Meet Our Guelph Team

The S2BN team at the University of Guelph works collaboratively to host events for graduate students looking to enhance their skillset and prepare themselves for the workforce after completing their graduate studies.

Co-President

Barbora Hucik

PhD Candidate

I am a PhD student in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences Department at the University of Guelph. The objective of my research is to investigate the effect of reduced delta-6 desaturase activity (an enzyme involved in omega-3 conversion) on glucose and fat metabolism in skeletal muscle. As part of the S2BN network at Guelph, I am excited to help graduate students establish networks in industry and inform them about career paths available to them outside of academia.

Logistics Coordinator

Melissa Gonzalez Soto

MSc Student

I am a MSc international student in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences program at the University of Guelph. My research project focuses on the dietary regulation of the enzymes involved in the endogenous synthesis of omega-3. As a volunteer in the S2BN Guelph chapter, I look forward to organizing events that facilitate communication between students and the industry. I am excited to meet other graduate students with similar interests to mine, as well as industry professionals.

Co-President

Jade Marrow

PhD Candidate

I am a PhD candidate in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences Department at the University of Guelph. My projects focus on translational cardiac research with applications for commercialization. I am passionate about executing valuable initiatives to help graduate students discover and enhance their leadership skills and ease their transition to successful careers. Through the S2BN, I hope to form meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and industry leaders. In the future, I hope to obtain a role within the pharmaceutical sector where I can apply my enthusiasm for both science and business.

Marketing Director

Simone Renwick

PhD Candidate

I am pursuing my PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology under the supervision of Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe at the University of Guelph. My research investigates the metabolism of human milk oligosaccharides by the infant gut microbiota through the application of various ‘-omics’ techniques. Personally, S2BN has been an invaluable resource of information on career opportunities for scientists outside of academia. As Guelph Chapter’s Marketing Manager, I work to develop and execute strategies to promote our events and brand, while building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. I enjoy finding solutions to complicated problems and I look forward to a rewarding career applying my range of skills and knowledge for organizational and personal growth.

Communications Director

Leslie Ogilvie

PhD Candidate

I am currently a PhD candidate in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences department here at Guelph. My research aims to understand how female sex hormones, such as estrogen, act to maintain homeostatic function of the cardiovascular system. I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about different career paths in the health science industry and complement my academic training with professional skills to enhance my own career development. I look forward to making connections with like-minded graduate students and industry professionals through these experiences with the S2BN.

Event Director

Alessia Roma

PhD Candidate

I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph. I am currently studying various nutraceuticals for their ability to target aberrant metabolism in leukemia to provide a therapeutic effect. I have a strong belief in advocating for the value of graduate students in industry. As a member of the S2BN Guelph Chapter, I look forward to being involved with initiatives that will help graduate students develop themselves into attractive candidates in industry.

Arinjay Sarma

MSc Student

Sponsorship Coordinator

I am a MSc student in Biotechnology at the University of Guelph. I am passionate about working at the intersection between science and business to connect like-minded individuals to opportunities and each other. I plan to pursue a career in Scientific Consulting by harnessing the power of thought diversity, multi-disciplinary perspectives, and emergent technologies. As part of the S2BN network at Guelph, I am excited to establish a platform for graduate students to explore their potential, broaden their scope, and gain exposure to different perspectives to help them succeed in both business and science realms.

Alexa Boyer

Treasurer

MASc Student

I am a MASc student in the Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Guelph. My research focuses on understanding knee joint kinematics and investigations into improving knee brace designs for osteoarthritis through the use of predictive simulations. As part of S2BN at Guelph, I am excited to connect with other graduate students and am looking forward to aiding them in establishing networks with individuals in industry. I am hoping to pursue a career in the medical device industry working with biomechanics related devices.

Renee Cosme

Social Media Coordinator

M.Biotech Student

I am a Masters of Biotechnology student in the Biotechnology program at the University of Guelph. I am interested in understanding different agribusinesses across Ontario, as well as innovative pharmaceutical drug development. I am excited to be a part of the S2BN Guelph Chapter team, and would love to help graduate students achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills beyond the classroom. I look forward to meeting fellow graduate students and industry professionals looking to expand their professional network!