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! Exec Application Form

 

President - Eli Heyman

As I start my final year of my Geographical Biogeosciences degree (that's what we now call the science side of Geography), I can't wait to spend it as the President of the GSA. I am currently focusing on climatology and hydrology with my degree, and I am very interested in the ways that humans interact and affect the world around them. I am a Vancouver boy, born and raised, and love to ski, hike, bike and play hockey, just like anyone from around here would (or should!).

I have been involved with the GSA for three years now, since my 2nd year at UBC, and I see the potential of what an active club can add to campus. Last year as VP Academic, I was rewarded with the opportunity to create a link between the students and faculty. This year as President, I look forward to continuing my involvement and working closely with the other executive to provide the best possible year for UBC's Geography students. See you around the building!

VP Admin - Daniel Lai

I am Dan, your VP Admin this year. I was born and raised in Hong Kong but Vancouver has been my home for the past 5 years. Double-majoring in Human Geography and Psychology, I am interested in the interaction between people, places, and how it affects different aspects of our lives. I enjoy traveling, reading, photography, and music.

Being VP admin this year I hope to bring the best Geography experiences to you through exciting field-trips, memorable Bzzr Gardens, academic events, and many more. If you are interested in joining our team or have any suggestions, feel free to chat with me! I look forward to meeting and creating the best memories of my last year in Geography with all of you!

VP Grad - Samantha Landa

I'm Sam, and I'm this year's VP Graduation/6th year Environment and Sustainability major (I switched programs in my third year; I promise I'm not just Van Wilder in disguise!). As someone who grew up in the lower mainland but wasn't raised on outdoor activities, I get especially excited for trips involving kayaking, camping and/or metal drumming, so please take me with you. I'm especially excited for this year's spectacular GeoGala, and all of the great events we have planned leading up to it! If you're interested in getting involved as a fantastic member of the Grad committee (yes, this involves exciting fundraisers!), please email me at drummer@interchange.ubc.ca.

VP Academic - Knut Kitching

I’m Knut, your VP Academic (Chief Nerd) and a fourth year Honours student. I’m a Norwegian Canadian who grew up in Toronto, went to school in Wales and have finally ended up in Vancouver. Outside of the geography department in spend my time climbing, sailing, biking and skiing. My own interests in the field tend towards human-environmental interactions and the interface between human geography and biogeography particularly around issues of climate change and First Nations rights. I’ve been fortunate to work on research projects both in the High Arctic and the BC and Alberta Rockies, experiences I could really only have had in this department!

My job is to help you navigate the perilous waters of a geography degree – be it dealing with professors, course choices or anything otherwise relating to your academic experience. So ask away!

VP External - Cheryl Tam

Hi, I’m Cheryl. I look forward to being your VP External and creating connections with other campus groups to help raise GSA’s profile. I’m entering into my fifth and final year at UBC with a major in Human Geography and a minor in Commerce. As a co-op student, I have worked for four months at the MS Society Lower Mainland Chapter and for eight months in Hong Kong at the UBC Asia Pacific Regional Office. This past summer I travelled to Japan as part of the field study course with Professor Edgington, participated in the Explore Program at UVic, and visited Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. As you can tell, I love traveling, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people! I am also involved with the Arts Co-op Students’ Association and the Arts Tri-Mentoring Program this year, so feel free to talk to me about those if you wish. See you at our GSA events!

VP Socials - Amna Rathore

Hey GSA! I am Amna and along with Julie I am one of the VP social this year. I am in my 4th year working towards a Geography degree in environment and sustainability. I was originally going to do the environmental design program at UBC but I decided to switch to Geography last minute so I have not been in the department for a very long time which is why I am super stoked to be a part of GSA this year to bring you all some great events and meet all you Geograph-ers. A little more about me? I was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan and did my last 2 years of high school in a Canadian boarding school in Italy. I have travelled a lot all over the world but my heart is still at home in Pakistan. Since we are a poor country environmental concerns are never a priority which is why I want to go back home and hopefully make a change. Looking forward to seeing you all!

VP Socials - Julie LeBlanc

Born and raised on the beautiful BC West Coast, Julie LeBlanc has always been fascinated by her physical environment and surroundings. Though she was briefly introduced to geography in social studies classes in high school (Read: Maps), it was her Geography 12 class that fully ignited her interest in the subject. Now entering into 3rd year, Julie is pursuing her interest even further by majoring in Geography, Environment and Sustainability and by taking an active role in UBC's Geography Students' Association as Co-VP Social. She is very excited about getting the opportunity to organize the GSA's Social events and hopes that they will allow like-minded people to connect over a common interest: Geography.

VP Finance - Doug Chan

Hello , Doug here. I'm currently going into my 4th year. My major is Physical Geography. I Will be your VP Finance this year, and I'm very excited to be in this position. Living far off campus it's hard for me to interact with students with similar interests. I see this as a good way of getting involved with University, and meeting like minded individuals. I look forward to seeing all of you other Geo-Students at our first Geopit BBQ of the year!

VP Sustainability - Caitlin Sinclair

Hi all Geographers! I am a fourth year working my way through a degree in Geography- Environment and Sustainability and History. Having lived in a number of locations throughout Canada, Australia and Germany, I am happy to call Vancouver home! I am extremely excited to be involved in the 2010-2011 GSA and carry on our dedication to sustainability. Outside of academia, I enjoy many outdoor activities including surfing, windsurfing, running, hiking and snowboarding. I want to encourage all Geography students to come out to GSA events and meetings and share your opinions and suggestions on how to make our department more sustainable. I look forward to meeting everyone!