Hi, I’m Eric! I’m a PhD candidate in Applied Health Sciences and currently serving my third term as Chair of the GSA Board of Directors. I joined the Board in 2021 and have really enjoyed participating in student advocacy and helping the GSA navigate organizational change. As Chair, I preside over all Board and General Meetings and act as the main liaison between the Board and the GSA President. If you have questions about the Board’s work or have business you’d like us to consider, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at chair@brockgsa.ca.
My PhD research explores how carnosic acid—a natural compound found in rosemary—can help fight lung cancer, using both cell and animal models to understand the molecular mechanisms involved. In addition to research, I teach at the undergraduate level where I’ve served as an instructor in Human Physiology and have been a TA for several courses in Health Sciences and Kinesiology. I’m also passionate about student advocacy and representation. I’ve been involved in collegial governance at Brock as a student-at-large on several senate committees including IT & infrastructure, academic review, graduate studies, and planning priorities & budget advisory.
These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the strength and diversity of Brock’s graduate community, and I’m always eager to help make our campus a more supportive and empowering research and learning environment for grad students.
Bio coming soon!
My name is Mario Berro, and I am proud to serve as the President of the Graduate Students’ Association for the 2025–2026 term. As a graduate student in the MBA program at Brock’s Goodman School of Business, I am passionate about shaping a more connected, inclusive, and empowering experience for all graduate students. I stepped into this role to be a voice for change, to advocate for your needs, amplify your ideas, and build a stronger sense of community.
Before stepping into this role, I worked in national account support at QuickBooks Online Canada, where I developed a strong foundation in client relations, operations, and problem-solving, skills I now bring to my leadership at the GSA. I have always believed in challenging the status quo and finding bold, creative solutions that make student life better, whether that means improving access to services, expanding opportunities for involvement, or building stronger connections between students and the university.
I believe graduate students deserve leadership that listens, acts, and is not afraid to be a little delusional in its ambition. Whether you are here to make a difference, explore new ideas, or simply find your people, I want the GSA to be a place that supports you every step of the way.
Hello, my name is Philip Akoje, a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Humanities specializing in Culture and Aesthetics. My thesis topic is Decoloniality, Masks and Rhizomes. I investigate the intersections of performance of power, gender, and identity in Igala masquerade assemblages in Northern Nigeria through the lens of the posthumanist philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari.
I completed my MA in Studies in Comparative Literature and Arts at Brock University in 2024. Additionally, I was privileged to represent the Faculty of Humanities Graduate Students at GSA of the Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 session. Before coming to Brock University, I was a theatre instructor at the Department of Theatre Arts at Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
As the Vice President of External and University Affairs, I look forward to working with the team to promote the interests of all graduate students. I am excited about this opportunity to serve and be committed to GSA’s vision.
Hello, I’m Ibrahim.
I’m enrolled in the Master of Management (Finance) program at the Goodman School of Business. My research interests lie in asset pricing and sustainable investing.
I am honoured to serve as the Vice President, Student Life and Equity with the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). It’s a privilege to represent you and contribute to providing an inclusive, supportive, and engaging graduate student experience at Brock.
I stand to advocate for graduate students’ interests, promote well-being, and ensure that every voice is heard in key decision-making processes. I’m passionate about initiatives that build community, support academic success, and enhance a sense of belonging for all. I’m also counting on your support to achieve this.
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.
I am a third-year PhD student in Interdisciplinary Humanities. My doctoral research examines contemporary representations of the mother–daughter relationship in artworks created by daughter artists. Through this work, I aim to broaden public understanding of motherhood, family dynamics, and gender roles beyond the academic sphere.
I previously served as a graduate student representative on the GSA External Affairs Committee (2023–2024), and as a board director representing the GSA within the Faculty of Humanities, as well as a student representative on the GEN Committee (2024–2025). For 2025–2026, I will continue advocating for policies that enhance the graduate student experience
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.
Hi! My name is Larissa Lobo, a doctoral candidate in Applied Health Sciences specializing in Epidemiology. My current research focuses on risk behaviour engagement in adolescents and impacts on health. I completed my MHSc in Public Health at Ontario Tech University and enjoy researching pediatric health initiatives and policy. I am a current Director for the GSA and have previously sat on the executive board as the VP External. I am passionate about student policy and want to continue advocating for improved student resources, professional development, and health access needs through my seat on the GSA board.
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!
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.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!