Our 2025 Team
Let's meet the team behind the magic
Join us in celebrating the remarkable efforts of Team UV as we embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, creativity, and curiosity.
Abdullah Rashid
he/him/hisAccessibility CoordinatorHey CWSF team! Let’s have a great science fair!! 🔬🧬🧫
Ben Newling
he/him/hisLocal Chief Judge - RecruitingBianka Dusseault
she/her/hersAmbassadorHi all! I am Bianka, one of your ambassadors, but feel free to call me B! I am fluent in both French and English y hablo un poco Español. I was a CWSF and Team Canada MILSET finalist in 2019. Since then, I graduated from Deerfield Academy (USA) where I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by attending “The Cape Eleuthera Institute”, in the Bahamas, for marine ecology and MainSprings, in Tanzania, for sustainable development. If you are looking for international research, I am your girl! Currently, I am a student-athlete at McGill University pursuing Biology, Environmental Science, and Microbiology as possible majors. If I am not learning a new skill or studying, you’ll either find me in the basketball gym, creating art, or playing board games! As a lifelong learner, I am thrilled to discover your projects and be part of this cycle of sharing. Don’t hesitate to reach out, I’ll be more than happy to chat with you! Congrats on being here! So, let’s make this CWSF for the books :)
Braxton Chan
he/him/hisAmbassadorHello everyone! My name is Braxton, and I am one of your ambassadors for this year. I was a CWSF finalist for four years and have always had a great time. I am originally from Cranbrook in interior BC and am currently a third-year cellular neuroscience student at UBC. When I am not studying, you will most likely find me skateboarding, surfing, or playing soccer. Feel free to ask me questions about pursuing post-secondary school, whether it is about neuroscience, campus life, or the shift from a small town to a big city like Vancouver. I am always open to a conversation, whatever the topic may be! I look forward to meeting you all and hearing about your projects.
Chantal O'Neil
she/her/hersRegistration & Information Booth CoordinatorHello everyone! I’m very excited to be returning to the world of CWSF – this year as the Registration and Information Booth Coordinator! I look forward to meeting the brightest young minds of our country and learning from all of you!
Corey McCowan
he/him/hisLogistics CoordinatorDavis Shewchuk
he/him/his, they/them/theirsVolunteer CoordinatorDominic Tremblay
he/him/hisFrench Services and Smarter ScienceEmily Goodson
she/her/hersCo-Ambassador CoordinatorHowdy everyone!! I’m Emily, one of your CWSF ambassadors this year. I was a CWSF finalist five times, and this is my second year as an ambassador – I absolutely love the fair and I’m so excited to meet all the wonderful finalists this year. I’m from a very small town in Southern Ontario, I grew up in the countryside. We have cattle, ducks, and I work my summers as a beekeeper and on the farm. I’m currently at Guelph University studying Environmental Science, majoring in Ecology, and minoring in French. I’ve got loads of hobbies, you’ll likely catch me playing the guitar, riding my dirt bike, or having campfires in the summer. Come and chat with me at the fair – I am SO hyped to meet everyone and hear about finalist projects and yourselves.
Gerone Dimalanta
he/him/hisAmbassadorHi! My name is Gerone, and I live in Regina, Saskatchewan 🌾. I’m thrilled to be returning for my third year as a CWSF ambassador! It’s hard to believe it has been exactly 10 years since I was a finalist in Fredericton—I am excited to relive the memories and to experience the magic from a new perspective.
By day, I’m a passionate Grade 6 French Immersion teacher 🍎⚜️, and I love inspiring young minds to explore, question, and grow. Outside the classroom, I keep busy with a variety of hobbies that bring me joy. I’m an avid musical theatre enthusiast 🎶, I love hitting the gym with friends 💪, and there’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee at a cozy café ☕️. Most recently, I’ve discovered a love for spin classes 🚴♂️—they’ve become a fun new way to stay active and energized. Totally THE sweaty vibe!
I’m so excited to be part of this year’s fair and can’t wait to connect with all the brilliant young scientists and innovators. Come and chat with me! Let’s make this another incredible CWSF! 💡🔭🧪
Hana Haytaoglu
she/her/hersAmbassadorHi everyone! I’m Hana! I’m in my third year of Forensic Biology at Ontario Tech University, where I row for the varsity team. 🚣♀️
I first caught the CWSF bug as a finalist in Fredericton 2019, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to come back full-circle, this time as an ambassador. Since then, I’ve chased adventure around the globe: teaching English in Costa Rica and Thailand, and backpacking across Europe for three unforgettable months. ✈️🌍
When I’m not in the lab or on the water, you’ll find me lifting at the gym, laughing with friends, or battling for board‑game glory. I’m also a country‑music super‑fan who lives for concerts, beach days, and summer bonfires. 🎶🌅🔥
Science fairs changed my life, and I can’t wait to trade stories, cheer you on, and help make this the best CWSF yet. Come say hi—I’d love to hear about your projects and make some great memories together!
Hannah Allen
she/her/hersAmbassadorHayden Persad
he/him/hisCo-Ambassador CoordinatorHello! I’m Hayden, and I am super excited to represent CWSF once again as an ambassador. Having journeyed through the CWSF four times as a finalist and embraced the role of an ambassador last year, I am thrilled to see all of you again and make new friends. I am from a small town in British Columbia called Creston. In the winter months I enjoy spending my time skiing, while summer days are spent on the trails. My academic pursuits have led me to the University of British Columbia, where I learn all aspects of science. It is my mission to meet all of you so come say hi!
Issa Ammari
he/him/hisSponsorship CoordinatorJessica Yemen
she/her/hersAmbassadorHey everyone! My name is Jess, and I am beyond excited to be an ambassador for CWSF this year! I was a finalist back in 2016, 2018 and 2019 and I was an ambassador last year in Ottawa 2024! I’m from the town of Petawawa, Ontario – not too far from Ottawa! I just finished my B.Sc at McMaster University in the Honours Biology- Physiology Research Program and will be graduating in June! Outside of academics, I run on the McMaster Cross country track team, I love doing almost anything outdoors, spending time with family and friends, drawing and reading! I’m also a country music fan and I love coffee! I am looking forward to meeting you all and can’t wait to see all your amazing projects!
Jordan Bowman
he/him/hisTransportation CoordinatorJulia McDevitt
she/her/hersCWSF Fair DirectorYouth Science CanadaKatie Brent
she/her/hersDelegate Experience CoordinatorHello all! I am excited to be returning to Team UV this year as Delegate Experience Coordinator! I am a four-time CWSF alumna from Oakville, ON, though I now live in London, ON.I have pursued a career in skeletal biomechanics research, having completed degrees at McMaster University and the University of Toronto. Currently, I am an interdisciplinary doctoral student at Western University. I can’t wait to meet everyone during the week. Feel free to ask me for a bone fact!
Laurissa Christie
she/her/hersStore Manager/Participant Experience SupportArctic marine biologist
Figure skating coach
CWSF alumni and super-fan
All round lover of outdoor adventure
Liette Philippe
she/her/hersSchool Visits, STEM Expo and Travel ManagerLori Murray
she/her/hers Administrative CoordinatorLori Murray is the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Lori started her career with Youth Science Foundation Canada in December 2004. Lori is responsible for special award sponsors, CWSF registration, working closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Director on finances and supporting the Executive Director on a daily basis. She is also the Regional Coordinator for the YSC Virtual Regional Fair and is the Team Canada-ISEF Fair Director and organizes all logistics for the Team and chaperones. Lori also organizes all logistics for Team Canada-MILSET. Lori was presented with the Youth Science Canada Distinguished Service Award in 2015 for her outstanding work for the organization. Lori’s favourite part of her job is speaking with the 100 regions across the country.
Marc Roussel
he/him/his
Marc Roussel
he/him/hisMargot Wassenaar-Faber
she/her/hersSchool Visits and Safety Check CoordinatorMelina Found
she/her/hersmySTEMspace DirectorMolly Baxendale
she/her/hersEvent AssistantNicholas Qiu
he/him/hisAmbassadorHey there! My name is Nicholas Qiu, and I was a CWSF Finalist back in 2021 while the fair was online. As this will be my first in-person fair, I am especially excited to experience the fair and meet all the finalists. I just finished my last year at Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry! I am very passionate about organic/materials chemistry, where I study bio-imaging applications of fluorescent compounds. Outside of school, I love playing badminton, going on hikes, playing League of Legends and volunteering in my community. If you have any general science or chemistry questions, feel free to chat with me about them. I can’t wait to see all of your amazing projects and look forward to meeting you all!
Phylecia Ferguson
she/her/hersLab Tour Coordinator/ Tour Day CoordinatorHi everyone! I’m so excited to be part of Team UV this year as your Lab Tour Coordinator and Tour Day Coordinator! I was a CWSF Finalist back in 2018 and 2019, so it feels extra special to be returning, again! I graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences, where I specialized in Population and Public Health. In my final year, I worked with the City of Ottawa to help design health programs within our community. After that, I studied Respiratory Therapy (which is all about how we breathe and how our heart and lungs work together!), and earned my certification in Infection Prevention and Control from Queen’s University. Now, I work in Perinatal Health, specifically in Advances in Labour and Risk Management – a fancy way of saying we get to celebrate a lot of birthdays! I am so excited to meet you all and help make your CWSF week full of fun and STEM magic – let’s get learning!
Rayirth Sivakumar
he/him/hisAmbassadorReni Barlow
he/him/hisExecutive DirectorSamantha Unger
she/her/hersParticipant Experience SupportSaskia van Beers
she/her/hersSchool Visits & STEM Expo TeamShaan Baig
he/him/hisAmbassadorHi everyone! My name is Shaan and I am very excited to be one of the CWSF Ambassadors this year! I myself was a CWSF finalist in 2015 and 2016. I am originally from Brossard, Quebec, but currently reside in the United Kingdom where I am completing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. I previously completed my BSc at Concordia University and my MSc in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. When I am not in the lab playing with stem cells or super resolution microscopy, where my research has focused on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, I enjoy playing on the Cambridge varsity hockey and lacrosse team. This has allowed me to play across Europe and be a part of the oldest rivalry in hockey! Outside of that, I enjoy exploring cafes, cycling to Taylor Swift, and spending quality time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you all at the fair in Fredricton!
Stuart McKelvie
he/him/hisCommunications ManagerYouth Science CanadaHi 👋
I’m Stu, the Communications Manager at Youth Science Canada. You may know me as the guy sending you a bunch of emails all the time, or maybe as the tall guy at CWSF, always walking around with a camera in hand and talking with a funny Aussie accent. At YSC, I’m responsible for most of the internal and external communication pieces so expect to keep hearing lots from me over the next few months. I’ve created the new Regional Network community for regional STEM fair committee members; I host the Why to How podcast, and I run the youth-focused Discord server called the purpleSTEMwave.
Feel free to reach out anytime to say hi and tell me what’s happening in your world. I also like talking about mountain activities, most sports, software & technology, and creative pursuits.
Thanks for being a part of this community. You are immensely appreciated and are quite literally shaping the future of Canada just by being here. You’re amazing!
Tasnia Nabil
she/her/hersAmbassadorTrevor Maguire
he/him/hisBoard of DirectorsZoe Gagnon
she/her/hersAmbassadorHi everyone! My name is Zoe and I am a Team UV Ambassador this year at CWSF. I was a CWSF finalist at the 2019 fair, and a member of Team UV at the 2022 and 2023 fairs as well! I am from Port Colborne, Ontario, which is about 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls or from St. Catharines, where I go to school. I completed my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, and am currently working on my Master’s of Science in Neurobiology, both at Brock University. Most recently I’ve had the opportunity to travel and live in Berkeley California, working on an internship in RNA biology! I absolutely love studying the brain because of how diverse the field of research is! In my undergrad, I had the chance to study muscle contraction in fruit flies, and currently, I am studying learning and memory in the adult mouse brain. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing basketball, hiking, reading, and listening to Taylor Swift. A fun fact about me is that I love animals and I have a dog, a tank of fish, a snail, and an axolotl, all as my pets. Feel free to chat with me at the fair!