OUR TEAM

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President | MATHEUS SANITA LIMA

Meet our President:

Get in touch: president@sogs.ca

VP Academic | MARIS SCHNEIDER

Meet our VP Academic: Maris Schneider is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology with a collaborative specialization in Musculoskeletal Health Research. She completed her Honours BA in Anthropology at Mount Royal University (2022) and her MA at Western University (2024). Her research focuses on how chronic malnutrition shapes childhood growth and its long-term impacts on health development, in populations past and present.

Maris previously served as the Managing Editor of GradCast, the official radio show and podcast of SOGS, where she worked to amplify graduate student research and foster interdisciplinary connections across campus. She is extremely passionate about interdisciplinary research and making sure research is accessible to all members of the Western and London community.

In her free time, Maris enjoys playing beach volleyball and golf – and petting neighbourhood cats.

Get in touch: academic@sogs.ca

VP Advocacy |KAT NEWMAN-SEYMOUR

Meet our VP Advocacy:
Kat Newman-Seymour (they/them) is a PhD Candidate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and completed the collaborative specialization program in Environment and Sustainability. Their PhD research investigates how climate change impacts transgender individuals in Houston, TX, and Toronto, ON. Originally from Houston, 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 was formerly 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. They also work in the gender based sexual violence sector as a program facilitator for Western, and formerly facilitated a 12-hour sexual assault prevention program to teen girls in London. Kat is a founding member of Planets Aligned, a DIY drag collective that is funded by the London Arts Council. They are dedicated to support and advocacy efforts for graduate students at Western, as well as broader human and ecological rights on and off campus.

Get in touch: advocacy@sogs.ca

VP Finance | CHARLES DESCHENES

Meet our VP Finance:

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 PhD 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 | KIRSTY NG

About our Deputy Speaker:

Kirsty Ng is a 4th-year Ph.D candidate in Chemistry. She was the SOGS Board Chair (2025-26) as well as the President of the Western Chemistry Graduate Student Association for two years (2023-2025). In the past, 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 have a more active role in SOGS governance and policy development.

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 | VACANT

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 | VACANT

Get in touch: gender.equity@sogs.ca

Indigenous Commissioner/SAGE Coordinator  | VACANT

About our Indigenous Coordinator: 

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 | LIAM BOGUCKI

About our Sustainability Coordinator: Liam is a MSc Candidate in Biology. His research focuses on improving the simulation accuracy of the terrestrial component of the Canadian Earth System Model by developing a novel representation of biological soil crusts within the model. He hopes that his model developments will improve the accuracy of Canada’s future climate change predictions and provide a development template for other modelling groups around the globe. Prior to starting his MSc, Liam completed a BSc Honours Specialization in Synthetic Biology & Minor in Computer Science also at Western.

Liam is an experienced advocate and organizer, who is always eager to hear from his fellow grad students about their sustainability and environmental concerns. Off campus, you are most likely to run into Liam on one of London’s many great trails.

Get in touch: sustainability.coordinator@sogs.ca

Board Chair | JANA BATAINEH

About our Board 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.chair@sogs.ca

Board Vice Chair | ISAAC WITHERS

Get in touch: board.vicechair@sogs.ca

Director | ANTHONY CRUZ

Director | ANTONIA YIP

Director | BUSHRA KABBANI

Director | ERFAN ZARENIA

Director | KAYLA GAUTHIER

Director | REZA ATAEIJALISEH

Director | YASHVI PATEL

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.