The Community Health Sciences Student Executive Team
The Community Health Sciences Student Executive Team (CHSSE) is organized by CHS students for CHS students. CHSSE works to enhance the experience of each and every CHS student by organizing educational and social activities, providing a hub for students’ ideas and concerns, and acting as an important advocate and liaison between students and the administration.
2024-2025 CHSSE Leadership
If you need to reach the team, please email CHSSE@ucalgary.ca
Sandeep Chand, Co-Chair
Sandeep (he/him) is one of the 2024-25 CHSSE Co-Chairs. Originally from India, he earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Distinction from the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University in 2020. Sandeep has two years of consulting experience at IQVIA, where he was responsible for secondary research and data analysis across multiple biopharmaceutical products and different disease landscapes. He is currently a second-year MSc student specializing in Health Economics. In his free time, Sandeep enjoys watching movies, going to the gym, swimming, and traveling.
Riley Martens, Co-Chair
Riley (he/him) is one of the 2024-25 CHSSE Co-Chairs. He is a second-year student in the Clinical Epidemiology stream after doing nursing at the University of Calgary for his undergraduate program. Riley's research work focuses on the ethical use of AI in palliative care. Riley is excited to organize events and connect with other students.
Duaa Fatima, Communications Coordinator (Secretary)
Duaa (she/her) is currently a graduate student in the Leaders in Medicine (MSc/MD) program at the University of Calgary, completing her Master of Science in Community Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Services Research. Her research interests center on studying the social and contextual dimensions of health, particularly in areas such as health equity and access to care.
Duaa has extensively studied patient experiences in obstructive sleep apnea care, examining wait times, costs, and rural-urban disparities. She's also involved in medical education research, exploring curriculum design and integration of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility content at the Cumming School of Medicine.
Duaa's graduate thesis investigates justice and fairness within Alberta health services. Her work has been presented at national and international conferences. Beyond academia, Duaa is actively involved in community service, mentoring, and advocacy, particularly in areas of mental health, immigrant support, and healthcare accessibility.
Jaspreet Gill, Communications Coordinator (Secretary)
Jaspreet (she/her) is one of the 2024-25 CHSSE Communications Coordinators. She completed her BSc (Hons.) in Psychology at the University of Calgary. She is currently a graduate student completing her Master of Science in Community Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Services Research. Her thesis research focuses on understanding disparities in the access and use of mental health care services among South Asian youth.
Outside of her research, Jaspreet is involved in mental health advocacy and has illustrated a storybook on how to navigate getting support for test anxiety. In her free time, she enjoys painting, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family.
Lindsay Moore, Education and Mentorship Coordinator
Lindsay (she/her) is a second-year PhD student specializing in Epidemiology. Her research is focused on surgical site infections with orthopedic surgeries. Lindsay also works with the Surgery Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) on other projects within the Faculty of Nursing.
Lindsay is originally from Prince Edward Island, where she worked as a paramedic for many years before moving to Calgary and beginning her journey at the University of Calgary. Outside of her passion for research, she enjoys running, yoga, cooking, harness racing, and taking on as many adventures as possible with her family and friends.
Sara Al Sharani, Education and Mentorship Coordinator
Sara (she/her) is the 2024-25 CHSSE Education and Mentorship Coordinator. She completed her BSc (Hons.) in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Community Health Sciences, specializing in Population /Public Health. Her thesis explores the use of artificial intelligence to monitor unhealthy food marketing to children on digital media, with the goal of safeguarding children's dietary patterns and health.
Outside of academics, Sara is passionate about refugee health advocacy and played a key role in developing a school-based mental health program designed for refugee children and youth. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.
Thérèse Poulin, Education and Mentorship Coordinator
Thérèse Poulin (she/her/hers) is a 2024-2025 CHSSE Education and Mentorship Coordinator. Thérèse completed her BSc Honours degree in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary and is currently a second year MSc student specializing in Epidemiology. Thérèse is passionate about patient- and family-centered care and has been involved in research since 2018 exploring health literacy, patient and family engagement in care, and mental health in caregivers. Her thesis work explores the association between family visitation and patient safety in the intensive care unit.
Thérèse loves professional development and teaching – you can always find her learning new academic skills by taking short courses or badges offered by the University! She is a mentor and tutor to youth across Canada learning French as a second language. Thérèse loves listening to music, making friendship bracelets, and mountain biking.
Olivia Buth, First-Year Representative (MSc)
Olivia (she/her) is the 2024-25 CHSSE First Year Representative (MSc). She received her Honours Bachelor’s in health sciences from the University of Ottawa in 2021 and is excited to return to academia to pursue an MSc with a specialization in Population/Public Health. Her research focuses on using blood-based biomarkers to identify concussions in youth athletes.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Olivia has worked and volunteered in a variety of healthcare and hospital settings, including the delivery of health services to members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Outside of her studies and research, Olivia enjoys travelling, hot yoga, playing sports, and trying out new cafes around the city.
Tosin Ogunleye, First-Year Representative (MSc)
Tosin (she/her) is the 2024-25 CHSSE First-Year Representative (MSc) and a first-year MSc student specializing in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Calgary. Originally from Calgary, she completed her undergraduate studies in British Columbia before returning to pursue her graduate education and contribute to advancements in patient care. Her research focuses on improving care pathways for patients with Giant Cell Arteritis by analyzing regional practice patterns in Southern Alberta.
With a background in nursing research, Tosin has coordinated clinical trials in orthopaedic trauma, gaining experience in patient care, data management, and regulatory compliance. Beyond her research, she is active in her church community, leading youth initiatives, mentorship and program coordination. She enjoys travelling, audiobooks, event planning, and spending time with her family and friends.
Ariba Bajwa, Social Events Coordinator
Ariba (she/her) is the 2024-25 CHSSE social events coordinator. She is a first year MSc student in Community Health Sciences. Specializing in Medical Education, her research interests are interprofessional work and foundations taught in medical training. She previously worked as a high school science teacher and as a student technician at the University of Calgary. She has previously led a team with the Create Change Foundation, volunteered with AHS and the Mustard Seed. In her free time she enjoys film photography, reading, and listening to music. She is a huge Swiftie; making friendship bracelets and hosting Taylor’s Version listening parties are part of her culture. Her top three values are education, communication, and advocacy. Ariba is extremely excited to serve as a Community Health Science Student Executive.
Kayla Atchison, Treasurer
Kayla (she/her) is the 2024-25 CHSSE Treasurer. She is a first-year PhD student in the Health Services Research specialization. Kayla’s research interests pertain to older adult health and how older adults access and utilize care.
Events
Research Highlights
Royal Society of Canada announces 2024 Fellows and Members
Five UCalgary faculty elected as RSC Fellows and one named to incoming class of the RSC College
Looking back on 10 years of University of Calgary Teaching Awards
Recipients reflect on what a teaching award means to them, Part 2: 2020–2024
Innovative mobile clinic brings equitable diabetes care to Calgary's underserved communities
UCalgary researchers, along with The Alex Community Health Centre and TELUS Health, partner to launch the Diabetes Mobile Clinic
15 faculty members named UCalgary Research Excellence Chairs
Prestigious program champions research prowess and leadership across disciplines
Azrieli Accelerator celebrates its latest Catalyst Grant recipients
Six UCalgary research projects awarded funding to advance important questions in neurodevelopment research