Kyle Seaver

Outgoing President

PhD Candidate

I am in my final year of my PhD at Queen's University. My research focuses on prophylactic cancer vaccines and the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system. I am interested in promoting translational research and improving the understanding and awareness towards the research being conducted at Queen's University.

Bessi Qorri

Outgoing Vice President

PhD Candidate

I am in my final year as a PhD student at Queen’s University in the field of experimental medicine. My research focuses on investigating the newly found anti-cancer effects of repurposed drugs for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Given the nature of my research, I hope to continue to highlight the importance of translational research and collaboration between academia and industry to further advance the health sciences field.

Nathan Holwell

Incoming Co-President

PhD Candidate

I am a fourth year PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering developing a novel construct for ligament, specifically the ACL, replacement. I became aware of S2BN through their events on campus and wanted to contribute my own skills to make this organization reach a broader audience. I hope to improve the communication of scientific discoveries through relatable and understandable language. 

Paola Dantonio

Incoming Co-President

PhD Student

I am a third-year PhD student at Queen’s University studying how cancer cells reprogram healthy cells around them to work for their benefit and help promote tumour growth, metastasis and drug resistance. I joined S2BN after realizing that many graduate students face challenges when seeking transition to non-academic positions. I hope to learn a lot and use this knowledge to help other fellows, and to bring insights on how to make this career-changing transition.

Olena Kourko

Communications Director

PhD Student

I am a third year PhD student studying the interactions between innate immune cells and prostate cancer. I am excited to be part of a team that spreads awareness about career opportunities and connects students with professionals in various fields. I hope to share new resources and knowledge to help fellow students develop the skills and confidence to achieve their career goals. 

Satish Beladiya

Communications Associate

MSc Candidate

I am Master's student in Mechanical and Material Engineering at the Queen's University. People in the research field has less knowledge and resources available in terms of venturing their ideas and marketing them. I have joined S2BN to contribute to the cause to promote research and ensure that the vital recourses are readily available to the research community.

Kelly H. Lee

Internal Outreach Associate

PhD Candidate

I am a second-year PhD candidate at Queen’s University. My research involves ion channels that mediate long term changes in neural activity and behaviour. I hope to support aspiring graduate students in pursuit of opportunities to share their honed skills in industry and to improve dissemination of findings beyond the scientific community. 

Emily Lind

Marketing Director

PhD Student

I’m a second year Master’s student in biochemistry studying the evolution and function of type II antifreeze proteins. After attending many S2BN workshops, I was inspired to explore careers outside of academia. I’m excited to help facilitate the same process of discovery for other students as a member of the S2BN team. 

Julia Barilo

Social Media Coordinator

MSc Candidate

I am a first year Master’s student at Queen's University with a specialization in Microbes, Immunity and Inflammation. My research focuses on characterizing the innate immune responses of alternatively activated macrophages. I joined S2BN to not only help myself learn and explore options outside of academia but to hopefully help others discover these opportunities between academia and industry. 

Rachel Gray

Creative/Design Associate

MSc Candidate

I am a second year Master of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology student. My research focuses on studying multidrug resistant bacteria and understanding the resistance mechanisms that they have evolved to express, with a focus on β-lactamases. I joined S2BN after realizing how  limited the resources are for graduate students to learn about non-academia based careers. I hope I can help to continue to support S2BNs mission, in helping fellow graduate students understand all of the options that are available to them. 

Jonas Lafave

Partnerships Director

PhD Student

I am a second-year PhD student at Queen’s University in the Biology department, and my primary research focus is on vascular development in poplar trees.  I’m also working on some projects to improve the rate of identification of mutation sites in our mutant poplar population, and getting involved in organisation of conferences and symposiums.  I enjoy sailing, reading, and (yes, it’s true) spending time in the lab doing experiments.

Prem Vora

External Outreach Associate

MSc Candidate

I am a first-year Master’s student in Mechanical and Material Engineering. As a part of my program, I am currently pursuing a specialization in Robotics & Design and manufacturing field. Joining S2BN, made me realize that professional attributes are as important as academic attributes. I aspire to emphasize the significance of these attributes which will assist our graduate folks to compete in this challenging business world

Adekunle Omoboye

Logistics Director

PhD Student

I am a first-year Chemistry Ph.D. Student at Queen's University. My research focuses on studying antibody protein molecules on electrode surfaces by electrochemistry and atomic force microscopy with application in biosensor development for bacterial detections. I joined S2BN to continue to support graduate students' transition from academic to industry.

Yuxi Zhang

Event Coordinator

PhD Student

I am a second-year PhD candidate at Queen’s University. My research interests involve foreign body reaction towards implanted biomaterials. I would like to help enhance the linkage between industries and research area to pursue innovation driven development.