Abby Rentz is a fourth year Honours Cell Biology student at the University of Alberta. She has been an active member of student governance since 2015, serving on the Health and Dental Committee, General Faculties' Council, and most recently as a founding member of the Biology Students' Departmental Association. As the President during its inaugural year, Abby is excited to oversee the BSDA in helping to establish a more connected Biology Department. She enjoys knitting, playing soccer, and identifies proudly as a cat enthusiast. Abby encourages all students to contact her by email with any questions regarding Biology undergraduate studies or otherwise!  

Rachel grew up just outside of Edmonton and started at the University of Alberta in 2013. With extensive experience in summer research projects, and a passion for science, Rachel is currently a fourth year Honors Neuroscience Student, completing her research project in a vision science lab. Her hobbies include martial arts, camping, hiking and traveling. 

Tasha is a second year student majoring in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. She is proud to be studying biology and wants to share her passion with fellow students.  Tasha is constantly curious to learn more about the growing field of biology and its many advancements in research. Currently involved in neurological psychology research, Tasha has experience in an important aspect of an undergraduate biology degree. She thinks it is a rewarding experience that she is passionate to offer advice in. During her free time, Tasha enjoys taking occasional breaks to play squash, climb and run.  

Mirna is a second year undergraduate student majoring in biological sciences and minoring in psychology. She is currently involved in EEG research at the ACE Lab and hopes to help incoming students find research opportunities through her role as Vice President Finance of BSDA. She believes research is important for students to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom to gain the full experience and appreciation for the biological sciences. Mirna enjoys binge watching TV shows, reading, traveling and outdoor running in her free time. 

Jordon Chan moved from Red Deer to Edmonton to study Microbiology, as a Red Deer College graduate with a General Kinesiology Diploma in 2013 and as a transfer student to the University of Alberta. Within a few years, Jordon learned to work in dynamic environments within his field, initially in Dr. Case’s lab studying the pathogenesis of Phaeobacter gallaeciensis in the Spring of 2015, this was followed with studies at the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, where he participated in Marine Microbiology and collaborated in research on the microbial communities on sea anemone species. With the encouragement of his colleagues, Jordon enrolled into the Science Internship Program, with an internship at TerraVerdae Bioworks Inc. where he did research on metabolic optimization of methylotrophic bacteria for sustainable product development. To complete his internship program, he interned at another local biotechnology company called CanBiocin Inc. where he focused on clientele work in food biopreservation, log reduction studies, and metabolite discovery. Currently in his final year of his program, with research projects in Dr. Bressler’s lab and Dr. Stein’s Lab, both focused on research on fermentation bioprocesses. On his free time he enjoys running, SCUBA diving, swing dancing, martial arts, rugby, among other activities.