GIWS Students & Young Researchers
The GIWS–Students and Young Researchers is a student-led organization with the overarching objective of cultivating an inclusive and unified water community of young professionals who collectively strive for growth and shared learning experiences.
By uniting the leadership and passions of our team, we are dedicated to creating opportunities and championing five key pillars of our organization: knowledge mobilization, equity, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, advocacy for student well-being, and showcasing the remarkable water research of our peers!
Be sure to keep up to date with opportunities, news, and events by following us on social media!
GIWS-SYR Strategy
Click below to read the strategy for the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) Students, Young professionals, and Researchers (GIWS-SYR) group. The aim is to coordinate efforts among all young professionals within GIWS, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, early career researchers, technicians, and staff.
Recent Events
Halloween Movie & Pumpkin Carving
This fun event brought together students from different fields and associations to celebrated the spooky season!
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Webinar
A discussion on EDI within academia and beyond, featuring a presentation from Dr. Anson Mackay, Emeritus Professor from University College London. They have been a dedicated LGBTQI+ advocate for decades, recognized for their impactful work promoting diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
Meet the Team!
Danielle Spence
danielle.spence@usask.ca
PhD Candidate - Environment and Sustainability
Role: President
Danielle is a PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the Global Institute of Water Security. Her research focuses on water quality in lakes, specifically how nutrient pollution and associated harmful algal blooms affect lake ecosystem services (e.g., recreation, provision of drinking water), as well as community preferences and support for managing these issues.
Richa Dhawale
richa.d@usask.ca
Postdoctoral Fellow
Role: Vice President/ Treasurer
Richa is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Geography and Planning. Her research focuses on the impacts of climate change on drought and flood vulnerabilities, with a particular emphasis on the human dimension. She is passionate about exploring how socio-economic factors shape resilience and adaptation strategies in response to climate-related hazards.
Krishna Kolen
krishna.kolen@usask.ca
PhD Candidate - Geography and Planning
Role: Events Coordinator
Krishna's research focus looks at drought-induced poor air quality and its impacts on human health, coping, and adaptation in Saskatchewan. She is passionate about understanding the links between our changing environments, human health, and behaviour.
Arezou Abyaneh
arezou.abyaneh@hotmail.com
Master's student - Water Security Program
Role: Secretary
Arezou is a motivated and creative individual with a background in wastewater treatment. With a passion for learning and adaptability, she thrives in new challenges and environments.