top of page

Mission Statement

Science & Policy Exchange (SPE) is a Montreal-based, non-profit organization with two key aims:

  1. To foster the voice of students and early-career researchers in evidence-based decision making.

  2. To bring together leading experts from academia, industry, and government to engage and inform students and the public on issues at the interface of science and policy.

 

SPE is one of the few bilingual student-founded initiatives directly engaging local political scenes and effectively bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government leaders.

About Us
Executive Team

2023 Executive Team

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image8_edited.jpg

Gavin Douglas

Co-President

Email: president[a]sp-exchange.ca

  • Mastodon_Logotype_(Simple)
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

Gavin is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the McGill University Genome Centre. His research focuses on investigating the ecological and evolutionary factors driving rare accessory gene variation across microbial strains in nature. This work is done using computational and statistical methods, with a focus on the honeybee gut microbiome. He graduated with a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from Dalhousie University in 2021 and holds MSc and BSc degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Toronto. He joined SPE in June 2022 where he was first lead volunteer for our public forum on Food Insecurity in Canada before being elected Co-President in November 2022. He is interested in all aspects of science policy but has particular interest in how public policies affect academic publishing norms and incentives. In his free time, Gavin enjoys writing short stories and spending time with his dog, Benny. Personal website: www.gavindouglas.ca

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image9.jpg

Antoine Zboralski

Co-President

Email: president[a]sp-exchange.ca

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

Antoine is a postdoctoral researcher in plant microbiology at Agriculture and AgriFood Canada in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC). His work focuses on bacteria beneficial to plants that could become biopesticides and contribute to making agriculture more respectful of health and ecosystems. Antoine is especially interested in advocating for the living world, science and evidence-based decision-making. He has also been communicating science, notably through the 3-Minute Thesis contest, interviews with young researchers, and articles. He is currently involved in Acfas through its Advisory committee on the new generation of scientists and was SPE Treasurer before being elected Co-President. Also, he loves cycling all-year long!

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image10_edited.jpg

Thuy Nguyen

Treasurer

Email: treasurer[a]sp-exchange.ca

  • LinkedIn

Pronouns: he/him (EN)

Thuy is a PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on discovering genetic interactions in higher order organisms using the model organism yeast to perform high-throughput mutational crosses. He began volunteering with SPE in the summer of 2022 and will serve as Treasurer for the fiscal year 2023. Thuy is particularly interested in developing policies for a more equitable health care system as well as advocating for evidence-based decision making in government.

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image11_edited.jpg

Nadine L. Wellington

Vice President Administration

Email: administration[a]sp-exchange.ca

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

Nadine L. Wellington obtained her PhD in Chemistry from McMaster University in 2019, where she applied metabolomics to study biochemical changes in humans related to hazardous environmental exposures. She is passionate about the professional development of science trainees and has advocated for accessible STEM education through youth mentorship and science communication for over 10 years. Nadine promotes the civic engagement of researchers to bolster public trust in science and encourage inclusive, sustainable, science-based policy solutions to challenging societal issues. She joined Science & Policy Exchange as a News Researcher and was elected as Public Forum Coordinator in November 2021.

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image3.jpg

Kaitlyn Easson

Vice-President Member Relations

Email: vpmember[a]sp-exchange.ca

  • LinkedIn

Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

Kaitlyn is a PhD candidate in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill University. Her research focuses on applying quantitative MRI techniques to study white matter maturation in neonatal intensive care unit survivors. Kaitlyn began volunteering with SPE in January 2021 and was elected as VP Member Relations in November 2021. Kaitlyn’s specific science policy interests involve public health and health care policy, as well as priorities, policies, and best practices for scientific research in the Canadian research landscape.

Bénévoles

Official Volunteers

image6_edited.jpg

Theodora Georgakopoulou

Vice President Communications

Email: vpcomm[a]sp-exchange.ca

    Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

    Theodora Georgakopoulou is in her last year of undergraduate studies at McGill University, studying Biochemistry. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she aims to pursue a career in public health, where she is interested in exploring epidemiology, global health management, policy making and strategies to promote equity in the quality of healthcare received by different individuals. As this year’s VP Communications at SPE, Theodora hopes to contribute to minimizing the existing gap between scientific findings, new policies and the public.

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    image1_edited.jpg

    Mary Chen

    Vice President Marketing

    Email: vpmarketing[a]sp-exchange.ca

    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

    Mary is a doctoral candidate in the department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich, where she studies cell-surface interactions and manufacturing process design for a novel, affordable polymeric heart valve. She is especially interested in supporting translational research, technology transfer, and evidence-based decision making. She currently serves as VP Marketing at Science & Policy Exchange, Associate Editor at the Journal of Science Policy & Governance, and Vice-President of Telejob (part of the Association of Scientific Staff at ETH Zurich).

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    image9_edited.jpg

    Julia Messina-Pacheco

    Vice President Editor

    Email: vpeditor[a]sp-exchange.ca

    • LinkedIn

    Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

    Julia Messina-Pacheco is a PhD candidate in the Department of Pathology at McGill University and in the Cancer Research Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). Her research focuses on the origins of pancreatic cancer and identifying genetic markers for its early diagnosis and targeted preventative treatment. Julia is passionate about tackling misinformation through effective scientific communication, advocating for increased graduate student and postdoctoral funding, and promoting sustainability in biomedical research. She strongly believes that scientific knowledge should be shared beyond academic circles to promote science in evidence-based policymaking. She was elected to SPE as VP editor in December 2022.

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    image2_edited.jpg

    Jonathan A. Caballero

    Vice President External Relations

    Email: vpexternal[a]sp-exchange.ca

    • LinkedIn

    Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

    Jonathan A. Caballero has a PhD in experimental psychology and is deeply interested in interpersonal communication, social decision-making, and effective ways to translate scientific knowledge into benefits for society. His research has been centered on language, communication, and interpersonal decision-making, and he has taken part in nationwide and international-level projects across the knowledge translation spectrum as well. These activities include science communication, implementation support, program evaluation, and partnership development across areas such as education, public health, and scientific innovation. He joined Science and Policy Exchange as Public Forum Lead and was elected as VP External Relations in 2022.

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    My An.jpg

    My An Nguyen

    Vice President External Relations - Francophonie

    Email: vpexterne-francophonie[a]sp-exchange.ca

    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

    Pronounced “mee-ann”. My An is a master’s in bioethics student at Université de Montréal. As an aspiring ethicist, she’s interested in moral distress, clinical ethics consulting, health policy, and resource allocation - namely triage & global vaccine equity. By joining SPE, she hopes to promote social science policy, improve working conditions in academia for women & BIPOC, and cultivate ethical sensibilities in science & government institutions.

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    Cissy_headshot.png

    Cissy Suen

    Vice President News

    Email: vpnews[a]sp-exchange.ca

    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

    Cissy Suen is a joint PhD candidate between the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia and the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Germany. She studies strongly correlated quantum materials using a variety of spectroscopic techniques. She is interested in exploring how we can better communicate quantum advances and technologies to the broader public and bridging the frontiers of quantum research with policy. Cissy is also a member of the Student Advisory Council of the Canadian Association of Physicists.

    Bénévoles

    Official Volunteers

    logo (3).png

    Keshna Sood

    Vice President Event Coordinator

      Pronouns:

      More details to come

      Lead Volunteers

      2023 Lead Volunteers

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      image7_edited.jpg

      Farzaneh Barak

      Project Lead - Food Security Café with CCUNESCO

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      Farzaneh is a final-year doctoral candidate in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill University, affiliated with McGill’s Margaret A. Gilliam Institute for Global Food Security. Her research focuses on the intersections between food security, women’s empowerment, equity, and policy, using a gender lens. Farzaneh has over a decade of national and international academic research and professional experience in public health nutrition and food security, including her doctoral project working with low-resource fishing communities in Uganda, Africa. She joined SPE in February 2022 as part of the SPE cafe to learn more about applying scientific knowledge to inform public policymaking. Farzaneh is particularly interested in combining her practical and theoretical expertise to work toward equity and justice in achieving food security through providing research-based policy solutions. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping and kayaking, and spending time with her dog and two cats.

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      Niharika.jpg

      Niharika Dighe

      Project Lead - Panel on barriers faced by international researchers

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      Niharika is a second year doctoral student in the Integrated Program in Neuroscience at McGill University. Her research focuses on understanding neural circuits underlying flexible decision-making processes and how they can be disrupted with drug use. She is passionate about diversity and inclusivity in STEM and volunteers with multiple organization supporting underrepresented genders in STEM. She hopes to use her scientific knowledge and love for science policy to improve awareness about addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders and improve access to mental health support. When she is not working, Niharika enjoys singing karaoke, watching artsy movies, and cuddling with her cat.

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      image4_edited.jpg

      Catherine Landry

      Data Manager

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      Catherine is a PhD candidate in cognitive neuroscience at the Université de Montréal. Her research uses brain imaging and machine learning to better understand mental imagery and visual perception. She advocates for a more inclusive and accessible science that benefits everyone. She joined the SPE team in March 2021 as part of the EDI in Action project to learn more about implementing EDI initiatives at academic and research institutions. Catherine is particularly interested in public health policy and knowledge transfer between institutions and the general population.

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      20181108_150835_IMG_4762 new.jpg

      Keith Misquitta

      Project Lead - Public Forum on Patient-Oriented Research

      Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

      Keith is a research coordinator at the Ontario Brain Institute, where he plays an important role in research funding efforts for neuroscience programs in the province. With a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Toronto, Keith's research work was carried out at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and was focused on exploring animal models of depression and anxiety to understand how chronic stress affects the brain anatomy.


      In addition to his PhD, Keith holds a Master's degree in Pharmacology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Psychology, both from the University of Toronto. With a strong interest in science research funding policy, Keith is eager to learn about innovative policies that encourage researchers and clinicians to adopt patient-centered research approaches, promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and ensure the secure handling of patient data.

       

      When he's not working, Keith has a passion for drone photography and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and skiing.

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      Deepak.jpeg

      Deepak Thrithamarassery Gangadharan

      Project Lead - Public Forum on Renewable Energy

      Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

      Deepak is a Research Manager at Solaires Inc., a cleantech company based in British Columbia. He works on commercializing new emerging photovoltaic materials, called perovskite. Deepak is primarily a material scientist with clean and renewable energy research expertise. Deepak has a PhD in Energy and Material Science from Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Montreal, Quebec. 

       

      He is passionate about strengthening the science-policy framework for transitioning Canada to a low-carbon economy. Deepak believes that effective science policies at the federal, provincial, local, and community levels are essential in ensuring that science is accessible and best serves the public interest.

       

      He enjoys hiking, long-distance running, biking, and skiing in his free time.

      Bénévoles

      Official Volunteers

      Tim Xue_Image.jpg

      Tim Xue

      Support Our Science Campaign Representative

      Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

      Tim is a Research & Innovation Manager at Genome British Columbia working with stakeholders to drive healthcare impact and innovations through research, translation and implementation. Prior to this, Tim completed his PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine from the University of British Columbia. Tim is interested in promoting policies for science and innovation and enabling evidence-based decision-making. 

      Board of Directors

      Board of Directors

      Board of Directors

      Shawn_Lab_3-4.jpg

      Shawn McGuirk

      Internal Director

      E-mail: s.mcguirk[a]sp-exchange.ca


      Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Shawn McGuirk is a Deputy Director at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and is an alumni of both the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program and the Recruitment of Policy Leaders program of the Public Service Commission of Canada. During his PhD at the Goodman Cancer Research Centre of McGill University, his research centered on the role of metabolism in cancer progression (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7183-7962). As a long-standing director and past president of Science & Policy Exchange, Shawn is committed to capacity building in science policy and to elevating the voices of the next generation as key stakeholders in policy discussions. Shawn also represents the next generation as a member of the board of directors of Acfas.

      Board of Directors

      headshot03.jpg

      Anh-Khoi Trinh

      Internal Director

      E-mail: a.trinh[a]sp-exchange.ca


      Pronouns: he/him (EN), il (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Anh-Khoi Trinh is a policy analyst at NSERC, a 2022 Mitacs Fellow in Canadian Science Policy Development, and a member of the 2022 Action Canada cohort. He attained his PhD in Theoretical Physics from McGill University, where he specialized in the study of conformal field theory and quantum gravity. Throughout his graduate studies, Anh-Khoi worked to make science and research more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible by encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science, improving physics curricula, and advocating for better policies for young researchers. His work has fueled his passion for supporting young researchers and strengthening the foundations of Canada's science and innovation sectors.

      Board of Directors

      Maia_edited.jpg

      Maïa Dakessian

      Internal Director

      E-mail: m.dakessian[a]sp-exchange.ca


      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      • LinkedIn

      Maïa Dakessian is a master's student in bioethics at the School of Public Health of the University of Montreal. She is interested in ethical issues related to language barriers in accessing health care services. She holds an undergraduate degree in cognitive neuroscience as well as one in linguistics and psychology, both from the University of Montreal. Maia joined Science & Policy Exchange (SPE) as a volunteer in August 2019, became the VP Editor in October 2020, and was elected as Co-President in November 2021. Through SPE, she aims to promote the importance of evidence-based decisions as well as the ethical considerations of such decisions. On a daily basis, she promotes science communication and the consideration of science in policy making. Maïa is also the Co-Founder of Science Policy in Health, Environment, Research and Ethics (SP.HERE) Society, which aims to bridge the gap between communities and governments.

      Board of Directors

      TinaGruosso.jpg

      Tina Gruosso

      External Director

      E-mail: t.gruosso[a]sp-exchange.ca



      Pronouns: she/her (EN), Elle (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Tina is a translational scientist working for Forbius, a biotech company that develops new therapeutics for oncology and rare diseases where she works as a liaison between preclinical and clinical research. She completed her PhD at Institut Curie in Paris and her Postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University on immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment.

      Tina is an engaged scientist and an advocate for science and scientific values in all sectors of society. As a board member and ex-president for Science & Policy Exchange, Tina is devoted to establishing the next generation voices as key stakeholders in science policy, diplomacy and communication. Tina is also a member of the CCA expert panel on The Labour Market Transition of PhD Graduates, the Global Young Academy, and the redaction committee of the ACFAS magazine.

      Board of Directors

      IMG_0187.jpg

      Madison Rilling

      External Director

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Following a Joint Honours in Mathematics & Physics at McGill University, Madison received her Master’s in Medical Physics and PhD in Physics from Université Laval. After working as a clinical medical physicist in opening and commissioning a new radiation oncology center in Lévis (QC), she joined Optonique (Québec’s Photonics Cluster) as Director of Talent & Outreach. Shortly after, Madison was nominated as Executive Director of this non-profit aimed at mobilizing & promoting Québec’s rich photonics ecosystem. In this role, she acts as an intermediate between industry, government, academia, and support agencies to catalyze the growth of start-ups, SMEs and large photonic businesses in Québec. Throughout her studies and career, Madison has been actively involved in science policy, namely as a student advisor to Quebec's Chief Scientist (Dr. Rémi Quirion) and as the sole student to sit on the Board of Directors of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT). She is currently a member of Canada’s Chief Science Advisor’s inaugural Youth Council (Dr. Mona Nemer).

      Board of Directors

      Nicole-8918.jpg

      Nicole Arbour

      External Director

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Nicole Arbour is currently External Relations Manager at IIASA, where she plays an active role in building and maintaining relationships with IIASAs national and regional member organisations (NMOs and RMOs). 

      Nicole comes to IIASA from Canada, where she most recently held the role of Senior Advisor with the International Innovation Office at the National Research Council Canada (NRC). In this role she led the development, implementation and management of NRC’s engagement with the UK. She also coordinated the NRC’s Grants to International Affiliations Program, where she was active in the engagement and development of Canada’s affiliation/membership to several international organisations, including the International Science Council (ISC). She also provided strategic advice to senior executives related to the development and management of bilateral and multilateral relationships for the NRC, as required. 

      Prior to that, Nicole was the Team Lead for the UK’s Science and Innovation Network in Canada - at the British High Commission in Ottawa. In this position, she was responsible for liaising with Federal science and technology organisations, working to establish, foster, and strengthen scientific collaboration and partnerships between the UK and Canada. 

      Nicole has also worked as a research scientist in the Canadian biotech sector. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa.

      Board of Directors

      Picture1.png

      Rachael Maxwell  

      External Director

      Pronouns: she/her (EN), elle (FR)

      • LinkedIn
      • Twitter

      Rachael Maxwell joined Genome Canada in 2018 and serves as the Manager of Public Affairs and Communications, where she manages the planning and execution of communication and stakeholder activities. Previously, Rachael worked at Mitacs as the Program Lead for the Canadian Science Policy Fellowship, where she managed the design and delivery of the program from its inception through its first three cohorts. Rachael is also a member of the Board of the Directors at the Science and Policy Exchange.

       

      Rachael is passionate about working at the intersection of academia, government and industry, and continues to learn how to best serve society through science and policy. She speaks regularly to government and academic audiences at home and abroad about the need for better mechanisms to connect science and policy. Rachael also brings years of experience working in arts management and an academic background in cultural studies.

      bottom of page