Get to know the dedicated group of UBC students on the 2026 CCUW*iP Organizing Committee!
Chair Team
Airene Ahuja
(she/her)
Co-Chair
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
(she/her)
Co-Chair
5th year, Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I served as the Vice-chair of CUPC 2024, where I identified challenges related to EDI, particularly regarding attitudes toward women and minorities. Motivated by a desire to foster meaningful conversations on equity in physics, I am 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!
I moved to Canada alone when I was 15!
|
Kaylee Bains
(she/her)
Vice Chair – External
4th year, Physics + Minor in Biology
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I’m passionate about creating a space where everyone feels equal and respected especially since I struggled with this entering my Physics degree. Getting 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!
|
Andrea Schildhorn
(she/her)
Vice Chair – Internal
4th year, Combined Honours 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.
|
Internal Team
Ariela Heimlich
(she/her)
Treasurer
3rd year, Physics and Statistics
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
(she/her)
Treasurer
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”
|
 Rhea Zhu
(she/her)
Internal Affairs Coordinator
2nd Year, Combined Honours Math and Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
Through being a part of CCUW*iP, I hope to help create an inclusive space for underrepresented individuals in physics. Educational equality and diversity is something that I am really passionate about, and I am excited to be an Internal Coordinator this upcoming conference!
Fun Fact!
I love making origami paper stars and have had a growing collection since elementary school 🙂
|
 Jessie Li
(she/her)
Internal Affairs Coordinator
3rd Year, Honours Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
I want to help people like me to fell more included and accepted in the physics community.
Fun Fact!
I enjoy doodling weird looking sea creatures.
|
 Jasmine Schneider
(she/her)
Internal Affairs Coordinator
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)
|
External Team
Ayan Araleh
(she/her)
External Affairs Coordinator
4th Year, Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
Being surrounded by a diverse group of physics majors at last year’s CCUW*iP was the first time I didn’t feel like my identity set me apart. I wish to create the same impact on another person through my involvement!
Fun Fact!
I work in a Worm lab! (C.elegans, but worms sound a lot cooler.)
|
Michelle Huang
(she/her)
External Affairs Coordinator
4th Year, Combined Physics and Chemistry
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!
|
|
Laura Steiert
(she/her)
External Affairs Coordinator
5th Year, Combined Honours Physics and Astronomy
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
Attending CCUW*iP 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.
|
Angelina Chen
(she/her)
External Affairs Coordinator
4th Year, Combined Chemistry and Physics
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
…
Fun Fact!
…
|
 Emma Cont
(she/her)
Media Coordinator
3rd Year, Combined Physics, Math, and Earth & Ocean Science
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
Inspiring more women to choose physics. I was told I didn’t belong, so helping with this conference matters—both to me and to those coming next.
Fun Fact!
I can speak 4 languages!
|
 Marie Spencer (she/they)
Media Coordinator
3rd Year, Combined 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!
|
 Sumaiya Hossain (she/her)
Media Coordinator
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.
|
Advisors
|
Katja Nell
(she/her)
Graduate Advisor
Masters Student 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!
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!
|
Katelynn Hubenig
(she/her)
Graduate Advisor
PhD Student in Physics Education
Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?
…
Fun Fact!
…
|
