwan Tajudeen
Ridwan is a dedicated and driven graduate student passionate about student wellbeing. With a strong background in leadership, advocacy, and student engagement, he has consistently worked to support diverse student needs both on and off campus. Ridwan believes in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
VP Finance and Services
RAZEEN MUJARRAB
An MSc student in Management (Marketing), Razeen believes that proper money management is the key to making the GSA budget benefit all of the grad student body. He aims to ensure that student needs inform and shape the GSA's financial decisions.
Independent Representative
A K M Iftekhar Khalid
Khalid is a Ph.D. student in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (CSPT) at the University of Lethbridge, housed in the Department of English and Humanities Innovative Lab (HIL). He is committed to fostering a vibrant cultural community. Khalid hopes to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity on campus. His research explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the English language, aiming to safeguard linguistic diversity and cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
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Independent Representative
Rayen Morales Urrutia
I am an MSc student in the Biological Sciences department studying ecotoxicology in the Wiseman Lab. I am passionate about informing my peers about the resources available to them, as well as fostering a strong sense of community within the diverse graduate student body. I am committed to actively listen and represent the concerns of my peers to the GSA and the University of Lethbridge administration to enhance the graduate experience on campus
Community Engagement Representative
Justin Dubiel
Justin is a Ph.D. student in Dr. Steve Wiseman’s lab studying the effects of minor structural changes on the toxicity of common environmental pollutants known as PAHs. He has served as the Community Engagement Representative since 2021 and is looking forward to continuing to do so in 2025/26.
Independent Representative
Chiedozie Alumona
Chiedozie is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health Sciences. His research focuses on the impact of health behaviours on the life satisfaction of older adults
DSB Representative
Mary Umale
Mary Umale is a second-year Master’s student in Business Analytics at the Dhillon School of Business, University of Lethbridge.
With a strong professional background in the banking sector, Mary brings valuable experience in risk management, data handling, and financial operations.
Mary believes in the power of student voices and collaboration. She is committed to ensuring that grad student concerns are heard and addressed, while also striving to create opportunities for growth, networking, and support. She believes in transparency, communication, and building a stronger, more connected student community.
Sexual Awareness and Inclusion Representative
Niayesh Allahdad
Niayesh Allahdad is a neuroscience researcher who is deeply passionate about equity and advocating for the diverse voices in the graduate community.
In her current research at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, her focus is on neural synchrony in romantic relationships, including non-heterosexual couples. She also serves as a teaching assistant and mentor, as well as a volunteer with local organizations supporting newcomers and families.
Niayesh believes that inclusion must be intentional, culturally sensitive, and intersectional. She is committed to push for safer, more informed, and more affirming campus policies and events around sexual awareness.
Calgary Campus Representative
Dan Pearson
During his time at the Calgary campus, Dan had the opportunity to connect with many students and gain a well-rounded understanding of their experiences that are both positive and challenging. Through these honest, often confidential conversations, he developed a mature and balanced view of the needs and concerns of the University of Lethbridge campus community.
Dan believes in offering thoughtful, responsible feedback to the GSA, with sincere and diverse student perspectives. He is committed to ensuring grad student voices are communicated constructively at the graduate level.
Natural Sciences Representative
Emma Neigel
Emma Neigel has held the role of Natural Sciences Representative on the GSA Council for the past two years and is now on council for 2025.
Emma has been engaged in various committees such as the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) and the GSA events committee, including helping to organize a yoga student wellness event this year.
Emma is committed to ensuring that grad student voices are heard and representing the faculty of Natural Sciences.
Humanities Representative
Natalie Krizan
Natalie Krizan is in her second year of M.Sc. in Geography with Dr. Laura Chasmer. Natalie completed her B.Sc. at the University of Lethbridge (UofL) and values the liberal education mandate which allowed her to explore a variety of courses, including several in Humanities.
Natalie firmly believes that encouraging connection amongst students from various faculties will foster interesting discussion, meaningful relationships, and help students grow both academically and as individuals.
Social Sciences Representative
Kelly Grannon
Kelly Grannon is a PhD student in Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Jamal Mansour. Her research has been presented at numerous national conferences, and she has collaborated with international teams on memory conformity projects. She has experience in statistical modeling, science communication, and cross-disciplinary outreach.
Kelly enjoys facilitating engagement among students and supporting initiatives that reflect diverse interests and challenges. During her time as Co-President of the University of Victoria's Psychology Under-graduate Students, she successfully adapted their program during COVID-19, helping move events online to Zoom and Discord.
Kelly is enthusiastic about supporting the GSA's objectives and representing the Social Sciences graduate student community with diligence and integrity.
Disability and Accommodated Learning Representative
Sodiq Olawoore
As a previous equity diversity inclusion committee with the GSA, Sodiq Olawoore has had a deep understanding of the importance of creating an inclusive environment to support all students, including those that utilize the Disability and Accommodated Learning workshop.
Sodiq is a second-year student at the University of Lethbridge, in the department of biological science under the supervision of Dr. Steve Wiseman.
International Representative
Alireza Taheritorbati
Alireza Taheritorbati is a Master's student in Neuroscience originally from Iran. He brings both lived experience as an international student and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive academic environments. He currently serves as a research and teaching assistant in the Department of Neuroscience and works part-time in leadership and customer-facing roles.
Alireza is committed to advocating for the needs and voices of international graduate students, many of whom face unique academic, financial, and personal challenges. Having navigated these challenges himself, Alireza feels a responsibility to help others feel heard, supported, and empowered within our graduate community.
With his multicultural background and passion for community-building, Alireza is dedicated to serving the diverse and vibrant international graduate student community at the University of Lethbridge.
Co-operative Education Representative
Carisa McGale
Carisa McGale is a M.Sc. student in Biological Sciences studying rare plant community distributions in the McCune lab. She completed an Undergraduate Thesis with Dr. McCune during her undergrad program and worked in Dr. McCune's lab for two summers as a research tech before starting her M.Sc. program.
Carisa was on the GSA council from 2024-2025 as an Independent Representative and valued the opportunity to work with other graduate students at the U of L in representing the graduate student body.
Carisa is eager to continue building that sense of connection and collaboration among graduate students in the 2025-2026 year. She is passionate about encouraging students to engage in both professional development and opportunities for connection with fellow graduate students at the University of Lethbridge.
Student Parent Representative
Heather Loewen
Heather Loewen is currently pursuing her PhD in Neuroscience, and is a parent of three children. She spent over 20 years working in the social services field where she gained extensive experience supporting individuals, families, and communities. Her background has given her strong skills in advocacy, resource coordination, and peer support.
She aspires to build a supportive and connected community for graduate students who are also parents.
Heather's vision includes:
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A Peer Support Group where graduate student parents can connect, share experiences, and support one another.
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Resource & Information Sheets with guides outlining available services, supports, and community resources for graduate student parents.
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Regular Meetups & Networking Opportunities to foster connection and reduce isolation.
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Community Integration: Ensuring that student parents have direct access to relevant community supports and childcare resources.
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Social Media & Communication: Establishing online groups to keep parents informed and connected.
Heather believes that strengthening connections, sharing resources and fostering a sense of community will greatly enhance the graduate school experience for student parents.
Indigenous Representative
Deserae Tailfeathers
Deserae is a current Master of Science in Health Sciences student who is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous student voices, strengthening community, and ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are represented in graduate student decision-making.
Her academic and professional background reflects this commitment. Her research focuses on Indigenous maternal health, traditional medicine, and land-based health practices, exploring how Traditional Knowledge systems can be meaningfully integrated into health policy.
Alongside her studies, she has experience working with Destination Exploration in youth outreach STEM education as an Indigenous STEM Coordinator. Her role advocates for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge systems within western science and to reduce barriers for Indigenous youth in STEM education and career pathways. Through these experiences, she has gained skills in advocacy, cultural programming, and fostering dialogue across diverse communities.
As Indigenous Student Representative, Deserae aspires to:
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Provide a strong voice for Indigenous graduate students within the GSA.
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Advocate for inclusive and culturally grounded supports that enhance Indigenous students’ experiences on campus.
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Create opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous graduate students.
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Support initiatives that celebrate Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and leadership within the University of Lethbridge community.
Deserae's academic focus, cultural background, and community engagement experience uniquely position her to contribute to the GSA in this role in her goal to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
International Representative
Patrick Akwaboah
Patrick Akwaboah is starting his third year PhD in Fall 2025. As an international student, he brings a unique perspective shaped by navigating academic, social, and cultural transitions in a new environment. His experience serving on student bodies during his master's in Ghana, and advisory council of the University of Lethbridge, has equipped him with the skills to advocate effectively for diverse student needs, especially in areas of accessibility, belonging, and community engagement.
Patrick understands firsthand the challenges international students face, ranging from academic adjustment to settlement and integration, and he is committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and represented in decision-making.
Patrick's collaborative leadership style, combined with his background in research and community service, positions him well to contribute to building an inclusive and supportive environment where graduate students from all backgrounds can thrive.
