AIMSS UAlberta chapter
Student Elections
Meet the candidates running for the 2024-2025 AIMSS UAlberta executive team!
President
Nazila Ameli
I am Nazila, a passionate orthodontist and currently immersed in my Ph.D. journey in Dentistry, exploring the AI applications in health. As the recent President of AIMSS (2023-2024), I've led the charge in fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of innovation within our dental community. My research delves deep into how AI can revolutionize patient care and streamline our processes, blending my clinical background with cutting-edge technology. In addition to my role as President, I've also been deeply involved as an academic member, enriching my leadership experience and insights. Now, I'm enthusiastic about putting myself forward for the AIMSS presidency. With my distinctive combination of skills and outlook, I'm committed to guiding AIMSS to new levels of success, advocating for innovations that will influence the global landscape of healthcare.
Samar Barazesh
Hi everyone! My name is Samar Barazesh and I am running to be the President of the the UAlberta Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Students Society (AIMSS) for a second term. I just finished my first year of MSc in Public Health. I have served as President of the Pre-Medical Students Association, the Students Invested in Health Association, and of course, the UAlberta AIMSS. My academic experience as a leadership scholar and practical experiences as Councillor with Students Council and General Faculties Council, member of the Foundations Council for the Women's Health Coalition, and mentor with multiple organizations has equipped me with the skills to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of President. In addition to the work we have done this past year, part of my vision is for AIMSS to assemble a team to build an innovative, AI-based solution to a healthcare problem that can compete at AI competitions in Canada.
Vice President
Rojin Adabdokht
Hello, I'm Rojin, and I'm thrilled to be running for the Vice President position at AIMSS. As a dentist specializing in data science, I've seen firsthand the incredible potential of AI in transforming healthcare. I believe AIMSS should be a beacon of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds in engineering and healthcare to pioneer new solutions and bridge the gap between these two vital fields. I hope we can create collaboration opportunities where engineering and healthcare can work together to drive meaningful changes. During my time at the University of Alberta, I've been privileged to serve as an executive member of the School of Dentistry Student Research Group and the graduate student representative. With my background in student leadership and my passion for both healthcare and AI, I am dedicated to working closely with the president to elevate AIMSS to new heights. Together, we can create a future where technology enriches healthcare for everyone.
Adnan Jasim
I have a plethora of experiences that I belive will directly translate into me being an excellent fit for the role of Vice President of AIMSS. I have previously held the position of House Captain for my high school, which involved delegation of tasks to my fellow council members, communication with peers about hosting events, giving and receving reports from my co-president. I am also proficient in Asana, and handled an organization in Microsoft Teams, so I believe I am more than capable of managing the administration folder. I have also handled communication for a TedX event, contacting prospective speakers, drafting a budget plan and securing sponsorships for the same. All this leads me to believe that I will be an excellent fit for the role of Vice President of AIMSS.
%20-%20Yaatheshini%20Ashok%20Kumar.jpg)
Yaatheshini Ashok Kumar
Hey everyone, I'm excited to run for Vice President of AIMSS! From the moment I learned about the potential for doctors to perform surgeries on patients miles away through innovative technology, I've been fascinated by the endless possibilities and diverse applications of our field. As Vice President, I aim to foster more engagement and excitement among students about the practical applications of computing science in the medical field. I believe in hands-on learning and want to organize workshops and projects that showcase how AI can revolutionize healthcare. I'm also keen on connecting with symposiums and events across Canada. I aim to send interested and driven students to participate in these events, broadening their horizons and contributing to our club's network. Together, let's explore the endless possibilities of AI in medicine and make a real impact on campus and beyond. Thank you for considering me for this role!
Devaanshu Kundu
Being a part of AIMSS for the last two years has given me the experience needed to take on the larger role of Vice President within AIMSS. I have worked closely with the current and past executive teams in taking initiative in helping smoothly running events, as well as undertaking external opportunities to raise awareness about AIMSS. Furthermore, I am currently undertaking a nursing degree and performing research in the field of AI ethics within my faculty. I believe that I can bring forth a new perspective for our student community to explore in the realm of AI ethics and how AI may change healthcare scopes of practice. I also have experience serving as executive members in other student initiatives and have continually developed important skills such as team facilitation, collaboration, and organizational skills. My personal strengths of resilience and determination will also be key in helping make sure that AIMSS is headed in the right direction.
Samar Barazesh
Hi everyone! I'm Samar Barazesh and I'm running to be the Vice President of the the UAlberta Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Students Society (AIMSS). I just finished my first year of MSc in Public Health. I served as President of the the UAlberta AIMSS this past year and have previously served as President of the Pre-Medical Students Association and the Students Invested in Health Association. My academic experience as a leadership scholar and practical experiences as Councillor with Students Council and General Faculties Council, member of the Foundations Council for the Women's Health Coalition, and mentorship experience has equipped me with the skills to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of President. In addition to the work we have done this past year, part of my vision is for AIMSS to assemble a team to build an innovative, AI-based solution to a healthcare problem that can compete at AI competitions in Canada.
VP External
%20-%20Yaatheshini%20Ashok%20Kumar.jpg)
Yaatheshini Ashok Kumar
Hey everyone, I'm excited to also run for Vice President External for AIMSS! As VP of External, I'll develop and maintain relationships with various external organizations. This includes AI institutions, AI companies, STEM organizations, youth education groups, funding organizations, and student groups. I'll keep a detailed, updated database of these contacts to ensure we stay connected and informed about potential opportunities for collaboration. I will also communicate potential opportunities and collaborations from these external organizations to our team. I'll also actively seek internship and employment opportunities within the local medical AI industry, providing valuable pathways for our members to explore. Let's strengthen our connections with external partners, expand our network, and create meaningful opportunities for our members. Thank you for considering me for this role!
Kathryn Strembitsky
Hi everyone! My name is Samar Barazesh and I am running to be the President of the the UAlberta Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Students Society (AIMSS) for a second term. I just finished my first year of MSc in Public Health. I have served as President of the Pre-Medical Students Association, the Students Invested in Health Association, and of course, the UAlberta AIMSS. My academic experience as a leadership scholar and practical experiences as Councillor with Students Council and General Faculties Council, member of the Foundations Council for the Women's Health Coalition, and mentor with multiple organizations has equipped me with the skills to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of President. In addition to the work we have done this past year, part of my vision is for AIMSS to assemble a team to build an innovative, AI-based solution to a healthcare problem that can compete at AI competitions in Canada.
Adnan Jasim
I have handled communication for a TedX event, which involved contacting prospective speakers, securing sponsorships, and working with team members and external organziations to ensure the entire event went exactly as planned with no hiccups. I also have good relations with Amaan Mohammed (incoming president of UACS), Jacob Kattikaran (current and incoming president of the Mens' Health Group) and other executives of student groups, and believe we can work together to co-host various events on campus. As House Captain of my high school, I also handled a Microsoft Teams organization and shared cloud folder, therefore I know I can maintain the outreach folder on Google Drive. All this leads me to believe that I will be an excellent fit for the role of VP External of AIMSS.
Steel McDonald
I am a 1st year Masters student in the Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging. Under the supervision of clinician scientist and MSK radiologist Dr Jacob Jaremko, as well as associate professor Dr. Abhilash Hareendranathan, my work focuses on augmenting medical imaging modalities, including point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography, with artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, my roles pertain to implementation science, ensuring proper delivery of technologies developed in our lab into healthcare systems. Because of this, I have made strong communications with external organizations such as AMII, AbSPORU, AHS, and Arthritis Society Canada. I am interested in the VP External position as making connections with external companies is an aspect of my work that I thoroughly enjoy and would like to continue with through AIMSS.
VP Education
Rojin Adabdokht
Hello, I'm Rojin, and I am excited to run for the VP Education position at AIMSS. As a dentist specializing in data science, I've witnessed the transformative power of AI in healthcare.I believe that AIMSS should be a hub of educational excellence, nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. It should bring together the brightest minds in engineering and healthcare to pioneer innovative solutions and bridge the gap between these crucial fields. My journey at the University of Alberta has been one of growth and discovery, and I'm honored to have been an executive member of the School of Dentistry Student Research Group and the graduate student representative. With my experience in student leadership and my passion for both healthcare and AI, I am committed to working tirelessly to enhance the educational experience at AIMSS. Together, we can create a future where technology enhances healthcare for all.
Masoud Mirimoghaddam
I am a dedicated researcher with a deep interest in the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. I hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's in Medical Sciences from the University of Alberta. My passion for clinical research and conducting translational studies to enhance patient outcomes has motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. combined with specialty training in Periodontics at the University of Alberta, starting in Fall 2024. Having been involved in several AI and data analytical projects, I recognize the significant potential of the application of AI in healthcare research. I am eager to contribute my expertise to the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Student Society, with the goal of fostering educational and research initiatives that explore AI's transformative role in medical research and broader healthcare applications.
Mohcene Maher Bouceneche
I am highly interested in becoming the Vice of President of Research in AIMSS UAlberta Chapter after having served as Director of Research this year. My dedication to explore the intersection of my education (computing science) with my passion (medical research) motivates me to further engage with AIMSS. I'm experienced in this kind of interdisciplinary research through my work as a Research Assistant (in Computational Psychiatry Lab) in which we use machine learning models to optimize the treatment of brain disorders. Moreover, I have served as a Reviewer for the Spectrum undergraduate research journal which helped me know more about other areas of research other than mine. Finally, I am a peer tutor in the University of Alberta; it is a very valuable experience I had which gave me the chance to grow my interpersonal skills and become trained at simplifying complex concepts and delivering information to different kinds of audience.
Mahshid Nik Ravesh
As a second-year M.Sc. student in dentistry with a specialization in AI, I am uniquely positioned to excel in the role of VP Education within the Medical Student Society. My experience as VP Logistics has provided me with invaluable insights into event coordination and teaching logistics, evidenced by my successful design and coordination of teaching events throughout 2023-2024, including SCIENCE Fun DAY. During this time, I demonstrated my ability to effectively plan and execute educational initiatives, ensuring their smooth operation and success. Furthermore, my background as a sim-lab instructor and tutor underscores my aptitude for educational leadership
Kevin Ding
Hi, I'm Kevin, an Honors Computing Science student heading into my third year, and I'm thrilled to be running for the position of VP Education! With my background working as a teaching assistant, I've developed a passion for educating others, especially in areas where I have a deep interest—such as the intersection of technology and healthcare. My experience in teaching assistance, conducting research, and tutoring has equipped me with the skills needed to coordinate and develop the AIMSS AI in Medicine course, and provide invaluable support to students. As I begin working on my research project this summer that intersects AI technology and healthcare, I'm eager to leverage my expertise to find external educational resources and connect with potential guest speakers. As VP Education, I'm committed to supporting members and learners in AIMSS, and the broader effort of advocating for the integration of medical AI into the Canadian medical curriculum.
Riya Patel
Hello, I'm Riya Patel, and I am excited to run for the VP Education position at AIMSS. With a Bachelor of Computing Science (Co-op) background and hands-on experience in programming and software development, I bring a strong foundation in technology to support educational initiatives in medical AI. During my tenure as an undergraduate project assistant, I developed educational software projects like a flexible Tic-Tac-Toe game and a Supermarket Billing System using object-oriented programming. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to coordinate the AIMSS AI in Medicine course, develop new content, and engage with guest speakers effectively. If elected, my vision is to enhance educational opportunities within AIMSS by leveraging my technical skills. I aim to develop comprehensive medical AI courses, promote external learning resources, and facilitate collaborations with industry experts to provide valuable insights to our members. Thank you for considering me for this important role. Together, let's drive educational excellence and innovation at AIMSS!
VP Internal
Hritikk Kumar
Applying for this position showcases my skills that I have curated over time due to my involvement in multiple clubs. I am willing to bring these skills to the table and help support the mission of delivering better healthcare through AI. My interest in AI and health care make me much more inclined towards the cause. I will make sure all the information is shared clearly and promptly, keeping everyone in the loop. I handle every inquiry with care, ensuring our community feels connected and valued. I am Hiritikk Kumar, Pursuing undergraduate degree in computing Science.
Riya Patel
Hello, I'm Riya Patel, and I am thrilled to run for the VP Internal position at AIMSS. With a solid background in tutoring and organizing educational activities, I bring a wealth of experience in managing memberships, fostering communication, and delivering engaging content. In my role as a Math/Science Tutor, I honed my skills in building strong relationships with students and colleagues, ensuring clear and effective communication channels. I am adept at utilizing platforms like Slack and MailChimp to streamline communication and engagement. Additionally, my experience coordinating events and educational initiatives has equipped me with the organizational prowess needed for this role. If elected, my vision is to optimize internal communications within AIMSS, ensuring members are well-informed and engaged. I aim to implement innovative strategies to foster a supportive community, leveraging my skills in communication and event coordination to drive impactful initiatives that align with AIMSS' mission and goals. Thank you for considering me for the VP Internal position. Together, let's empower our community and drive AIMSS towards success!
Koyinsola Titiloye
I am a dedicated candidate for the Vice President Internal role in the AIMSS team. With my background in Computer science and experience in membership management and communications, I aim to develop engaging initiatives and campaigns that educate and inspire others to explore the intersection of AI and medicine. Additionally, I am eager to improve the team's effectiveness and impact through my organizational abilities, strategic thinking, and creativity. I'll ensure members stay informed through biweekly newsletters and coordinate elections efficiently. If elected, I hope to, work collaboratively with the executive team to advance the goals and objectives of AIMSS.
VP Operations
Shreya Pekhale
My second preference is the VP Operations as I enjoy event planning. I am a good planner and this position is very similar to the one I held as a VP in the club INDSA.
Kathryn Strembitsky
Being with AIMSS since October of 2022, I bring valuable experience from my recent role as VP of Operations at AIMSS as well as previously the Director of operations. This position provided me with a deep understanding of team dynamics, meeting coordination, and organization logistics. Moreover, I have held leadership roles such as VP Creation and Innovation at Raising Hopes, Co-VP events at CFASA, and President of Girl Up Edmonton. At Raising Hopes, I contributed to designing crochet fidget toys for our ER compassion bags and spearheaded project ideas and events at the Misericordia hospital. Over my three-year experience as president of Girl Up, I led initiatives including a bottle and clothing drive, social media campaigns, partnerships with local women-owned businesses, and various fundraising events. If elected as VP Operations, I will leverage these experiences not only to ensure events run smoothly, but that they are engaging and innovative to the field of AI.
VP Communications
Shreya Pekhale
My first choice is the VP Communications as I enjoy managing the social accounts for a club. I understand how to promote/market a particular event. I enjoy creating content that is catchy. I was the VP Communications for AIMSS this year and I had fun designing posters/certificates for various events that were hosted. I have also been the VP Communications for different clubs like INDSA, CASUA, and WEW.
VP Research
Taiye Alawiye
For the position of VP research, I am prepared to contribute effectively to AIMSS's mission as a club. As I am in my first year of master's in the School of Public Health my research focuses on pediatric rheumatology, specifically Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), leading to a master's thesis on improving the quality of life for children with JIA. In my research, I delved deeply into children's experiences with JIA, hoping to unearth insights and innovative strategies for increasing their well-being. I am dedicated to using my passion and expertise to guide AIMSS toward relevant research programs if appointed VP Research. I would seek to transform information into actionable undertakings that have the potential to alter pediatric rheumatology and other fields within healthcare.
Devaanshu Kundu
Being a part of AIMSS for the last two years has given me the necessary experience to succeed as the VP research. I have worked closely with the current and past executive teams in taking initiative in helping smoothly running events, as well as undertaking external opportunities to raise awareness about AIMSS. Furthermore, I am currently undertaking a nursing degree and performing research in the field of AI ethics within my faculty. I believe that I can bring forth a new perspective for our student community to explore in the realm of AI ethics and how AI may change healthcare scopes of practice. I look forward to build my research experience and share my love for this field with others. One of my plans is to work with community members to help flesh out various research initiatives, and work on getting them started. I believe that this type of work is vital in paving the path for tomorrow.
Masoud Mirimoghaddam
I am a dedicated researcher with a deep interest in the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. I hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's in Medical Sciences from the University of Alberta. My passion for clinical research and conducting translational studies to enhance patient outcomes has motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. combined with specialty training in Periodontics at the University of Alberta, starting in Fall 2024. Having been involved in several AI and data analytical projects, I recognize the significant potential of the application of AI in healthcare research. I am eager to contribute my expertise to the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Student Society, with the goal of fostering educational and research initiatives that explore AI's transformative role in medical research and broader healthcare applications.
Mohcene Maher Bouceneche
I am highly interested in becoming the Vice of President of Research in AIMSS UAlberta Chapter after having served as Director of Research this year. My dedication to explore the intersection of my education (computing science) with my passion (medical research) motivates me to further engage with AIMSS. I'm experienced in this kind of interdisciplinary research through my work as a Research Assistant (in Computational Psychiatry Lab) in which we use machine learning models to optimize the treatment of brain disorders. Moreover, I have served as a Reviewer for the Spectrum undergraduate research journal which helped me know more about other areas of research other than mine. Finally, I am a peer tutor in the University of Alberta; it is a very valuable experience I had which gave me the chance to grow my interpersonal skills and become trained at simplifying complex concepts and delivering information to different kinds of audience.
Aida Mohammadabadi
As an MSc Dentistry student with a keen interest in AI and a background in Dentistry, I am excited about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. Having completed an AI course, I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills to initiate AI projects in Dentistry. My current Master of Dentistry research project, which explores the linkage between oral health and systemic diseases in children using administrative data, demonstrates my commitment to innovative research at the nexus of healthcare and technology. As VP Research, I envision leading initiatives that integrate AI methodologies into dental and medical research, driving collaboration and impactful outcomes. With a proactive approach to learning and a passion for leveraging AI to enhance patient care, I am ready to contribute to the advancement of our society's research endeavors. Thank you for considering me for this role.
Kevin Ding
Hi there! My name is Kevin, and I'm super excited to be running for VP Research at AIMSS. Heading into my third year of Honors Computing Science, I've had the opportunity to explore the world of research, and I'm eager to bring all aspects of my experience to AIMSS, including the skills and techniques I've learned while working as a research assistant. This upcoming summer, I'll be further immersing myself in research by working on a research project at the intersection of AI technology and healthcare. For this project, I have applied to various research grants and have been offered both the NSERC USRA and the URI research stipend, with a combined value of $14,000. As VP Research, I will bring tangible value to the research program and to AIMSS as a whole. This includes leading research development, securing research funding, and coordinating relations between members and AI researchers.
Steel McDonald
As alluded to in my previous candidate bio, my current research specializes in leading the development and implementation of research conducted in the Northern Institute for Deep Learning in Ultrasound (NIDUS) lab. I would love to contribute the insight and experience I have been gaining through this role to AIMSS in the position as VP Research.
Treasurer
Mahshid Nik Ravesh
My position last year as VP Logistics helped me get familiarized with different roles in AIMSS and I am confident this is a position I can carry out with the experience I have had as a grad-student (from applying for fundings to budget management)
Secretary
Aida Mohammadabadi
As a candidate with a passion for efficient organization and clear communication, I am excited to apply for the Secretary position. Drawing from my previous experience as a team member, I have successfully managed meeting minutes, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth proceedings. Additionally, I have collaborated with fellow team members in task assignment, optimizing efficiency and productivity. My proficiency in platforms like Google Drive has facilitated seamless document management, enhancing accessibility and teamwork. Committed to upholding the standards of transparency and accountability, I am dedicated to facilitating smooth communication and collaboration within our society. If elected as Secretary, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the overall success of our team.
Logistics and Support
Taiye Alawiye
I'm applying for the Innovations and Support position because I'm passionate about bringing about change and making meaningful connections. With my academic concentration on pediatric rheumatology, and notably my master's thesis research on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), I'm committed to reshaping the quality of life for children with JIA. In this capacity, I'll foster an environment of innovative thinking and support activities that defy the standard. This club allows for leading pioneering research collaborations and forming alliances, such as using artificial intelligence to improve healthcare solutions. I'm eager to lend my skills and help advance AIMSS innovation.