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.
Upcoming Events
Meet the Team!
Corwyn Shomachuk
corwyn.shomachuk@usask.ca
PhD Candidate - Department of Civil, Geological, and Environmental Engineering
Role: President
Corwyn’s research involves the identification of wetlands using remote sensing technologies and subsequently integrating wetland mapping into hydrological models in the Prairie Pothole Region.
Majid Dehghani Sanij
majid.dehghani@usask.ca
Master's student - Environment and Sustainability (M.E.S.).
Role: Vice President/ Treasurer
Majid's research focuses on the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes and flow-generation mechanisms in the Canadian Prairies.
Yohanne Gavasso Rita
yohanne.rita@usask.ca
Post-Doc Food and Water Nexus
Role: Events Coordinator
Yohanne's research supports tools for crop producers by identifying producers' decision-pathways and water-related beneficial practices, including flexible irrigation water allocations. She is passionate about bridging science and realities focused on crop-water relations and future climate impacts on crop production.
Krishna Kolen
krishna.kolen@usask.ca
PhD Candidate - Geography and Planning
Role: Secretary
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.
GIWS-SYR Executive Roles
Leads the GIWS‑SYR Executive and serves as the main liaison with the GIWS Executive. Represents GIWS‑SYR at meetings and events, chairs GIWS‑SYR meetings, supports Institute‑wide activities, and oversees annual reporting and communication with GIWS leadership.
Manages GIWS‑SYR finances, budgets, and financial reporting, and liaises with the GIWS Finance Officer. Supports and assists with professional development activities and event promotion, and assumes the President’s role when needed.
Supports GIWS‑SYR operations by organizing meetings, taking minutes, managing communications and social media, and coordinating website updates. Shares student achievements, assists with reporting, and contributes to special projects (e.g., EDI).
Plans and delivers GIWS‑SYR social, volunteer, and professional development activities. Supports Water Fridays and major GIWS events, and works closely with the Executive on joint initiatives, major events (World Water Day, Holiday Party, etc.) and special projects.
Past Events - Academic year 2025
Past Events - Academic year 2024
This fun event brought together students from different fields and associations to celebrated the spooky season!
