MEMBERS & BIOS
Kaitlin Wagner
President | Ph.D. Candidate
Kaitlin is a Ph.D. candidate working under the supervision of Dr. Benoît Lessard. She completed her Bachelor's at the University of Ottawa in 2018 and began her graduate studies in 2019. Her research, in collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC) Canada, is focused on materials engineering of printed and organic electronics. Kaitlin is easily recognizable by the iced coffee she's always carrying around.
As the 2022-2023 President, Kaitlin’s mission is to foster a sociable and welcoming atmosphere for new and current graduate students and maintain a supportive network between our students and the professors.
Luisa Metzler
GSAÉD Co-Representative | Ph.D. Candidate
Luisa is a Ph.D. student working under the supervision of Dr. Jean-Philippe St-Pierre and Dr. Clémence Fauteux-Lefebvre from the Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Ottawa. Her research focuses on the development of regenerative strategies for tissue engineering applications. Through the development of an advanced bioreactor, tissue-engineered cartilage constructs will be created that incorporate the native structure of native cartilage tissue. Appropriate incorporation of native structure is crucial for functionality, integration and performance of tissue engineered constructs. Together with the creation of cartilage constructs using the bioreactor, fundamental knowledge of the role of biomolecular concentration gradients on the zonal organization of native cartilage will be explored.
Luisa worked in the pharmaceutical consulting industry prior to her Ph.D. and closely followed the expansion of cell and gene therapy approvals as well as novel biomaterials becoming broadly accessible to the public.
Luisa joined CBEGSA in 2023 as GSAED Representative and is excited to expand her network with the graduate students at the University of Ottawa and make issues of our grad students being heard.
Xiaotan Zhu
Treasurer | Ph.D. Candidate
Xiaotan Zhu is a Ph.D .student under the supervision of Dr. Xudong Cao. She completed her B.A.Sc. in China and began her graduate studies in 2019. Her research is focused on developing bio-friendly drug delivery systems. In her spare time, she likes spending time in nature and capture all the wonderful moments of beauty with camera.
As Treasurer, she will communicate with GSAÉD to receive funds and make sure that all activities are affordable.
Michael Mulholland
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Activities Coordinator | Ph.D. Student
Michael is a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Dr. St-Pierre. He completed his B.A.Sc./B.Sc. in 2019 at uOttawa, double-majoring in Chemical Engineering and Computing Technology. His graduate research focuses on developing an in vitro cell culture model of cartilage calcification to explore biomineralization mechanisms related to the pathology of osteoarthritis. Outside of school, Michael enjoys cooking, playing games, spending time outdoors, and exploring his hometown of Ottawa.
As the activities coordinator, Michael will work with the CBEGSA executive team to plan social activities for CHG students.
Parisa Bayat
Department Representative | Ph.D. Candidate
Parisa is a Ph.D. student under the co-supervision of Prof. Marc Dubé and Prof. Kelly Meek in the Sustainable Polymer Reaction Engineering team. She completed her B.A.Sc. and M.Sc. at Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran in 2019 and today her research focuses on developing biodegradable adhesive polymers. Apart from her passion for research, Parisa loves spending time with her family and friends, going on outdoor adventures, and loves to cook and read books.
As the 2022-2023 department representative, Parisa's mission is to addressing student's issue to the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department.
Maryam Movafagh
Communications Officer | Ph.D. Candidate
Maryam is a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Prof. Marc Dubé and Prof. Kelly Meek in the sustainable reaction engineering group. She completed her B.A.Sc. and MSc in polymer engineering at the AmirKabir University of Technology in Iran. Today, her research focuses on sustainable, compostable pressure-sensitive adhesives. Apart from studying, she loves spending time with her family and friends, doing outdoor activities like swimming and going on a trip.
As the 2022-2023 communications officer, Maryam keeps everyone well informed of all the events organized for the department's graduate students and updates from the faculty. Feel free to contact her if you wish CBEGSA to promote any graduate student-related events.
Bahar Ronnasi
CUPE Representative | Ph.D. Student
As CUPE representative, Bahar will represent and advocate for graduate students at SCFP-CUPE 2626 general meetings, as well as inform you on CUPE 2626 activities and services.