HBITO 2025-26 Candidates

HBITO@ucalgary.ca / katelyn.shewchuk1@ucalgary.ca

My name is Katelyn and I am a fourth year PhD Candidate in Dr. Sarah McFarlane’s Lab, studying mechanisms that drive retinal regeneration and neural stem cell behaviour in the zebrafish animal model. On top of my role as a student, I have had the privilege of serving the HBI trainees for the past three years as the HBITO Education Director, Student Liaison, and most recently President. I am excited to be running for my second term as the HBITO President and would love the opportunity to continue some of the work I have been doing with our organization and with the HBI.

During my time as President, I enjoyed supporting the executive team with their respective initiatives. I advocated for trainee wellness and safety at multiple levels in the university, and made sure our voices were heard in multiple committee settings. I then collaborated with the HBI in shaping programming and future endeavours that will be benefiting trainees soon. 

This year, I hope to broaden our reach to the trainees of HBI to ensure that our entire cohort can take advantage of the programming we offer. I want to continue advocating within the CSM for graduate students – making sure our trainees are supported by the university. And finally, I would love to continue my work with the HBI to bring the best programming for the trainee experience.

 I am excited for the opportunity to act again as your President! Thank you for your consideration.

bianca.perry@ucalgary.ca

I am excited to run for Communications Officer and contribute to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Trainee Organization Executive Committee. Attending HBITO events over the past year has helped me build a sense of community, form meaningful connections, and gain exposure to leading neuroscience research. While many team members contribute to HBITO’s success, I recognize that the Communications Officer plays a central role in ensuring trainees are aware of and engaged with these opportunities. If elected, I will focus on connecting trainees to opportunities, supporting and enhancing the trainees’ experience, and promoting all relevant HBITO events.

My previous role as Assistant to the Project Manager has prepared me to manage and improve HBITO’s communication platforms. I regularly updated social media platforms and the company website, wrote and distributed a monthly newsletter to students and industry partners, and coordinated seminars. This position strengthened written and verbal communication, organizational, leadership and collaboration skills. I also became proficient in managing websites, social media, newsletters, graphic design, and team communications. My experience with essential communication tools and strategies makes me a strong candidate for this role

I believe clear and timely communication is key to connecting trainees across campuses to build a strong and engaged trainee community. As Communications Officer, I will ensure HBITO’s digital platforms are consistently updated with timely, relevant content to keep our community informed and engaged. To increase awareness across campuses, I will promote all HBITO opportunities held at both Main Campus and Foothills Campus, implement interactive social media campaigns, and focus on creative event promotions tailored to trainee interests. With discretion, I will establish and lead a communications sub-committee of motivated members to support these efforts, fostering collaboration while expanding our outreach and impact.

andy.cho@ucalgary.ca

My name is Andy, and I’m a first-year Master’s student under the supervision of Dr. Alex Lohman. My research focuses on how microglial morphology changes in response to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, playing tennis, golf, and chess.

Last September, I had the privilege of joining the Education Subcommittee. Through this experience, I was introduced to a wide range of resources and opportunities available to graduate students—tools designed to empower learning and personal growth. Attending these events not only equipped me with strategies to navigate graduate school with greater confidence, but also gave me the chance to connect meaningfully with fellow students and mentors. My decision to run for HBITO Education Director stems from this experience. I’m excited by the opportunity to help organize similar events for other students and to create spaces that foster confidence, learning, and connection.

If I’m elected as HBITO Education Director, I hope to organize events that give students the opportunity to showcase and advance their research, develop academically and professionally, and connect with leaders and mentors across academia and industry. I also aim to build a more inclusive and accessible academic environment by ensuring events cater to students at all stages of their graduate journey—from those just starting out to those preparing for the next steps in their careers. Whether it’s through workshops, networking events, or panel discussions, I want to help create meaningful experiences that empower students to grow, share ideas, and feel supported in their goals.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as HBITO Education Director and would be honored to have your vote!

alison.wilson@ucalgary.ca

My name is Alison Wilson. I am a graduate student researching post-traumatic headache supervised by Drs. Ashley Harris and Chantel Debert. Over the past several years, working in the mental health space on clinical trials for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and persistent symptoms after concussion sparked my passion for mental health research and advocacy.

I enjoyed being the Mathison Trainee Organization President so much this year that I decided to re-run for the role in 2025. This past year, I organized the Mathison Mental Health Journal Club and several events to foster a sense of community for Mathison trainees. For social events, I hosted a spin class, yoga class and trivia night (to benefit the Distress Centre in collaboration with the HBITO). To provide educational opportunities, the first Data Blitz for trainees (with $350 in prizes)  was hosted at Mathison-Littman Research Day in addition to a EDIA in mental health research “Tea Talk” in collaboration with HBITO. During this first term, I really focused on improving communication with Mathison trainees by revamping the mailing list and giving several in-person talks at Main Campus and Foothills Campus. My plans for the next year include organizing more engaging social events (another spin class, pottery night etc.) to build a community of students doing mental health research at the University of Calgary. The Data Blitz session received positive feedback from trainees and Mathison leadership and as such, similar educational opportunities will be a focus going forward. Another important area of attention if re-elected will be communication. Although revamping the mailing list considerably improved communication with Mathison trainees, the ability to directly connect through a MTO specific social media presence would help boost engagement further. If re-elected, I will pursue applying for University of Calgary approved social media through the appropriate channels.

I am keen to receive feedback from trainees on what they would like to see from the Mathison Trainee Organization. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any ideas. I look forward to connecting with you!

juliamarie.gonzales@ucalgary.ca

My name is Julia Marie Gonzales, and I am a 2^nd year PhD student in the McFarlane Lab where I study the role of calcium signaling and dynamics in retinal glia. I have been involved with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Trainee Organization (HBITO) since my first year of graduate school, where I started as a member of the Education Committee and also volunteered for Outreach Events. In the past year, I took on the role of Social Co-Director, where I was able to organize trainee-centric events such as the Spring Social, Stampede Breakfast, Orientation Social, and Trivia Night. Here, my primary goal was to create positive interactions between trainees. I have greatly enjoyed fulfilling all these roles within the HBITO!

This year, I am hoping to take on the position of Vice President (VP)/Treasurer. As VP, I will strive to build on the excellent groundwork laid by the different committees to further elevate the trainee experience. I will support the President in acting as a means to voice trainee feedback, and push for meaningful changes that help trainees develop their skills within their time in the HBI and beyond. I am still and will continue to be committed to establishing a collaborative and friendly environment between trainees. I believe that my experience in different HBITO committees prior to taking on this role enhances my ability to oversee events and activities, and handle budget. I know that I have the required collaborative mindset, communication, and organizational skills to be successful as VP/Treasurer for the HBITO and will appreciate your vote!

Thank you for your consideration. 

laura.au@ucalgary.ca

Dear HBITO members,

Having moved from the East Coast for grad school, I understand firsthand the challenges of adapting to new environments and forming new connections. I was extremely lucky to have such an amazing community of grad students who welcomed me, inviting me to their gatherings and introducing me to lots of friendly faces. As your Social Director, I aspire to cultivate a similar atmosphere within the HBI, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and included in our community.

As your continuing Social Director, I'm passionate about fostering collaboration not only within the HBI but also across the broader community of the Cumming School of Medicine. I believe that by expanding our events to include surrounding faculties, we can produce a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that enriches our experiences and strengthens our impact as researchers. Beyond fostering social connections, I am committed to supporting the broader community through charitable initiatives. By organizing events to fundraise for local mental health and wellness organizations, we can make a tangible impact while strengthening our bonds as a community. Together, we can raise awareness, support those in need, and contribute to the betterment of our society.

Over the past year in my role as Social Director, I’ve had the pleasure of organizing a variety of successful events aimed at building community and connection within our department. These included our Spring Social at Cold Garden, the Orientation Social to welcome the incoming class, a very well-attended Stampede Breakfast, a fun Pumpkin Carving event in the fall, and a Trivia Night proceeds were donated to the Distress Centre, a local charity supporting mental health and crisis intervention. I hope to continue organizing similar events in the coming year to foster stronger connections and bring everyone in our community even closer together!

Essentially, my vision for diverse and stress-relieving events revolves around creating meaningful experiences that enhance our physical and mental wellness while strengthening our connections within the organization and with our community.

Thank you for your consideration!

donovan.smith@ucalgary.ca

Hello! My name is Donovan Smith, and I am running for the role of HBITO Social Director for the 2025-2026 term. I’ve been involved with the HBITO over the past 3 years of my PhD, acting as the Social Director from 2022-2023, and the orientation director from 2023-2025. I am also a Calgary local and have been living here my entire life. As such, I feel like I have the experience and knowledge to put organize some truly fun and engaging social events for HBI trainees over the next year! One event that has been put on by the HBITO over the last few years that I think would be great to carry forward is the annual trivia night – it’s a nice way for students to get out off campus, check out a new pub in town, and try and one-up their classmates with a little friendly competition. I’d also like to get the HBI trainees active, specifically with a spin class at YYC Cycle over in University District. Finally, I want to make sure that we keep up the HBITO tradition of the yearly spring social - it’s an awesome way to celebrate the end of the winter term when the weather starts to get nice again!

Thank you for your consideration and I hope you vote for me as the HBITO Social Director!

abby.lunge@ucalgary.ca

As Outreach Director, I will be dedicated to further developing longstanding connections between the HBITO and the larger campus and Calgary public communities, as well as establishing new outreach opportunities. My platform will foster these connections through the organization of accessible events and activities throughout Calgary. The outreach activities represented by this platform will extend beyond neuroscience and deepen trainee understanding and awareness of the general Calgary community needs, such as volunteer shifts at the Calgary Dream Center have done previously. I will also work to improve existing outreach events such as the Brain Bee and Beakerhead that raise public awareness and interest in neuroscience. As a volunteer at these events, I have witnessed the significant positive impact these events have on educating trainees and the public, as well as establishing a rapport between these groups. Furthermore, I think it is especially important to connect with younger students in Calgary through these events and will further HBITO collaborations with Calgary high schools to allow for more teaching opportunities dedicated to students interested in the Brain Bee. I believe these connections are vital to the development of both individuals and the HBI as a whole. I also plan to create more equitable outreach opportunities for children, given the transition of Beakerhead to a paid event. In collaboration with other departments from the University of Calgary, we will explore the possibility of having a more specific, UCalgary- focused event, where attendees can learn about science for free. I believe it is important to ensure that our events are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status. Finally, it is of the utmost importance to me that the HBITO’s outreach accurately reflects the values and goals of our trainees. Thus, I will actively engage with, survey, and maintain open conversations with volunteers and members of the HBITO to incorporate their feedback on outreach events.

Building on the work of the outgoing Outreach Directors, I will expand the HBITO outreach volunteer database by sending out a Qualtrics survey to current and new HBITO members. Additionally, I will promote volunteer opportunities with announcements during the Neuro 1 and 2 courses, social media interactions, and through my trainee network. The proposed co-director and I have also been discussing ways to improve established outreach events with the current directors. During Brain Awareness Week, we plan to set up a booth in an area where people might be less familiar with brain-related disorders, as opposed to the Foothills Campus. We believe this event will reach more people from the general public if it is moved to the Central Library or another high-traffic area. We are also already involved in coordinating an HBITO booth at the Inventures event, which will give us valuable experience in planning Outreach events. Throughout this past year, both the proposed co-director and I have volunteered at most Outreach events, including Beakerhead, various aspects of the Brain Bee, and the Calgary Dream Center. We have also recruited more trainees to volunteer at these events, giving us plenty of experience we can utilize in the Outreach Director positions. I am excited for the future of HBITO outreach committee and to run for this position.

emily.gordon@ucalgary.ca

My name is Em Gordon (she/her) and I am excited to be running for Orientation Director position.

I have just finished my MSc in the Teskey lab and have been a TA for Neuro 2 for the past 2 years. As the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Director of the HBITO for the past 2 years, I have organized events such as the tea talk seminar series, Calgary pride parade, destress pet therapy, and the mentorship program. I am now starting my PhD with Drs. Matt Hill and Alex Lohman and am excited to run for a new position to continue my involvement with the HBITO.

I believe that my optimistic and approachable personality will be a great welcome for our incoming graduate students. I am also super organized and am excited to update the orientation package. I am also experienced and skilled at creating team building activities that would familiarize the students with the building, the program, the HBITO, and each other.

I am looking forward to planning an awesome orientation and hope that I can count on your vote!

sartaj.sidhu@ucalgary.ca

My name is Sartaj, and I am excited to put forward my candidacy for the position of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Director at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute Trainee Organization (HBITO). I am deeply committed to fostering environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. My experiences in leadership and advocacy have equipped me with the skills and passion necessary to advance EDI initiatives within the HBI.

Proven Leadership in EDI and Community Building:

• Tigers EDI Board Member: As a board member for the Dalhousie Tigers Equity Diversity Inclusivity Initiative, I actively worked with university stakeholders to advocate for student-athletes from diverse backgrounds. We focused on translating awareness into action through community events and collaborations, creating tangible change within the athletics program.

• President, Dalhousie Varsity Council: Leading the Varsity Council, I represented the entire student-athlete body, fostering a supportive and cohesive community. We engaged not only internally but also externally with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House Charities, demonstrating a commitment to broader community well-being. I spearheaded new initiatives, including mental health workshops and outreach activities for underserved youth, aiming to empower and connect.

Vision for EDI at HBI:

I believe the HBI can further strengthen its commitment to EDI through targeted initiatives:

1. Inspiring Future Neuroscientists: Implement an outreach program to engage high school students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. Organizing lab tours and interactive sessions can demystify neuroscience research and inspire a more diverse next generation of scientists.

2. Engaging Indigenous Communities: Actively seek partnerships with Indigenous communities. Explore meaningful ways to integrate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems within the HBI's research, training, and community engagement efforts.

3. Enhancing Communication & Belonging: Introduce workshops focused on enhancing presentation and communication skills. This initiative would particularly support trainees and staff for whom English is a second language, fostering confidence and clearer scientific communication for all.

gavin.petrie@ucalgary.ca

My name is Dr. Gavin Petrie, and I’m running to continue serving as your Postdoctoral Representative on the HBITO. I’ve been part of the HBITO for over 8 years—as a graduate student, an executive member, and most recently as the postdoc representative. This longstanding involvement has allowed me to build meaningful connections across the institute and deeply understand the evolving needs of our trainee community.

As both a former graduate student executive and the current postdoc rep, I bring a unique dual perspective to the role. I also serve on the University of Calgary's postdoctoral association executive team, where I’ve gained valuable insight into the broader challenges facing postdocs across faculties and the workings of university leadership.

One of my key goals is to help solidify a distinct identity for postdocs within the HBI—one that reflects our unique contributions and needs. Postdocs are too often grouped in with students without access to the same benefits. Over the past year, I’ve worked to change that by organizing exclusive postdoc events, like the tax information session, and leading the execution of the postdoc-specific mentorship award.

Looking forward, I plan to engage directly with our postdoc community through a survey to understand what kinds of events, resources, and recognition matter most to us—and then bring those ideas to life. I’m confident that my longstanding relationships with many of you will help ensure we build something meaningful, together.

Thank you for your support!