An Executive Committee of elected members meets regularly to carry out duties as described by our Bylaws. Feel free to contact the Executive Committee members directly, or see below for information about Stewards, which represent and work with members at the departmental level.
2025-2026 Executive Committee
President:
Ikeoluwapo B. Baruwa
Ikeoluwapo B. Baruwa is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University and the elected President of PSAC 901. He has previously served as a union steward and occupational health and safety officer. He is known for his strong leadership, community engagement, and commitment to improving the working conditions of graduate workers
Email: presidentpsac901@gmail.com
Vice President Postdoctoral Scholars:
Shideh Ahmadi
Meet Shideh Ahmadi, our Postdoctoral Scholar in the Chemistry Department! Shideh’s research interests lie in applied quantum chemistry, density functional theory, and catalysis with a focus on multiscale modelling. When she’s not in the lab, she loves to spend time with family and friends, and is passionate about cooking and baking.
Email: vppd.psac901@gmail.com
Vice President Community Relations:
Elliot Goodell Ugalde
Elliot Goodell Ugalde is the Vice-President (Community) of PSAC 901, a PhD student specializing in political economy, Elliot is a committed labour activist and organizer. Before joining 901, he was active in CUPE 3906, leading campaigns for improved working conditions and tenant rights. He currently serves as a board member of the Kingston & District Labour Council (KDLC) delegate to the Ontario
Email: vpc.psac901@gmail.com
Vice President International Workers:
Sanjo Abolarin
Sanjo is a PhD Candidate in Geography and Planning at Queen’s University, researching social and environmental justice in resource extraction. As an international scholar, he brings his lived experience to his new role, alongside a proven track record in union advocacy. Sanjo is committed to challenging discriminatory policies, amplifying the voices of international TAs, RAs, and postdocs, and building a stronger, more inclusive union for all.
Email: vpi.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Vice President Research Assistants:
Jessie Hendricks
Jessie is a PhD student from the Faculty of Education studying how generative AI has, is, and will impact the academic lives of higher education students and faculty. Jesse has devoted many of her elective credits to exploring her interests in biology and earth sciences. Jessie has held RAships across multiple departments at two institutions. She brings this experience, along with her commitments to advocacy and community, to her role as Co-VPRA. When not studying or working as a Research Assistant and/or Teaching Assistant, you’re likely to find Jessie playing video games at home while snuggling with her two cats.
Email: vpra.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Vice President Research Assistants:
Katie Middleton
Hi everyone! I’m Katie (she/her), I’m a Masters student in the department of Global Development Studies, and I’m the incoming co-VP RA. I’m excited to work with the team to build community, advocate for our membership, and carry the momentum we have built as a union forward into the coming year. My platform revolves around strengthening existing, and creating novel spaces for RAs to build solidarity with one another, share our struggles and strengths as a community, and work together to build our visibility and impact in the academic and wider community at Queen’s.
Email: vpra.psac901@gmail.com
Equity Officer:
Nancy Mỹ Nghi La
My name is Nancy Mỹ Nghi La (she/her), and I am the newly elected Equity Officer of PSAC 901. I’m currently pursuing my PhD in the Department of English at Queen’s University, where I previously served as Chair of the I-EDIAA Committee, and where I continue to serve as a union steward. More recently, I was a member of the Bargaining Team for PSAC901 Unit 1. Before my time at Queen’s, I was an active union organizer with the BC General Employees’ Union and served as a clerk in the BC Supreme and Provincial Courts. In my new role as Equity Officer, I plan to center community organizing in social justice campaigns that represent the diversity of our union, giving members the platform and autonomy needed for grassroot liberation movements that reimagine labour activism outside of colonial constructs.
Email: equity.psac901@gmail.com
Information Officer:
Jesyka Traynor
Jesyka Traynor is a PhD Candidate in The Department of English Literature and Creative Writing. Her research focuses on Californian eco-fiction. Her secondary research area lies in criminology. In her spare time, she likes to do crafts of any variety. She also loves thrifting, ice cream, the ocean, and dogs.
Email: info.officer.psac901@gmail.com
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 11am-1pm, Robert Sutherland 551
Occupational Health and Safety Officer:
Florence Kayode
I am Florence Kayode, from Nigeria, and I am currently a doctoral candidate specializing in “Carbon Dynamics and Climate Extremes” at the School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University. My academic journey began with a BSc. in Statistics, followed by MSc. in Mathematical Science for Climate Resilience, and MRes. in Informatics for Climate Change. These diverse educational experiences have equipped me with a holistic understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of climate science.
Email: safety.psac901@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Luna Johnson
Luna Johnson is an MA Candidate in The Department of Sociology. Her research focuses on concepts of dignity in relation to sanitation infrastructure. In addition to her studies, she also is a board member of Levana, runs Al Ma’un Library, and is involved in many other small community projects.
Email: treasurer.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Lead Steward:
Rebecca Chen
Rebecca Chen (any pronouns) is pursuing their PhD in the Department of Chemistry where they are developing electrochemical (bio)sensors to detect and identify bacteria while revealing antibiotic-resistance. During her free time, Rebecca enjoys hiking, cooking, crafting, and hanging out with their 2 cats!!
Email: leadsteward2.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Lead Steward:
Rit Nanda
I am Rit Nanda (he/him), your co-lead steward for PSAC Local 901 for the year 2025-2026. I am PhD Candidate in the School of Environmental Studies working in REDI Lab in the Department of Geography. I look forward to serving our incredible membership in this capacity and bring the samezeal to negotiations and recruitment as I honed for over 10 years in the energy and resource industry.
Email: leadsteward3.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Lead Steward:
Yuanjin Xia
Yuanjin is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Philosophy. Her academic work integrates commitments to both justice and care, and attends to the intersection of recognition and redistribution. In her role, she supports members through workplace concerns, grievance processes, and collective organizing efforts. Outside of work, she hits the gym, loves spending time in the wilderness, and enjoys exploring different dressing styles and outfit combinations.
Email: leadsteward1.psac901@gmail.com