Airene Ahuja

(she/her)

Co-Chair

3rd year, Combined Honours Physics and Computer Science + Minor in Math

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.

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

Jessie Li

(she/her)

Internal Affairs Coordinator

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)

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 Honours Chemical Physics

Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?

I am passionate about research and science communication, I want to help foster a more inclusive, supportive physics community alongside a team of amazing people.

Fun Fact!

I’ve grown watermelons in Vancouver.

Emma Cont

(she/her)

Media Coordinator

Marie Spencer (she/they)

Media Coordinator

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.

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

Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?

Everything I do, in my research, teaching where I can, extra curricular activities, procrastination, is in the pursuit of advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, indigeneity, and belonging in physics and astronomy, and more widely, STEM. I never got to attend CCUW*iP during my undergrad (#Covid grad), and I am incredibly thrilled to experience this conference, with a mission I care so deeply about, as a Graduate Student Advisor to the Organizing Committee.

Fun Fact!

My favourite candy flavour is blue raspberry (it is a real flavour and I will debate this until I die)

Ryan Kaufmann

(he/she/they/any)

Graduate Advisor

3rd Year, Mathematics

Why did they join the CCUW*iP committee?

I’ve been engrossed in the physics and academia communities for years. During this time, I have always been looking for opportunities to create safe spaces for all members of the community, regardless of gender.

Fun Fact!

I have too many hobbies, from poetry to photography, but my favorite is Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs! I am currently running (DMing) four different campaigns and playing in a separate Pathfinder campaign.