ATLAS Election 2025

Election Information

The election is now open! The link to vote is below the list of candidates. The election is open until Friday, September 19th at 13:30 MDT.

Meet the Candidates

President

Tahya Weiss-Gibbons

Hi! My name is Tahya, I am a fourth year PhD student working on modelling the Arctic Ocean. I have been involved with ATLAS throughout my PhD, last year I was elected as the VP and previously I served as the talk series coordinator. This year I want to help to continue to foster a welcoming and diverse community in our department, and help ATLAS provide opportunities for support and connection to all graduate students.

Vice President

Sanaa Mughal

Hello! My name is Sanaa, and I am a PhD student in the Konhauser Group working on Proterozoic biosphere evolution. I’m excited to be running for Vice President and hopefully represent the graduate students. Last year, I was a Field Trip Coordinator and believe I can bring those same organisational skills, ambition, and energy to the table. I’ve stood on several committees in university, including student body President during undergrad, so leadership roles are no stranger to me!

Treasurer

Daniela Gutierrez Rueda

Hello! I have been involved with ATLAS since I started in EAS and would be excited to serve as your treasurer this upcoming year. My experience with symposium planning, outreach, and serving as secretary has given me plenty of opportunities to work closely with budgets and financial planning, and I look forward to bringing that experience into the role. I am eager to continue supporting our community and making sure ATLAS remains on solid financial footing.

Secretary

Fiona Davidson

I'm a second year PhD student working on ocean modelling with Dr. Paul Myers. I’m interested in how climate change is altering the physical and chemical properties of the Arctic Ocean. Outside of school I like spending time outdoors or trying to improve my limited crochet skills.

Undergraduate Liaison

Hanaa Yousif

Hi! My name is Hanaa, and I’m a PhD student in Quaternary Science. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in ATLAS during my PhD! Last year, I was the Glacier/Quaternary Geology rep, and the year before, I was the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. Over that time, I’ve helped organise the research symposium, hosted many coffee hours, and supported other departmental events. I would love to be part of the new exec! : )

Social Convener

Tatiana Mijajlovic

I'm a second year PhD student studying lunar meteorites after having completed a MSc at the U of A in 2023. I want to continue in my role to make sure everyone gets the connection they need to be successful during their degree AND after it.

Jared Janzen

Hi everyone! I’m Jared. I am a new graduate student working with Dr. Sasha Wilson. During my undergrad I was the president and social convener for P.S. Warren Geological Society. I look forward to connecting with fellow students and plan some memorable events as the social convener for ATLAS.

Webmaster and Calendar Coordinator

Sanaa Mughal

Hello! My name is Sanaa, and I am a PhD student in the Konhauser Group working on Proterozoic biosphere evolution. I’m excited to be running for Webmaster this year. As someone chronically on their computer, I know a thing or two about a good website (see Geobiology 2025, UKSEDS, and my own site). I’m hoping to bring my artistic side to the website, calendar, and the face of ATLAS, continuing with more merch/swag too!

ATLAS Lecture Series Coordinator

Aithne Lawrence

Hi everyone, I’m Aithne! I am a new PhD student working with Pilar Lecumberri-Sanchez. During my master's (St. Andrews, Scotland), I was the vice president of the Geolsoc and SEG committees, where I organised industry talks and mixers for the department- I would love to help organise ATLAS seminars!

Yunzhe Chen

As a fourth-year PhD who has benefited from ATLAS’s lecture series, I’m eager to give back by coordinating talks that bring fresh ideas and meaningful conversations—keeping our weekly series a vibrant highlight of the academic calendar.

Derek Farkas

ATLAS Fieldtrip Coordinator

Shams Damani Gol

I’m Shams, a Ph.D. student in Tectonics. Having been a field school instructor in the Western Himalaya, I know the field is where geology becomes both beautiful and fun. I want to share that energy through ATLAS, making our time together just as memorable.

Jared Janzen

Hi everyone! I’m Jared. I am a new graduate student working with Dr. Sasha Wilson. During my undergrad I was the president and social convener for P.S. Warren Geological Society. I have been conducting fieldwork in B.C., Saskatchewan, and Nunavut for the past four years and am eager to assist fellow students as the field trip coordinator for ATLAS.

EAS Ambassador

Eran Driscoll

Howdy! I'm a second-year MSc student researching lunar and martian meteorites. I'd love to serve as your Ambassador and/or your Volunteer&Outreach Coordinator because I want to help strengthen our connections -- within our department, with the broader UofA community, and with the local public. As a scared little first-year graduate student, ATLAS provided me countless opportunities -- and I would like to support the same endeavors as a member of the ATLAS Executive Council.

ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator

Valeria Olan Rubio

Hi! I’m a Master’s student on Chris Herd’s team studying the mineralogy and petrology of meteorite and asteroid samples. Having grown up in diverse environments, I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where every member of the ATLAS community can thrive. From Earth or Space, all rocks are equal!

Ankita Mukherjee

I’m Ankita, a 3rd-year PhD in economic and critical minerals. I’ve served in ATLAS since my PhD began, committed to creating space where everyone feels valued. My initiative, Epic Tales, fosters inclusion through shared stories. I’d love to hear yours—because my role is for you.

ATLAS Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Eran Driscoll

Howdy! I'm a second-year MSc student researching lunar and martian meteorites. I'd love to serve as your Ambassador and/or your Volunteer&Outreach Coordinator because I want to help strengthen our connections -- within our department, with the broader UofA community, and with the local public. As a scared little first-year graduate student, ATLAS provided me countless opportunities -- and I would like to support the same endeavors as a member of the ATLAS Executive Council.

Representative - Human Geography

Sophia Jewell

My favourite thing about Atlas is how incredibly diverse and interdisciplinary it is. I love sitting down at a table and hearing about one person’s research on modelling watersheds, another person’s research in affordable housing, and other people talking about inclusive urban design and innovations in geochemistry. As a PhD student in Human Geography (specializing in immigration and human rights), my goal is to strengthen these relationships through geography-focused events, networking opportunities, and just creating spaces to grow together. I would love the chance to contribute to Atlas as a Human Geography representative and get to know all of you amazing people :)

Representative - Glacier/Quaternary Geology

Megan Stewart

I am a first-year master's student working with Dr. Criscitiello on halogen sea ice proxies in the Canadian Arctic. Off campus I love to ski, hike, knit, and cook great food!

Lauren Kew

Hi there! I’m Lauren Kew – a new graduate student working on locating and dating glacial erratics in the eastern Rocky Mountains. I am running for this position as a passionate Quaternary geologist with a desire to learn more within this field and about other geologic disciplines.

Hanaa Yousif

Hi! My name is Hanaa, and I’m a PhD student in Quaternary Science. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in ATLAS during my PhD! Last year, I was the Glacier/Quaternary Geology rep, and the year before, I was the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. Over that time, I’ve helped organise the research symposium, hosted many coffee hours, and supported other departmental events. I would love to be part of the new exec! :)

Representative - Geology

Muhammad Nawaz

Hello everyone, I am Muhammad, a third-year PhD student in the Ichnology Research Group (IRG), Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. I am passionate about geology and supporting fellow students. As representative, I will work to ensure geology students have a strong voice, better opportunities, and a supportive community. Thanks.

Representative - Integrated Energy Geosciences (IEG)

Olivia Couto

Representative - Urban and Regional Planning

Derek Farkas

Election Form

Please click the button above to enter the election ballot form. To access the form, you must be logged into your UAlberta account.

Meet the Positions

President

The President presides over the Executive and runs the meetings that occur on a roughly biweekly basis during the Fall and Winter semesters. This position also meets with our (lovely) faculty advisor to the ATLAS Council, ensuring the continuity of ideas and updates on the faculty and function of the department. The President is also the alternative GSA Representative when the primary GSA Representative cannnot make it to a meeting. In addition, the President is one of two graduate students who sit on the EAS Department Council, which meet once per month. There may be other tasks that the President becomes responsible for, including acting as signing authority for ATLAS funds and checking in which other members of the ATLAS executive and the EAS graduate student community at large. Comfort with public speaking is highly recommended, along with strong organizational skills.

Vice President

The Vice-President carries out all duties of the President in their absence, and also sits on the EAS Department Council. The Vice-President can also be the alternative GSA Representative should the primary GSA Representative or the President not be available. The Vice-President works closely with the President, and will run Executive Council meetings in their absence. Comfort with public speaking is recommended, along with strong organizational skills.

Treasurer

The Treasurer manages all things financial with ATLAS, from writing to cheques to producing an end-of-the-year fiscal report. This position is the third signing authority for the ATLAS financial accounts, and works on budgets and allocating funds throughout the year. In addition to keeping track of electronic and physical finances, the Treasurer should have strong organizational skills and be capable of using spreadsheet software.

Secretary

The Secretary is the core of communication for ATLAS, ensuring that all messaging is received and distributed in a timely manner. This position involves scheduling all Executive meetings, recording the minutes from those meetings, and distributing them to members afterwards. The Secretary also monitors the ATLAS email account, sending communications received to relevant members of the Executive Council and acting as a primary liason to the Department. They are also responsible for updating the ATLAS calendar and ensuring announcements are made about events hosted by ATLAS. This position requires strong organizational and time management skills, along with knowledge of how to use different Google systems like Calendar and Email.

Undergraduate Liaison

The role of the Undergraduate Liason is to be bridge between the undergraduate societies of the Department and ATLAS. They will attend meetings of the P.S. Warren Executive Council, the Geography and Planning Students' Society (GAPSS), and other undergraduate society meetings to further the collaboration shared with ATLAS. Strong scheduling and organizational skills are needed, and having an undergraduate degree in the EAS Department is recommended, but not necessary.

Social Convener

There are two Social Convener positions, which is necessary to fulfill the requirements of this role. These positions are responsible for organizing various events throughout the year that are targeted at graduate students or all members of the EAS Department. It is their reposibility to organize the events, communicate the details of the event (with help from the Secretary), and secure volunteers when needed. In addition, the Social Conveners must ensure that events comply with University rules and protocols when necessary. Two major events are hosted in each of the Fall and Winter terms, with one of those events being the EAS Holiday Party in the Fall semester. Social Conveners also organize informal social gatherings to encourage graduate students to meet their colleagues in the Department. Strong organizational and communication skills are needed and having graphic design skills are a bonus.

Webmaster and Calendar Coordinator

The Webmaster and Calendar Coordinator has two major roles in ATLAS, the first of which is to update and run the website that you are reading now. The website requires regular updates with events, information, and resources for graduate students. The other role is to organize pictures from members of the Department into a Calendar, which will be made available for purchase before the EAS Holiday Party in early December. The Webmaster and Calendar Coordinator will work with Group Representatives and the broader EAS Department to select pictures for the calendar, which can then be purchased by anyone. This position also assists the Secretary in updating and managing any shared calendars (Google or otherwise) that contain events hosted by ATLAS. Knowledge of website programming (HTML, CSS, Javascript) are recommended, along with good organizational and communication skills.

ATLAS Lecture Series Coordinator

This role has two positions open, as the ATLAS Lecture Series Coordinators are required to organize a weekly lecture throughout the Fall and Winter semester. Generally hosted on Friday's at noon, the ATLAS Lecture Series (also known as the ATLAS Talks) feature research presentations from Post-Doctoral Fellows, Faculty, or guest speakers from within and outside of the University of Alberta. These hour long talks are supplemented by snacks and beverages provided by ATLAS and set up by the Lecture Series Coordinators. This position requires strong communication skills since a different speaker needs to be scheduled for roughly 24 Fridays throughout the year.

ATLAS Symposium Coordinator

The two positions that are open for the ATLAS Symposium Coordinator require the organization of a multi-day event that celebrates the research of students within the department. Generally consisting of a poster presentations, student research talks, guest speakers, and a banquet, the ATLAS Symposium is held at the end of the Winter semester and requires a lot of planning by the Symposium Coordinators. The Symposium Coordinators are responsible for securing sponsorships from public and private entities, creating a schedule, organizing student talks and poster presentations, inviting guest speakers, and running the event with the help of volunteers. A sub-committee of volunteers can also be organized to assist the Symposium Coordinators. These two positions require strong communication, organization, and scheduling skills, along with developing connections with sponsors, speakers, and members of the Department.

ATLAS Fieldtrip Coordinator

The two positions of the ATLAS Fieldtrip Coordinator are responsible for organizing an educational, multi-day trip that is available to the full ATLAS membership (all EAS graduate students). These positions are responsible for securing sponsorships, scheduling and booking travel, ensuring proper saftey protocols are followed, and organizing individuals who are attending the trip. The fieldtrip itself generally occurs at the end of August before the start of the Fall semester, and past trips have visited Waterton National Park, Pincher Creek and the Rockies, and the Drumheller area. Organizational and planning skills are required, and skills in public speaking are encouraged.

EAS Ambassador

The EAS Ambassador represents graduate students within the department to the GSA council. They attend all GSA events and council meetings, advertise GSA elections, and provide updates to graduate students in the Department about current events and decisions from the GSA. The EAS Ambassador represents all graduate students in the Department and is a voting member on the GSA council, and therefore votes in the best interest of the students. The EAS Ambassador also sits on the SGSAC council, attending meetings and events. A flexible schedule is recommended to make the GSA meetings, along with skills in writing summaries of council meetings and events that are relevant to EAS graduate students.

ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator

The ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator will focuses on fostering an environment within the Department where all students feel welcome and able to enjoy the full range of activities available to ATLAS members. The EDI Coordinator sits on the Grace Anne Stewart Inititiave (GASI) council and acts as the liason between ATLAS and GASI. Updates are brought to the ATLAS Council during meetings about EDI-related activities being organized by GASI, and vice versa. This position is also responsible for promoting, organizing, and implementing EDI initiatives under the ATLAS banner while ensuring ATLAS events and activities consider EDI. This position requires sitting on both the ATLAS and GASI councils, so time management and strong motivation for EDI initiatives are required.

ATLAS Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

The ATLAS Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator has the primary role of outreach opportunities involving ATLAS and EAS, including charitable work like fundraising. This role provides assistance to the Social Conveners, Symposium Coordinators, and EDI Coordinator. At the start of the year, the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator introduces new and returning students to ATLAS, how to get involved, and what ypes of events are offered throughout the year. The Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator is also responsible for organizing a weekly social Coffee Hour in cooperation with the EAS Wellness Committee and working with the different group representatives. Public speaking and organizational skills are recommended for this position.

Group Representatives

In addition to the roles listed above, each of the different sections of the EAS Department has their own representative in ATLAS to ensure that the voices of the different areas of interest are represented in any decision making, planning, and events. The Representative is responsible for communicating with graduate students in their section and bringing information from those graduate students to the ATLAS Executive. In addition, these positions help organize the coffee hour and volunteer to help with other events that ATLAS puts on throughout the year. The Representative must be in the section for which they are applying (e.g. the IEG Representative must be in the IEG program). There are seven Representative positions: