9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ

Surgical and Interventional Sciences Graduate Student Society

9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ

Surgical and Interventional Sciences Graduate Student Society (ESGSS) is a student-run organization representing all graduate students registered in the Department of Surgical and Interventional Sciences at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ.

We are here to work for, represent, and to support you, the graduate students, residents, and post-docs. We will be hosting various events throughout the year, both academic and social, and we'll use Facebook to keep you all connected. We are here to provide you with information and answer any questions, so feel free to post in the Facebook forum or to contact any of the exec members at any time. We hope to get to know each of you, here's to a great year!Ìý

Visit us on for events and news!

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President

Name: Muskan Alad PhD 4

Supervisor: Dr. Fackson Mwale

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title:ÌýShort LN Modulates Inflammasome Activity in Intervertebral Discs through Interaction

E-mail address: muskan.alad [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Nadiad, Gujarat.

Welcome to Surgical and Interventional Sciences at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ! As the President of ESGSS, my goal is to enhance your academic journey within our department. My own experience of pursuing online studies from my home country while working as a surgeon during the Pandemic, and then transitioning to a new country and educational system, always felt overwhelming. I understand the need for ample support, a listening ear, and resources to connect with the right people. My role is to be the bridge between our students and faculty, assisting in all possible ways. Never hesitate to reach out with any issues you might experience as a student, and I hope to see you at our upcoming events!

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VP Academic

Name: Pegah Rahimizadeh, PhD 3

Supervisor: Dr. Joanna Przybyl

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Targeting hexosamine biosynthesis pathway for the treatment of leiomyosarcoma and desmoid-type fibromatosis

E-mail address: pegah.rahimizadeh [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Tehran, Iran.

In my role as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Surgical and Interventional Sciences Graduate Student Society (ESGSS), I am eager to coordinate a range of academic events aimed at enhancing the skillsets required for your smoother academic journey within our department. Your valuable participation is highly encouraged, and I invite you to share any ideas to make our department's events more fruitful. Please don't hesitate to contact me whenever you need to raise an issue; your concerns are important. I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming events.

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VP Communications

Name: Saniya Pamnani, Ph.D 2

Supervisor: Dr. Annie Phillip

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Impaired TGF-β receptor internalization is associated with reduced TGF- receptor II-caveolin-1 interaction in scleroderma fibroblasts

E-mail address: saniya.pamnani [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Kolkata, India

Hello everyone! I'm Saniya Pamnani, a PhD student at the Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences. My experience with ed-tech platforms and as a managing editor for my college newsletter has fueled my passion for communication and digital outreach. I have honed skills in managing social media, maintaining websites, and creating engaging content. As VP Communications, my primary focus will be on addressing the needs and expectations of every student. I am committed to ensuring that all members stay informed, and engaged, and feel genuinely connected to our community. My aim is to enhance visibility and communication by crafting compelling content and fostering active engagement. I am eager to connect with each of you, whether in person or via social media, to answer questions and address any concerns. By prioritizing clear and effective communication, I will work to keep everyone updated on important events and society activities.

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VP Finance

Name: Tarek Klaylat Ph.D 2

Supervisor: Dr. Rahul Gawri

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Fabricating optimized implantable bioengineered ligament grafts for enhanced ligament repair

E-mail address: tarek.klaylat [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon.

Welcome to Surgical and Interventional Sciences at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ! As the VP Finance of ESGSS, I oversee all the financial transactions and the budget of the student society. In addition, I work closely with other council members to organize academic and extracurricular events. As a previous class president and treasurer, I have experience in managing budgets and organizing curricular and extra-curricular events. I aim to utilize my previous experience to fulfill the duties of VP Finance and work with the other members of the student society to organize exciting events.

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VP Internal

Name: Asmita Ghosh, MSc 2

Supervisor: Dr. Nicoletta Eliopoulos

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Gene-modified Mesenchymal stem cells as Delivery vehicle for the treatment of Breast cancer

E-mail address: asmita.ghosh [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Kolkata, India

I'm a second-year MSc student, and VP Secretary in the Surgical and Interventional Sciences Graduate Student Society (ESGSS). My core responsibilities include documenting meeting minutes, maintaining business association records, and assisting the president. I aim to ensure transparent communication, seamless collaboration and unity among graduate students, residents, and post-docs in our department. By actively engaging with incoming and ongoing students, I hope to enhance the ESGSS experience through meaningful events and social gatherings, thereby facilitating positive changes in our community. Together, we will fortify the ESGSS and create a supportive society.

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VP External

Name: Eleane Hamburger, Ph.D 5

Supervisor: Dr. Rosenzweig

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Adjuvant Therapy Using Senolytic Drugs to Prevent Breast-to-Bone Metastasis

E-mail address: eleane.hamburger [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dear all, my name is Eleane and I am a PhD student in the Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences. As VP External I will represent our department during PGSS general meetings. I will work towards continued communication and aid in boosting relations between graduate departments. In my previous university studies, I co-chaired various committees including The Mental Health Awareness Committee, Society for Conservation Biology, and The Concussion Awareness Committee. Voting for me means continuing the path of clear communication between departments and giving opportunities for our student voices to be heard whilst obtaining key information to aid us in upholding values that ensure a safe, profound, and educational environment.

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PhDÌýOmbudsperson​

Name: Varsha Reddy Durgempudi, Ph.D 3

Position: Ph.D Ombudsperson

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project Title: Role of soluble CD109 in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

E-mail address: varsha.durgempudi [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Hyderabad, India.

Hello! I’m Varsha, a 3rd year PhD student in the Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences. As the PhD Ombudsperson of ESGSS, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and harmonious research ecosystem. With a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being and rights of doctoral students, I pledge to champion transparency and fairness, and I envision a nurturing atmosphere where doctoral candidates revive and thrive. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!

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Master's Ombudsperson​

Name: Suman Ali, MSc Non-thesis

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

E-mail address: suman.ali [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Pakistan

My name is Suman, and I hold a BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology from 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Surgical and Interventional Sciences with a concentration in Oncology. I am passionate about student advocacy and problem-solving, which is why I am interested in the position of Master’s Representative to Council/Student Ombudsperson. I want to be in a position that can equip me effectively to support students in resolving issues with supervisors or departmental challenges, and I aim to foster an environment where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed

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Health and Wellness Representative

Name: Temitope Grace Joshua, Ph.D 3

Program: Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences

Project title: Improving Shared Decision-Making in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) with Permanent Colostomy vs. Restorative Proctectomy.

E-mail address: temitope.joshua [at] mail.mcgill.ca

Hometown: Nigeria

Welcome to Surgical and Interventional Sciences at 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ! As the Health, Wellness, Equity, and Diversity Representative of (ESGSS), I am dedicated to promoting initiatives that prioritize the physical and mental well-being of all members while advocating for inclusivity and equity. My goal is to create a supportive, diverse community within our department by ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering spaces that celebrate diversity and belonging. In my role, I strive to cultivate an environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive. By collaborating with peers and faculty, I work to ensure that everyone's voices and needs are heard and addressed. I look forward to connecting with you all at our upcoming events!

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