Our Exec Team!

Meet Chris: Our President!

Pronouns: He/Him

Hey there, I’m Chris! I’m currently in my 4th and final year of IMIN Specialization, and I joined IMINSA to become more involved with my program and degree. Some of you may also remember me from my time defending against the Giant Microbe Plushy Siege and my time designing IMIN hoodies for fundraisers. Needless to say, joining IMINSA and being engaged with its community was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my undergraduate career. Outside of academia, you can find me solving Rubik’s Cubes, at the gym, gaming, or playing around with Photoshop or Pokemon! See you around!

Meet Reeha: Our Vice President!

Pronouns: She/Her

Hi, I’m Reeha! I’m in my third year of the Honours IMIN program and the Vice President of IMINSA. I joined because I wanted to feel more connected to the IMIN community and be part of something that helps students grow and support each other. This year, I’m looking forward to helping make IMINSA a space where people can learn, share experiences, and meet new friends.

I’ve spent the last two summers doing full-time research, and I’m hoping that experience will bring something valuable to our events and initiatives.

Outside of school, I’m a big LEGO fan and have almost every botanical set (though a few are still sitting in boxes). I also love running and spending time outdoors, especially on a good hiking trail.

Meet James: Our Treasurer!

Pronouns: He/Him

My name is James, and I’m a 4th year Immunology and Infection major, and I’m very excited to be serving a second term with the IMINSA executive team. As treasurer, my aim is to make sure that IMINSA can fund its desired events, and that it has the financial flexibility to increase the scope of our programs for all of our members.

Studying immunology at the U of A has been immensely rewarding, and there are so many areas related to immunology which diving into has proved very enriching, whether that means studying genetics, bacteriology, or virology, which is my favorite subject by far.

When I’m not pulling my hair out over exams, I’m almost always at the rock climbing gym on campus (which keeps me sane) and when I can, I’m in the mountains hiking!

Meet Carter: VP Mentorship and Volunteering!

Pronouns: He/Him

Hey! My name is Carter Richards, and I am a 4th year Honors Immunology and Infection student. I’m serving as your Vice President Mentorship and Volunteering for this year, which means I coordinate volunteers for IMINSA events and sales, and I run the Antibuddies Mentorship Program. My goal is to help create a tight-knit, supportive IMIN community where students feel connected. On top of that, I’ll be co-leading the STI Awareness Committee. We’re working to break the stigma and promote safer practices across campus. I joined the IMINSA in my first year as a mentee, and it was a fantastic experience. I then became a mentor myself and joined the STI Awareness Committee before finally deciding I wanted to run for VP Mentorship and Volunteering to ensure these opportunities are available for everyone. I want to help create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and involved. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentorship, or just showing up to our events. When I’m not studying, I’m usually listening to music and making overly specific playlists or out playing football with my friends.

Meet Brianna: Co-VP Media!

Pronouns: She/Her

Hi everyone!! I’m Brianna and I’m back once again but as a Co-VP Media with Kayla this year! I am currently heading into my 4th year in the specialization program. I joined IMINSA since I loved being able to connect and help students in the program! My goal this year would be to further the resources available to students in the program and also show more of our team through our Instagram! During the summer, I did a summer project with the Tsai lab looking at insulin resistance, and this year I will be doing a MMI 499 project with the Ingham lab! When I’m not studying or in the lab, you can find me playing games either on my Nintendo Switch or my computer, watching anime, or reading webtoons and manga. I also love listening to music of many different genres so you’ll always see me wearing headphones or earbuds around campus but if you see me, feel free to say hi (just be sure to not mix me up with my twin sister!) I can’t wait to see you around!

Meet Kayla: Co-VP Media!

Pronouns: She/Her

Hi, my name is Kayla and I’m in my 5th year of specialization in IMIN. I joined IMINSA to connect to other IMIN students, learn more about the program, and to fully enjoy being part of an amazing group of people interested in the same topic! I know it’s hard to feel engaged in the program until the 2nd or 3rd year of your degree, so I aim to make more resources, opportunities, and experiences open to as many students so that there’s understanding and excitement, rather than confusion and anxiety, as students progress in their IMIN degree. I’m currently doing an independent research project (MMI 499) in the West Lab, focusing on ABOi transplantation. In my free time, I like to swim, workout, try out new restaurants, and recently, I’ve been trying to learn video filming and editing!

Meet Nour: VP Development!

Pronouns: She/Her

Hi! I’m Nour, I’m in my 4th year of the program, and I’m honored to be a new member of this year’s IMINSA team. As a child,I was passionate about science, and that love only grew as I explored the specific areas that interest me thanks to this program. Now that my journey as an IMIN student is closer to its end than its beginning, I want to share what I’ve learned about the many different paths this degree can lead to. I hope my events this year reflect that we’re all just beginning to explore the academic and professional opportunities ahead of us, not that our road ends at graduation. That’s why I joined IMINSA.
A fun fact about me: I am from Tunisia and grew up in Qatar so getting used to the weather here was the hardest, BUT now I love winter! This summer, I was lucky enough to join the Marchant lab, where I discovered my love for wet labs and virology, and met many like-minded and passionate people.
If you see me in class or at our events, feel free to say hi or ask me anything 🙂

Meet Naveena: Secretary

Pronouns: She/Her

Hi!! My name is Naveena and I am in my fourth year of Immunology and Infection Honors. I joined IMINSA because I saw all the really fun events they organized last year and I wanted to be involved. I’m really excited to meet more IMIN students and participate in as many events as I can! In my spare time I enjoy going out with my friends, doing silly makeup looks, travelling, and finding new restaurants in the city!

Meet Lorisa: VP Social Events

Pronouns: She/Her

Hello, my name is Lorisa and I am the VP Social of IMINSA this year. I am currently in my third year of Immunology and Infections with Specializations. I have been involved with IMINSA since last year and have gotten to experience and grow alongside the club. I wanted to stay and further contribute to this amazing community, but this time as someone who would be in charge of planning fun social events for the club instead! During my spare time, I enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, and traveling around the world.

Meet Gib: Junior Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Hello!! My name is Gabrielle but I usually go by Gib. I’m in my second year of honours immunology and infection. I joined iminsa to get more involved in the community and challenge myself with new skills I can bring into future projects; both within iminsa and beyond. Outside of iminsa, I love spending time with friends and working on creative projects. Right now that means lots of knitting and crocheting cozy clothes! Most recently I’ve been teaching myself how to sew, so I can eventually make my own garments!

Meet Ben: Junior Director

Pronouns: He/Him

Hey everyone! My name is Ben, and I am a first-year majoring in immunology and infection. As a junior director, I am excited to learn as much as I can from the wise senior execs and to hopefully bring a little bit of wisdom of my own. Although I am only in my first year, I have found the immunology program to be full of friendly and passionate people, and I cannot wait to jump into the many fascinating fields of study found within immunology. In my free time, I love to play soccer, backpack, or just hang out with friends—always with some good music.