Our Students (Past and Present) - Student Affairs
Welcome to our webpage where we proudly shine a spotlight on the remarkable skills and talents of our diverse and vibrant student community. We firmly believe that our students are the heart and soul of our institution, and this platform is dedicated to celebrating their achievements, passions, and unique contributions. Each showcased student has a story to tell and we hope that their stories inspire you to embrace the boundless possibilities within yourself.
Rithik Choudhary
School of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Software Engineering
As an outstanding and active citizen of the School of Computer Science community, Rithik has displayed exceptional dedication to campus involvement, program outreach, and innovation in enhancing student experience at the University of Guelph. He has taken on numerous leadership roles throughout his academic career including Vice-President External for the Society of Computing and Information Sciences, President of the Guelph Coding Community, and the U of G representative for the non-profit Computing Councils of Canada. Rithik’s work as the Co-Founder and Co-Lead for GryphHacks, U of G’s official representative hackathon, has truly set him apart. In this role, Rithik interviewed, appointed, and led a committee consisting of five departments, bringing together over 30 students across various programs and disciplines. He oversaw budget plans and committee expenditures, venue and catering procurement, marketing, and outreach, among other responsibilities, all while inspiring his team and those around him to become active student leaders on campus.
Ishaka Maharaj
Department of Animal Biosciences, Animal Biology
As a passionate and active member of the University of Guelph community, Ishaka has made significant contributions to U of G through her strong dedication to supporting fellow students. She has worked to build community and promote inclusion and involvement through her participation as an Orientation Volunteer, Bounce Back Facilitator, member of the Innovation Fund committee, and member of the Central Student Association Board of Directors. As a member of the Orientation Team, Ishaka was responsible for planning and executing large-scale events, with a focus on including diverse points of view and student groups. She also created and delivered event-planner training to student leaders, focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. As President of both the Hindu Students Society and the Indian Students Association, Ishaka has been a strong advocate for the representation of Indian students on campus. She has helped to build a sense of community among Indian students and fostered a greater understanding and appreciation for their diverse backgrounds.
Gen Borg
Ph.D. Candidate, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Inorganic Chemistry
Gen is an Anishinaabekwe (Anishinaabe woman) from Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Gen graduated with Honours in the Bachelor of Science Co-op program in 2018, began her Masters in 2020, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry. Throughout her academic journey, Gen has become an advocate for Indigenous women in STEM and an inspiring role model for other First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. Her editorial, “An Indigenous Journey to Belonging”, was published as part of the American Chemical Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Cover Art Series and provides a glimpse into her journey as a leader and Indigenous woman in chemistry. Within the University of Guelph community, Gen has made significant contributions to graduate and all student life through her leadership roles as Co-Chair of the Indigenous Student Society, Vice President of the Guelph Graduate Chemistry Society, as a student representative on President Charlotte Yate’s Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism, and as a laboratory Teaching Assistant.
Bawneet Singh
Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering
Bawneet is an exceptionally involved student leader who upholds the I AM A GRYPHON values of being Determined, Caring, Engaged, Respectful, and Authentic. He is a very engaged student who has taken on multiple roles on campus including working as a Residence Life Assistance, Bounce Back Facilitator, and U of G Social Media Ambassador. As a Residence Assistant, Bawneet is responsible for supporting the transition of around 50 first-year students through the establishment and maintenance of meaningful personal relationships, organization of community building activities, and by providing constant support for these students. Bawneet has also been an active member of the Hospitality and Sustainability Committee, helping to organize events and initiatives that promote sustainability and raise awareness about environmental issues. Their contributions to the committee have been invaluable, and they have demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting positive change in the university community. Additionally, Bawneet has contributed to the academic leadership at UofG through their involvement in the Robotics group, as Vice President of the IEEE Guelph branch, and member of the Cybersecurity group.
Sarina Perchak
MSc Student, Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
Sarina identifies as mixed ancestry (Métis, Irish, Ukrainian) from Treaty One Territory and is a master’s student in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. She is an exceptional scholar and passionate and dedicated community member, student, teaching assistant, and volunteer. Through various food sovereignty and security projects, Sarina takes on a community activator role. She has been an impactful member of Wisahkotewinowak, an urban Indigenous Garden collective that provides land-based learning and cultural sharing through gardening and a weekly food distribution program for Indigenous families. Sarina has also ensured that U of G students are aware of local opportunities to strengthen their relationship with the land and learn about Indigenous food sovereignty. With White Owl Native Ancestry, Sarina facilitated a youth-led research project that documented land-based experiences and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Kitchener region. The project was a great success, and was later exhibited in a gallery, published online, and shown at the Human Rights Film Festival.
Saksham Sharma
BSc. Honours Biological Science, Computer Science
Saksham is an engaged student leader who has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the student experience at UofG through his involvement in various student initiatives, clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Saksham has participated as an outstanding Orientation Volunteer, Orientation Volunteer Team Leader, Bounce Back Facilitator, and student staff in the Department of Physics. Saksham has shown his dedication and work ethic in his role with the Indian Students’ Association (ISA), where he has worked with a team to foster community, share his culture, and celebrate the achievements of Indian students on campus. During the pandemic, Saksham went above and beyond in his role as part of the social media and content development team in the Department of Physics by assisting with the pivot to an online lecture system and livestream model and helped to grow the department’s YouTube channel to nearly half a million views. Saksham’s work continues to enhance student learning with the innovative creation of novel teaching technologies and methods.
Gaurav Kapali
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Biological and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Gaurav became actively involved campus life for the first time as an upper-year student coming out of the COVID-19 lockdowns and has since become a champion for the advancement of programs that fully engage students at the University of Guelph. Gaurav actively supports various clubs on campus and makes efforts to engage others whenever possible. As co-founder of the SciArt Club, Gaurav turned to communal art making in order to help himself, and many of his peers, cope with the mental health challenges that were heightened after the pandemic. Gaurav is also an extremely committed and driven member of the executive team at Engineers Without Borders Guelph. His invaluable contributions have positively affected many projects involving fair trade, food sustainability, and reducing waste through reusable mugs has demonstrated his commitment to environmental sustainability. Throughout his campus involvement over the last year, Gaurav has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the improvement of student life and engagement at U of G. He has found many opportunities to share his passion for ethical and sustainable practices with his peers, creating a lasting positive impact on the campus community.
Laura Gillis
Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (B.I.E.S.P.)
Laura is a Métis ikwe (Métis woman) from Calgary, Alberta, who moved to Ontario to pursue her degree in the Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Stewardship. Laura has emerged as a strong student leader by actively being involved in campus life. Laura has taken part in over 20 Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) and Indigenous Student Society (ISS) events alone. These have included START Indigenous, O-week events, various Edlers circles, drum circles, beading and crafting events and info sessions. Laura has quickly become a role model to many students, showing respect and care for all those around her. She became Secretary of the Indigenous Student Society going above and beyond in meetings, running events, and filling in wherever needed. It is exceedingly rare for a first-year student to appear with the confidence and self-awareness needed to successfully take on such a responsibility and Laura has thrived in the role. Laura has also become actively involved as a student staff member of the Indigenous Student Centre where she has been tasked with many responsibilities including welcoming students, supporting staff, engaging in various events with Elders, knowledge keepers and community members, and touring the ISC.