Theme: Ripples

Ripples are the waves or disturbances that spread out from the point where a droplet hits the water. The ripple effect is similar, where a small action or event causes a series of effects or consequences that gradually spread out and influence other areas or situations, much like how the ripples expand across the surface of the water. Will the droplet follow a predetermined path? Will you? Perhaps there are events or opportunities that would never have occurred if it were not for that initial droplet. Sometimes, small actions or choices set off a chain of events that lead to unexpected outcomes.

Le National
1220 St Catherine St E
Montreal, Quebec, H2L 2G9
Canada

Asmaa Housni

Doctoral student at the School of Human Nutrition

Asmaa Housni is a Registered Dietitian and third-year PhD student at McGill University, passionate about advancing healthcare through research, innovation, and leadership. Her work focuses on developing technology to enhance self-efficacy in diabetes management while addressing barriers to equitable care. Supported by prestigious research excellence awards, including the CANTRAIN-CIHR doctoral scholarship, she has built a strong academic profile with over 15 scientific publications and 30+ conference presentations. Recognized for her ability to engage diverse audiences, she has received multiple awards for oral presentations and placed third in McGill’s Macdonald Campus My Thesis in 3 Minutes competition. She is also the recipient of the Tomlinson Engagement Award for Mentoring. Beyond academia, Asmaa co-founded a Roots & Shoots chapter to promote sustainability and co-chaired an interprofessional student initiative, earning the Lauréat Avenir Santé award.

Charlie Scholey

Student

Charlie is a U3 student at McGill University, and studies Software Engineering and World Cinemas. He is also the president of McGill Improv, Editor-In-Chief of The Plumber's Faucet, and VP External of the McGill Students' Comedy Club. Whenever he calls home to give his parents an update, they always have to ask if he even goes to class, which he does. Mostly. Over the last few years, he has been lucky enough to get to perform around campus with a variety of different groups, occasionally even getting a laugh from the audience. He came to McGill almost four years ago from his hometown of Toronto, and whenever he goes back he makes sure to cuddle up to his adorable dog, Sloan.

Charlotte Spruzen

Student

Charlotte is a PhD candidate at McGill University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, and stayed for a master’s degree specializing in the oceanic sulfur cycle. Now, she researches sedimentary rock predating the dawn of animal life, aiming to improve our understanding of how microbially-constructed reefs altered ancient climate. She is passionate about teaching others about geology, because an understanding of Earth history and deep time directly lends itself to an appreciation for the natural world. As a result, she does science outreach on social media under the username @charbonate, through which she creates informative videos about the Earth's past, and advocates for the importance of geoscience education.

Erica Mandato

Student

Erica is a 25-year-old student who has been part of the McGill community since 2018. She completed her B.Sc. in Honours Microbiology and Immunology in 2021, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Oncology in 2022. Currently in the final year of her Master of Pathology, Erica was awarded the Canadian Cancer Society Research Training Award in 2023 for her contributions to promoting equity and diversity in cancer research. Beyond her academic pursuits, Erica is passionate about travel, dance, and music. Over the past year, she has explored Asia and Europe, while also immersing herself in salsa lessons and learning the piano. She believes that learning has no age limit and values the courage to embrace new challenges.

Iyngaran Panchacharam

Student

He is an engineer by training, a technologist through experience, and a sustainable humanitarian at heart. Since graduating from McGill seven years ago, he has worked as a consultant, mainly in AI and data strategy, and more recently sustainability. These roles have provided him with unique insights into our interconnected world: where engineers and scientists shape our environment, technologists drive AI innovation, corporate leaders redefine business landscapes, and communities shape our collective values. They've also shown him the value of community-based thinking. This has ignited his fascination with how people come together to achieve common goals and propel society into the future. Driven by this passion, he returned to McGill this September to deepen his expertise in sustainability in engineering.

Michael Zegarelli

Vice President, Project Manager

Michael is an educational keynote speaker who inspires audiences with his insights on mindset, productivity and leadership. Drawing on his experience leading teams and managing complex projects, he focuses on creating frameworks for process optimization. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, Michael has over 15 years of experience in infrastructure advisory and project management, contributing to transformative projects that have shaped cityscapes across Canada. As Vice President, Quebec at Colliers Project Leaders, he continues to explore his passion for building modern cities and is an advocate of forward-thinking approaches to urban development. Michael is currently dedicated to exploring innovative strategies to build and sustain high-performance teams, focusing on collaboration, adaptability, and shared purpose. His commitment to personal growth mirrors his professional ethos, making him a compelling voice for innovation, resilience, and the future of city planning.

Raymond Johnson-Brown

Student and Indigenous Network Manager

Born into an Afro-Mi'kmaq home, they were raised in Calgary, Alberta, before entering the foster care system at age 10. Witnessing intergenerational trauma firsthand—their mother a survivor of Nova Scotia's Home for Colored Children—shaped their purpose. By 18, they committed to ensuring no child would endure what their family faced, leading to a 15-year journey consulting and building programs for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Today, they are a creative storyteller and community advocate, blending their lived experience with a passion for systemic change. As a Two-Spirit person, they explore identity, healing, and collective responsibility in my work, from grassroots advocacy to academic research. Whether through public speaking, directing a documentary, or producing a podcast, they aim to interrogate spaces and reimagine futures, believing that healing intergenerational fractures begins with vulnerability, connection, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Yasmine Elmi

MD-PhD Student

Yasmine Elmi is an MD-PhD student at McGill University dedicated to pursuing a dual career as a clinician and researcher. Her work focuses on addressing health inequities, particularly in maternal and child health and racial health disparities. Her research has been featured in leading academic journals such as The Lancet and highlighted by major media outlets including CBC, CTV, and Radio-Canada. Passionate about creating lasting ripples in healthcare and education, Yasmine is an advocate for mentorship and diversity in STEMM. She actively contributes to the National Youth Mentorship Advisory Council of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Federation of Black Canadians, and Let’s Talk Science’s Black Volunteer Collective. Her efforts to foster equity and inclusion have earned her prestigious accolades like the McCall MacBain Scholarship, the 21 Under 21 Awards, and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch.