Graduate Geoscience Society

GGS is the Graduate Geosciences Society run by an elected council of graduate students in the Earth Sciences Department at Western University. We represent graduate student interests within the Earth Sciences Department, graduate student body, and within the Faculty of Science. On the council are individual graduate representatives on a number of other Committees and student bodies who act as the liaison between the various groups and the graduate students of Earth Sciences.

Contact Us or Send Suggestions: uwoggs@groups.uwo.ca 

Executive Bios for Fall 2023:

President – Carsyn Cassidy

Carsyn is a 2nd year MSc student in the Department of Earth Sciences. They study the exchange of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes between clay minerals and water to better understand the residence of water in shales, specifically concerned with a potential site for Canada's Deep Geologic Repository for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Outside their studies, Carsyn enjoys indoor rock climbing, reading, drawing, crafting costumes, and playing board games.

Email: ccassi8@uwo.ca

Vice President and SOGS Rep – Ananya Srivastava

Ananya is a 1st year PhD student in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute of Earth & Space Exploration at Western. She studies Martian mineralogy and surface processes with special focus on the upcoming ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. She is passionate about human exploration of extraterrestrial objects and outreach activities in planetary sciences. As GGS Vice President, she looks forward to representation of graduate students at various levels and organizing social events. Outside of academics, Ananya is a calligrapher, artist and enjoys trails and treks.

Email: asriva57@uwo.ca

Secretary – Trevor Matterson

Trevor is a 1st year MSc student in the Department of Earth Sciences. He is studying ore fluid flow and geochemistry of banded ironstones from an area near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. He is characterizing them in order to better understand the paleoenvironment in which they formed, as well as any potential evidence for ore mineralization. Outside of his studies, Trevor enjoys sports (hockey and baseball especially), singing, hiking, and travelling. He is looking forward to being involved in bringing geoscience graduate students together and fostering new relationships that will last well beyond his time at Western.

Email: tmatter@uwo.ca

Treasurer – Claire Gullison

Claire Gullison is a 1st year MSc student in the Department of Earth Sciences. Her current research in the department involves quantifying microplastic pollution along the shores of the great lakes over the last 5 years with Dr. Corcoran. Having been president and treasurer for two years in her undergraduate society at the University of New Brunswick, she feels well prepared for this upcoming year as financial officer. Outside of her studies, Claire enjoys travelling, going on hikes, camping, rock climbing and playing guitar.

Email: cgulliso@uwo.ca

Events Organizer – Janek Urbanski

Janek is a 1st year MSc student in the Department of Earth Sciences. His academic interests are structural and economic geology, and his current research aims to understand the structural controls on the mineralization of an Archean Cu-Au deposit in Northern Quebec. Outside of his studies, Janek enjoys running, biking, skiing, weightlifting, and baking. He is looking forward to working with the GGS team and hopes for a fun and successful academic year for all.

Email: jurbans2@uwo.ca

Graduate and Colloquium Committee Rep - Catheryn Ryan
 
Catheryn Ryan is a 5th-year PhD candidate in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. They study hydrovolcanic environments on Earth with properties similar to Mars and microbial trace fossils within altered volcanic glass. As Colloquium Committee rep, Catheryn aims to improve the diversity of colloquium speakers such that they represent all people interested in geology. In their spare time, Catheryn is an avid rock-climber, sewist, knitter, photographer, and singer in a large LGBTQ+ choir.

Email: cryan73@uwo.ca

SOGS Rep - Mahmoud Bagheri

Mahmoud is a 3rd year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth Sciences. His research is about tsunami Hazard Assessment and tsunami evacuation for the west coast of Canada. Outside their studies, Mahmoud enjoys Politics, Reading, and drawing, he plays Violin and Handpan. He is enthusiastic about coffee, and he always enjoys having coffee and chatting with friends.

Email: mbaghe2@uwo.ca

SOGS Rep - filled by Ananya

Outreach Rep - Tavis Enno

Tavis is pursuing his Master’s in Geology studying economic geology. His research focuses on developing a genetic model for the Archaean Troilus deposit of Quebec through a primarily geochemical lens. His work utilizes a diverse suite of methods to interpret the metallogeny of the deposit. These methods include benchtop and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence, electron probe microanalysis, mass spectrometry, and whole-rock lithogeochemistry in addition to optical microscopy in reflected and transmitted light. The results of his work have been used to delineate new zones of mineralization during exploration of the deposit and greater region. His work lies at the intersection of igneous, metamorphic, and ore petrology which has allowed him to explore many of his research interests- all while performing field work. Outside of work, he can often be found at the Grad Club. He also enjoys hiking, rockhounding, and speaking rudimentary French.
 
Email: tenno@uwo.ca