Elections 2025

Voting is LIVE!

VOTE NOW! 

Vote here: https://forms.gle/NLLR22BezpE4y3Ly9

Voting will close end of day March 21st! 

Are you interested in running? 

Submissions are now closed, but you can enter your name last minute using the voting ballot.

Our Candidates (in alphabetical order):

Alyssa Sykes

Hey there! My name is Alyssa, and I am running for President of the UAAU, as well as Vice President Academic and Treasurer. I am primarily hoping to be the President for the 2025-2026 year. I was the VP Academic for this year, and I would love the opportunity to lead the team to grow the UAAU, increase engagement, and host more events and activities. I have plenty of leadership experience, as I have always gravitated towards these roles. I volunteered with The Young Writers Initiative for over two years as the Event Co-Director and then as the Director of Projects. I also own and run SeaGlass Literary, which I founded in 2021 and grew to an international organization with 13 published issues and with volunteers from all over the world. I am an anthropology major and history minor, and I am in the BA Honors program. I intend to pursue further education in a law program so that I may work in the field of immigration & family law. My interest in anthropology stems from growing up in South Africa, a country rich in diversity and has a strong connection to the biological-evolutionary side of anthropology (btw, Mrs. Ples is actually a dude...the more you know). I am excited to have the opportunity to interact with everyone and serve this association again.

Anders Woodhouse

Hello weary travellers! My name is Anders, and I am going into (hopefully, but we all know how academic plans go!) my last year of an Anthropology major, and an Economics minor degree. I have been fortunate enough to dig my hands into all four fields, though I will have to admit that Socio/cultural  is my guilty pleasure. Specifically, I love all things related to ethnomusicology, which for the uninitiated is the study of how culture impacts musical traditions. To cut to the chase, I am running for Vice President Internal in this upcoming election. I have not had the pleasure of serving on the UAAU to date. I have however , picked up various skills being a part of other student groups, like 5D4H (Five Days for the Homeless). I’m confident that these experiences combined with my passion for Anthropology will serve me well in serving you all this upcoming year as VP Internal of the UAAU!

Autumn Nickerson

Hello! My name is Autumn (she/her). I am a second year Anthropology major with a minor in Earth Sciences. My areas of interest include biological anthropology, bioarky, GPR, lithics, and pottery. I am currently working towards completing the archaeology and the sexuality studies certificates offered by UAlberta. Additionally, it is my intention to, in the near future, complete the Geographic Information Systems certificate offered at NAIT. I am running for VP of Social and Social Convenor. I believe I am a great candidate for the club as I am currently a marketing volunteer for a community garden club for persons with disabilities. I am also in the midst of planning to host my own pottery night for the garden club peeps! In short, I love working with people, getting stuff done, and I am an effective communicator. I would love to be more involved with my fellow anthropology majors so please consider my candidacy if you’re looking for someone who is approachable, prompt, motivated, and always happy to help!

Beck Abrey

Hello! I’m Beck Abrey, a third-year student pursuing a major in Anthropology with a minor in Classics. While my background is rooted in the sciences, my passion for anthropology has always been at the heart of my academic journey. I’ve explored it through my courses over the years, and now, with my major shift, I’m eager to integrate the holistic anthropology ideology into my everyday life. My academic focus is on biological anthropology, and I’m particularly excited about forensics. My interest began with my childhood obsession with true crime shows, especially Forensic Files. It’s a fascination that has only deepened over time! I’m running for Social Convenor, aiming to support and engage with fellow anthropology students and contribute to a more united community. I’m excited to be part of this vibrant group and look forward to helping foster a stronger connection among us all.

Cass Simmons

Hello! My name is Cass, and I am an Indigenous (nêhiyaw) student in my third year, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Native Studies, along with a Certificate in Archaeology. I am running for the positions of Vice President Academic and Vice President Social. My academic pursuits focus on Indigenous collaboration in archaeological research and practice, and I am interested in research related to museum curation, as well as the appropriate care and conservation of culturally sensitive artifacts. I would be proud to serve you and am ready to take on this role with dedication and passion. Thank you!

Fia Manosa

Hello! My name is Fia Manosa, and I am currently in my second year as a Anthropology and Drama double major. The field I take most interest in is biological anthropology, specifically surrounding bones, taphonomy, and evolution! In drama, I strive to be an active member of the community through acting and directing, however I also want to have a lot of involvement in UofA’s anthropology community as well, which is why I’m running for the position of Vice President Social and Social Convenor! If I were to be elected as either VP Social or Social Convenor I’d be dedicated to ensuring that: the outreach for notifying the community for events will be up to date, that the management of social platforms for the UAAU will be well-handled, and have a well-organized plan when handling events. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at manosa@ualberta.ca!

Gavin Rye

My name is Gavin Rye and I am a second year student (going into third) with a major in Anthropology and minor in biological sciences. I am focusing on biological anthropology and wanting to work in molecular anthropology and genetics. When I’m not on campus I’m often at home or at plant stores, buying plants or tending to my own plants at home. While I’m on campus I’m usually studying or roaming campus with friends! I am running for VP Social and I want to help develop a club where anthropology undergraduates can be more connected and feel less isolated from one another by promoting events and collaboration within anthropology and with other departments!

Jel Lentz

I'm Jel Lentz (they/them) and I'm running for VP Academic! I'm going into my fifth and final year of an Anthropology and Sociology double major, and I plan on bringing my interdisciplinary experience to the UAAU.

I am driven to run because I believe the UAAU needs to be reenergized and better dedicated to facilitating connections and opportunities for students. If elected, I will create an informal monthly career event to present upcoming internship, grant, and field school opportunities. With this, I aim to create a space where you can be better informed of the many student job opportunities Anthropology can lead to, (there are so many summer internships you guys, you just have to know where to look! - AND I will be doing all that for you!!) as well as where you can ask questions, advice, or even have your resume looked over. All in a friendly environment where you can get to know your fellow Anthro students.

Finding jobs can be daunting - especially for anthropology - but I as someone with multiple jobs, an internship, and a (pending!) grant under my belt, I have the skills to ease (some of) your worries and help steer you towards opportunities you may otherwise not have heard about!

Kira Nilson

No bio provided.

Madison Borbandy

Hello! My name is Madison and I’m going into my fourth year as an anthropology major and classics minor, I’m also pursuing a certificate in sustainability. Most of the anthropology classes I take are focused on cultural anthropology. I’ve done some museum volunteer work which had contributed to my interest in museums. I’m running for social convenor because I would love to have more events on campus for anthropology students as well as students from other faculties to meet each other and connect. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!

Rubina Ashraf

Salam everyone~ My name is Rubina, and I am going into my last year as an Anthropology major with a focus on Archaeology. I’ve dabbled in cataloging a lithic collection, CRM up in Swanhills, Alberta, and field school in Transylvania (don’t worry, I made sure not to bring home any vampire curses... I think). My interest in archaeology stems from a love for travel, adventure, learning about history and cultures, and of course, growing up on The Mummy and Indiana Jones. I was a Social Convenor for UAAU this last academic year, and I’m hoping to join the team as President next year. Looking forward to meeting you!

Stephania Hinse

Hello, everyone! I’m Stephania and I’m going into my last year, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Psychology. I am focusing on biological anthropology for I have a liking for bones and I am working towards doing my honours. Growing up watching archeological documentaries piqued my interest in the biological subfield. The position I am running for is social convenor to hopefully work more with the Anthropology community and get everyone to participate in a variety of events!

Symrin Rai

Hello! My name is Symrin and I am in my first year of university, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Ancient and Medieval Studies. I am particularly interested in the archaeology and biological anthropology side of things, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my anthropology classes so far. My main areas of interest are plant domestication, diet reconstruction, and prehistoric tool use. I am running for the position of Vice President Internal and Vice President Academic. I am passionate about serving my community and working to build connections and resources for every student interested in Anthropology. I want to give my time and energy back to the amazing community of people I have had the privilege to meet through the Anthropology department. I hope to serve the UAAU members in the 2025-2026 academic year!

Yazhuowen Yuan

No bio provided.

Our roles!

The President

a. Act as Chair of all UAAU meetings 

b. Vote in meetings in the event of a tie 

c. Act as signing authority for the bank account 

d. Act as the primary liaison between the UAAU and the Students’ Union, OASIS and other student organizations on campus that may share interests 

The Treasurer 

a. Ensure financial records are kept up to date and organized 

b. Create annual and monthly operating budgets 

c. Creating budgets for events and expenses 

d. Keep track of and apply for all grant opportunities 

e. Act as signing authority for the bank account 

The Vice President Social 

a. Maintain the social media sites, including but not limited to: 

i. Instagram 

ii. Discord

iii. Whatsapp/UALBERTA Chat

 iv. Official UAAU website 

 v.  Primary Control over email 

b. Communicating events to members via said social media sites 

c. Coordinating volunteer efforts for events 

The Vice President Internal 

a. Maintaining communication with and within the Executive Board and all UAAU Members 

b. Attending to Presidential Duties in the event that the President cannot be present c. Receiving reports regarding Department meetings and presenting notes at General / Executive Meetings respectively 

The Vice President Academic 

a. Coordinate and provide information about academic events 

b. Gather and provide information on academic (volunteer and job related) opportunities and deadlines to members 

c. Maintain field school list to be provided to the Vice President Social or Executive member in charge of the UAAU social media sites or website 

Social Convenor

a. Support the executive team and assist with planning and projects.