Meet our Executive team

Admin

Facilitate the behind-the-scenes and support the Committee Leaders

Sharana Saini

President

UNDERGRADUATE / PSYCHOLOGY

Sharana is studying as a fourth-year Psychology undergraduate student at UVic, with the goal of pursuing a career in dentistry. When not on campus she can be found working at Shelbourne Dental Clinic or volunteering at Finlayson Dental Clinic. Outside of school and work she enjoys clearing her mind through painting and art, exploring the beautiful island and spending time with her family. Sharana joined WIS in hopes of meeting like-minded individuals and using her voice as a woman of colour to support other BIPOC women in STEM-related fields.

Rebekah Shin

Co-Vice President

UNDERGRADUATE / Microbiology

Rebekah is a fifth-year Microbiology undergraduate student at UVic, aiming for a career in dentistry. Outside her studies, she enjoys capturing moments through photography, collecting CDs, and discovering new films and music. Coming from a 1.5-generation immigrant background, she is deeply aware of the challenges that BIPOC and other marginalized groups often face in pursuing post-secondary education in STEM-related fields. In 2023, she joined WIS to advocate for equity and representation for marginalized students and to contribute to an inclusive community that nurtures growth, fosters peer support, and encourages collaboration in STEM

Angela Mitchell

Co-Vice President

GRADUATE STUDENT / Microbiology

Angela is a second-year MSc student in Microbiology at the University of Victoria. Her research focuses on unraveling the pathogenic mechanisms of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis, with the aim of identifying potential targets for a syphilis vaccine. Passionate about destigmatizing sexually transmitted infections, she is an advocate for improved access to comprehensive sexual health education and services. Beyond her academic and leadership pursuits, Angela enjoys weightlifting, cycling, and experimenting with new recipes. She joined UVic Women in Science to foster a supportive community where women in STEM can expand their personal and professional networks.

Human Resources

Maintain the WIS culture among the group and encourage an inclusive and healthy environment

Joanna Robinson-Leith

Director of Human Resources

UNDERGRADUATE / Physics and Astronomy

Joanna is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Physics and Astronomy. Outside of her studies, she enjoys cooking and baking, thrifting with her friends, going on long hikes with her dog, and hosting the occasional backyard barbecue. Joanna joined the WIS executive team over the summer of 2024, inspired to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for current and future STEM students. She’s committed to making STEM spaces more welcoming, and empowering others to pursue their passions in their academic and professional journeys. 

Finance

Facilitate the behind-the-scenes and support the Committee Leaders

Madison Shiyuk

Director of Finance

UNDERGRADUATE / Biochemistry

Madi is a first-year graduate student studying Biochemistry at the UVic Genome BC Proteomics Centre. Her research involves developing mass spectrometry imaging methods to investigate the relationship between tumour metabolism and immune cell infiltration. Outside of the lab, Madi enjoys playing guitar, taking care of her many plants, and powerlifting. As an executive member of the WIS club, she aims to cultivate an inclusive and empowering community that champions the unique experiences of individuals in STEM fields. 

Yazen Alnoori

Yiming Zhao

Committee Members

Communications

Manages all marketing and communication-related endeavors, and curates the interviews.

Seoyoon Lee

Director of Communications

UNDERGRADUATE / Biochemistry

Seoyoon is a fourth-year Biochemistry (Hons) student with a music minor at UVic, hoping to pursue a career in medicine. Outside of her studies and research, she can be found creating music with her peers, enjoying long nature walks, and volunteering with community youth groups. Seoyoon joined WIS in 2023 and is excited to continue connecting with the STEM community to increase accessibility for all individuals in STEM, foster a collaborative environment, and build an inclusive community. 

Committee Members

Rebekah Shin (Photography)

Dominique Maucieri (Webmaster and Graphic Design)

Peer Mentorship Program

Manages the Peer Mentorship Program.

Katherine Boere

Director of the Peer Mentorship Program

PhD Candidate / Neuroscience

Katherine Boere is a Ph.D. Candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Victoria. Her core research examines how cognitive function rebounds after periods of depletion or exhaustion. Building on her Master's research in Biomedical Engineering, which centred on traumatic brain injury, Katherine is now deeply focused on unravelling the brain's resilience and capacity to adapt amid intense demands. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of British Columbia.

Katherine is deeply committed to promoting diversity in scientific research and believes in the transformative power of mentorship. To further this mission, she leads the Women in Science Peer Mentorship Program, dedicating her efforts to support and guide young researchers as they navigate their careers. Additionally, she collaborates with organizations like the Women's Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) and the Young Persons' Cabinet (YPC). She shares her knowledge and passion for brain health within these roles, emphasizing its significance to younger adults.

Committee Members

Isabella Kidder (PMP Coordinator, PMP Events)

Frances Rush (PMP Events, PMP Research/Analytics)

Madeleine Brown (PMP Events, PMP Matching, PMP Education)

Rebekah Shin (PMP Matching)

Vanessa Zoros (PMP Education)

Aislinn Dressler (PMP Education)

Sarah Johnson (PMP Education)

Mckinley Kemp (PMP Communications)

Natasha Norton (PMP Floating Help)

Emma Houston (PMP Floating Help)

Events

Manages all events and the research symposium.

Rae Fletcher

Director of Events

UNDERGRADUATE / PSYCHOLOGY

Rae is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Victoria, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on neuropsychology. She plans to further her studies with a Master's in Exercise Science, concentrating on the neurological effects of MMA training. For the past two years, Rae has served as a research assistant at the Theoretical and Applied Neuroscience Lab. During the summer, she held a Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), where she was responsible for executing and collecting data for a research study. Now, she has taken on the role of lab manager in the TAN lab. Additionally, Rae has contributed to the SMARTLab, focusing on neuropsychological research related to PTSD and trauma resolution.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Rae trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai at Zuma, where she frequently competes in BJJ. She is inspired to join WIS as an advocate for women in STEM, aiming to uplift and empower her peers while fostering a strong foundation for women pursuing careers in science.

Committee Members

Karen Vasquez

Our Founders

The founders took the pioneering step of initiating the Women in Science program. Their vision and dedication led to the inception of the Women in Science program, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable STEM community.

  • Co-Founder

    PhD Biochemistry and Microbiology

  • Co-Founder

    BSc Chemistry

WIS ALUMNI

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions made by past members of the WIS Executive Committee and our team of Committee Members. UVic WIS would not be the organization it is today without their support and engagement.

  • Hannah Charnock

    Co-Founder

  • Karen Lithgow

    Co-Founder

  • Nova Hanson

    Director of Grants & Funding

  • Rhea Ashmead

    Director of Communications

  • Sree Gayathri Talluri

    Interview Coordinator

  • Teesha Luehr

    Events Committee Member

  • Lauren McMillan

    Communications Committee Member

  • Seanna Zintel

    Communications Committee

  • Emma Murowinski

    Events Committee Member

  • Emily Fulton

    Events Committee Member

  • Gill Dornan

    Events Committee Member

  • Sean Sawer

    Treasurer & Events Volunteer

  • Ellen Habke

    Events Committee Member

  • Ariana Sholinder

    Communications Committee Member

  • Meagan Beatty

    Events Committee Member

  • Callie Greene

    Communications Committee Member

  • Natasha Milosevich

    Events Committee Member

  • Gina Cousineau

    Events Committee Member

  • Lisa McQuarrie

    Events Committee Member

  • Ashwini Selvakumar

    Events Committee Member

  • Tillie Stainsby

    Events Committee Member

  • Camille Zimmer

    Events Committee Member

  • Becca Candlish

    Peer Mentorship Program Director

  • Liz Rohlicek

    Peer Mentorship Program Coordinator

  • Jessica Dhami

    Events Committee Member

  • Mia Kennedy

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Stan Liang

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Claire Stevens

    Director of Communications

  • Chloe Christensen

    President

  • Tasha Jarisz

    Communications Support

  • Ethan Schovanek

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Taylor Snowden-Richardson

    Peer Mentorship Program Director

  • Sarah Lane

    Director of Grants & Funding

  • Erin Grafe

    President

  • Hannah Dobbs

    Co-Director of Events

  • Sierra Mann

    Co-Director of Events

  • Bridget Ryan

    Communications Committee Member

  • Angela Jennings

    Communications Committee Member

  • Kascia Lovett

    Communications Committee Member

  • Hayley Parkin

    Communications Committee Member

  • Chanel Ghesquiere

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Chloe Blankers

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Claire Hodson

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Saja Al-Musawi

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Isabella Kroker-Kimber

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Jenna Fleetwood

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Robyn Swartman

    Peer Mentorship Program Committee Member

  • Tara Mathur

    Peer Mentorship Program Coordinator

  • Hannah Reid

    Events Committee Member

  • Natalie Berry

    Events Committee Member

  • Olivia Melville

    Events Committee Member

  • Sarah Toews

    Events Committee Member

  • Maria Hangad

    Director of Events

  • Gretchen Lewandowski

    Social Media Coordinator

  • Bethany Robson

    Director of Finance

  • Victoria Greene

    Vice President

  • Syd Waddington

    President

  • Grace Ridd

    Interview Coordinator

  • Anna Dansereau

    Interview Coordinator

  • Claire Troost

    Director of Communications

  • Ava McConechy

    Events Committee Member

  • Nilo Shakerian

    Events Committee Member