Senate Election Biographies

Alisha Bruce was raised on a farm in NE Saskatchewan. She attended the U of S and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management (2014) through the College of Agriculture. She then went on to have a career in Agriculture with Corteva (formally known as DuPont prior to a merger with Dow) until Dec of 2020.

She now helps manage a farm partnership (AMB Farms) alongside her husband Mark Bruce. They have 2 sons and live in southeast Saskatchewan.

I completed my DMD in 1995 from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry. I sat on our college council for 8 years. Immediately after my term I became a school trustee for Horizon School Division where I served 8 years and obtained my Public Sector Gov. Certificate through the Johnson Shoyama School. I live on a farm in the Strasbourg area where I have a private practice for 27 years. My husband and I enjoy the outdoors and we have a son at the University of Regina and a daughter at the University of Saskatchewan.

Scott Burant is a dedicated educator, administrator, and community advocate with over 25 years of service in Saskatchewan’s education sector. An alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan—earning a Bachelor of Education with Distinction and a Master of Education—he has built his career on fostering authentic relationships and advancing the education profession.

Beginning as a teacher with the Northern Lights and Prairie Spirit School Divisions, he later assumed leadership roles as President of the Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association (2006–2010). Since 2010, as Managing Director of Member Experiences and Operations at the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, he has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that empower and support educators province wide.

Beyond his professional career, his community contributions are exemplary. As an  executive producer for musicals at his local school, he has coordinated diverse volunteer teams to celebrate the arts. He has also enriched local governance by serving on school councils, co-founding Dalmeny Daycare Inc, and contributing to the Dalmeny Police Commission's strategic planning as a commission member. His strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to service make him an exceptional nominee for the University of Saskatchewan Senate.

Bonnie Heilman is a USask alumni (B.A. English & Indigenous Studies 2011) and a current candidate in the USask Masters of Fine Arts in Writing. She brings 25 years experience in community and organizational development and currently works as an independent contractor and consultant in the non-profit, public, and academic sectors. Bonnie has deep roots in several District 2 communities. Her family are Germans from Russia who homesteaded in the area of Unity where she was born and raised until the age of 13, at which point she and her Mom moved to inner-city Saskatoon where she lived for twenty years. For the past eight years, Bonnie has lived in Hague with her partner and their child. In her free time, Bonnie likes hiking, dancing, cross-country skiing, and learning to play folk tunes and 90s songs on guitar and mandolin.

Keith graduated from the U of S College of Nursing in 2001 and the U of S College of Law in 2005. He has worked as a registered nurse in hospital and mental health settings. After law school, he returned to his hometown of Prince Albert where he still resides. He practiced law in private practice from 2005 until 2013. Since 2013, he has served as a Senior Crown Counsel with the Ministry of Justice.

Keith currently serves as a Bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan and as Chair of the Law Society's Discipline Policy Committee.

Keith has previously served as President of the Prince Albert Bar Association, Vice President of the Saskatchewan Crown Attorneys Association, District Governor of the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, and as a member of the Ethics Committee for the Prince Albert Health Region.

He has also served his local community as a coach and official in children's sports.

My name is Bryce Kyle Bulgis, and I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. Coming from the prairies, I was quite involved in my community all throughout grade school and really got to understand the importance of supporting one another and how close people can be in a small-town environment. This support network helped me find success in my studies.

After graduating high school, I went to the University of Saskatchewan and excelled in my studies, completing a B.Ed. and a B.A. (Hons) in English. Since then, my teaching career has taken me to many places, but my travels have not caused me to forget where my post-secondary journey began, which is why I would be honoured to be a representative for the university senate so I can try to advocate for university students and help ensure that they get the best education that they deserve while furthering the university's aspirations of being the "university the world needs"

With over 20 years in the engineering field, Mark brings a wealth of experience in community development. Holding a B.E.degree (2004), in Agriculture & Bioresources Engineering from the U of S, Mark has spent the past 20+ years working in 2 industries critical to the growth of SK: agriculture manufacturing and infrastructure engineering.

For 5 years, Mark worked with Case New Holland Canada Ltd. as a Manufacturing Engineer in Saskatoon and gained valuable industry insights.

However, Mark’s professional journey has been defined by his subsequent 16 years (and counting) with Associated Engineering as a Civil Engineer, Municipal Manager, and company shareholder. From the Prince Albert office, Mark and his team specialize in municipal infrastructure design. Mark’s projects have enhanced public health through the safe treatment and disposal of wastewater. His work has benefited municipal and First Nations communities across SK, where improved services have delivered tangible benefits.

Mark is giving with his time as an official in the Saskatchewan football community. He referees at the Prince Albert high school, Saskatoon Minor Football, Saskatoon Hilltops, and University of Saskatchewan Huskies levels.

Mark’s commitment to community development and people leadership makes him the ideal candidate for this role.

Shawn Vereschagin is an educator, councilor, musician, father, and proud University of Saskatchewan alumni. Shawn earned two degrees from the university: a B.Mus.(Hons) in 2020 and a B.Ed. in 2022. He currently teaches music and senior English at Kinistino School. Along with teaching, he serves on Kinistino Town Council, having been elected in 2024.

For Shawn, the university holds an important place in his heart for helping influence him in his formative years. Shawn developed academically, as well as holistically during his years as a student. Shawn understands the need for the university to form students not only in the intellectual dimension, but also the emotional, spiritual, and physical. He looks forward to helping the university continue its growth in the second quarter of this century.

Shawn's experience as a town councilor would be valuable, as he understands the process of governance and the importance of good administration. Shawn will bring a youthful and forward-looking perspective to his role, along with a commitment to serve with excellence.

A member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Johnny has dedicated his career of 28 years to working with Indigenous organizations after graduating from the UofS

Johnny Walker’s accomplishments consists of a Commerce degree from the UofS, a Chemical Laboratory Technician Diploma from Sask Polytech, a Security Guard Certificate from the Canadian Commissionaires, a Business Certificate from Sask Polytech and a Certificate in Indigenous Business Administration from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College / UofS. Most recently Johnny completed the Kiskēyihtamowina Board Governance Program from First Nations University of Canada, the MBA Essentials Program from the University of Toronto, and the Leadership Certificate Program from the University of Waterloo.

Johnny’s exceptional career includes Director of Post-Secondary Education for PBCN for 8 years, CEO & Acting Director of Operations for the Prince Albert Grand Council for 10 years, Director of SIIT Prince Albert Campus for 1 year, Director of Operations for Wahgoshig First Nation in Northern Ontario for 2 years and Chief Operating Officer for Curve Lake First Nation in Southern Ontario for 1 year. Chief Executive Officer for FLFN Ventures Inc for 1 year, Director of Econ Dev for BATC for 3 years and currently with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation as their Band Administrator for 1 year now.

Johnny was also a former UofS Senator from July 2009 - July 2012.

Diane Ahenakew is the Education Director for her community of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. She completed a Bachelor of Education degree 2002 with the University of Saskatchewan. She also completed a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction degree with the University of Regina, 2014 and continues to be a life long learner.

I have known Diane Ahenakew as a dedicated leader in language revitalization within Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Her commitment to her community and to reclaiming the Cree language is truly commendable. Over the past three years, Diane has led significant initiatives, including a comprehensive survey of the Plains Cree language in Ahtahkakoop, the coordination of Cree language camps, the establishment of language nests in daycare and headstart programs, and the organization of a community language conference. It is leaders like Diane who inspire hope for the future of Indigenous languages and who embody the strength and vision needed to carry this important work forward. 

I am honoured to nominate Diane for this prestigious role as a senate member. Her work deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

Dr. Betty Ann Balon Bodnar is a proud alumni of the University of Saskatchewan having obtained four degrees:  Bachelor of Education with Distinction, 1976; Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, 1979; Master of Education, 1987; and Doctor of Philosophy, 1993. She completed her B.Ed in 3 yrs, her B.A. and Masters Degrees while in her career and spent only 2 years on campus for her PhD, the second year of which in 1989 her son, BJ Bodnar was born.Her half completed dissertation was finished while being a principal with the Saskatoon Board of Education.  Betty Ann is an extremely dedicated, passionate, highly motivated person who seeks to accomplish whatever goals are set for herself, family, career with all involved and the communities within which she has worked and resided in.  Saskatoon, as well as South, West and Northern Saskatchewan have been home. Her mission is to make a difference. For over 30 years in education she changed lives daily as a teacher, consultant in 52 schools, leading gifted education at the division level, as a vice principal in 2 Saskatoon communities, principal in 4, including French Immersion and Inner City Community Schools for 22 of those years. After retiring she was CEO of a provincial security company for 5 years. Betty Ann's work with people is positive, energetic, futuristic, embraces change and is focused on helping individuals and organizations achieve their mission.

One of Betty Ann's greatest accomplishments was parenting BJ, BobbyJo Kenneth Wm Bodnar, their son concerned with the state of the environment and human relationships with the natural world by age 9. Appointed to SK Provincial Youth Advisory Council of SK at 14, its youngest member ever, was followed by 10 years of tireless study, travel and public leadership engagements, partly while in Political Studies at the U of S until his untimely passing at 24. The Senate granted BJ convocation of a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies with Great  Distinction June 02, 2015. Graduating from an Advanced Program at 17, BJ was honored to receive among other numerous awards a Canada National Millennium 4 Year University Scholarship; the Toyota Earth Day Canada National Scholarship and at 18 becoming one of Canada's Top 20 Under 20 also receiving their Environmental Leadership Award. BJ's full obituary (July 18, 1989 - May 28, 2014 helps one clearly see the mentoring, guidance and support Betty Ann and Ken provided to BJ so he could make such huge differences at such a young age from the Arctic to Antarctica.  Choosing to study at the U of S, BJ purchased 80 acres of forest land at Emma Lake  to develop trails to bring attendees back in touch with nature and help solve environmental issues. The BJ Bodnar Foundation was established after BJ passed in 2014 and now in retirement his wishes through this project have become an important part of his legacy and Betty Ann and Ken's focus.

Through 48 years of marriage Ken provided first hand experience and a life of values and insight into many aspects of life which influenced Betty Ann and BJ's journeys and the differences they were able to make. As a business owner in real estate, an agriculture business, farming and security he provided opportunities in broad, inter related aspects of life that Betty Ann would bring to the senate table for consideration now, that will influence future graduates facing a constantly changing world.

For these highlighted reasons and so many more reasons space does not permit we strongly recommend Dr. Betty Ann Balon Bodnar to become a member of the University of Saskatchewan Senate representing District 12 where she resides.

I am a retired principal and educator with 32 years of experience in the field of education. After raising our four children in Elrose, SK, we retired to Chitek Lake. I still lend my talents by substituting in various classrooms. I am particularly interested in fostering the relationship between local communities and the University of Saskatchewan.

Derek Barss, a graduate of the U. of S. College of Education in 1993 and Masters of Education in 2007 has been involved in K-12 Public Education for 31 years. A teacher, consultant, vice-principal, principal and currently a member of the Senior Admin Staff with the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation, Derek has a long history of working with students, teachers, parents and colleagues to continue the good work of public education in Saskatchewan.

Derek has a history of board membership and work going back to the late 90's as President of South Nutana Park Community Association, member of the CHEP Board, and is currently the chair of Haven Family Connections in Saskatoon.

With Board experience, Derek also has formal Governance Board training and has experience in Risk Management and working with complex employment situations from union, employer and board perspectives. 

Derek is passionate about giving and giving back to the community he has grown up in and has given him so much. A proud Alum, Derek would value the experience of working with the Senate of the University of Saskatchewan.

Tamara is an enthusiastic advocate for education in general and the University of Saskatchewan in particular. She grew up in Eston, Saskatchewan before moving to Saskatoon to study at the U of S where she earned her LLB and LLM. She began teaching in the College of Law after a brief career in private practice, eventually becoming a tenured member of the Law faculty. In 2005 she accepted a position as Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta. Tamara has significant experience in continuing legal education and law reform, including in leadership roles. She holds the Law Society of Alberta/Alberta Bar Association Distinguished Service Award and awards for teaching and student involvement at the University of Alberta. Tamara was elected to her first term on Senate after she and husband Bruce resumed full-time residence in Saskatchewan following her retirement as Professor Emerita. She participates actively in the work of Senate and, as chair of the Membership Committee, is pursuing efforts to enrich linkages between the University and the people of Saskatchewan through Senate membership and otherwise. Tamara is also co-lead of the College of Law’s “Be What the World Needs” campaign. 

My name is Bryce Kyle Bulgis, and I was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan. Coming from the prairies, I was quite involved in my community all throughout grade school and really got to understand the importance of supporting one another and how close people can be in a small-town environment. This support network helped me find success in my studies.

After graduating high school, I went to the University of Saskatchewan and excelled in my studies, completing a B.Ed. and a B.A. (Hons) in English. Since then, my teaching career has taken me to many places, but my travels have not caused me to forget where my post-secondary journey began, which is why I would be honoured to be a representative for the university senate so I can try to advocate for university students and help ensure that they get the best education that they deserve while furthering the university's aspirations of being the "university the world needs."

Dr. Morris Cook has a rich background in education. His role as Program Head at the Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NSITEP) highlights his dedication to teacher education, particularly in Indigenous contexts. Among other interests that Dr. Cook has are his gift of Language and Cultural maintenance; currently an actor in a children’s television show called “Stories of The North. Acting in "Stories of the North" has given him a unique opportunity to utilizes creative mediums to engage and educate others about Northern Indigenous experiences, Indigenous perspectives, and especially the Cree language through storytelling. Dr. Cook’s advocacy for students, the Cree language, and land-based learning pedagogies underscores his commitment to holistic education that connects students with their environment and culture. Dr. Cook wholeheartedly understands that this approach can foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge and its relevance in today's world. Dr. Cook is also an elected School-Board Trustee, and his role as a Public-School Trustee further emphasizes his commitment to education and community service. As a trustee, he has significant influence on educational policies and practices, advocating for the needs of students and ensuring that their voices are heard in local governance and throughout the northern Indigenous milieu. Through these roles, Dr. Cook demonstrates a holistic approach to advocacy — focusing not only on education but also on social justice issues that affect the well-being of individuals and communities. ekosi!

Kyle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2003 and is a registered Professional Engineer in Alberta and British Columbia. He moved to Calgary after graduation and has over 21 years of experience in the Canadian upstream Oil & Gas sector. 

Since 2022 he led a team to develop company emission targets and strategies to achieve them.  He has reviewed new technologies and start-up companies with a focus on economic decarbonization. Kyle recently started his own Engineering company to focus on new tech and energy sources through coaching, educating, research & development.

Kyle has respect and gratitude to the University of Saskatchewan for providing the means to a successful career and believes in giving back to help ensure the success of current and future students. He is an active member with the Calgary Engineering Alumni, and has organized golf tournaments, luncheons, and other events to keep alumni connected. He maintains close relationships with many of his classmates to this day. 

Kyle is also a volunteer with the Gas Processors Association of Canada, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Calgary Minor Soccer, and the Cancer and Alzheimer caregiver community.

Kyle lives in Calgary with his wife Leanna and son Luke.

Kyle graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (Biotechnology). During his time at USASK, he was active in the Chemical Engineering Student Society and Engineers Without Borders, earning the Lego Volunteer of the Year award in 2005.

After graduation, Kyle worked as an engineering consultant in Calgary, traveling globally to help clients reduce emissions. In 2013, he pursued an MBA and transitioned into healthcare and technology. He now works as the ERP Manager at 3SHealth, overseeing Finance, Supply Chain, and Analytics.

Back in Saskatoon, Kyle has contributed to the community as a past President of the Saskatoon chapter of Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE) and past chair of the Northern Saskatchewan Children’s Festival. He is currently a Director-at-Large for the Saskatoon Jazz Society and enjoys improv comedy at the Blackbox Academy.

Kyle is completing his first term as a USASK Senate Member-At-Large, serving on committees for evaluating joint projects with the City of Saskatoon, hiring a new Executive Director for the School of Public Health, and selecting a new Chancellor. He aims to continue bringing his expertise in consulting, project management, and community engagement to the USask Senate.

Dr. Aaron Genest holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan. He works for Siemens Software in Saskatoon where, among other roles, he represents Siemens as President of SaskTech, an industry advisory organization to government and education stakeholders. Dr. Genest is deeply involved in the University of Saskatchewan, sitting on the Dean’s Advisory Committee in Engineering, as an appointee to the Intellectual Property Working Group to the OVPR, and as a member of the Signature Areas Steering Committee. He works closely with the U of R and Sask Polytechnic in addition to various government ministries in Saskatchewan and federally.

Dr. Genest is a committed member of the larger technology community serving as a mentor for the co.labs and Cultivator technology incubators and as Executive in Residence for Foresight Cleantech Accelerator. In these roles he helps leaders of start-ups and early-stage companies navigate technical, governance, talent acquisition, and sales challenges. He continues that mentorship in his involvement with USask’s SIGMA entrepreneurship program, OPUS, and as a mentor through the USask Connects graduate mentorship program.

Dr. Genest is married to Dr. Emily Jenkins (Professor, WCVM) and has three sons.

Hello members of convocation, I am Monica Iron. I am proud to put my name forward in these upcoming Member-at-Large senate elections.

I am currently a teacher at Oskayak high school located here in Saskatoon. I convocated with my Bachelor of Education in 2020 where I majored in the area of English. I am currently in my 5th year of teaching, and I am an intermediate speaker of the Cree language. I am from a northern community, Canoe Lake Cree First Nation.

My goal is to specialize in education psychology with a focus in child development.

While at university, I sat on several boards and committees. I was also a student senator during my time at the university. I have fond memories of sitting on University Council as well as getting to know staff and faculty during my time there. I believe I would provide a welcoming voice and unique perspective to this role. In this role, I would also like to expand as a professional and discover opportunities for growth.

Growing up in Northern Saskatchewan, I developed a profound appreciation for community, sustainability, and inclusiveness. While earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, I witnessed firsthand how USask's commitment to these same principles creates value for our province.

My career has been focused on leadership, risk management, and continuous improvement. In my current role as Regional Manager, Facilities Planning at CSC, I guide teams, support the development of policies and procedures that drive organizational growth, and implement strategies that enhance both team and organizational effectiveness.

I am eager to bring this experience to the USask Senate, supporting the institution’s strategic vision. Through thoughtful planning, open dialogue, and collaboration I aim to contribute to policies and initiatives that strengthen USask’s impact locally and globally. As a Senate member, I would prioritize fostering strong connections between the university and the broader community and upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance. I believe in the power of higher education to transform lives and am committed to ensuring that USask remains a leader in academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.

Born and raised on a grain and cattle farm in Porcupine Plain, SK, Darren Moroz earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1990 before beginning a teaching career in Calgary, AB. In 2014, Darren completed a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Over the past 35 years, he has been actively involved with the Alberta Teachers Association, serving on the Provincial Executive Council for six years, advocating for 50,000 public education teachers in collective bargaining, professional development, and teacher welfare while continuing to teach elementary students.

Darren has also contributed to the Teacher Education Certification Committee, collaborating with Deans of Education to enhance practicum experiences for student teachers across Alberta. As he approaches retirement this spring, he is eager to give back to the University of Saskatchewan, supporting its governance and student community. A lifelong Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, Darren proudly represents the Riders in Alberta and would be honoured to serve as a Member at Large, bringing decades of experience and dedication to this role.

I am the youngest daughter of 5 girls in an immigrant farming family settling in Saskatchewan. I did not experience gender bias. I would have been considered underprivileged and poor; however, my family viewed our abundance of food from the land and farm a privilege.  I was raised in a world where school was my job and that is where I gained success and abundance of life. I was always provided the time to study and school came first under all circumstances. My higher education was possible through academic scholarship and many forms of academic achievement support and always food and some spending money provided by my parents.

I embraced academic success which drew me to return to academic life at every opportunity. After attaining my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and working in both research and public sector, I returned to the U of S to pursue a Masters. Environmental interests were emerging at the forefront of research interests. After family and career goals grew, I returned to U of S in 2005 to complete a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and now work as a full time Executive as well as a sessional lecturer in the College of Engineering.

Levi Perrault grew up in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, spending his younger days working on a trapline with his father and enjoying the outdoors. He moved to Regina following high school, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Regina before being accepted into the Juris Doctor program at the University of Saskatchewan. During his time at USask, Levi undertook to earn both his JD and a Masters of Business Administration degree, all while staying active in the university community. Levi was heavily involved in the University of Saskatchewan Student's Union ("USSU") during his time at USask and formerly sat as a student member of the USask Senate. He was also involved in adjudicating student discipline matters and served as Assistant Chief Returning Officer during the 2023 USSU General Election.

Although he has previously worked in diverse roles such as carpentry, as a Ministerial Assistant in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, and as a research assistant for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Levi now practices law, primarily focusing on corporate/commercial, bankruptcy/insolvency, and general litigation matters. Levi also sits as a member of the Regina chapter of Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs ("SYPE"), where he is a member of the Professional Development Committee. Levi believes in giving back and getting involved in his community and plans to expand his board involvement as his career develops.

In his free time, Levi enjoys exercise, hiking, reading non-fiction (especially anything about politics, history, or technology), writing creatively, map-making, and enjoying country music from before he was born.

David Potts-Schwinghamer, MBA (2023), BEd (2021), brings over a decade of experience in the non-profit and education sectors, offering a unique perspective on governance. He is a strong public speaker and dedicated community builder who is passionate about reconciliation in lung health, workforce development, and preparing individuals for the evolving labour market. He currently serves as a Program Manager at the Saskatchewan Mining Association and sits on the board of the Lung Foundation of Saskatchewan. A proud USask alumnus, David was recognized by his peers for his contributions to the community and received the 2023 Sukumar Chandrasekhar Memorial Award.

Adrian grew up on a small family farm in Saskatchewan, where he developed a deep appreciation and love for the land, animals, and the importance of growing food. After high school, he began his post-secondary education by earning a trade certificate from SIAST (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic).

After working for small local businesses, Adrian’s eagerness to learn led him to move to Saskatoon to attend the Edwards School of Business, where he focused on entrepreneurship and sustainability. Upon completing his Bachelor of Commerce, he had the opportunity to manage facilities for one of Saskatchewan’s potash companies. This role proved to be a great fit, allowing him to apply his creative problem-solving skills and innovative mindset—qualities shaped by his upbringing on the prairie farm.

Now based in Saskatoon, Adrian specializes in Business Operations and Innovation, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability processes and practices. He is eager to serve the University of Saskatchewan community—not only to contribute to its global impact but also to help shape a future where his two young children may one day experience all the university has to offer.

Nathan R. Sgrazzutti is a 2024 graduate of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Even as a recent graduate, he has already engaged with the University in several significant ways.

Nathan is the Chairperson of the Prairie University Men's Rugby Championship, a JDC-West Entrepreneurship Coach for the Edwards School of Business, and has appeared as a guest lecturer in the Edwards School of Business in the areas of Employment and Labour Law.

Nathan is also an extremely involved member of the wider Saskatchewan community, serving on multiple non-profit boards including: The Rainbow Youth Centre, 25th Street Theatre, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, and The North Saskatchewan Rugby Union. He is in frequent attendance at theatrical events and a longstanding member of the Saskatchewan rugby community.

Nathan is in the final months of his Articling with Seiferling Law, where he practices mainly in the areas of employment, labour, and corporate law. He is a volunteer with Pro-bono Saskatchewan, and a committed volunteer wherever his services are required, or requested.  

Nathan is not only a fantastic candidate for membership on the University of Saskatchewan Senate, but a unique and multi-faceted one.

Noor Syed earned a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, a PhD in Biochemistry, and an MBA in Biotechnology Management from the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Noor Syed has held research, teaching, and administrative roles at the University of Saskatchewan, in government and in industry. By initiating, developing, and nurturing partnerships, as well as collaborating with regional and national organizations, Dr. Syed has significantly contributed to advancing innovation, knowledge translation, and the development and commercialization of technology. Over the years, Noor has been an active community leader and volunteer. Having earned three degrees from the U of Sask, Noor would like an opportunity to serve as a voice of alumni.

Gerelt Trost has proudly called Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan campus home since 2003. As a dedicated Usask alumna, she serves as a Research Support Specialist in Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI) and as the Executive Director of the Canada Mongolia Chamber of Commerce. With over a decade of leadership in international project management, research administration, and financial administration, Gerelt has successfully coordinated multi-million-dollar projects and fostered global partnerships.

Gerelt's extensive experience at the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic includes managing significant international education and research initiatives. Her expertise in governance, policy oversight, and stakeholder engagement ensures compliance with institutional policies.

Currently pursuing an MBA at the Edwards School of Business, Gerelt holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Political Studies, along with leadership and research administration certifications. Her commitment to excellence and strategic vision makes her an ideal candidate for the University of Saskatchewan Senate. She aims to contribute to the institution's governance and strategic initiatives, bringing unique experience from her work with the Korean National Assembly and the Mongolian Parliament. As a Senator, she will advocate for the community's voices, ensuring alumni and community representatives can share their vision for Usask to be the university the world needs.