Election to University Council

Romain CHAREYRON

I am submitting my application to be part of University Council for the College of Arts and Science as I am seeking to become more actively involved in university governance because I care deeply about the academic mission of the institution and the collective decisions that shape students’ learning experiences. Serving on University Council would allow me to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions that directly affect academic programs, standards, and policies, and to better understand the broader structures that support teaching, learning, and research across the university.

My professional work is centered on course and curriculum development, both in-person and online. I am particularly interested in how programs are designed, assessed, and periodically revised to ensure academic rigor, coherence, and accessibility for diverse student populations. Council’s responsibilities—such as approving academic programs, establishing evaluation methods, reviewing admission standards, and considering library and academic planning policies—closely align with the questions I engage with daily as an instructor and course developer.

My commitment to pedagogy is reflected in my recent completion of the Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, which has deepened my understanding of evidence-based teaching practices, curriculum alignment, and student assessment. This experience has strengthened my desire to participate more actively in institutional conversations about teaching quality, academic integrity, and student success.

By serving on Council, I hope to bring a pedagogically informed perspective to its work while also learning from colleagues across disciplines. I see this role as an opportunity to contribute thoughtfully to decisions that are in the long-term interest of the university and its academic community.

Jenna HUNNEF

I joined the College of Arts & Science’s Department of English in 2019. As a settler scholar working in the field of Indigenous literary studies, I understand my institutional role as someone who facilitates and holds space for others to be seen and heard. My record of service to professional organizations illustrates my commitment as a facilitator of intellectual communities and contributor to community-based collaborations. This record includes my roles as: Advisory Board member, Saskatchewan Ânskohk Writers Circle, Inc. (2020-present); Editorial Board member, Studies in American Indian Literatures (2022-present); Executive Council Member, Western Literature Association (2021-2024); Secretary, Indigenous Literary Studies Association (2021-2023); President, Canadian Association for American Studies (2022-2023); and Vice-President, Canadian Association for American Studies (2020-2022). In August 2026, I will begin a two-year term as Secretary of the Association for the Study of American Indian Literatures. I have also served ably on my department’s Outreach & Engagement, Graduate, and Undergraduate committees. I am standing for election to University Council to bridge my extensive professional service experience with service to my home institution. To this role, I would bring my reputation for reliability, sound judgement, and collegiality. My immersion in the field of Indigenous literary studies and five years of experience as an instructor in the College of Arts & Science’s Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways program motivate me to prioritize the interests and perspectives of Indigenous students, staff, and faculty in decision-making. As a female-identifying academic and parent, my decision-making also centres the concerns of women and primary caregivers.

Angela LIEVERSE

I am a bioarchaeologist in the College of Arts and Science (Department of Anthropology) whose research sits at the intersection of biology and culture. I joined the University of Saskatchewan in 2007, being promoted to full professor in 2018. I’ve served as Department Head (2015–2020, 2025–present), Member-at-Large of University Council (2012–2014, 2023–2026), member and now vice-chair of Council’s Planning and Priorities Committee (PPC, 2021–2027), and interim Vice-Dean Faculty Relations (2025), among various other committee and leadership roles on campus. I am committed to collegial governance and have continually advocated for faculty and students, without whom our institution would not exist. I’m seeking re-election to University Council because the university—like the country—is experiencing unprecedented challenges. As an experienced voice on council, and a current member of PPC, I want to continue to play a role in shaping the academic affairs of the university.

I am committed to EDI at here at USask and across academia more broadly. Since 2017, I have been a member of the EDI subcommittee of the Canadian Association for Biological Anthropology, serving as co-chair 2019–2022. As a professor, I endeavour to talk about colonialism, race and racism, social determinants of health, intersectionality, etc. in all my courses (depending on context). I discuss the long-term biological and social consequences that colonial and racist policies have had (and continue to have) on marginalized communities, and I always acknowledge my own discipline’s role in shaping these policies in the past.

Maria Luisa LEITE

I am writing to express my candidacy for the position of Faculty Member of the General Academic Assembly with an appointment in the College of Dentistry. I am an Assistant Professor in the College of Dentistry, where my academic role integrates teaching, research, and service, with a focus on innovation in dental education and regenerative oral health research. Since joining the University of Saskatchewan, I have been actively engaged in curriculum development, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary research, while contributing to service at the college level. My international academic training and collaborative experience have shaped my commitment to academic excellence and inclusive governance.

I am standing for election to University Council as I strongly value shared governance and the role of faculty voices in shaping the university’s academic direction. I am particularly motivated to contribute to discussions on academic policy, educational quality, and strategic planning, and to ensure that the perspectives of professional and health sciences programs are meaningfully represented.

I am deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization. In my teaching and research, I strive to foster inclusive learning environments that respect diverse experiences and ways of knowing. I am especially interested in advancing equitable access to education and oral health care, addressing disparities affecting Indigenous, rural, and underserved communities, and supporting respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples. I would bring these commitments to my service on University Council.

Walter YIM

Sven ACHENBACH

I joined UofS in 2005 as the Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nano Device Fabrication. Much of my research is conducted at SyLMAND, Canadian Light Source (CLS), where I am a Beam Team Leader and work with a broad constituency from academics to industry. My teaching in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is primarily related to micro fabrication and electronic materials, but I have also delivered large 1^st year Engineering classes.

Prior to joining UofS, I have worked at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe National Laboratory, Germany. Since then, I have been involved in large-scale research on the interface between national research centers and university-level research.

Along with further pan-institutional engagement activities, including contributions to the signature areas renewal process, I have actively contributed to the various levels of administration, governance and strategic decision making from the perspective of a teacher-scholar. In 2025, I filled a vacancy on University Council. I currently serve as Interim Associate Dean, Faculty Relations.

Through the combination of local and international experience obtained in both, universities and research centers, along with my recent background in college administration, I could contribute a potentially quite unique lens to deliberations at Council.

Being an immigrant myself, I have learned and improved to create and lead a diverse and inclusive group, to champion EDI, and to avoid unconscious bias. EDI plays a key role for our research team as successful implementation allows to expand the pool of excellent HQP candidates and to benefit from a more diverse perspective.

Reza FOTOUHI

I obtained my PhD in Mechanical Engineering. I am a professor, working in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Saskatchewan since 2002. I have many good ideas on quality education in Canada, and I believe can contribute positively to the council affairs.

I have been involved in the administration affairs at the department, college, and university levels. Here are a few of my admin involvements: I was a university council member 2018-2021 and 2023-2026. Participated in different committees of council, including APC, and nominations which I currently chair. I was vice chair of the university council 2023-2025.

I was Associate Dean Research, College of Engineering, Jan-Dec 2015. Before that, I was Chair of Graduate Studies Committee of Mechanical Engineering. I was chair of faculty council of the college of engineering, which regulates academic affairs at the college level. I was a member of governance committee, who updated and wrote new policies for several standing committees of the college of engineering. I was chair of C.J. Mackenzie Memorial Lecture in 2013. In addition, I was chair of Outreach and Engagement Committee of Mechanical Engineering Department.

Engineering is a discipline faces challenges in attracting EDI groups (women, visible minorities, indigenous, and people with disabilities), I have a diverse research group. Out of all HQP I supervised/co-supervised, I have a mix of men and women and a mix of international and Canadian from diverse cultural backgrounds. Inclusion brings us together and increases our strength. I am in favor of increasing EDI groups involvement in university affairs. Using UofS Indigenous Strategic Plan hopefully our university will enhance its vision of becoming a leading university in implementation of Indigenous peoples’ rights.

Venkatesh MEDA

Dr. Meda served as a Chair of the Chemical and Biological Engineering's Health and Safety Committee (2008-2011), member of College’s Local Safety Committee (2008-11) and a faculty representative (USFA) at the University of Saskatchewan's Occupational Health & Safety Committee (OHC, 2010-13). He was invited to participate as one of steering (founding) members of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) and Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS).

He serves on APEGS academic review committee (2015-present).

Dr. Meda was as a graduate Chair in Biological Engineering (2012-2015; 2016-19; 2021-present). He served on CoE's committees (SAAC, LSC, AgBio Council).

He served as a Chair, Engineering Faculty Council (2019-22; 2025-present).

He was an elected member of the University Council (2011-14; 2021-24) and elected to the planning & priorities Committee (PPC) of the Council during 2012-15; re-elected in 2023-present.

Dr. Meda contributed to the sustainable capital grant (SCG) review committee at the University level. Dr. Meda's role at the Planning & Priorities Committee of council was recognized.

Dr. Meda serves as a regional director /VP-technical of the Canadian Society of Bioengineering (CSBE[1]SCGAB) during 2012-15; 2019-present.

Dr. Meda was recognized as a Fellow of Canadian Society of Biological Engineering (CSBE) in 2019;

Fellow of Engineering Institute of Canada in 2022; and Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2023. He received ‘Saskatoon Engineering Society’ ‘Best Educator of the year’ award of the APEGS in 2023.

Dr. Meda was appointed as a Special Advisor to Provost on developing a framework for academic collaboration(s) with USask and SaskPoly in 2024-25

Angelo Gary LINASSI

I wish to let my name stand for the position of Representative of the College of Medicine on University Council.  I am a tenured Associate Professor with the College of Medicine currently at the rank of Associate Professor.  I am also a Physician and graduate of the University of Saskatchewan (BSc Hon ’83) and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC).  My most research interest deals with understanding neuropathic pain amongst Indigenous Individuals in Saskatchewan and the influences on colonialism, residential school trauma and racism in shaping their interactions with the health care system with the goal of improving pain management for Indigenous peoples.  My interest in governance stems from my previous roles in the College of Medicine which include Assistance Dean Undergraduate Medical Education and Provincial Head for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation which had dual academic and clinic oversite responsibilities. I am passionate about university governance and want to be a part of shaping the future of the university. In previous submissions and appearances as a representative of the College of Medicine to University Council, I referred to the College of Medicine as a provincial resource and important contributor to growing our health care work force.  A vital University and College of Medicine will ensure knowledge translation from bench to bedside thus improving quality of health care for the province.  As a representative of the College of Medicine on University Council I will advocate strongly for ongoing support for the College of Medicine and support the University in its missions, growth and evolution.

Darrell MOUSSEAU

I, Darrell Mousseau, am a Professor and PhD scientist with the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine. My research focusses on defining credible diagnostic markers of developing Alzheimer disease. I continue to mentor next-generation researchers from ‘entry-level’ high-school and summer (biomedical and medical) students, through honors and graduate students to postdoctoral fellows and medical residents.

I am a member of University Council. I have experience with many college-level and university-level committees, with earlier contributions involving chairing many committees reporting to the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies —including a one-year term as acting Associate Dean— and contributions to the Academic Programs Committee and the Planning and Priorities Committee (as member and as Chair/Vice Chair) of University Council. My contributions extend beyond these roles and include, for example, providing an independent stakeholder review for then-President Stoicheff’s Strategic Finance Committee. I have served, and continue to serve, as a member of the bargaining team for negotiations of the USFA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

I am well acquainted with health science-related issues on campus, but my interactions with colleagues and collaborators across campus and my contributions on the various university-level committees have provided valuable insight into the broader decision-making processes at the University. I believe I remain objective when the University’s interests are at stake.

I let my name stand for consideration in the call for nominations for a member-at-large representing the College of Medicine.

Joyce WILSON

My name is Joyce Wilson. I am a Professor in the Dept. of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, within the College of Medicine. I was hired in 2006 and promoted to Professor in 2020.

My CIHR- and NSERC-funded research program studies viruses, with a focus on virus-host interactions during Hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2 infections. The course that I teach reflects my expertise in virology. I have been active on several University, College, and Departmental committees, including the graduate affairs committee, the EDI committee, the biosafety protocol review committee, and the college review committee. While maintaining an active research laboratory, I have also served on the extramural network, CanHepC, at an executive level, and for Canada’s Tri-Council, notably for CIHR grant review panels as Science Officer.

I have been an EDI champion for many years and currently co-chair the EDI committee for my department. The EDI committee supports an inclusive culture and consideration of EDI in departmental processes and in one example implemented a CV review process that considers all forms of meritorious activity. I am also the proud supervisor of a Métis PhD student in my laboratory.

Janet LUIMES

As an Associate Professor in the Academic Programming stream, I bring expertise that intersects teaching and learning, scholarship, leadership and professional practice. I have contributed to College, University and public committees, including within leadership roles, and remain committed to bringing this skill set to serve on University Council.

Recognizing the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and indigenization, I am committed to ongoing personal and professional development in these areas. This includes ongoing work to examine my own biases, acknowledge my privilege as a white settler and implement practices that meaningfully support EDI. I strive to demonstrate respect, curiosity, active listening, openness to diverse perspectives and humility in this learning journey.

Having completed my first term on University Council, I now have a stronger understanding of its processes and responsibilities. I welcome the opportunity to continue this work, drawing on my experience and relationships to ensure College of Nursing perspectives are well represented in Council discussions.

Michelle PAVLOFF

I am a health researcher with a focus on rural, remote and agricultural communities, mental health, and community-engaged scholarship. I have led and contributed to multiple provincially and nationally funded research initiatives, work closely with community partners, and am committed to translating evidence into meaningful policy and practice impact. I also bring experience in academic leadership, government partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student mentorship.

My connection to USask is both professional and deeply personal. I earned all three of my degrees at USask, and this played a formative role in shaping my academic career, personal and professional values. I currently have two children enrolled as USask students (College of Agriculture and Bioresources and Edwards School of Business). This multi-generational USask relationship gives me a unique and invested perspective on the university as a place of learning, governance, and public responsibility.

I am standing for election to University Council because I care deeply about the long-term academic integrity, sustainability, and social relevance of USask. I would bring a grounded, constructive voice that understands both institutional complexity and the lived realities of students, faculty, and communities.

My commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization is central to my research, teaching, and service. My work prioritizes partnership with historically underserved populations, values lived experience as expertise, and addresses structural barriers to access and belonging. I am committed to advancing Indigenization in ways that are respectful, relational, and action-oriented, and I would bring this lens consistently to my work on University Council.

Helen VANDENBERG

My name is Helen Vandenberg, and I am an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing with 11 years of experience at the University of Saskatchewan. My teaching and research focus on leadership, ethics, philosophy, and health systems. I have held voluntary roles within the university, provincially, and nationally, including governance and editorial positions, giving me a strong understanding of democratic decision-making and institutional responsibility.

I am seeking election to University Council because I believe universities have a responsibility to pursue truth and wisdom in the service of the public good. Council plays a vital role in protecting academic standards and ensuring decisions are guided by thoughtful deliberation rather than short-term pressures.

My approach to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization is supported by thoughtful teaching, scholarship, and reflective practice. My work engages critically with histories of exclusion and structural inequality in healthcare and education, while emphasizing intellectual rigour, context, and balanced dialogue. In governance spaces, I aim to contribute to sustaining a university worthy of public trust and confidence.

Megan BEGGS

I began my position as an Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition in September 2025. I received a PhD in Physiology from the University of Alberta in 2021 and subsequently completed four years of postdoctoral training at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto. I am also a registered dietitian with a decade of clinical experience in pediatric and neonatal critical care. Administration and committee service includes: Co-chair or volunteer for three symposiums (local, national, international), chair of the disciplinary tribunal for my professional college, platform advisory committee for national health research training program (ENRICH), peer review of national trainee awards (CIHR, ENRICH), abstract or scientific reviewer for ten local, national, and international conferences or research days, and invited peer-reviewer for top journals in the field of nutrition. My reasons for standing for election to University Council are my interest in learning more about and contributing to the university’s academic affairs. I am committed to upholding principles of and furthering my understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization. As the University of Saskatchewan aspires to be “A university for everyone”, the University Council has an obligation to keep principles of EDI and Indigenization central to decisions concerning academic affairs.

Allison CAMMER

I am pleased to submit my nomination for a position on University Council. As an Associate Professor and Program Director- Dietetics in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, I have built my career on collaborative leadership, academic excellence, and service to the community. My experience includes research, curriculum development, administrative service, accreditation processes, and cross‑college initiatives that strengthen both academic programs and student success. These roles have provided me with an appreciation of university governance and the importance of thoughtful, informed decision‑making.

I am seeking election to University Council because I believe strongly in the value of shared governance and the responsibility we hold to steward the academic mission of the institution. Council plays a vital role in supporting high‑quality research and teaching, shaping academic standards, and ensuring that the university remains responsive to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. I am committed to contributing a balanced, collaborative, and forward‑thinking perspective to council discussions.

My work is guided by a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and USask’s ohpahotân - oohpaahotaan. I strive to create research and learning environments where all individuals feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. This includes integrating diverse perspectives into research and teaching, supporting success of marginalized students, and advancing reconciliation through meaningful action. I believe that Council must continue to champion these priorities across the university, and I welcome the opportunity to help advance this essential work.

Jason PEREPELKIN

I would like to put my name forward for re-election to University Council. I have served on Council since the 2023–2024 academic year, and since January 2024 I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Scholarships & Awards Committee, following several years as a committee member (2021–2022 onward). I am currently a member of the 
University Council Nominations Committee. Beyond Council, I have contributed to University governance through my service on the Joint Committee for the Management of the Agreement and as member of the Mistatimōk Committee.

I am seeking re-election because I value the vital role University Council plays in shaping the strategic direction of our institution. I believe I can continue to contribute meaningfully to this work through thoughtful engagement, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to collegial governance.

I acknowledge my privilege as a white, heterosexual man, and I continue to work intentionally as an ally. I have completed the Introduction to Anti-Racism Basics through the Saskatoon Anti-Racism Network and the USask Anti-Racism Course. Within my College, I served as Co-chair and continue to serve as a member of the Indigenous Initiatives Committee, and I was a member of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. My research program also reflects my commitments to equity, including current work examining how 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals perceive the use of Pride symbols in community pharmacies.

With these experiences, I hope to continue contributing to a University Council that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and committed to the academic mission of the University of Saskatchewan.

Susan DETMER

It has been my pleasure to represent the Western College of Veterinary Medicine as our college representative of University Council since 2017. During my last 3-year term, I was on Governance Committee, serving as its chair this current academic year. Previously, I was on the Academic Programs Committee of Council (2017-2021). I served 2 terms as chair of APC and the Council Executive (2019-2021). I was Chair of Council in 2021-2023, which included service on Planning and Priorities, Governance, and Executive Committees of Council for 2 years.

I have been a faculty member in the department of veterinary pathology at the since 2011. Having expertise are swine diseases and anatomic pathology, I am involved in didactic, laboratory and clinical teaching in these areas as well as research and outreach. I wish to stand as a candidate for election to University Council because I want to continue to be an active participant in the University processes and academic community.

Matthew E. LOEWEN

I am a tenured faculty member in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where I have served since 2009 in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. I completed my DVM and PhD training at the University of Saskatchewan and remain a licensed general practitioner in good standing with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association. This background, as a graduate of the institution, a veterinarian, and a faculty member has shaped my perspective on how academic decisions influence student learning, research, and professional preparation across the university.

My academic work spans undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, along with research supported through both Tri-Council and industry partnerships, including collaborative work with colleagues within USask and at other institutions. These experiences have provided practical insight into the opportunities and constraints facing academic programs as funding models, research expectations, and student needs continue to evolve across disciplines.

I am standing for election to University Council because I value shared governance and believe faculty perspectives are essential to sound academic decision making. Council plays a critical role in maintaining academic quality while guiding program development, research priorities, and long term institutional planning. I am particularly interested in contributing to decisions that balance academic excellence, equity, and responsible stewardship of university resources.

I am committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization through my teaching, mentorship, and service. I strive to support inclusive learning environments and thoughtful governance, recognizing that the decisions we make today shape opportunities for future students, scholars, and communities across the university.

Gillian MUIR

I have been dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) since 2021 and have been a faculty member at USask since 1996. I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the WCVM in 1988 and completed a PhD degree in neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. Since becoming a USask faculty member at the WCVM, I have served as an instructor, researcher, administrator and senior leader at the college as well as a member of the USask Deans’ Council and University Council.

I am seeking re-election as a University Council member because I want to continue being part of — and contributing to — integral discussions and decisions that will shape the future direction and success of our university. I’ve been part of USask for nearly four decades, and I strongly believe that my wide-ranging experience, insights and relationships add perspective to the Council’s dialogues and decisions.

I am a strong proponent of the human-animal bond and the integral relationship between human health and animal health. I have supported initiatives to improve local health and safety in northern, remote and Indigenous communities by enhancing the accessibility of veterinary care and animal welfare services. I have also been instrumental in expanding Indigenous engagement and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives at our college. This work is in alignment with the university’s objective to ensure that this campus is a more welcoming, inclusive place to work and study.

T. Dylan OLVER

Hello everyone, my name is Dylan, I am an Associate Professor in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. I have been working at USask since 2018 and during this time has served on many departmental and college committees, such as the Indigenous Engagement committee, the Local Health and Safety committee, and the College Review committee etc. I also volunteered for my local community association (Greystone Heights) and served as President from 2022-2025. Among many projects, we hosted several community fundraisers (including block parties) to raise money to run accessible and free physical activity programing targeted at local families, particularly newcomers to Saskatoon. I have always been interested in serving on university council but held off because of timelines and other commitments. I will be returning from sabbatical July 2026 and see this as a great opportunity to start with renewed energy and serve uninterrupted for a 3-year term. I am interested in serving for a variety of reasons, like learning more about the USask decision-making processes/inputs, meeting other faculty members, and participating in our strategic direction to ensure decisions simultaneously promote the long-term success of USask and reflect the daily realities of university life.