Executives
There are numerous positions available on the GSA. It is a chance to get connected with the faculty and other students, boost your resume and gain great leadership skills.
Apply now!
2009-2010 Execs
Michelle Cheong - President
“Without Geography, we’re nowhere!” Entering into my fourth and final year at UBC, I could not be more thrilled to be the President of the Geography Students’ Association. Currently, I am working towards a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Human Geography and English Literature and have future aspirations of doing my Masters in Community Planning and Social Planning. As a Singaporean growing up in South East Asia, as well as being fortunate enough to travel my entire life, I have had such amazing opportunities and have developed such a thirst for adventure. I feel incredibly privileged to be here at U.B.C. and cannot wait to keep on exploring all that U.B.C. and Vancouver has to offer!
Eli Heyman - VP Academic
I'm Eli and I'll be your VP Academic for the 2009-10 school year. I'm a 3.5th year Geographical Biogeosciences (Say that 3 times quickly!) major, with a focus in climatology and hydrology. I like to say I'm in year 3.5 because I spent my the fall of 2008 on an exchange in Grenoble, France studying hard and skiing the Alps, and then the spring of 2009 backpacking through Europe.
Why did I decide to be a part of the GSA this year you might ask? Well, 2 years ago when I decided to go into geography I realized that being involved with the department would be a great way to meet like-minded people and to expose myself to what the field has to offer. Now, as VP Academic I have the chance to help other students make connections with the faculty and other Geography majors.
Patrick Li - VP External
Hi there! I’m Patrick, this year’s GSA VP-External. I was born in Costa Rica and lived most of my life there. I also lived in Taiwan for a few years before coming to UBC, so I have been moving around a lot. I love traveling and going on expeditions, the outdoors and field trips! I am currently working on my fourth year in Human Geography, but I used to be in Physical Geo (now Geographical Biogeosciences) during my first two years, so I have also been moving around the department quite a lot. Some of my favorite Geo classes include geob200 (weather&climate), geog310 (environment&resources), and geob372 (cartography). So far, most of my involvement on campus has been with UBC residences so I am very excited to be part of the GSA this year. I look forward to run and see you at our fun, educational, and useful events throughout the year!
Jackie Peat - VP Admin
Hey, I’m Jackie. I hale from Lethbridge, Alberta but have called Vancouver home for the past two years. I love to ski, hike, and go camping. Do you know what else I love? Being your VP Admin. I will be graduating this year with Geog Honours with a specialization in Environment and Sustainability. Once I am done, I plan to go traveling then land an amazing job that is super fun, gives me lots of time off, and pays well—wish me luck, I might need it. But before that glorious day in May when I toss my cap, I will be working hard as VP Admin to make sure your year with the GSA is fantastic. The GSA is a great way to get involved as well as connect with like-minded students. I hope to see you out at our events and meetings!
Lily Reynolds - VP Social
Hey GSA-ers! I’m Lily. I’m a ‘fifth’ year Human Geography major from Denver, Colorado. Along with Becca and the rest of the GSA I will be working this year to bring great social events to the Geography Department. These will include Bzzr Gardens, Trivia Pits, fieldtrips (like snowshoeing & kayaking), and other opportunities to get to know members of the Geography community. Like the rest of the GSA Executive, I have spent time in the department over the last few years, so come and talk to me if you have ideas or questions about the GSA, the Department, or UBC!
Becca Chaster - VP Social
Becca is starting her 5th year as a UBC Arts student this fall and is planning on graduating sometime in the near future with a Geog Honours and French Minor. She was on the GSA in the 07W session as Arts/AUS rep and will be co-Social Rep this year – any advice/comments/critiques re. Bzzr Gardens, Alum Night, Meet your TA sessions etc., she’s your (wo)man.
Within the vast field that is Human Geography her interests lie in cartography (i.e. how to make prettier maps) and urban geog/planning – she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in one of those areas at some point. Having just arrived home after a year-long exchange in Lyon, France, she is currently experiencing withdrawal from red wine, moldy cheese, fresh baguette, and all else French. She also enjoys swing dancing, traveling, attempting to cook, discussing politics (not!), European streets, friends, the 24h clock system, sending/receiving snail mail, maps, jazz bars, Sunday morning markets…drop her a line! rebecca.chaster@gmail.com
Michael More - VP Finance
Michael is a 5th-year Physical Geography student, specializing in GIS and Cartography. This is his second year helping out with the GSA, and he is especially excited about the Kick-Off BBQ, and the GEOG @ 50 events. When not in class, you can find Michael working in the lab, or in North Vancouver, where he works as a swim coach and lifeguard. Michael lives near Fraser St with his husband, Buck.
Jeremy Sansbrook - VP Grad
Hello there! I am 21 and from Kelowna, BC! I work as a lifeguard for both the City of Kelowna, and the City of Vancouver. I enjoy fitness, friends, and church. I have always loved getting involved with everything – I was the student council president of my middle school, co-president of my high school, president of a political club on campus in my first year of university, and now VP Grad for the GSA. I have recently been on exchange in Singapore and volunteering in Thailand – both of which were life-changing experiences. I am doing an honours degree in human geography, and have particularly enjoyed the urban and social sides of things. This year’s Geogala is going to be the best time of your life; you had best be there! We are also currently seeking to form a 2010 Grad Committee, so if you want to make the most of your last year in uni, send me an email at jsanbrooks@hotmail.com.
Max St. Maurice - VP Sustainability
I'm in my 4th year working on a double major in Geography and Spanish. I grew up in Montreal, and I've lived in Toronto and Philadelphia and I'm now happy to calls BC home! I'm really excited to be part of the GSA and to focus on our sustainability initiatives. In terms of Geography I'm interested in just about everything. Outside of school I like to keep active and spend time outdoors surfing, sailing, snowboarding, biking and traveling. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at our events and meetings, and I'm 100% open to ideas and comments on anything related to sustainability within Geography!