The One Health Student Committee (OHSC) of 2024-2025 has a governing body of 23 undergraduate and graduate students. Along with our Co-Presidents and Student Advisor, the OHSC is divided into 3 subcommittees: the Operations, Events, and Outreach Teams. See below for additional information on the objectives of each subcommittee and its members.
The Co-President and Student Advisor of the OHSC
Simon Jeeves is the Co-President of the OHSC.
Hi everyone! I am Simon (He/Him), one of the Co-Presidents for 2024-2025. I joined the OHSC in 2021 because I wanted to help expand the field at the University of Guelph and lay the foundations for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts on campus. This year will be my fourth term on the committee and I am more excited for our organization than ever before. My research interests and passions lie in the ecology, epidemiology, and discovery of emerging viral zoonotic diseases. My current work for my PhD revolves around coronaviruses in North American mammalian wildlife, including the reverse spillover of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to small mammals. In my spare time, I like birding, climbing at Guelph Grotto, and singing in the Harbourtown Sound chorus.
Ivana Blagojevic is the Co-President in training of the OHSC.
My name is Ivana (She/Her) and I am a Co-President (in training) and this is my first year working with the OHSC. I am a first-year PhD student in the Department of Population Medicine at OVC focusing on Epidemiology and One Health. My research has to do with identifying factors which drive North American dog owners use of tick prevention. The goal of my research is to improve canine health, reduce tick-borne disease and promote awareness. Using a One Health approach allows us to broaden our thinking when it comes to solving complex multi disciplinary problems. It also encourages us to look at other industries or fields to find the solutions were looking for! In my spare time I like to read, spend time with friends and family and explore Guelph!
Grace Nichol is the Student Advisor for the OHSC.
Hi everyone! My name is Grace (She/Her) and I am the OHSC Student Advisor. I’m a PhD candidate in the Department of Population Medicine at the OVC. My program is epidemiology, and I am also completing a Collaborative Specialization in One Health. This is my fifth year as a member of the OHSC, and I have really enjoyed working with so many other students who are passionate about One Health! I love that collaboration is such a big part of One Health, and I think taking a One Health approach will allow us to solve some of the big problems we are facing. In my spare time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and volleyball.
The Operations Team of the OHSC
Yuqi (Angela) Hui is the Vice President of Operations for the OHSC.
Hey everyone! My name is Angela (she/her) and I am the VP of Operations. I am currently in my third year of Animal Biology and I am excited to be returning to the OHSC for a third year! I have a strong appreciation for the holistic and interdisciplinary approach of One Health, which prompted me to join the committee and explore my interest in population medicine. Outside of the OHSC, I love paddling with the Guelph Gryphons Dragon Boat club, playing with my foster kitties, and learning new instruments! I look forward to working with an amazing committee and seeing all of the exciting initiatives the OHSC will be organizing this year!
Carys Vyn is the Operations Executive for the OHSC.
I (She/Her) am a third year PhD candidate in the department of Population Medicine with a Collaborative Specialization in One Health, and my research focuses on identifying climatic drivers for canine leptospirosis. This is my second year with the OHSC and I love working with such a diverse group of people to organize One Health related activities. The One Health approach is so important to address many complex issues that impact today’s society. The collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts that result from a One Health approach are the way forward to improve the health and wellbeing of all life on earth. One interesting fact about me is that I spent 3 months in England this summer doing research at the University of Liverpool!
Annike Schulte is the Financial Officer for the OHSC.
Hi, my name is Annike Schulte (She/Her) and I am the financial officer of the OHSC. I’m currently in my second year of the Bachelor of One Health program with an emphasis on Environment, Food and Health. This is my first year on the OHSC and I am super excited to explore One Health out of a classroom setting! My passion for One Health stems from its holistic nature as well as being able to draw from so many different disciplines and experiences to solve issues. A fun fact about me is that I love hiking and skiing!
Ruth Girma is the Lead Communications Officer for the OHSC.
Hi, my name is Ruth (She/Her) and I am the Lead Communications Officer. I am in my fourth year of the Bachelor of One Health program. This is my second year on the OHSC and I am excited to join this awesome community. I think the One Health approach is important because it integrates local knowledge into the problem-solving process thus helping to ensure that more holistic solutions are created. It also encourages the active involvement of local communities throughout the planning and implementation process thus empowering people to solve issues close to home. I’m looking forward to all the exciting events and opportunities coming up in the near future.
Mia Binks is one of the Communications Executive for the OHSC
Hi there! My name is Mia Binks (She/Her), and I’m in my second year of the Bachelor of One Health degree. This is my first year with OHSC, and I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of one of the Communication Executives. I’m fascinated by the various applications that can stem from a one health approach and the significant benefits that come along with it, especially when dealing with complex problems. I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, going on adventures and skiing in the winter!
Marcela Hontoria is one of the Communications Executive for the OHSC
Hey! My name is Marcela (She/Her) and I’m a third year One Health Major with a Disease, Complexity and Health emphasis, as well as a minor in Zoology. This is my first year as a part of the OHSC, exited to be involved as one of the Communications Executives! I enjoy working and studying with a One Health approach because it encompasses all sides of complex health problems, integrating the three pillars of health: human, environmental, and animal. I believe it provides us with a more comprehensive understanding of how each health sector is deeply affected by the other two. Apart from school and the OHSC, I spend my time working for the Guelph Marlins as a competitive swim coach, as well as Team Captain for the Gryphon Swim Team!
The Events Team of the OHSC
Maia VanderMaas is the Vice President of Events for the OHSC.
Hi!! My name is Maia (She/Her) and I am a second-year student in the Bachelor of One Health major with an area of emphasis in Disease, Complexity and Health and a minor in biology! I joined OHSC last year as an events executive and this year I am the events VP! The One Health approach is crucial to tackling today’s global health issues, which can only be addressed at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. It is a holistic approach that encourages transdisciplinarity and allows us to develop detection and prevention methods to health crises worldwide. A fun fact about me is that I love cooking and trying new recipes!
Kyle Davies is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
I’m (He/Him) in my fourth year of biological science here at Guelph, and I’m so excited to be returning to the OHSC this year! I joined the team back in September 2023 and have continued on as an events coordinator. I think the One Health approach is important in the way that it gives a unique and versatile scope when looking at a multitude of issues. The One Health approach is also multidisciplinary and considers factors not as simplistically but more as a whole, both key points in providing this scope. An interesting fact about myself is that I am a licensed scuba diver, and I love to go diving in unique places!
Amilcar Bisekere is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hello! My name is Amilcar Bisekere (He/Him), a second-year PhD student in Pathobiology at OVC with a Collaborative Specialization in One Health. I have been a One Health advocate since my undergraduate studies in Veterinary Medicine. To find solutions to many of the world’s problems and achieve prosperity, we need a healthy environment, healthy animals, and healthy people. My research interests include waterborne zoonotic diseases, wildlife (lemurs) conservation, and disease mapping. I joined the OHSC in 2023 to engage with other One Health enthusiasts and share our passion for this field.
Jordan Woo is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hello! My name is Jordan (They/Them) and I’m in my third year of the One Health program with a minor in Neuroscience. This is my third year with the events team in OHSC and I’m extremely excited to host and plan events again this year. I hope that through us, we can share the intricacies of One Health and how important it is in so many of the challenges we face. In my spare time I am learning how to play the bass guitar!
Brandon Yip is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hello! I’m Brandon and I’m a 2nd year Master of Public Health student at the Ontario Veterinary College. This is my second year on OHSC as an Events Executive. It is becoming more apparent that a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach to health is not only ideal, but necessary to optimize the wellbeing of our communities. As a student of public health, I see firsthand the necessity of incorporating a One Health approach to this field. Through OHSC, I seek to learn more about One Health and I aim to incorporate the concepts I learn as a future public health professional. Outside of school, I enjoy anime, calligraphy, and healthy political discourse! I am excited to help organize great events in collaboration with others on the OHSC this year.
Meaghan Berti is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
My name is Meaghan (She/Her) and I am currently in my first year of the Bachelor of One Health degree with an emphasis on Food, Environment and Health. I’m excited to be an Events executive for my first year on the OHSC! Collaborating with people from all areas of study – all sharing a common passion – is so inspiring, and sparks my hope for greater awareness of One Health. Learning about the specific challenges in this field of study has opened my eyes to the full potential of its application in our world. In my spare time, I love to be outdoors; camping or just walking the beach with my dog, and if I must be indoors, cooking up new recipes in the kitchen! I look forward to working with everyone to host some amazing events this year and spreading One Health education!
The Outreach Team of the OHSC
Emily Knapper is the Vice President of Outreach for the OHSC.
Hello everyone! My name is Emily (She/Her), your VP of Outreach! This is my 3rd year involved with the OHSC, and I’m looking forward to amping up our Outreach team goals for F24 – W25! The One Health approach is a growing collaborative action, critical to practice when we question complex animal, human and environmental health problems. OHSC (and the Outreach team) works to build these connections across multiple disciplines, to help initiate the networking amongst people from various different backgrounds. I am currently completing my masters in the Department of Animal Biosciences, with focus on cellular physiology during beef cow gestation. Outside of my studies, I enjoy gardening, hitting the gym, and traveling.
Eden Rechtoris-McNab is the Scholarships Executive for the OHSC.
Hi everyone! My name is Eden Rechtoris-McNab (She/Her), and I am continuing as the Scholarships Executive for its fifth year on the Outreach Team of OHSC. As the sole member of OHSC to hold this role, I look forward to once again providing accessible scholarship opportunities, both locally and globally, for students attending the University of Guelph and beyond. I am currently in the Master of Biomedical Science Program with a Collaborative Specialization in Neuroscience. My research focuses on investigating the neural sufficiency and necessity of the BNST for defensive strategy selection and characterizing innate coping behaviour. The One Health approach is essential for addressing health challenges holistically, fostering collaborative solutions, and enhancing resilience within our world. My research aims to contribute to neurobiological aspects of stress-related conditions, supporting this resilience in both human and animal health.
Narman Mortagy is one of the Community Outreach Executives for the OHSC.
Hello! My name is Narman Mortagy (She/Her), and I am part of the Outreach team for the OHSC. I’m a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Science specializing in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. I joined the One Health team in Fall 2021 and meeting others who are just as passionate about One Health has been incredible! I am happy to be part of a community that uses a collaborative approach to improve and transform the well-being of all relevant constituents of health and science. I am always excited to learn more, continue seeing and being a part of the positive impact of the One Health community. During my spare time, I enjoy staying active, reading and travelling.
Saoirse Conway is one of the Community Outreach Executives for the OHSC.
hey everyone! My name is Saoirse (She/Her) and I’m a second year One Health student with a area of emphasis in Environment, Food and Health. I just joined the OHSC this semester and I’m so excited to get involved! I think the One Health approach is important for so many reasons, but ultimately it allows you to look at global issues from multiple perspectives. This is crucial when your dealing with topics like global health, climate, policy, and so much more! One fun fact about me is I am a huge photography nerd and love to read!
Sydney DeWinter is one of the Networking Executives for the OHSC.
I (She/Her) am in the third year of my PhD in the Department of Population Medicine, studying epidemiology and One Health, and this is my first year on the committee! Since I study vector-borne disease, the importance of the One Health approach and considering all pillars of health is fundamental. I’m really looking forward to facilitating connections between BOH and CSOH students at the University of Guelph.
Nathan McCrindle is one of the Networking Executives for the OHSC.
I (He/Him) am a One Health Major in my 2nd year. I joined OHSC in Fall of 2024 when looking for ways to get involved more at the university. I think One Health is important because modern real world problems are messy and complex, and One Health means embracing complexity and looking at the big, messy picture and solving problems using that lens. As the networking executive, I am hoping to connect with many One Health students and professionals and learn from and about them in the evolving One Health community. I love to cook, go to the gym, listen to a variety of music, and if I have spare time, maybe read a comic book or two.
Criona Bryson is one of the Engagement Executives for the OHSC.
Hi everyone! My name’s Criona (They/Them). I’m a second-year student in the Bachelor of One Health program. I joined OHSC in the Fall semester of 2023 since I was interested in engaging more with One Health on campus. I think the One Health approach is important because it recognizes that integrating diverse perspectives and knowledge is integral to addressing complex issues. It also provides tools to understand and create appropriate methods of communication and collaboration to make holistic and transdisciplinary approaches achievable. This year, I’m looking forward to working with the members of OHSC, increasing my creativity when engaging the community, and further exploring helpful, interesting and fun information on the One Health approach to share.
Prakrithi Monteiro is the Experiential Learning Executive for the OHSC.
I’m Prakrithi Monteiro (she/her), a third-year student in the Bachelor of One Health program at the University of Guelph. I enthusiastically joined the One Health Student Club (OHSC) in F23, motivated by my deep-seated passion for collaboration in the pursuit of sustainability. In my studies, I’ve come to appreciate the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding empowers us to formulate comprehensive solutions to intricate health challenges, ranging from zoonotic diseases to broader issues like environmental sustainability. The One Health approach, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation, provides a holistic perspective that is crucial for tackling global health issues effectively. Outside of academics, I find joy in singing and dancing, particularly in the realm of theatre. This year at OHSC, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to collaborate with a team of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the sustenance of all life forms. I believe this experience will not only deepen my understanding of One Health but also enable me to make meaningful contributions to a community dedicated to positively impacting the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Here’s to an exciting and fulfilling year ahead!
