Teagan Sharrock, Co-President
Hello! My name is Teagan, I am one of this year's Co-Presidents. I am completing a double major in Physical and Environmental Geography (PEG) and Indigenous Studies along with a minor in Human Geography. It took me a while to get to my chosen programs but the intersectionality between the physical environment and Indigenous ways of knowing and their right to land in Canada is what led me down the path I am currently on. This year I am finishing up my PEG degree with GGR301 and GGR388. You will either find me at Varsity Stadium playing rugby or looking for the best cute study spots around the city. Feel free to come say hi if you see me walking around campus!
Anna Zarina, Co-President
Currently, I am expected to graduate this spring with a double major in Environmental Geography and Environmental Science and a minor in Forest Conservation Science. I love learning about Earth’s systems and the human interactions within them. As co-president of TUGS, my goal is to ensure that every geography student has the tools and information necessary to make the best out of their degree. I hope that TUGS can help geography students find a fun community and a reliable support system within their field of study. Besides TUGS, I am also part of the Environmental Students’ Union and the Latvian Youth Association of Toronto. Outside of UofT, you can find me indoor rock climbing, having fun outdoors no matter the weather and volunteering in Toronto’s ravines.
Sydney Hoiseth, Vice-President
Hiya! I'm in my 4th year of a double major in Human Geography and Environmental Studies, and a minor in Political Science. I started university in International Relations, until I stepped into GGR112 (Geographies of Globalization Development) and fell in love with the discipline. My area of focus has been on the decolonization of International Climate Change Negotiations, and what it means to build meaningful collaboration in extractive and exploitive systems. I am particularly interested in the politics of "Sustainable Development" and the essential and indispensable discourse coming from the Indigenous and dispossessed voices.
I grew up just outside Boston, Massachusetts, so I love spending time outside even when the weather is less than desirable! I love to craft, read fiction and non-fiction, listening to live music, and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
Kate Rayner, Secretary
I am a third-year student specializing in Environmental Geography with a minor in Practical French. My interest in environmental geography stems from my childhood education on climate change and the empowerment that came with learning how my school could make a difference within our community. Outside of school, I work with my local soccer club as a coach and referee. Since playing through their league as a child, I now empower and serve as a mentor to the next generation of female soccer players. As TUGS secretary, I aid in communication between executives during our monthly meetings and between them!
Ayden Kristmanson, Social Coordinator
I'm a fourth-year student specializing in Human Geography at the University of Toronto. Throughout my time at U of T, I've found that my academic and career interests lie within sustainability and how it can shape tourism and business to be better actors in the fight against climate change. I've always been extremely passionate about events and social projects. Through my position at TUGS, I plan and oversee the execution of academic and social events that better support students to succeed academically and professionally, meet new like-minded students and professors, hear from inspiring individuals, and learn new things. I'm looking forward to this year and all our team has planned!
Minh-Ly de Reboul, Media Officer
Hi! My name is Minh-Ly, and I am a 3rd-year environmental studies, environmental geography, and urban studies student. When I'm not studying, I enjoy cooking vegetarian meals and biking around the city (only in the summer and fall! ) in search of delicious local restaurants and quirky cafes. I also enjoy expressing myself artistically through drawing, painting, photography, etc.. As the media officer, I hope to bring up current environmental justice issues like food, consumption, land use, and waste at TUGs while highlighting the value of involving all geography department sections in order to foster a friendly, inclusive environment. I hope to see everyone at this year's many in-person events!
Kenzie Pilling, Graphic Designer
I’m a third-year student studying human geography and political science, with a particular interest in how politics and planning interact to produce the environments we live in. I was a census enumerator in 2021, a poll worker in the last Ontario election, and I make animated educational videos on Canadian issues on my Smitten With Learning YouTube channel. My other pursuits have been in helping to run model UN programmes, starting my high school’s GSA, running a student voting initiative, and volunteering with Scouts Canada. Otherwise, I like to cook, to play D&D, to draw, and to make interesting content. Always open for cool conversations with smart people!
Shameel Mohammed, Newsletter Coordinator
Hello Everyone! My name is Shameel, and I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I am currently in my 4th year of study completing a Double Major in Human Geography and Urban Studies. This is my second year at TUGS where I currently hold the position of Newsletter Coordinator and previously, I was the Human Geography Representative of the last academic year. Two fun facts: 1) I am an avid Manchester United supporter and 2) my second cup order is a medium iced vanilla bean latte (if you get me a coffee, I will get you one). I am always down to have a chat about school, my research interests and just about life and I hope that you can visit me back home. And one recommendation to you is to get involved! Hope to see you all as future TUGS Executives!
Brianna Chiuz, Outreach Coordinator
Hey! My name is Brianna and I’m this year’s Outreach Coordinator for TUGS. I’m a fourth-year student who is double majoring in Human Geography, and Diaspora and Transnational Studies. I love what I study because it relates so closely to our everyday lives (especially living in a big city) and I genuinely find it so interesting. I’m currently studying abroad in London, UK but in the winter semester, you’ll find me in GGR327, GGR430, and GGR424! Outside of school, I love going out with my friends, going to concerts, and drinking coffee.
George Faseemo, DEI Officer
Hello, my name is George Faseemo and I'll be the TUGS DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Officer for this year. I'm still in my first year but next year I plan on majoring in Urban Studies and minoring in GIS and Human Geography. Outside of school I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching sitcoms. I hope to be the person that you feel comfortable approaching with any concerns you have about DEI issues within the
Geography Department. I can be reached via Instagram (@georgefaseemo) or email (g.faseemo@mail.utoronto.ca) if something comes up. Don't be afraid to reach out, even if you think the issue is small.
Benjamin Bizzarri, Human Geography Representative
My name is Benjamin Bizzarri and I am delighted to be the human geography representative for TUGS this year. I am in my 4th year majoring in Human Geography with a focus in Urban Planning. I also have two minors in Environmental Geography and Italian. I have always had an interest in world issues and public policy and through a human geography lens I have learned about the ways in which the built and natural environment can affect the ways in which we experience different places. I have a specific interest in the role of planning towards improving the ways different people experience the built environment and combatting issues related to transportation, affordability and climate change. You can usually find me at either Kelly Library or Sid Smith as these are the two places where I spend most of my time on campus.
Sabrina Wong, Physical Geography Representative
Hello! My name is Sabrina, and I am a third year student majoring in Earth & Environmental Systems and Economics. I am very excited to be the Physical Geography Representative on TUGS for this academic year! My interest in physical geography stems from my love of maps and the outdoors. Studying geography helps to form an appreciation and awareness of the natural environment around us, and within the subject, I am highly interested in climate science, as well as studying surface processes on Earth and on other planets. In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods, staying active, and exploring different neighbourhoods around the city. I am looking forward to a great year with the TUGS team!
Sarah Chen, Environmental Geography Representative
I'm your environmental geography representative and I am in my third year majoring in Environmental Geography with minors in GIS and Contemporary Asian Studies. I am very interested in analyzing environmental and food justice issues with a spatial and critical theory lens using tools like GIS. I am excited to reach out and connect students this year via academic and social events while representing our am amazing department! Outside of school I like to dance, bake, and find new food spots around the city. I look forward to meeting everyone this year and feel free to reach out and say hi :)
Julia Pisani, GIS Representative
Hi everyone! I am Julia and I am thrilled to be your GIS rep for TUGS this year. I am currently in my fourth and final year completing a specialist in environmental geography with a minor in GIS. This combo means that I not only get to learn about the relationships between the environment and people, but also study the spatial relationships of geographic phenomena. When I am not at school I enjoy playing the piano, baking, reading and I especially enjoy being outdoors. I am super grateful to be apart of the team this year and I am excited for what we have planned!