Category Archives: About Us

Hi everybody!

The Environmental Science Students Association (ESSA) is a student club representing the environmental science program at UBC. We are dedicated to bringing together people with a passion for the environment. To do this, we organize social events for students to get to know each other outside the classroom. We also put on academic conferences and discussions with professionals in the environmental sciences field, as well as study groups for the program’s core courses. We also take part in events promoting public awareness of environmental issues.

Please contact us at essa.ubc@gmail.com anytime if you are interested in joining ESSA or the environmental science program!

Don’t forget to join our Facebook group: Environmental Sciences Student Association UBC (ESSA UBC)
or follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6679156730/

And follow us on Twitter! @ESSA_UBC

2016/2017 Executives

Posted on October 4, 2016 by michelle nguyen

Hi everyone,

Welcome back from another amazing summer! It’s a new school year, and we’re happy to tell you who our new executives are for 2016/2017. Don’t be shy, come talk to us if you see us on campus or come visit the clubroom in EOSM 208J. We won’t bite, promise. We’re here to just hang out, give advice, listen to your concerns and hear about any new ideas you have for the club, whether it be social gatherings or volunteer opportunities!

Just remember, a man once said, ‘the beauty of [us] is that [we’re] very rich – [in awesomeness]. We’re here to Make ESSA Great Again. But who are we kidding, we’ve always been great.

Andrea McDonald, Co-President

Hi Friends! I’m Andrea, and I am one of your Co-Prezzies for this 2016/2017 ESSA year! A bit about me: I love the environment, I love warm socks, I love pandas, doggos, and sea creatures, and my favourite tree is the Western Red Cedar! You can find me in the ESSA club room most of the time so come on by and say hello! Lets make this year the best 2016/2017 that’s ever happened!

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Moe Nadeau, Co-President

Hello ESSA members! My name is Moe and I am this years co-president of ESSA with the lovely Andrea. I have been a member of this wonderful club since second year and I look forward to creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for all environmental science and like minded students to enjoy. Some of my favourite past times include snowboarding, hiking, basketball, and snapchatting cute pups on the street. If you ever see me hanging around the club room, please come say hi!

Cherry Tam, VP Administration

Hey there, I’m Cherry and I am in my fifth (and final) year at UBC. I am in the Ecology and Conservation stream of ENSC and I absolutely love it. In my spare time you’ll find me surfing the Web, singing mid-2000s pop songs, and/or stressing about what comes next after graduation. Come say hi if you see me around!

Linnea Harder, VP Academic

Hi there! My name is Linnea and I am the 2016/17 VP Academic for ESSA. I’m currently in my fourth year at UBC pursing a degree in Environmental Science focusing on Ecology and Conservation. I aspire to travel to Sweden when I graduate, but for know, during my spare time I like to go hiking, kayaking, and running.

I’ve been involved with ESSA for the past couple of years, and it has been such an amazing experience full of so many awesome people! If you ever have any academic related questions feel free to email me at linnea.harder@alumni.ubc.ca, and come check out some of our events!

Audrey Tung, VP Communications

Audrey is sorry to say she is a Boring Person who doesn’t have many hobbies other than falling off bikes, reading, cooking, and talking to cats. She is graduating this year and really likes Camembert cheese.

Chloe Hudson, VP Social

Hey there ESSA! My name is Chloe and I am so stoked to be your VP Social this year! I’m in my fourth year and am specializing in Ecology and Conservation. I love hiking, skiing and dancing! I’m also very involved with my sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. I already have some fun ideas for social events in the works, but with that being said, I really want to hear about what YOU want to do! You can email me at chloe.hudson7@gmail.com. My inbox is always open.

Andrew Chan, VP Finance

Hi everyone! I’m Andrew and I am this years VP Finance of ESSA. This will be my first year involved in the club and I’m really looking forward to some of the upcoming events planned. A bit about me: I like hiking, biking, playing soccer, playing with my dog, and doing the robot.

Joyce Chan, VP Sustainability

Hi! I’m the VP Sustainability. I’m a 4th year in Ecology and Conservation, and I am all about protecting all of the amazing organisms that inhabit earth! I love exploring nature-y places, crawling into bushes, and seeing beautiful views. I’m a huge plant nerd, so ask me about plants! (Except how to grow them. I’m not so great at that. I know a bunch about taxonomy though!)

Michelle Nguyen, VP Promotions

What up, ESSA? Alas, it is sad to say that I’m in my last year at UBC. My role in ESSA is to let you know about all of our upcoming events, workshops, and any other additional information that you may want to know about.

I’m a true 90s girl, I love the Backstreet Boys, *Nsync, the Spice Girls, and Savage Garden, or older generation rock bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2. If I’m not attached to my laptop, you’ll find me taking pictures around Vancouver, playing ultimate frisbee, or hiking. Give me a shout if you see me around!

Agatha Czekajlo, VP Professional Relations

My name is Agatha Czekajlo and I’ll be your VP Professional Relations this year! I’m currently in my 4th year at UBC pursuing an Environmental Science major in Ecology and Conservation and a minor in Philosophy. I am most interested in ecological management, which includes invasive species management and ecosystem remediation. I’m still exploring potential future career routes so being the VP of Professional Relations will allow me to do that for other environmental science students as well! When the weather is cooperating I enjoy immersing myself in nature by taking scenic hikes or gardening, and when it’s not I enjoy staying in with a cup of tea and organizing my stamp collection while watching a good indie movie. I would love to hear about your environmental interests and professional/academic goals, as well as answer any questions you may have!

Steven Sy, 3rd Year Representative

Hi everyone!

My name is Steven Sy and I’m your Third Year Representative. Heres a little bit about myself: I’m a big fan of the Canucks, I love to take photos and I’m hoping to study Environmental Management in the future. My favourite Disney movie is Up, in case you were wondering! While my favourite place in all of BC is right on the tip of Gary Point in Steveston. Its the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset after a long day.

If you ever want to chat, my inbox is always open!

Tyreen Kapoor, 2nd Year Representative

My name is Tyreen Kapoor and I am so excited to be a part of the ESSA team this year as a second year rep! Last year I made the trek to UBC from a small town in Nova Scotia, and I am so excited to be in Vancouver and to have found a branch of science that I am truly passionate about. In my free time you can catch me hiking, camping, biking, or holed up in the library with a textbook. I love chocolate and dogs, and I especially love getting to know new people!

Kathryn Choi, 2nd Year Representative

Hi everyone! I’m Kathryn, and I’m one of the second year representatives for this year. When I’m not at school or on the bus, I’m probably annoying my cat Pippin (hit me up anytime if you want to talk about cats). My biggest interest is in animal welfare, and would like to somehow integrate it into sustainability in the future! I’m also kind of an expert on UBC’s (confusing) payforprint system so ask away. I’d love to meet as many people as possible in our community so please say hello! P.S. The picture is from the summer, look for me with shorter hair!

Jihyun Kim, 2nd Year Representative

Hi, my name is Jihyun and I grew up in Calgary, Alberta. I am passionate about the environment and I love exploring wildlife and nature. As my love for animals and wild things sprouted from the earliest for my childhood, I am especially interested in the ecology and conservation aspect of this major. I’m super excited to be part of ENSC, as well as ESSA, and can’t wait to see where my years here at UBC take me.

2014/15 Execs!

Posted on September 30, 2014 by sarahswong

Here are our 2014 executives! If you see us wandering the halls of EOSM or walking to class, say hi!

If you would like to contact any of us, feel free to email essa.ubc@gmail.com or stop by our club room in EOSM 208J. In addition, our meetings are Mondays at 6pm. All ENSC students are welcome to sit in!

Bri: President

Hi everyone! I’m in my 5^th and final year at UBC and hope to attend grad school next year. I love early morning runs and late night yoga. I also love cats and accidentally owned 9 at a time once. My favourite thing about ESSA is the sense of community it has provided me at UBC, and I encourage all ENSC students to come say hi – I’d love to meet you! (aka. the big boss lady!)

Cherry: VP Administration

Hello, my name is Cherry and I’m your VP Administration for ESSA this year! I’m a third year student doing the Ecology and Conservation concentration, and I’m loving it so far. My goals for this year are to meet even more people in environmental science, and to land a co-op job for next summer. Interesting fact: When I was young I once accidentally swallowed my own baby tooth… Gross, I know. Hopefully I’ll see you soon at all the fun events we have planned for you. 🙂

Cherry

Andrew: VP Social

Halló! My name is Andrew MacKinnon and I am your 2014/15 VP Social Representative. I am currently in my 4^th year at UBC pursuing a major in Environmental Science: Land, Air and Water with a minor in Economics. Aside from school, I am an adventurous, outgoing, social and good-looking bachelor. Alike half of UBC, I am from Ontario (specifically London) and decided to move west to take advantage of Whistler and the gorgeous beaches. During my spare time I enjoy “social beers,” biking the Seawall, shredding “pow” at Whistler and watching horror films. I spend most my Friday and Sunday nights bartending at Milestones Crossroads. Cheers! (hey hey, ladies)

Andrea: VP Sustainability

Hello upper ESSA members,

As some of you may know, my name is Andrea McDonald and I am your VP sustainability! Some fun facts about me include that I love sustainability, the environment, crafts, pandas, the smell of indoor pools, and I play soccer and hockey. If you ever want to get to know more about ESSA and sustainability I’m your gal! If you just want to be friends I also love that, see you around guys!

Xoxo sustainabilitygirl (she also says “it’s supposed to be funny but I laugh at my own jokes so…” gotta love this girl)

Adrian: VP Academic

Fun facts: Genetically I’m not unique. So technically I could rob a bank, leave traces of my DNA and blame it on my twin (that’s my backup plan).

About me: I’m currently serving my second year as ESSA’s VP Academic. Previously, I have helped change ENVR 400 from a 3 to a 6 credit course (WOOHOOO!!) and built up a library for the ESSA club-room. I also run events such as Degree Planning and Peer Review. But this year I am most excited about the outreach program we are running with Norma Rose Point School. We’ll be working with students from ENVR to get students from our major volunteering in classrooms to aid with the teaching of environmental science related issues. If you have any concerns or ideas related to academics don’t hesitate to contact me!

Taylor: VP Professional Relations

Hello! My name is Taylor Venuti and I am in my fourth year of university and my second year at UBC in the land, air and water concentration. I am from Langley, British Columbia and I transferred from UBC Okanagan in 2013. My biggest passion is soccer and I played varsity for two years. My other interests include hiking, indie music and cats. One of the craziest things I have ever done was ride a camel up a mountain to see the sunrise in Egypt. I am looking forward to another amazing year!

Maruska: VP Finance

Hi, my name is Maruska and this is my final year of my double major in economics and environmental sciences. I am ESSA treasurer for this year. On the weekends, I seek for a little bit of wilderness and hikes. Also, I am absolutely in love with running but I am always eager for new activities and new challenges.

Rheanne: VP Communications

Hello everyone! I’m Rheanne, your VP Communications for this wonderful school year. So yes I am the one who keeps sending the emails out, please don’t hold any spelling errors against me! J So a little bit about me, I’m in the ENVR 400 class, and graduating (YAY!) this year, and I absolutely love to play any board game, any. Feel free to come talk to me whenever! Look forward to meeting you all!

Sarah: VP Promotions

Hey, hey! I’m Sarah, your VP Promotions. I’m the one who bombards your Facebook with notifications from ESSA, updates this blog and tweets all things ESSA. Currently I am in the Okanagan doing a co-op term with Agrifood Canada, but you’ll see me on campus in January! Don’t hesitate to say hi. I love making new friends! I also enjoy back country camping, hiking, board games and good food. (I’m also the one who’s been commenting on other exec’s blurbs ;))

Brandon: Grad Rep

Hi! I’m Brandon, I’m the Grad Rep for this year. I am in my 5th year at UBC specializing in Ecology and Conservation. I recently finished up four co-op terms in Alberta working with ALS Environmental and Devon Energy. In the past I have been a Residence Advisor and a lifeguard. I love the outdoors and snowboarding. I have a passion for cars and eating, I’m also an executive in the UBC Food Society so I have an excuse to try new restaurants. ESSA4LIFE (can we hashtag this?)

Moe: 3rd year rep/SUS rep

Hey everyone! My name is Moe and I am the third year/ SUS rep for this year. I am originally from Sparwood, BC, a very small town in the heart of the Rockies near the Alberta border. I love all things outdoors- including snowboarding, hiking, climbing, and camping. I look forward to having an awesome year with you all!

Wasin Chalanuchpong (Wilson): Co- 2nd year rep

Hi friends! I’m in my 2^nd year and am so psyched to be working as a 2^nd year rep! I love cooking but student budget isn’t. Japanese, indie, and the occasional Thai music keeps me sane. I also love to longboard, snowboard, and play guitar! Fun fact, I was almost born on April’s fool, which would’ve been hilarious for the first 5 years of my life (and then maybe not so after). Broke my bone 4 times but that doesn’t matter. Stay frosty everyone! : )

Hannah: Co-2nd year rep

I am currently in my second year at UBC. I love getting involved with environmental conservation, as well as spending as much time as I can out in nature! Some of my favourite places are Mt Washington for skiing or snowboarding and Tofino for (attempted) surfing. I also enjoy running, photography, and reading. You can find me in first semester ENVR 200, feel free to say hello!

P.S. Most of these pictures were taken in our ESSA club room (EOSM 208J). Now that you know we have a dart board, air hockey table and plates/bowls/mugs/cutlery, come visit us!