Kaitlyn Chan, Co-President
Hi everyone! I’m Kaitlyn, co-president of URSSU this year. I’ll be honest, I felt pretty lost when choosing my field of study at U of T, but I was lucky to discover Urban Studies, and I immediately fell in love with it. In my role, I coordinate and oversee the union and support the incredible people in our program. I’m majoring in Urban Studies, with minors in History and Human Geography. My current research focuses on gentrification, displacement and community advocacy in Toronto’s two Chinatowns, as well as Chinatowns around the world. Outside the classroom, you’ll usually find me geeking out over all things urban, adventuring outdoors, exploring with my dog, or traveling.
Polina Gorn, Co-President
Hi everyone! My name is Polina and I am in my fourth year double majoring in Urban Studies and Human Geography. My academic interests lie in equity planning and urban justice — I have been fortunate to contribute to various urban initiatives related to these themes, from making web maps on food deserts in Peel region to producing data on workforce housing issues in the GTHA. I feel lucky to be working with such an amazing team and I am really excited for the year ahead (:
Avila (Youjia) Zhang, Upper-Year Representative
Hi there! My name is Avila, and I’m currently a fourth-year student majoring in Human Geography and Urban Studies, with a minor in Visual Studies at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture. I’m fascinated by how cities evolve, and how thoughtful planning and design can bring new life to communities rather than push them aside. My passion lies in imagining spaces that are inclusive, dynamic, and full of stories. In the future, I hope to work in planning or architectural design. Outside of class, you’ll usually find me reading, taking photos, playing sports, or exploring art-filled corners of the city!
Gabriella Baichwal, Lower Year Representative
Hi! I'm Gabriella, this year's Lower-Year Representative for URSSU! I'm in my second year at UofT studying Political Science and Public Policy as well as Urban Studies. I was born in Toronto but have lived in and around Chicago for most of my life. I came to the Urban Studies program after completing URB431, a summer abroad course in Mumbai this past summer. So far, I’ve enjoyed exploring how urban policy and city life shapes and intersects with culture, the lived and built environment, and politics. In my free time, I love to get outside and find green spaces throughout the city, listen to music (+ attend concerts), cook and bake, travel, and spend time with friends. I am so excited to be a part of URSSU!
Rina Salsberg, Treasurer
Hello! I'm Rina, and I'm the treasurer for URSSU this year. I'm currently in my fourth year with a double major in Urban Studies and Human Geography. My big picture interests lie in the intersection of sustainability and equitable quality-of-life outcomes in the city. This is what drives me towards my passion for transportation and mobility. I'm incredibly grateful for the hands-on experience that the Urban Studies program has given me, and for the amazing people that it has led me to! I'm excited to help URSSU organize events that Urban Studies students can learn, have fun, and unwind through!