Candidates – GSAÉD

Student Life and Equity Commissioner

Seamus Sean Francis Mcinnis Fleming

Bio

I am Seamus Fleming. I am a member of multiple non-profits and sit on the Ottawa-West Nepean riding association to represent young people in my community. I have fought for reliable transportation, food security and affordable housing, all which students are in dire need. I don’t just aim to fill in the broken cracks in the University, I want to bring energy, confidence and optimism to the table.

Our cohort of graduate students experienced one of the most isolating times in many decades as a result of COVID-19. Post-pandemic students have felt alienated and apathetic, without much connection and community on campus. As a result of alienation, we have seen a rise in hate, especially towards international students and 2SLGBT community. In response, we need to build community, visibility and solidarity among all students to stop hate from boiling over the surface. Facing off apathy, my goal is to bring energy and optimism to UOttawa. I have three main aims, to diminish barriers in accessing help from GSAED, improve accessibility to mental health resources and engage in a campaign to bring aesthetic improvements on campus using nature, gardens and more Indigenous art collaboration projects. Importantly, I will also pressure the university and political community to be accountable for our students. OUSO has historically fought for affordable transit and housing. I will fight for more frequent bus and train activity. Our university and local politicians will hear us. Join me in re-investing in young people and community!

Student Life and Equity Commissioner

Yael Orsot

Bio

I am Yael Orsot, a master degree student in Public and International Affairs, and I am passionate about making our campus a dynamic and inclusive space. I am excited to submit my candidacy for the position of Student Life and Equity Commissioner, as I firmly believe our association can bring students together through events and opportunities that celebrate the diversity of our experiences.

Drawing on my extensive experience in both university associations and the broader community, I offer a fresh vision and a spirit of collaboration. My goal is to build strong bridges between departmental associations and our organization, creating a vibrant student life filled with diverse events and meaningful interactions for all graduate students.

If elected, I commit to:

1. Strengthening student cohesion by organizing innovative, welcoming events in partnership with departmental and faculty associations.
2. Optimizing access to information and services through digital initiatives, including revamping our website and enhancing our social media presence.
3. Highlighting student talents and initiatives by supporting projects that celebrate diversity and innovation.
4. Establishing constant dialogue with the community through a regular feedback system, ensuring our actions align with your needs.

Together, let’s transform our campus into a stimulating and welcoming environment where everyone can fully engage in a memorable university experience.

University affairs commissioner

Steven Yannick Adekambi

Bio

Dear fellow graduate students !

My name is Steven ADEKAMBI, I am completing my master’s degree in education concentration in teaching and learning at the University of Ottawa, doing research that focuses on how some specific technological tools can affect student engagement.

Over the past year as your University Affairs Commissioner, I’ve worked in collaboration with amazing people to advocate for our needs, amplify our voices, and improve the graduate experience at our University. Despite challenges, we achieved key milestones, from enhancing student services to strengthening ties with the administration. However, our work is far from finished.

I am seeking a new mandate after a year of gaining valuable experience and a solid understanding of our academic, social, and organizational systems. I believe collaboration and continuity are key to driving meaningful impact. My goals for the next term include:

1. Building an effective student supporting service (a qualified student right service), which is already being discussed.

2. Advocating for better funding opportunities to support your academic and research pursuits.

3. Expanding mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges of graduate students.

4. Strengthening our community through inclusive events and initiatives that celebrate our diversity.

5. Ensuring your voices are heard in every decision that affects us as graduate students.

I’m seeking your vote and support to continue this momentum. I am committed to standing for our interests with integrity, passion, and dedication. Let’s build on our successes and create an even stronger, more supportive graduate community.

Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics

Louis Frank

Bio

I am an MA student who is researching Arctic shipping, environmental change and governance. I am seeking re-election as the GSAÉD representative for the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics to continue working on improving services and affordability for graduate students. If elected, I will work to make GSAÉD more engaged with students’ needs and advance important issues such as food security and cost of living, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity & inclusion.

School of Information Studies

Vanessa Belanger

Bio

Hi, my name is Vanessa Belanger, and I am currently a first-year Masters student at the School of Information Studies with a background in cognitive psychology and psychophysics research. My academic interests at uOttawa focus on AI-driven information management and the impact of social media use on information-seeking behaviors at both societal and individual levels.

I am running for the position of Department Representative at GSAÉD because I strongly believe in enhancing student engagement within our academic community. As a student representative, my goal is to ensure that all ÉSIS students have meaningful opportunities to explore the field of information science—socially, academically, and professionally. I understand the diverse challenges students face, from research and coursework to professional development, and I am committed to finding and communicating solutions that support the varied needs of our student body to GSAÉD.

If elected, I will work to advocate for our department and foster ongoing dialogue between students and faculty to strengthen communication. Additionally, I will strive to expand networking and mentorship opportunities to help students navigate their academic and professional pathways. My goal is to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered as they move toward graduation.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve and represent our department within GSAÉD.

Faculty of Law

Alawode Babajide Blessing

Bio

My name is Alawode Babajide, an internationally-trained lawyer and the current President of the Graduate Studies in Law Students Association (GSLEDD). I am pursuing an LL.M with a concentration in International Trade and Investment Law. I am applying to be a departmental representative on the GSAED Board of Directors because I am passionate about servantleadership. Interestingly, GSAED promotes the interests of students at the University, and it would be a privilege to be part of this great movement. I am particularly interested in this position because it offers the opportunity to champion the interests of graduate law students at the Faculty of Law. If elected, I will collaborate with the current executive council members to develop innovative ideas that will help law students grow professionally while enhancing their social skills.

My goals for the coming year include organizing a variety of programs such as the Scholars Voyage, Interdisciplinary Conference, Spotlight Initiative, and Professional Career Conference. These programs are designed to provide law students with opportunities to advance their academic and professional development, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance their overall university experience. In summary, my commitment to serving the student community, coupled with my experience and passion for advocacy, makes me a strong candidate for the departmental representative position. I am eager to contribute to the GSAED Board of Directors and work towards the betterment of the graduate law students’ community

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Benjamin Hotte

Bio

My name is Benjamin Hotte, I’m a M.A.Sc. student in Chemical Engineering. I’m not only interested in the academic process, but also in the growth that education provides. As I’ve discovered through my time at university, learning is more than books and lectures—it’s about developing life skills, forming lasting relationships, and developing emotional intelligence. I believe that university life is designed to prepare us for something greater than a career; it is designed to make us better people in a wonderful community.

I would like to apply to the GSAED because I am greatly interested in improving the student experience. I would like to be
a student voice and collaborate with administration and faculty to see that Chemical Engineering, and beyond, students are having a balanced, rich experience. Education should never be a solo act—it thrives when there is interaction, open communication, and respect among students, staff, and faculty. I believe I can help instill these values in my role.

If elected, I will prioritize initiatives that enhance student-faculty interaction, hear concerns of the student body, and campaign for resources that support academic as well as personal growth. I would like to close gaps and build a community that allows all students to thrive, not just academically, but as individuals. Together, we can turn the university experience into one that is memorable and meaningful.

Institute of the Environment

Justin Grout

Bio

My name is Justin Grout, and I am running to represent the Institute of the Environment on the GSAED Board. I am a hardworking and empathetic person and I firmly believe in the value of student representation. I have always been passionate about government and would be honored to have the responsibility of representing our department. I believe the Institute of the Environment is invaluable to both the university, and Canada as we try to build a more sustainable society. Being a graduate student at UOttawa has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I will advocate for our students and ensure they can maximize their potential on campus to become the best version of themselves.

I understand that students value mutual respect from the university, and I will work to preserve this based on open, consistent, and honest communication. Beyond the status quo, I want to push the university to give grad students a greater variety of opportunities and activities in order to build a more holistic experience and reduce the weight of our workload and stress. One way I want to accomplish this is to redesign the graduate studies reading room in the library in order to make it a more inviting and comfortable place to do work. I will also push for the Institute of the Environment to be involved in the University’s sustainability audits in order to provide opportunities for professional development and increase transparency. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope you will choose me as your advocate!

Department of Economics

Fiston BISIMWA

Bio

My name is Fiston BISIMWA, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Economics at the University of Ottawa. With a strong academic background and active involvement in student leadership, I am committed to representing the interests of graduate students in the Department of Economics.

I am applying for the position of Departmental Representative (Economics) on the GSAÉD Board of Directors because I believe that student representation is essential for fostering a strong academic and social environment. Throughout my studies, I have engaged in various leadership roles, including my involvement with the Graduate Economics Student Association (GESA) as Vice-President of Academic Affairs, where I have worked to enhance student engagement and academic collaboration. My experience with economic research, policy analysis, and student governance equips me to be a strong advocate for my peers.

If elected, my goals will include:

1. Strengthening Student Representation: Ensuring that economics graduate students’ voices are heard at the university level.

2. Enhancing Academic and Professional Opportunities: Organizing networking events, research workshops, and mentorship programs.

3. Promoting Inclusivity and Well-being: Creating initiatives that support student mental health and a sense of community within the department.

By serving as your representative, I aim to bridge the gap between students and the administration while fostering an enriching academic experience for all.

uOttawa Senate Humanities Representative

Emeline Lina Nsah

Bio

I am a bilingual student (French and English) pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at the University of Ottawa, my master’s thesis focuses on management and public governance. My academic background includes a Master II in Law, Economics, Management with a specialization in Political Science and International Relations from Université Lyon 3 Jean Moulin, and a Bachelor’s degree in humanities from Université Toulouse-Jean Jaurès.

Professionally, I have gained significant experience in public administration and human resource management, having served as a research assistant and administrative officer in public administration (health sector in the Montreal area), specializing in internal and external staffing, where I developed skills in communication, project management, and data management. Originally from Gabon, I am passionate about issues of management and public governance and am also involved in community activities, particularly in coordinating events for the multi-continent Gabonese diaspora confederation – G10.

I have applied for a senatorial position in humanities at the GSAÉD with the goal of advocating and enriching the experience of graduate students. I am betting on my management experience to improve the academic and social conditions of my peers. If elected, I plan to enhance communication between graduate students and the administration, and I also aim to work on developing policies that promote well-being and professional development for students, and to promote initiatives that enrich the cultural and social life of the university.

In conclusion, regarding hobbies, I enjoy walking, participating in outdoor activities, and reading books focused on local and international tourism.

uOttawa Bureau des Gouverneurs Representative

Bryce Bogie

Bio

Re-elect Bryce Bogie to the Board of Governors (BoG)

Bryce is a sixth-year MD-PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medicine, completing his PhD in Neuroscience. His research focuses on uncovering the brain mechanisms underlying schizophrenia and depression.

With a long record of student advocacy, Bryce has spent the past three years on the GSAED Board and currently serves as the Graduate Student Representative to uOttawa’s BoG. He serves as the sole student on the BoG Executive Committee and is a member of the Selection Committee for uOttawa’s next President.

Bryce currently works directly with uOttawa’s senior leadership to implement solutions to key graduate student challenges, including food insecurity, funding, student-supervisor relationships, and time to graduation. His work with GSAED has recently led to the reopening of Nostalgica and improved partnerships that will address food, academic, and mental health service gaps for graduate students.

His political advocacy roles with the Institute for Science, Society and Policy and the Canadian Federation of Medical Students have allowed him to build strong connections with Parliamentarians—his efforts contributed to the first federal graduate student funding increase in >20 years (Budget 2024).

If re-elected to the BoG, Bryce will continue his work with uOttawa leadership and GSAED to advance these initiatives and improve graduate student access to childcare, faster health and wellness services, and increased compensation for teaching/research assistantships.

What is Bryce’s top priority if re-elected? Money.

During his first BoG term, Bryce successfully fought all proposed increases to graduate tuition. Amid Ontario’s ongoing university funding crisis, graduate students need a strong voice on the BoG to protect both their financial well-being and the quality of their education.

Bryce will be our voice.

📩 bryce.bogie@uottawa.ca

LinkedIn

uOttawa Bureau des Gouverneurs Representative

Scarlett Kelly

Bio

My name is Scarlett Kelly. I am a PhD candidate in Digital Transformation and Innovation. My thesis is on change management in technology adoption and usage with a case study of ChatGPT. Holding two Master’s degrees – Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), I work as a Senior Policy Analyst in the federal government. In my spare time, if any, I am a master chess player, a long-distance swimmer, a dancer (Latin and other styles), a classical musician, and a creative writer.

I am applying for the GSAED representative position on the Board of Governors. I would ensure graduate students’ voices in the most relevant areas, including financial and governance matters, are heard at the highest decision-making level. I believe I am a perfect candidate for the position. I have work experience providing recommendations in strategic directions. I have led government-wide programs in performance measurement, advised change strategies to enhance efficiency and performance, and interpreted policy. I also have a track record of serving on executive committees to make strategic decisions. Moreover, I am fearless when speaking to power regarding process flaws and systematic problems. As the GSARD representative, I will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to influence positive changes in the university.

If elected, I would aim to bridge the gaps between graduate students’ concerns and the university’s inactions. There is no excuse for dismissing students’ voices or burying them in the bureaucratic processes. With keen eyes for detecting the real problems underneath surface symptoms, I aim to bring graduate students’ voices to initiate real changes to inappropriate policies and administrative decision-making processes.