OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President | CHERIN CHUNG

Meet our President:

Cherin Chung is a Ph.D. Candidate in the French Department specializing in 19th century French Literature. More specifically, her research focuses on the works of Georges de Peyrebrune, feminism, and epistolary writing. She previously completed her Master of Arts in French Literature and a Bachelor of English Language and Literature (Honours) and French Studies (Major) at Western University. 

Cherin joined SOGS in 2021 at the beginning of her graduate studies as a committee member, the French Councillor, the Equity Committee chair, Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner, and Vice-President Advocacy. As a graduate student leader, Cherin is passionate about ensuring an equitable education for all graduate students at Western Univeristy. Outside of campus life, Cherin enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking.

Get in touch: president@sogs.ca

 

VP Academic | ANTHONY CRUZ

Meet our VP Academic:

Originally from New Jersey, Anthony Cruz is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Psychology Department in the Cognitive, Developmental, and Brain Sciences stream. He researches learning and memory with a focus on category learning, the cognitive process by which people learn to sort objects into groups based on shared features. He previously completed an M.Sc. in Psychology at Western and a B.A. in Mathematics & Psychology at Ohio University.

Anthony joined SOGS as a member of the GradCast Editorial Board in July 2023, eventually contributing to over twenty episodes of the radio show and podcast. Anthony looks forward to promoting and supporting graduate students’ academic activities. Outside of campus life, Anthony enjoys running, watching scary movies, playing video games, and attending local comedy shows.

Get in touch: academic@sogs.ca

 

VP Advocacy | JASMINE PROCTOR

Meet our VP Advocacy:

Originally from Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Territory (Vancouver), Jasmine Proctor (she/they) is a PhD student in the Media Studies department, focusing on online fan communities’ relationship to gender and sexuality through networked labour practices. As a member of the queer community, she is an active and passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, with a desire to cultivate and foster queer spaces through community-building practices. Beyond this, Jasmine has a background in non-profit work and labour research.

Outside of academia, Jasmine is an avid music fan, a book lover, member of the BTS ARMY, and coffee fanatic.
 

Get in touch: advocacy@sogs.ca

VP Finance | EVAN SAUVE

Meet our VP Finance:

Evan Sauve is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Economics. He previously completed a Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours) in Mathematical Economics at the University of Waterloo and a Master of Arts in Economics at Western University. His research focuses on student loan borrowing in Canada and the likely effects of policy changes within the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

Evan joined SOGS as a Councillor in October 2022. Before becoming VP Finance, he served as a member of the Finance Committee, the Grad Club Committee, and the Subsidies Committee—all three committees within the VP Finance portfolio. Outside of campus life, Evan spends his time drumming, playing trivia, and drinking far too much coffee, a habit which he picked up from his parents.

Get in touch: finance@sogs.ca

VP Student Services | RAWAN EL MOGHRABI

Meet our VP Student Services: Rawan El Moghrabi is an MSc. student in the Computer Science Department with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and interdisciplinary research. She completed her Bachelor’s of Engineering Science in Software Engineering with a Minor in Creative Writing at Western University.

Rawan joined SOGS as a committee member in the Academic and Orientation & Social Committees in Fall 2024, at the beginning of her graduate studies. Since then, she has served as a director on the SOGS Board of Directors and Committee Co-Chair for the Graduate Peer Support Committee. Outside of campus, Rawan enjoys playing the violin, reading, and doing crafts.
 

Get in touch: services@sogs.ca

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

For matters pertaining to SOGS Council, governance, unified documents, appeals, and elections, please see:

Speaker | ANEMILY MACHINA

About our Speaker:

Anemily Machina (she/her they/them) is a 4th year Ph.D. Candidate in Computer Science. Her research focuses on improving the quality of explanations for the decisions for Artificial Intelligences (AIs) trained on text data, such as chatGPT. Her hope is that such improvements will help protect people from unfair and biased AI decisions. In her personal time, she enjoys baking vegan treats, bike riding, and binge watching tv-shows.

Get in touch: speaker@sogs.ca

Deputy Speaker | AOIFE HAWTHORNE

About our Deputy Speaker:

Aoife (she/her) is a 2nd year MA candidate in Education. Her research explores the STEM teacher shortage through pedagogical, political, economic, and professional identity frameworks. She previously completed an Honours B.Sc in Integrated Science from McMaster University and hopes to pursue a PhD in either law or education to analyse the marketisation and commodification of STEM in higher education. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, dinner with friends, sudoku puzzles, and learning the Irish language, Gaeilge. Slán go fóill!

Get in touch: deputy.speaker@sogs.ca

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

For matters, issues, and conflicts pertaining to academics, please see:

Peer Advisor for Academic Matters | KAILEY CUTILLO

Get in touch: advisor.academic@sogs.ca

ELECTIONS

For matters, issues, and conflicts pertaining to the SOGS Presidential and Board of Directors elections, elections appeals, and referenda, please see:

Chief Returning Officer | MATTEEN PEZESHKI

Meet our CRO: Matteen Pezeshki is a Master’s student in the Global Health Systems (MHSc) program, building on his Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) degree from Western University.  His professional background includes serving as a Research Assistant at the Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton, where he contributed to advancing care practices and clinical research within Geriatric Medicine. Driven by an interest in the structural elements of healthcare delivery, Matteen aims to bridge the gap between frontline clinical practice and system-wide approaches to produce optimal and equitable health outcomes for patients. He aspires to pursue a career in medicine, integrating his expertise in global health systems with a commitment to patient-centered care. 

Get in touch: cro@sogs.ca

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

For matters pertaining to SOGS advocacy and community outreach, please see our Commissioners. Learn more about the roles of each SOGS commissioner here.  

Accessibility Commissioner | ISABELLA SPENSIERI

Meet our Accessibility Commissioner:
 
Isabella (pronouns: she/her), and is an MSc. student in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences here at Western University. Her research lies within the field of bioethics, and has a particular interest in mental health and addictions care, as well as public health ethics.
 
In terms of her experience, Isabella has both volunteer and professional experience working at a children’s rehabilitation hospital. Through these various roles, she provided client-centred services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. She also has extensive public speaking and administrative experience, along with a passion for advocacy. Isabella is keen to enhance accessibility within SOGS and across the Western campus overall. From her perspective as a student, she has lived experience using Accessible Education services on campus, and so knows first hand what that process and experience can be like. 
 
Isabella is passionate about making SOGS, and Western, as accessible as possible. Her goal is to create a space where everyone is included, supported, and valued for who they are. She is ahonoured to partner with the disability and neurodivergent communities within SOGS to advocate for a more accessible campus! 
 

Get in touch: accessibility@sogs.ca

Gender Equity Commissioner | KAT NEWMAN-SEYMOUR

Meet our Gender Equity Commissioner:
 
Kat Newman-Seymour (they/them) is a PhD student in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and is part of the collaborative specialization in Environment and Sustainability. Originally from Houston, Texas, Kat earned their BA.H. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies from the University of Houston in 2020, where they were awarded an Undergraduate Mellon Fellowship (2019-2020). Kat is currently a Principal Investigator on a project that centers transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender-diverse (GIaNT) youth and their puberty health and sex education needs based out of Centennial College in Toronto, ON. For the past two years, they facilitated a 12-hour sexual assault prevention program to teen girls living in London, ON, as a part of a randomized control trial based out of the University of Windsor. Every summer, Kat facilitates Undressing Consent to incoming students at Western. This program is a 90-minute session for students to learn more about consent, sexual violence, and sex education. They are also a founding member of Planets Aligned, a DIY drag collective based out of London. Kat is dedicated to providing survivor support, sexual assault prevention and education, advocating for gender equity, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights on and off campus.
 

Get in touch: gender.equity@sogs.ca

Indigenous Commissioner/SAGE Coordinator  | LAURA NAKOMIS EATON

About our Indigenous Coordinator: Laura Nakomis Eaton is Anishinaabe from the M’Chigeeng First Nation and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University and is now working on a Master of Professional Education in Indigenous Leadership. In addition to her graduate studies, she works as an Administrative Assistant at Western’s Indigenous Student Centre, where she helps with cultural programming, student advising, and outreach programs. Laura, as SAGE Coordinator, is dedicated to helping Indigenous graduate students with peer mentoring, leadership development, and getting involved in their communities.

Get in touch: sagecoordinator@uwo.ca

International Commissioner | LUCAS FERREIRA MARQUES DOS SANTOS 

Meet our International Commissioner:

Lucas is a Ph.D. candidate in Inorganic Chemistry at Western University, where he researches organometallic catalysts for small molecule activation — with potential applications in sustainable chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation. Originally from Brazil, he holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and postgraduate specializations in Environmental Chemistry and People Management & Leadership.

Lucas brings lived experience, empathy, and advocacy to his role. He’s been actively involved in leadership, mentorship, and community outreach, always with a focus on inclusion, service, and human connection. His Christian faith is a guiding force in his life, shaping his commitment to compassion and integrity.

As International Commissioner, Lucas is passionate about supporting international students through both challenges and triumphs. He aims to foster belonging, celebrate achievements, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and at home.

Fun facts: Lucas is a hugger by nature, loves learning new languages, is a big fan of K-dramas, and devours fantasy novels that explore identity and resilience.
 

Get in touch: international@sogs.ca

Pride Commissioner | SYDNEY BROUILLARD-COYLE

Meet our Pride Commissioner: 

Sydney Brouillard-Coyle (pronouns ney/nem/nir) is a first-year Ph.D. student in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Nir dissertation will look at the importance of creative arts spaces for trans and gender diverse people. Prior to coming to Western, Sydney completed a Masters of Arts in Social Justice & Community Engagement, a Bachelor of Arts in Women & Gender Studies, and a Bachelor of Music.

As a queer, trans, non-binary, and asexual person, Sydney is deeply passionate about creating spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Ney have worked and volunteered with various queer non-profits and have served on numerous Pride-related clubs and committees for the past decade. Ney are deeply passionate about gender, sexual, and social justice initiatives, and can often be seen attending protests, leading education-based events, and engaging in political advocacy. Sydney published nir first book, A Pocket Guide to Pronouns in late 2023, which dives into the importance of pronouns in creating safer spaces for trans and gender diverse folks.
 
Through nir work as the Pride Commissioner for 2025-2026, Sydney is excited to collaborate with fellow 2SLGBTQIA+ activists and advocates to build spaces where queer and trans graduate students can belong and be affirmed. Feel free to reach out to connect with Sydney! 
 

Get in touch: pride@sogs.ca

Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner | HOOMAN KHESHTI

About our Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner: 

Hooman Kheshti is currently working on his Ph.D.,  investigating joint mechanics using testing devices and imaging. He obtained his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Shiraz University (Iran). After his Master’s, Hooman worked as a research assistant in multidisciplinary projects, such as musculoskeletal modelling and simulation.

As an active and engaged member of the Western community, Hooman has had the privilege of supporting equity and outreach through several volunteer roles, including serving as a Seminar Coordinator for the School of Biomedical Engineering and a volunteer for Science Rendezvous, where he helped make science accessible to diverse audiences. He has also given his time to the PSAC 610 Food Support and Financial Assistance Fund Committee Member, which has allowed him to advocate for students facing financial hardship. These roles have strengthened his ability to listen, engage with diverse perspectives, and foster inclusive spaces—skills he is eager to bring to the Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commission to advocate for and connect with racialized graduate students across campus.
 

Get in touch: racial.equity@sogs.ca

Sustainability Coordinator | JAVIER PONCE DE LEON EYL

About our Sustainability Coordinator: 

Javier Ponce (he/him) is a Ph.D. student in Hispanic Studies. He is from Monterrey, México. Javier studied literature in his undergrad at Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) and did his M.A. in Hispanic Studies at Western University. He is currently working on his thesis about the representation of Ancient American landscapes in video games. He is a passionate lover of books, films, games, and sustainability. Javier has been part of the SOGS Sustainability committee for two years, serving as Community Garden Coordinator and Chair.

Get in touch: sustainability.coordinator@sogs.ca

Chair | KIRSTY NG

About our Board Chair:

Kirsty Ng is a 3rd-year Ph.D candidate in Chemistry. She was the President of the Western Chemistry Graduate Student Association for two years before being elected as a Director on SOGS. In the past year, she was actively involved in SOGS as a member on three committees—the Academic Committee, the Graduate Peer Support Committee, and the Subsidies Committee. Kirsty is passionate about student governance, and she is excited to be the liaison between Directors, Executives, Non-Executives, Staff, campus stakeholders and graduate students as the SOGS Board Chair.

Get in touch: board.chair@sogs.ca

Vice Chair | JANA BATAINEH

About our Board Vice Chair: Jana Bataineh is a 3rd year PhD candidate in the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program. Her research focuses on optimizing hearing care for older adults within primary care settings in order to support early intervention. Prior to joining Western, Jana completed her BSc and MPH at Brock University. Jana joined SOGS last year as a member of the inaugural board. She also serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Let’s Talk Science at Western and is a departmental steward for PSAC. Jana is excited to serve a second term on the Board to continue to promote graduate student excellence and wellbeing at Western while working alongside passionate student leaders! 

Get in touch: board.vicechair@sogs.ca

Director | ANTONIA YIP

Director | JEREMIAS CAMPOS

Director | JOUD EL-SHAWA

STAFF

Communications & Promotions Manager | HEIDI KELLETT

Get in touch with Heidi if you need:

    • To communicate with the SOGS membership (via email)
    • To request formal communications and media from the Society
    • To schedule departmental orientation sessions (September, January, May)
    • Event planning, prizes, and room bookings
    • Graphic design services
    • Discuss the SOGS Handbook advertising
    • Assistance with the sogs.ca IT accounts
    • SOGS website maintenance
    • Procurement and supplies

Digital Media Assistant | CAROLINE DIEZYN

Get in touch with Caroline if you need:

    • To communicate with the SOGS membership (via social media).
    • To communicate with the Grad Club membership (via social media or web).
    • Graphic design services, particularly as they pertain to the Grad Club, Committees, and Commissions.
    • Digital media support for a SOGS or Grad Club related events.

Executive Director | OLIVIA GRIGGS

    • sogs.director@uwo.ca
    • Room 8, Middlesex College, Western University
Get in touch with Olivia if you need:
 
    • To discuss or have questions regarding the SOGS strategic plan, council, board of directors, or any other aspect of the organization. 
    • To inquire about involvement opportunities such as participating with a governing body, committee, commission, and more 
    • Help being directed to the right resources or people within SOGS or university campus partners. 
    • To share an idea or feedback about SOGS or the Western University graduate student community. 

Finance Manager | RAQUEL RODRIGUES

Get in touch with Raquel if you need:

  • Assistance with food bank applications or council grants.
  • Clarifications regarding the SOGS and Grad Club budgets.
  • Grad Club vouchers for committee meetings.
  • Guidance regarding SOGS bursary and subsidy awards.
  • Help with SOGS accounts receivables and payables.
  • Information regarding your student fees*.

* Although SOGS determines some graduate student fees (e.g., those related to SOGS services and dues), the Office of the Registrar determines billings.  SOGS does not have access to student accounts. For clarification on how to view your account, review the WesternU Student Centre , Access Guide HERE.  Login to review your student account HERE.

Front Office Support Staff | EMMANUEL AKANBI & KEVIN MOORE

    • sogs@uwo.ca
    • 519-661-3394 or x. 83394
    • Room 8, Middlesex College, Western University

Get in touch with Kevin if you need:

  • General assistance with health and dental plan coverage questions.
  • General queries about applications and deadlines.
  • To pick up committee vouchers or council grant cheques.

Membership Services Manager | JESSICA REILLY

Contact:

Get in touch with Jessica if you need:

  • Detailed information about the SOGS benefits and and services resources.
  • Assistance with health claims, opting in/out of the health plan, a health and dental plan billing issue, change of life event on your health and dental policy.
  • Guidance regarding SOGS applications or questions about adjudication.
  • Information about campus resources and peer support.

Grad Club Manager | MARC LALONDE

    • gradclub@uwo.ca
    • 519-661-2111 x. 86386
    • Room 19, Middlesex College, Western University

Get in touch with Marc if you need:

  • Assistance reserving Grad Club venue for an event.
  • Information regarding Grad Club event services and menus.
  • To book the Goblet of Knowledge or Grad Club boardroom or catered event, visit the Grad Club website.

Grad Club Operations Manager | MARK BRIGHAM

Get in touch with Mark if you need:

  • Assistance with health and safety, Grad Club human resources, event planning and more.

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