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.
2026-2027 Executive Committee
President:
Jesyka Traynor (she/her)
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: presidentpsac901@gmail.com
Vice President Postdoctoral Scholars:
Shideh Ahmadi (she/her)
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 (he/him)
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:
Lauraine Darkwah (she/her)
Lauraine Darkwah is a PhD Candidate at Queen’s University Faculty of Law. Originally from Ghana, she brings to this role her lived experience as an international student navigating a new country, alongside a strong background in law, dispute resolution, and community building. As Vice President International Workers, she is committed to amplifying the voices of international members, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and fully represented within the union.
Email: vpi.psac901@gmail.com
Vice President Research Assistants:
Hamid Reza Ghaneei (any pronouns)
Hamid Reza Ghaneei is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Cultural Studies. His research explores the intersection of queer theory and video game studies. His work examines how video games destabilize conventional binaries, such as success and failure, and subvert player expectations through both design and player practice. Hamid Reza has been working as a research assistant for two years and is committed to address the challenges and concerns of all research assistants at Queen’s University.
Email: vpra.psac901@gmail.com
Equity Officer:
Rebecca Chen (any pronouns)
Rebecca Chen 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: equity.psac901@gmail.com
Information Officer:
Heather Poussard-Nadeau (she/her)
Heather Poussard-Nadeau is a PhD candidate in the Department of History. Her research focuses on the British Empire in the 20th century, specifically the relationship between the Commonwealth of Nations and decolonization. She is passionate about supporting and advocating for graduate student workers at Queen’s. In her free time, Heather likes knitting and reading romance novels.
Email: info.officer.psac901@gmail.com
Office Hours: TBA
Occupational Health and Safety Officer:
Florence Kayode (she/her)
Florence Kayode is a PhD candidate in the School of Environmental Studies at Queen’s University, specializing in carbon dynamics, climate extremes, and wildfire modelling. Her research focuses on the intersection of climate change, wildfire activity, and the global carbon cycle, with an emphasis on machine learning applications in Earth system science. Florence has experience in occupational health and safety through committee work, workplace inspections, member advocacy, and supporting safer and more inclusive working environments across campus. Outside of research and union advocacy, she enjoys mentoring students and engaging in conversations around equity, sustainability, and global development
Email: safety.psac901@gmail.com
Treasurer:
Pegah Nomanfar (she/her)
Pegah Nomanfar is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen’s University and currently serves as Treasurer for PSAC 901. Her research focuses on biomedical robotics and reinforcement learning control for rehabilitation systems. Alongside her union advocacy work supporting graduate students and postdoctoral workers, Pegah is passionate about art and watercolor painting. She is committed to fostering an inclusive community and promoting transparent and responsible financial management within the union
Email: treasurer.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Lead Steward:
Yuanjin Xia (she/her)
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
Co-Lead Steward:
Rubiat Saimum
Email: leadsteward2.psac901@gmail.com
Co-Lead Steward:
Email: leadsteward3.psac901@gmail.com
2026-2027 Non-Executive Roles
Moderator:
Ember Carrera (she/her)
Ember is a Masters student in Biology studying plant reproduction. She’s specifically interested in how male and female function are differentially affected by selection. In her free time, Ember skates on a synchronized figure skating team. She also enjoys walks in the woods, embroidery, and reading.
Email: moderator.psac901@gmail.com
Member Services Coordinator:
Email: staffpsac901@gmail.com