Welcome to our “Meet the Team” page, where you can get to know the dedicated group of UBC students on the 2026 Organizing Committee!
Airene Ahuja
Co-chair (she/her)
3rd year Combined Honours Physics and Computer Science, Minor in Math
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I was inspired by attending CCUW*iP 2025 — from the lectures, panels, and talks, to the incredible people I met at the conference. I’m excited to contribute to this community by bringing the 2026 edition to UBC and the West Coast!
Fun Fact!
I usually carry a deck of tarot cards with me and I love doing readings for people!
Jenny Zhu
Co-chair (she/her)
5th year, Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
She served as the Vice-chair of CUPC 2024, where she identified challenges related to EDI, particularly regarding attitudes toward women and minorities. Motivated by a desire to foster meaningful conversations on equity in physics, she is dedicated to organizing CCUW*iP to help build a more inclusive environment and create a safe space for gender minorities in this historically male-dominated field.
Fun Fact!
Jenny moved to Canada alone when she was 15!
Andrea Schildhorn
Vice-Chair Internal (she/her)
3rd year, Physics and Astronomy
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I remember doubting that I belonged in the field of astrophysics since the beginning of my degree. The thought of bringing that network of community to other folks like myself is something that, to me, is very powerful.
Fun Fact!
When the academics permit it, I love to sail, hike and watch live music.
Kaylee Bains
Vice-Chair External (she/her)
4th Year, Physics major, Biology minor
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I’m very passionate about creating a space where those who aren’t the majority still feel accepted, equal, and respected especially since I struggled with this entering my Physics degree. Getting the opportunity to attend CCUW*iP 2025 was amazing and I wanted to be able to give others the same positive experience!
Fun Fact!
I enjoy wine tasting and am hoping to eventually take a sommelier course!
Ariela Heimlich
Treasurer (she/her)
3rd year, Statistics and Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I’m excited for more women and gender minorities in STEM to see that they’re not alone in their experiences.
Fun Fact!
I can put both legs behind my head.
Emma Creelman
Treasurer (she/her)
2nd Year, Honours Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I found the CUPC super fun and inspiring, so I wanted to be a part of planning a conference that is going to bring that excitement to more people!
Fun Fact!
I can fly small planes 🤓 and I love books. My favourite book is “My Year of Rest and Relaxation”
Jasmine Schneider
Internal Affairs Coordinator (she/her)
2nd Year, Combined Honours Math and Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I wanted to be a part of the initiative to create a shared, encouraging and supportive space for women and gender minorities in physics.
Fun Fact!
I have a cat named Marvin (after the android from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).
Laura Steiert
External Affairs Coordinator (she/her)
5th Year, Combined Honours Physics and Astronomy
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
Attending CCUWiP in Calgary last year showed me the power of community in physics, and I wanted to help bring that same positive experience to UBC.
Fun Fact!
I’ve been to 36 countries and lived in 3.
Michelle Huang
External Affairs Coordinator (she/her)
4th Year, Combined Chemistry and Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I am passionate about EDI in STEM, and CCUW*iP is an amazing opportunity to support underrepresented gender minorities in physics!
Fun Fact!
I have a dog! His name is Sunny, and we share the same (singular) braincell!
Sumaiya Hossain
Media Coordinator (she/her)
2nd Year, Astronomy and Data Science
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I joined CCUW*IP to expand my academic and professional circles, to be a part of a team promoting intersectionality in the sciences, and to overall feel more connected to my field and fellow peers.
Fun Fact!
I’m really into making visual art, traditional and digital, and have recently been experimenting with mixed media.
Marie Spencer
Media Coordinator (she/they)
3rd Year, combined major in Physics and Oceanography
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I wanted to do my part in ensuring that women and gender minorities feel welcomed into the field of Physics.
Fun Fact!
I love watching sports- specifically Formula 1 and hockey. Go Oilers !
Katja Nell
Graduate Advisor (she/her)
3rd year Masters in Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I’m all too familiar with the pains of being in physics whilst not being a man. This conference seemed like a fantastic effort to help combat this issue, so I wanted to help out in any way I could!
Fun Fact!
Less fun: I’ve jumped between fields a ton: my undergrad started in astrophysics, but I switched to biophysics, then my masters started out in particle physics but now my research focuses on medical physics, and I plan to do my PhD on plasma electrochemistry. More fun: I dye my hair a ton, it hasn’t been its natural colour in nearly a decade. My favourite is probably my current split pink and black, but I also love a good electric blue!