Hi, I’m Eric and I am honoured to serve as President of the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association for the 2026–2027 term. I am a final-year PhD candidate in Applied Health Sciences, where my research explores the anticancer effects of the plant-derived compound carnosic acid against non-small cell lung cancer, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying those effects. I have been involved with the GSA for several years, including five terms on the Board of Directors and three as Board Chair, and have served on a number of Brock University Senate committees. This experience has given me a clear picture of both the opportunities and the limits of student advocacy at the institutional level. The current funding environment facing universities presents real challenges for graduate students, and a key priority for this term will be ensuring the GSA is responsive to those pressures — whether that means finding ways to fill gaps in available supports or working alongside the university to advocate for better funding from provincial and federal governments. My focus is straightforward: listen to what students need and get it done.
My name is Philip Akoje, a second-year PhD student in Interdisciplinary Humanities. I completed an MA in Studies in Comparative Literature and Arts at Brock University in 2024. I was privileged to serve on the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) executive team for the 2025-2026 session as Vice President, External and University Affairs. I also served on the GSA Board of Directors for the Faculty of Humanities for the 2024-2025 session.
As the Vice President, Student Life and Equity, I look forward to working with the team to promote the interests of all graduate students. I am excited about this new opportunity to gain meaningful experience and be committed to GSA’s vision.
My name is Emeka Obijiaku, and I am honoured to serve as the Vice President, External and University Affairs of the Brock University Graduate Student Association (GSA) for the 2026–2027 academic year. In this role, I am committed to representing the interests of our graduate student community while fostering strong, long-term relationships with organizations that align with the values and mission of the GSA. Through consistent engagement and open communication, I aim to ensure that every graduate student’s voice is heard and meaningfully represented.
I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy (First Class Honours) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and bring several years of leadership experience across both public and private sectors working as a clinical pharmacist. I am a 2023 Fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and currently serve on the 2024 Youth Council of the Sports Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA). In 2025, I had the privilege of participating as a delegate at the Black Leaders in Sport Summit at the House of Commons in Ottawa. Alongside my professional and academic pursuits, I remain actively involved in community service, contributing to various non-profit initiatives focused on health and youth empowerment.
I believe leadership is grounded in the ability to listen, communicate, and act. I look forward to serving the GSA with dedication and integrity, and to working collaboratively to enhance the graduate student experience at Brock.
Bio coming soon!
My name is Valerie Pagnotta, and I am third-year PhD candidate in Applied Health Sciences specializing in Behavioural and Population Health. My research surrounding the social and built environment determinants of unintentional injuries among children and adolescents. I also completed my BSc and MSc in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University, and I have served on the Graduate Students’ Association Board of Directors since 2023.
My name is Huma Khalid, a PhD student in the Joint PhD in Educational Studies (Cognition and Learning) program at Brock University. My research focuses on student–supervisor relationships and their impact on psychological distress among Master’s students, exploring how mentorship, communication, and emotional support shape graduate well-being and motivation. I hold an MPhil in Education and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. Before beginning my doctoral studies, I worked as an Academic Coordinator and Secondary Section Teacher at The Educators School in Lahore, where I led faculty training, curriculum coordination, and student support initiatives.
At Brock, I have served as a Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Educational Studies, contributing to projects on Theory of Mind, adolescent development, and educational well-being. As a Board Member at Large on the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) Board of Directors, I am passionate about amplifying graduate student voices, promoting mental health advocacy, and strengthening equity and community engagement within the graduate student body.
My name is Jessica Goddard-Polly and I am a PhD student in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences specializing in child and youth mental health. My thesis topic is centered around the wellbeing and mental health of siblings of children with mental disorders. I am predominantly investigating the service needs of these siblings to inform organizations that create resources to support them.
I have also completed my Masters (MSc) in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock where I evaluated a school-based and peer-led mental health intervention on help-seeking attitudes in high school students across Canada. I have previously served on the GSA’s Communications and Advancement Committee and currently serve on both this committee and the GSA Board of Directors. I look forward to advocating for graduate students’ needs and continuing to assist in organizing fun and engaging events.
Hello, my name is Tanima Ferdous. I am an international student currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies, with a focus on the Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts of Education. My thesis explores family literacy and forms of knowledge in children’s literature, particularly how these narratives reflect cultural connections and family heritage in the greater Niagara region. I investigate inclusive ways to integrate cultural knowledge for early-grade children.
Before starting my PhD journey, I worked for donor agencies, the National Curriculum Board, and organizations involved in the education system and policy implementation in both the Global South and North for several years. My focus areas have always been social justice, remote education, gender equality, literacy, and quality education.
I am honored to be a board member of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). I look forward to working with the diverse team, promoting student wellness, and advocating for equal and inclusive activities at Brock.
Bio coming soon!
My name is Andrew Bossert, and I am a second-year Master of Science student in Management specializing in Finance at Brock University. My thesis examines the impact of macroeconomic news on mutual funds, focusing on how unexpected announcements such as inflation and employment data affect key U.S. equity mutual fund metrics including returns, volatility, flows, and performance.
I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Brock University in 2024 and have been an active member of the university community since 2020. In addition to my graduate studies, I work with Brock University Learning Services, providing tutoring and academic support to students across multiple disciplines.
As part of the GSA Board of Directors, I represent the collective interests of graduate students and support efforts that strengthen the graduate community at Brock University.