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Alex Roberts, Chair
Alex (she/her) is a second year MSc student in the MacCallum Group, studying the structural interface of calcium channels and deubiquitinase involved in chronic pain. She was first introduced to the field of Biophysical Chemistry during her honours thesis through the MacCallum Group for her BHSc in Biomedical Sciences from the same institution. Since relocating to Calgary from Vancouver Island to pursue post-secondary education, Alex has seen equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) issues in science firsthand. This personal journey has fueled her passion for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment and advocating for EDIA within the scientific community. In her free time, Alex enjoys running, hiking, DJing, and swimming.
Katia McCallum, Vice-Chair
Katia (she/her) completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Calgary before joining Dr. Roland Roesler for her graduate studies. She is currently a second-year Ph.D. student, and her research focuses on the development of polymers functionalized with molecular ionophores for applications in selective ion trapping. Katia is looking forward to working with UCalgary CIDE to help promote a safe and inclusive environment for her peers. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, playing squash, and seeing her friends.
Emily Atallah, Administrative Officer
Emily (she/her) completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Calgary and is currently a third year Ph.D. candidate under the supervision of Dr. Roland Roesler. Her research is focused on the development of cryptands for application in selective ion trapping. Having lived outside of Canada for much of her life, Emily is excited to work with individuals from various backgrounds to continue to raise awareness for EDI in the academic world. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, working out, drawing, and playing piano in a band.
Macaella Roy, Financial Officer
Macaella (she/her) is a first-year PhD student with Dr. Roland Roesler. Her current research aims at developing cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene ligands for the stabilization of reactive transition metal and main group complexes. During her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Calgary, she participated in undergraduate research and student mentoring with the Science Mentoring Program. Going forward in her graduate degree, she hopes to continue supporting the student body by promoting EDI initiatives and helping to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in science. Macaella’s interests outside of research include camping, reading, basket weaving, and boardgames.
Frances Pescante, Media Relations & Communications Officer
Frances (she/her) is a first year Master's student under the supervision of Dr. George Shimizu. Her research focuses on developing new proton-conducting materials for improving fuel cell efficiency. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary, she was a mentor for the Science Mentorship Program and an Experiential Learning Science Ambassador where she helped improve accessibility to research opportunities for students. She is excited to explore the more creative side of volunteering to promote CIDE and EDI initiatives as the Media & Communications Officer. In her free time, Frances enjoys travelling, hiking, running, and eating!
Joy Idowu, Outreach Officer
Joy completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Calgary and is currently a second-year M.Sc. student under the supervision of Darren Derksen. Her research is currently focused on developing a new drug to kill parasitic worms in cattle. Joy is excited to work with her co-executive team to promote the EDI in the academic world. In her free time, Joy performs her poetry. She also enjoys singing and watching musicals.
John Vincent Malvar, Academic Undergraduate Liason
John (he/him) is a second year Master's student in the Heyne group, with a research focused on accessing forbidden transitions in organic chromophores using plasmonic nanoparticles. He completed his BSc in the University of Calgary with a major in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology and a minor in Nanoscience. Through the Nanoscience program, he was able to do undergraduate research and subsequently developed a passion in Chemistry. Upon seeing the impact of undergraduate research, he is excited to be working as the undergraduate liaison officer and hopes to help establish more opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved with research. When he is not in lab, he enjoys hiking, boxing, and dancing.
Our Founder, Milanpreet Kaur
Milanpreet Kaur is a Ph.D. candidate in the Van Humbeck Group at the University of Calgary. Originally from India, where she did her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Delhi. Her research interest is focused on designing a new catalytic system for site-selective C-H functionalization in azaheterocycles. She laid the foundation of CIDE in 2020 and has served as the President for three years. Now, she is acting as the advisory board member to provide guidance to the executive board. In her free time, she enjoys photography, blogging and exploring different places and cultures. Her life goal is to stay purpose driven and to leave a positive impact wherever she goes.
