The One Health Student Committee (OHSC) of 2023-2024 has a governing body of 30 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 2023/2024. I joined the OHSC because I wanted to help expand the field at the University of Guelph and lay the foundations for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts on campus. 2023/2024 will be my fourth year 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, bouldering at Guelph Grotto, and singing in the Harbourtown Sound chorus.
Elizabeth Arbour is the Co-President in training of the OHSC.
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 fourth 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 hiking.
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 second year of Animal Biology and I am happy to be back with the OHSC for a second amazing year! The holistic and interdisciplinary approach of One Health towards the well-being of society has greatly captivated me over the past couple of years, prompting me to join the committee to not only learn more about One Health but also to help spread awareness on the topic. Outside of the OHSC, I love singing and playing the ukulele, albeit not the best, and annoying my foster kitty! I look forward to working with everyone this year and seeing all of the amazing initiatives the OHSC will be organizing this year!
Carys Vyn is the Operations Executive for the OHSC.
Hi everyone! My name is Carys (she/her) and I am the Operations Executive. I’m a second year PhD student in Population Medicine and One Health and I joined the OHSC this year. My thesis is focused on environmental and social risk factors for canine leptospirosis. Using a One Health approach in my research is important because leptospirosis affects humans and animals, and is driven by many environmental factors, including climate change. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of leptospirosis and identify important connections at the human-animal-environment interface. An interesting fact about me is that I help make wine from my family’s vineyard in Niagara.
Leah Van Raalte is the Financial Officer for the OHSC.
Hi, my name is Leah and I am the Financial Officer. I’m in my 3rd year of the BOH program (Disease, Complexity, and Health) and this is my 2nd year as the Financial Officer for the OHSC! I’m passionate about One Health because it takes a truly holistic approach to so many of our world’s most pressing issues. I am on exchange in the Netherlands in Fall 2023 where I’ve been able to dive into One Health related to agriculture, from a European perspective, which has really helped to broaden my understanding of the concept as well! There’s so much we can learn from other parts of the world and I look forward to working with the OHSC again this year to make the world a better place!
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 third year of the Bachelor of One Health program. This is my first 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.
Olivia Colman is one of the Communications Executive for the OHSC
Hi! I’m Olivia (she/her), a fourth year Biomedical science student and one of the Communications Executives! This is my third year as a part of the OHSC and I joined the OHSC because I am really interested in One Health and the connection between animal, human and environmental science. I am fascinated by science and I thought becoming a part of the OHSC would help me learn more about what One Health is. I am really interested in the collaboration of One Health as it addresses several topics that I am interested in! If I’m not studying or doing something related to the OHSC I am probably attending rowing practice for the University of Guelph!
Laksha Jingree is one of the Communications Executive for the OHSC
My name is Laksha Jingree and I am one of the Communications Executives this year. I am currently in my fourth year of Biological Sciences. I decided to join the OHSC because of my interest in knowing more about the intersection between the different pillars of health. I want more people to be aware of the One Health concept as it really changed the way I view health issues and this is what excites me about being a part of this club. During my free time I’m usually reading, spending time with family and friends or watching the football World Cup these days!
Midia Mohammed is one of the Communications Executive for the OHSC
Hello everyone! My name is Midia Mohammed (she/her), and I am a Communications Executive for the OHSC. I am in my fourth year of Biological Science and this is my second year working with OHSC! What I find interesting about One Health is that it recognizes the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health. It gives students and myself the opportunity to comprehend how intimately human health is affiliated to the wellbeing of animals and our shared environment. A fun fact about myself is that I am a certified lifeguard!
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!
The Events Team of the OHSC
Rachael Cunningham is the Vice President of Events for the OHSC.
Hi everyone, my name is Rachael (she/her), I’m the Vice President of Events and this is my second year on the OHSC! I’m in my fourth year of Zoology with a minor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. I first learned about One Health in an anthropology class I took during my first year. I found it so interesting that one concept combined my interests in animal health, human health, and the environment! Ever since then, I’ve been attending One Health-related seminars and events to build a deeper understanding in this field. I decided to join the OHSC so I could share my passion for One Health with others and I’m so excited for the upcoming year! In my spare time, I enjoy going for hikes, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with my dog!
Kyle Davies is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hey! My name is Kyle (he/him), and I’m a third year majoring in biological science. I joined the OHSC this year, and am so excited to be helping out! I think one health is increasingly important as time goes on and we start to consider things in relation to each other, which is simply amazing! I find its applications in the field of zoonotic diseases particularly interesting. An interesting fact about myself is that I love scuba diving and go frequently!
Amilcar Bisekere is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hello! My name is Amilcar Bisekere (he/him) and I am in my first year of PhD in Pathobiology at OVC with a Collaborative Specialization in One Health. This is my first time joining the OHSC, although 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 and ecology. I am excited 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 second year in the One Health program with a minor in neuroscience. This is my second year with OHSC and I’m extremely excited to host and plan events again this year. I hope through us, we can share the intricacies of One Health and how important it is in so many of the challenges we face. Outside of school, I enjoy relaxing with a book and spending time with my pet cat. I can’t wait to show you all what we have to offer!
Brandon Yip is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Hey everyone! I’m Brandon and I’m one of the Events Executives on OHSC this year. This is also my first year on OHSC! I’m a 1st year Master of Public Health student at the Ontario Veterinary College. It is becoming more apparent in recent years that a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach to health is not only ideal, but also necessary in order to optimize the wellbeing of our communities. As someone studying public health, I see firsthand the necessity of incorporating a One Health perspective to the public health sector. By joining OHSC, I seek to learn more about One Health through this great community, and I aim to incorporate the concepts I learn as a future public health professional. In my personal life, I enjoy anime, calligraphy, and healthy political discourse! I am looking forward to organizing great events and collaborating with others on the OHSC this year.
Maia VanderMaas is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
My name is Maia VanderMaas (she/her) and I am a first year student in the Bachelor of One Health program at Uofg! This is my first year on the OHSC and I hope it is not my last! The One Health approach is important in order to optimize the health of all living beings on Earth! I’m looking forward to attending and helping out at events this year and hopefully spreading the word about One Health!
Nicole Norena is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Brianna Bordin is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Lucy Horne is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
Zenia Firashta is one of the Events Executives for the OHSC.
The Outreach Team of the OHSC
Emily Knapper is the Vice President of Outreach for the OHSC.
Hi everyone, my name is Emily (she/her), your VP of Outreach! This is my second year with OHSC, and I am looking forward to amping up our Outreach focus and goals for F23 – W24! 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 working towards completing my masters in nutritional physiology in the department of Animal Biosciences at Guelph. Outside of my studies, I enjoy gardening, going to the gym, and visiting friends who have started their post graduate studies and careers elsewhere!
Eden Rechtoris-McNab is the Scholarships Executive for the OHSC.
Hi everyone! My name is Eden Rechtoris-McNab (she/her) and I am the Scholarships Executive of the Outreach Team of OHSC. I am currently in my fourth year of Honours Biomedical Sciences, with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine. This is my second year on OHSC, and I am very eager to work with you all towards the betterment of One Health through the Guelph Chapter! Additionally, I am the Social Media and Fact Card Manager of the Public Communications Team for the International Student One Health Association. I greatly appreciate that One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach to optimal health for all, which is completely aligned with my goals as a future physician.
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 second-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.
Maryam Alhamdan is one of the Community Outreach Executives for the OHSC.
Megan Fox is one of the Networking Executives for the OHSC.
My name is Megan and I am currently an animal biology student at the University of Guelph. This year I have joined OHSC for the first time as a networking executive and am super excited to take on this role! I have a passion for OneHealth and love meeting others with the same passion as me. I find it fascinating how much more we can accomplish when we bring minds from separate disciplines together. In my free time I love to hike or explore new trails and of course spend time with my pets.
Manuel Pérez Maldonado is one of the Networking Executives for the OHSC.
Hi everyone, my name is Manuel Pérez (he/him). I’m a second-year Ph.D. student in Epidemiology plus Collaborative Specialization in One Health, and this is my first time being a Networking Executive in the OHSC. I believe the best way to practice the One Health approach is by working with people from different backgrounds but with common interests. I’m excited to collaborate with the OHSC and help to educate and create connections between people, animals, and the environment.
Criona Bryson is one of the Engagement Executives for the OHSC.
Hello, my name is Criona (they/them) and I am a first year Bachelor of One Health student who recently joined OHSC for the Fall 2023 to Winter 2024 session. I believe that the One Health approach is important because exploring and examining our world it helps us to examine the relationship between the health of animals, the wider environment and humans to ensure the vitality of those existing. It also gives reason as to why it is imperative for all three to be held to same degree of importance. I quite enjoy hearing fun facts shared from those around me and I am always up to lending my ear and thoughts to a passionate conversation or rant. I look forward to working towards the goals of OHSC, learning more about One Health and the work of those in the community, and improving my leadership skills to become a more well-rounded person.
Cecilia Dales is one of the Engagement Executives for the OHSC.
Prakrithi Monteiro is the Experiential Learning Executive for the OHSC.
I’m Prakrithi Monteiro (she/her), a second-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!
