President: Bingxin Hai
I’m currently pursuing my PhD degree investigating sustainable aviation fuel production pathways under the supervision of Dr. David C. Bressler. I obtained my bachelor’s degree with Honors in Food Science from the University of Alberta. So I often joke with people that I am a food scientist studying “food” for aviation engine! I hope to lead my team to provide the ALES graduate student family opportunities for involvement, leadership, and professional development based on my many years of experiences working in student organizations. In my spare time, I like playing the piano, doing video editing, and watching astrophysics documentaries.
Vice President Student Life: Dagem Zekaryas Haddis
I hold a master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, and am now pursuing my Ph.D. degree under the supervision of Dr. David C. Bresssler at the University of Alberta. I am researching the co-production of fermentable sugars and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) through an enzymatic approach. My major focus is on developing biorefinery strategies that have a great potential to increase the productivity of CNC and value-added products and improve the overall process economics of the ethanol industry. Besides scientific activity, I like to participate in different voluntary activities, and I have been named ambassador of good ethics for my voluntary service in Ethiopia.
Vice President Communications: Jo Ann Chew
I am a first year PhD student in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Sciences. Under the supervision of Dr. Martin Zuidhof, my project aims to understand precision pullet rearing strategies for optimal reproductive body condition. As VP Communications, I hope to reach out and connect with all the graduate students in ALES. Outside of school, I enjoy puzzle-solving and binge-watching television shows.
Vice President Finance: Stanley Woo
I am a Master’s student studying muscle health and cancer related myosteatosis (or fatty infiltration into muscle) under the supervision of Dr. Vera Mazurak. I’m interested in the cellular mechanisms of myosteatosis and how fish oil can maintain muscle health in cancer patients. To study these mechanisms, I am establishing a skeletal muscle cell culture model where I can induce myosteatosis. Outside of the lab, you can find me rock climbing, biking, or taking care of my dog and plants.
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Sciences Student Representative: Nanzhen Qiao
I am a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Dr. Michael Ganzle’s lab. My research is about the evolution of homo- and hetero-fermentative lactobacilli. In my spare time, I like programming, hiking, climbing, and swimming! I hope to meet more interesting people here and better serve ALES graduate students.
Department of Renewable Resources Student Representative: Kiah Leicht
My name is Kiah Leicht, and I’m the current departmental representative for Renewable Resources in the ALES GSA. I’m from Edmonton, Alberta, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Land Reclamation and Remediation at the University of Alberta supervised by Dr. Robert Grant and Dr. Symon Mezbahuddin. My project focuses on using the process-based model “ecosys” to study how different management practices affect crop yields and nitrogen losses. In 2020, I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences at the University of Alberta. In my spare time, I like reading, knitting, and hiking.
Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology Student Representative: Innocent Bahati
Born in Tanzania, Innocent took his undergraduate degree at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania where he studied BSc. In Agricultural and Natural Resources Economics and Business. Innocent is now a Master’s of Science (in Agricultural and Resource Economics) student in the department of Resources Economics and Environmental Sociology at the University of Alberta. His research interest is in development economics, he is currently researching the impact of positive mindset transformation and faith on child stunting in rural Tanzania.
