2026/2027 Election Nominees
Keonna Anukpe
Nominated Role: First Year Representative
Year: 1
Group: Borduas-Dedekind Group
Hi hi! I am Keonna, but you can call me Keke (also like the Drake song). I am indeed a first-year grad student, and I hear that makes me extremely qualified for First Year Representative. I want to bring the first-years together for some fun events and activities that will distract us from the fact that we are in grad school. I am also committed to creating the best first-year skit ever! And that shouldn't be too hard considering we haven't seen any other skits yet, so by default, ours will be the best!
Sierra Wright
Nominated Role: First Year Representative
Year: 1
Group: Reid Group
Hi, my name is Sierra! I recently moved to Vancouver after completing my undergrad the University of Victoria. Outside of research I like to stay active, explore the city, and meet new people. I’m interested in joining the CGSS as a first year representative to become more involved in the department while helping make sure first year students feel well represented and part of the chemistry community.
Evan Chartrand
Nominated Role: Social Coordinator
Year: 3
Group: Bertram Group
Last year the people spoke and what they said is that they specifically don't want me to be SoCo. Yet rather than gracefully fading into obscurity I'm running again. Why? because much like frosted flakes can be part of a balanced breakfast in that it's fine if you eat a bunch of other actually healthy stuff, I think I could be part of a good team of SoCos. As SoCo, I promise to get a professor dunk tank for charity added to the barbeque, build a skytrain to UBC from Nanaimo and build one affordable house.
Janice Zeng
Nominated Role: Social Media Manager
Year: 4
Group: Bertram Group
Hi I'm Janice, just like in Drake's song! I have been on CGSS for three years and I promise that I'm JaNICE! Vote for me pls
Zoë Golay
Nominated Role: Treasurer
Year: 3
Group: Bertram Group
Hi chemists! I’m Zoë, and I’m your incumbent treasurer. I’m hoping to hold the position for another year! Those of you who know me know that I *love* an organized spreadsheet - nothing makes me happier than having my ducks in a row (and preferably, colour-coded). I kept us on budget last year, and I hope to do the same again this year! If you choose me as your treasurer this year, I promise to keep processing your refunds speedily, and making sure the CGSS can run our events smoothly and cost-effectively.
Vanessa King
Nominated Role: Advisor
Year: 5+
Group: Burke Group
Hi everyone, I will be the CGSS Advisor to the President for 2026/2027.
It has been an honour to be your president this past year. Thank you everyone for letting me boss you around and for reading my emails. :)
Oscar Lama
Nominated Role: Vice President - Internal
Year: 3
Group: Schindler Group
Hello! I'm Oscar. I am running for the Vice-President Internal position. I want to represent the student body in the department and help everyone to have a better and smoother interaction with faculty and administration. I am currently part of the CGSS as a union rep and the CUPE 2278 steward for chemistry. I believe I have the gall and strength to stand for our interests and negotiate with the department for better outcomes for everyone.
Rodella Chowdhury
Nominated Role: Vice President - Internal
Year: 2
Group: Reid Group
Over the last year, you might have seen me lugging around pizza boxes for Stressbusters or received 20 different emails from me about our holiday skits or career events. To bring you a little more behind the scenes, I’ve also been leading the effort on CGSS’s constitution and programming reform, with the goal of making our events, activities, and council structure more reflective of the desires of student body. This has included the programming survey and expanded council role definitions. I think this alignment is important because CGSS activities should evolve to reflect the interests, priorities, and needs of the evolving student body rather than simply centering tradition. So, for this year, it feels like a natural transition to run to be your VP Internal, where I can build on the work I’ve already been doing and take a more intentional and focused approach to strengthening the alignment between CGSS, the department, and the student body. As before, my platform is focused on supporting the student body and their success by cultivating a community that feels connected, inclusive, and responsive to student needs. To me, that means creating a graduate experience where students feel represented, supported, and able to meaningfully shape the community they are part of. Either way, it’s a privilege to serve this community, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to contribute to making it stronger, more responsive, and more representative of the students within it.