ISSA Executives  2007-2008

Director: Lee Groat

I am a geologist in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. My specialties are mineralogy and geochemistry, but I have done work in geomicrobiology and environmental geology. Much of my research involves diffraction (X-ray and neutron) and electron beam methods. My work also takes me into the field on a regular basis, as illustrated by the above photo from a tungsten deposit in the Yukon Territory. I am excited about the future of the Integrated Sciences program and I am looking forward to mentoring students who wish to include the earth and ocean sciences in their syllabus.

President: Helen Ko

When I think about this student-run organization, one phrase comes in mind: open-minded people with a slight inclination to science and a huge appetite for social. In fact, if you are reading this at this very moment, you might just be one of these people.

This year, my goal as the President is to entertain you with a smorgasbord of activities- you can look forward to seasonal socials, REC sports, wine and cheese with a twist of alumni, an interdisciplinary science conference and an exquisite spring formal. No need to salivate or worry about deciding which to participate in. Consider your membership with us as an “All-You-Can-Do”.

If you have any questions, approach us or contact us at issaclubs@gmail.com. We love to hear new ideas and suggestions. I warn you though that I have an infectious laughter that can attain rather high frequencies, so if you hear it, it’s a sign that you’re with the right people.

VP Internal: Steven Ngo

People would describe me as being wacky, eccentric and borderline crazy but in reality, I am a quiet studious kid stuck in the body of crazy guy who always wants to do something and learn new things. I love to snowboard. Snowboarding is a passion of mine, I'm so passionate about it that I actually got a concussion from it. Volunteering abroad is a blast. I love to travel. Filled up all 25 pages of my passport in a year when I was on exchange in Singapore. I really enjoy studying business, but I'm in Integrated Sciences. I also love music, but never wanted to major in it. I ballroom dance, but this is getting too personal so lets stop it here.

VP Internal: Lin Yuan

Welcome to ISSA everyone!! As an authentic science kid, I'm keeping my blurb in point form:

Who am I: Lin is the official name, however, I'm open to all kinds of nicknames. In fact, one of my friend gave me 5 nicknames in one day, and some of them are still in use.

What do I do: As the VP External this year, I'm aiming to

1) find new and maintain the established external supports for ISP students
2) promote ISP to UBC students

Over the years, ISSA had got tremendous help from the ISP department, AMS, SUS, the Artona Group Inc, as well as a number of restaurants and coffee shops. And I would like to thank them all here.

What do I like: Family & friends, latino dancing, food, reading, fashion,sunny days, music, traveling, art galleries, new ideas, new people, new environment, everything... I love life !!! (oh well, most of the times...see, I'm quite honest too!)

Treasurer: Mariko Vaughan

My name is Mariko, and I’m the treasurer for ISSA this year. I’m a third year premed student in ISP, integrating biology, physiology and psychology. But enough about that stuff. What you should know is that I’m a huge nerd, I do volunteer work with the Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society, I enjoy sports (snowboarding, wrestling, soccer, horseback riding and gymnastics) and I like drawing and painting (although I’m not especially good at it). Rather than go on and risk sounding like a personals ad, I’ll simply say that I’m looking forward to an awesome year and a lot of fun events with ISSA, and I hope to see everyone there!

Social Coordinator: Eric Chyn

Through his work at Central City Lodge in Downtown Eastside, Eric was awarded a Chapman Award for excellence in leadership and outstanding citizenship. Now he is working directly with UBC Learning Exchange: Trek Program to recruit, orient and ensure meaningful placement with partner organizations in the Downtown Eastside.

Eric's interest in the organization of the Canadian healthcare system was sparked when he started coordinating Trek volunteers with a rehabilitation therapist at the Central City Lodge. He hopes to translate this knowledge and experience into a Masters in Community and Regional Planning combined with Medicine.Eric is currently in his fifth year of the Integrated Science Program studying Psychobiology and Physiobiology.

SUS Rep: Ronan Geoghegan

Ronan. What it is a Ronan? Well, the common definition floating around these days is that it is an enigma shrouded in a mystery. While that definition would normally suffice, the nature of this particular Ronan is further confounded by the additional status of Geoghegan. That’s Geoghegan, pronounced Gey-ginn. Why the extra G? Hmmm… well that is only the first of many questions surrounding the phenomena that is a Ronan Geoghegan.

To begin with, this creature was neither born nor created, yet simply existed. This existence was fraught with many hardships throughout the years, one of which gave inspiration to the widely acclaimed mural “Ronan Injured,” found in the 2nd floor men’s bathroom of Koerner Library. However, there was one event in particular that… to be continued

Public Relations / Webmaster: Andrew Haack

Salutations! You all will hopefully be hearing a lot from me for this coming year. ‘Why is this’ you might ask? Well that’s because it is my job to tell all of you about all the fun stuff that ISSA will be doing this year.So if you don’t hear from me I am not doing my job, be sure to tell me that.As a little introduction to myself I am in my fourth year in ISP doing integration of biopsychology with zoology and I am also planning on graduating (and I can’t wait ;D ).I am always down for some snowboarding/telemarking, reading comic books, watching movies, whatever. Anyways I am planning on having a magnificent year with all of you.

Ricardo B: Third Year Rep

Ricardo is the representative for third-year students. As a recent transfer student, he understands the needs and experiences of his constituents: the adaptation to a new program, the excitement of a larger variety of courses, and the fear of having to meet new people (if unavoidable). But, luckily Ricardo has entered the position hoping to completely change that. That is to say, to completely change the last item of the list, not to completely change every item of the list.

Denise Sousa: Grad Rep

Hey.My name is Denise and I'm the ISSA Grad Rep this year.I am in the 5th year of my program, integrating Physiology, Pharmacology, and Food Nutrition.I am also doing a minor in Arts in Psychology.I enjoy good TV shows (Desperate Housewives, Dirty Sexy Money, Heroes), good movies (Crank, Patch Adams, Aladdin), and dancing (I teach a beginners Salsa class at UBC).I wish I good say that I read a lot of interesting, cultural books, but I am currently reading "Clinical Psychology", "Medical Physiology", and "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology" (not so interesting....well....they're kind of interesting, but I'm a nerd).Ok, I'm going to peace out now.

Caitlyn Ruddy: Sports Rep

Hi. My name is Caitlyn. I was born and raised in a town called Ajax, just outside of Toronto. I am currently the sports representative for ISSA. I am a big sports fan, my number one being hockey (and the Leafs!) and like playing almost anything. I am integrating Oceanography and Astronomy, and am not really planning anything after university. I am probably the biggest astronomy nerd you know so if you want to talk about black holes or something that would be cool. On weekends I mostly hang around my house being a bum, and occasionally I’ll go out with friends and have some fun.

Keely Matheson: General Exec

Hey all! I'm going to make this short and sweet!

I'm really excited about being a part of both the ISP program and of course ISSA.

I have met some amazing people so far and hope to meet many more of you (you can't hide!).

So look for me at the next event (I'll be the one with the camera...so smile dammit!)

Yili Lai: General Exec

Hi! im Yili and its pronounced yeee-leee, and this is what happens when professors decide to give me exams, i use anything and everything to get away from studying for them. I'm 3ish year...integrating Physical Chemistry and Immunology; but I'm not nerdy! Just because I can't wait for next my quantum mechanics class and have a weird little smile when writing out chemical mechanisms and integrating messy cannoodles...doesn't mean I'm a nerd! I'm ok at most sports just not ones with balls involved, cus for some reason flying round objects just seem to escape my field of vision until it hits my face. Oh and one last thing, I love to argue.. well put nicely debate...that's only when i get my daily recommended serving of caffeine. the end!

Secretary: Ingrid Hao