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The Telomere Times Issue 4

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ILLUSTRATION: TRAVIS BEDEL

BROUGHT TO YOU BY


♔ Editor-in-Chief Krutika Patel President Krutika Patel VP Academics Braeden Donaldson VP Social Alex Baird

ear Biology Students, What a year this has been for us all; in the midst of final exam stresses and daydreams of brighter and drier summer days, we come again to the end of another academic year. For my graduating students, congratulations, you’ve made it out alive! Your years of grueling days and nights in the library, starving in the desolate and foodless lands of the Loyola Campus, and absolute dependence on caffeine has brought you here. We hope that in good times and bad, the BSA has helped ease your journey here at Concordia University.

Newsletter Designer Ka Bo Lee

And for those of you like me, who have years of learning, torture, discovery— whatever you call it—ahead, I hope we can too one day stand at convocation with the pride of making it alive. I look forward to once again next year as President of the BSA, making your time here memorable, worthwhile and comfortable. Whether you’ve just begun your undergraduate career or are nearing its end, we’ve all chosen this field of study with underlying sentiments that intertwine our curiosities, albeit pursuing different interests. University in that regard is an interesting jumble of curious minds. From new students unaware of where they’re headed to graduating students (some still not knowing where they’re headed), all under the tutelage of minds who have eventually found their way, the driving force has been passion and dedication.

Writers Zarin Arshy Jana Hamdan Katherine Levasseur Kateland Simmons

Passion fueled by interest, has enabled us to long ago make the decision of studying within the branches of Biology. Perhaps it is a passion to conserve the beauty and life of this earth, to prolong life via study and exploration of medicine, or even to adapt prosperously to the environmental changes brought on by anthropological impacts—we all study biology

VP Communications Kateland Simmons VP Internal Laura Bergeron VP Finance Jean-Philippe Maillet

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in order to answer questions and preserve what we have a passion for—what we love. And it is with this sentiment that we explore the themes of passion, curiosity and research, both from intellectual explorers of the past and the present, hoping to inspire the burgeoning minds of the future. The palpable passion of our very own Dr. Fraser, is highlighted in this issue of The Telomere Times, to not only grasp at the importance of conservation biology, but also to witness how one gradually falls in love with what one respects and wishes to preserve. Essentially, be mesmerized by the pivotal reasoning, as to why we study Ecology through his story. And for the cell and molecular biologists, explore the often untold stories of non-conventional medicine and their emotional, physical, and physiological effects on patients, with Dr. Steve Tucker. Speaking of the unconventional, learn new ways to love your body and its well being. We explore the diet of veganism, and its specific benefits during the all too stressful times of final exams. After all, passion can only be used as a driving force when one is healthy and happy—facilitated by tools found here at Concordia University Health Services. Although we have come very far in our quest to satisfy the curiosity of the human body and its health, we cannot forget to pay homage to the masterful minds of those who catapulted such studies. Take this opportunity to witness the mechanic beauty of the human body, with the gallery work provided by no other than Leonardo da Vinci. All in all, we wish you the very best with your studies and health, and hope that you too can be inspired by the love stories that many researchers have and are experiencing, to continue advancing the branches of biology we all have started with. Until the next time, Krutika Patel BSA President

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 I. (pgs 4—7) For the Love of Life—Adaptation to Environmental Change: Research by Dr. Dylan Fraser

II. (pgs 8—9) For the Love of the NonConventional—Chiropractic Studies: A Journey Towards Pain Relief III. (pgs 10—13) For the Love of Your Body— Veganism: A Gateway to Early Disease Prevention?

IV. (pgs 14—17) For the Love of Art—Biological Illustrator of the Month: Leonardo da Vinci

V. (pgs 18—29) Past Events Gallery

VI. (pgs 30—31) Meet the New Team

VII. (pgs 32—33) Meet Our Writers

VIII. (pgs 34—35) Contact Info

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S biology students, harboring a passion for the sciences and learning is essential, as well as complementary to our curious minds. Each and every one of us has a personal connection with the study of life; whether it is a passion for microorganisms, a desire to understand the universe, or a dream of exploring the untouched facets of medical innovation. In the case of Dr. Dylan Fraser, it is a passion for the conservation of biodiversity that has driven him to achieve the great accomplishments that adorn his

impressive resume. Dr. Fraser is an accomplished research biologist and associate professor here at Concordia University. His research spans the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Genetics and Conservation. The research being done in the Dylan Fraser Laboratory seeks to understand how species and populations within species, adapt to environmental change. As the foundational problem of Ecology, environmental issues remain the biggest concern for the preservation of every organism on Earth. As our population

rapidly increases, so does our requirement for space and resources. Unfortunately, the amount of damage our planet endures, especially to its natural habitats, increases as a result of this urban growth. In recent years, there has been a dramatic shift towards awareness of environmental issues, such as climate change and species loss. Every day, greater efforts are being made to combat these issues. In particular, here at Concordia University, Dr. Fraser and his team seek to understand how organisms facilitate adaptation, which is often

necessary, as a consequence of these environmental impacts. Their research has proven to be a great contributing factor towards raising awareness about species preservation. Passion is in great part the driving force towards scientific exploration; and it was this very sentiment that drove Dr. Fraser to commence his foundational studies at the University of Guelph, with a B.Sc in Fisheries Biology. “When I look at what I study today, in large part I am a product of my past,” started Dr. Fraser with a pensive look. He had the opportunity as a child to spend time amongst nature; it was at a family summer cottage in Parry Sound, Ontario, where his passion for wildlife and

conservation flourished. When asked how his love of fishing as a teenager developed into a passion for conservation, he replied fondly “As early as I can remember from doing my own fishing as a hobby, I was always interested in the conservation of natural resources and the fish themselves… I held these wild fish populations very dearly. I saw the important value of applying scientific knowledge towards how we could better

achieve goals related to sustainability”. Despite Dr. Fraser’s enthusiasm for fish and wildlife conservation, like many of us working towards our degrees, he was not always certain about what he wanted to do with his education. In fact, when he was in the first year of his

Brook Trout: Jason Borger//Fish, Flies & Water

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Illustration: Stuart Helmintoller

undergraduate degree, he was torn between a career in medicine and pursuing his passion of fish. During the first year of his undergraduate studies, Dr. Fraser pursued this passion and secured a summer job with the Ministry of Natural Resources. “The first half of the job was doing odd jobs. I painted and cleaned…helped keep the office neat …but the second half, all we did was net fishing out on the lake every day. For me, that summer and the following summer, where I did an entire summer working on fish… At that point I knew”. And with that sentiment, he had the following advice to give to any undergraduate student: “Immerse yourself as much as possible. Get experience as much as possible in whatever you’re interested in…don’t wait

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until the end of your degree to get that experience”. He went on to finish by emphasizing that “It is just as positive to learn that this isn’t really for you, as it is to reinforce that it really is your calling”. Dr. Fraser went on to finish his B.Sc. by doing an undergraduate thesis looking at the effects of captive propagation of Walleye, an important recreational sport fish here in North America, for the genetics of wild populations. A recommendation from a professor at the University of Guelph led him to an opportunity at the University of Laval, where he was able to work with large fish in Northern Quebec with the Cree First Nations people. The research was based on an integrative project, which looked at understanding the population

structuring within species of exploited fish. This research integrated the application of biology and traditional First Nation’s ecological and experiential knowledge, for the conservation of these fish species in local fisheries. He then moved to Halifax to work as a post doctoral researcher, before deciding to pursue a career as a university professor. Dr. Fraser has been a professor and researcher at Concordia University since 2009. The main research initiative of the Fraser laboratory is to investigate multiple factors influencing adaptation of salmonid fishes (salmon, trout and charr), in response to environmental change. Salmonids are one of the world’s most socio-economically important fish families. The model organism being used in


Brook Trout Eggs >> Virginia Capital Chapter // Trout Unlimited

this research is the Brook Trout, found in isolated populations in Cape Race, Newfoundland. Although not many might find fish as attractive as Dr. Fraser does, the research he and his team are conducting hold the aforementioned species to be incredibly ideal. Moreover, they belong to isolated populations and can be comprehensively sampled in order to understand their genetics, and how they deal with habitat fragmentation. Understanding the genetics of these fish is imperative for Dr. Fraser’s

research. “We’re interested in understanding the degree to which small populations will be able to maintain genetic polymorphisms across the genome, even when they’re small, based on whatever kind of selective pressures are being imposed on them in small, isolated fragments”. To do this, molecular tools are being used to see which DNA sequences are linked to certain traits under selection. This will enable researchers to see how these species may adapt in the future. Genetic data is also being used

by the Fraser laboratory, in order to estimate the abundances of the populations to see how they have changed over time. In other words, inference of population abundance can provide significant information on the issue of species conservation. Specifically, genetic insight of this species can lead to developments in captive breeding programs, species reintroductions, and issues concerning hybridization between domesticated and wild organisms from fisheries.

█

The Fraser laboratory is also carrying out research involved in restoration efforts of Atlantic salmon populations in Lake Champlain. For more information regarding the topic of population conservation of fish species, or to read about the specific ongoing research being conducted by Dr. Fraser and his team, please visit their website: http://www.dylanfraser.com/ If you would like to be inspired and learn under the tutelage of Dr. Fraser, please look into the following courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Concordia University: BIOL 330—Vertebrate Biology BIOL 457—Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology BIOL 670—Scientific Communication

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Dr. Steve Tucker Chiropractor Contact Info drstevetucker@gmail.com

elving into the world of chiropractic studies, with local chiropractor Dr. Steve Tucker, shed a new light on this swiftly advancing field. Inspired by his own experience with receiving treatment from a chiropractor, after a car accident in 1989, Dr. Tucker attended the University of Victoria for his undergraduate education. After graduating with a doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College in 1997 with a focus on natural health and yoga, the foundations of his practice were firmly established. Dr. Tucker’s unique perspective on the field of chiropractic studies will hopefully serve as an extremely informative asset to those of you who are interested in this career path, or alternative medicine. As the field of chiropractic studies is quite vast, there exist various specializations that one can explore to discover what facets

of alternative medicine they enjoy. Dr Tucker’s suggestion pointed mainly at the importance of exploration within these specializations by shadowing other chiropractors. Before chiropractic school, Dr. Tucker gained useful experience observing a physiotherapist while in high school. Completing research and gaining experience in the field prior to chiropractic school can serve as a tool to properly prepare students for what to expect in their field. To name a few branches one can go into for post-graduate training, within the chiropractic field, one can venture into: neurology, chiropractic acupuncture, orthopedics, occupational health, and chiropractic pediatrics. Dr. Tucker placed emphasis on courses such as anatomy and physiology, to aid students in their preparation for chiropractic school, since the entire program is about


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body structure and function. Cadavers were also utilized in his program, so students could obtain hands-on experience in learning about the body. Prerequisite courses are also required for chiropractic school, so obtaining a high GPA in these courses is extremely important for when you apply. One of the many gratifying facets of chiropractic studies, is the ability to help people who are in pain, find relief with therapy. Dr. Tucker enjoys these positive experiences and shared that his favourite part about being a chiropractor, is assisting

these patients with treatment because “sometimes you are their last hope, and can change their lives.” Knowing firsthand how life-changing the chiropractic field was for him, after finding relief from 18 months of pain, Dr. Tucker was inspired to proactively change peoples’ through his studies. Hopefully, his passion and story has shed light on the implications and use of alternative medicine, and inspires you in your endeavours towards becoming a chiropractor or exploring non-conventional medical careers. █

For more information about chiropractic colleges, visit these websites: http://www.drstevetucker.com/ http://www.chirofed.ca/ http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=32


A Gateway

Written by Jana Hamdan s university students, being healthy is a huge part of our success. Unbeknownst to many of us, urgent care services, complete physical examinations, and refills on prescriptions are some of the many services that are offered to us right here on school grounds, at the Concordia University Health Services clinic. From specific gender oriented services like free gynecological tests to general advice on nutrition, help can be procured both at the Loyola and SGW campuses. And apart from medical services, one can keep a

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proactive eye on their well-being by benefitting from the reduced fare facilities of Le Gym and the PERFORM centre. Now that we’ve informed you about a few indispensable tools that can benefit your physical, emotional and academic success, let’s examine how you can work on all said aspects from home! Although, exercising and regular examination is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet is also a vital part of maintaining an overall balanced life. As university students, thinking about disease prevention should be a priority, especially for those that are genetically predisposed to hereditary autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer to name a popular few. In this article, we focus on a vegan diet and its significant health benefits, especially towards disease

prevention. A vegan diet by definition is based on consumption of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and nuts. In this diet, all products from animal origin are eliminated, including milk, honey and eggs. Due to such specifications, this diet is higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat, as compared to other diets.

In a study published in the Nutrition Journal, the health effects of maintaining a low fat vegan diet was conducted on 1615 patients of varying ages, sex and ethnicity. The diet included consumption of less than 10% fat, 80% carbohydrates and high fibre content. This study proved that a “low fat vegan diet made significant changes in


commonly tested biomarkers that are used to predict future risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases” (McDougall et al, 2014). The biomarkers tested were for diastolic/systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (McDougall et al, 2014). The decrease of such biomarkers in the system, as a direct result of such a

diet supports the physiological evidence of decreased risk in the aforementioned diseases. In essence, a vegan diet is a proactive solution to disease prevention. Stress and anxiety can consume a good part of student life, especially around midterms and finals. A study published in the Nutrition Journal investigated the stress levels and moods of omnivores and strict vegetarians (Beezhold et al, 2012). In this study, 39 omnivores were

classified into three groups: everyday meat eaters, 3-4 time weekly fish eaters (excluding meat and poultry), and strict vegetarians, for a duration of 2 weeks. The classification of the three groups was based on the dietary intake of omega 3/omega 6 fatty acids which included eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Arachidonic acid is found in particularly high levels in meat products, and is

related to various neurological mood disorders (Whelan, 2008). Consequently, meat eaters have higher intake of the “potentially neuroinflammatory long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA),” (Beezhold et al, 2012). In contrast, the study found that the only group that had shown improvement in short term mood state, were the strict vegetarians (Beezhold et al, 2012).

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Canada as reported in Statistics Canada. According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2 in 5 Canadians are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2014). Among the diverse variety of cancers that afflict our population, colorectal cancer is the third most common due to the portfolio of genetics, age and interestingly enough, poor diet (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2014). In a study conducted by Dr.

Chen and associates in 2015, a plant based diet was highlighted to be beneficial towards decreased risk of colorectal cancer in a pool of women and men of Canadian origins. Via a 139 food item questionnaire, dietary habits were analyzed within parameters of a sugary

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diet and meat diet, to conclude that they collaboratively and individually contributed to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, as compared to a plantbased diet (Chen et al, 2015). The protection against colorectal cancer may thus be associated with the consumption of high fibre content present in a vegan diet, as compared to other diets. Also, many vegetables and fruits contain natural anti-oxidants, as

well as essential micronutrients that are believed to be an essential component in disease prevention. Cancer is also linked to overstimulation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF-1) (Melnik et al, 2011). The growth factor IGF-1 is involved in metabolism and is stimulated by growth hormone (GH), which is readily found in high concentrations in meat products

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In essence, a vegan diet could protect you from many diseases and take you a step closer to balanced nutrition and health. You can always refer to the health services at Concordia to lead you to make more health conscious decisions. And if you need more information regarding specific areas of your health, you can book an appointment with a health promotion specialist at the Health Services. Specifically, a nutritionist can help you reach your goals when attempting the gradual transition to veganism. Also, a great place to start eating vegan/vegetarian meals is the HIVE, located at the Loyola Campus, next to the Vanier Library. The HIVE offers vegan/vegetarian meals totally FREE of charge for the Concordia community! To learn more about these great daily meals, visit http://www.hivecafe.ca/

(Jones, 1995). A study examined the effect of protein intake on IGF-1 serum levels, suggesting that “reduced protein intake may become an important component of anticancer and anti-aging dietary interventions� (Fontana et al, 2008). As a stimulant to IGF-1, GH intake can be decreased with a reduced consumption of meats and meat by-products. A vegan diet, still contributing to the bodily needs of non-meat protein, may thus assist with lowering IGF1 serum levels that consequently contribute to several cancers.

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Leonardo da Vinci eonardo da Vinci. Our newsletter series would be incomplete without at least one mention of this man. Despite his life’s achievements making the rest of ours pale in comparison, it is impossible not to admire him. If he lived in the modern day, his resume would need to be printed on one of those scrolls that roll to the floor and down the hall to encompass his pivotal accomplishments. Among his list of occupations that included painter, mathematician, architect, engineer, sculptor, writer and more, was anatomist. Da Vinci’s position as an anatomist is widely acknowledged, but his endeavours here are hardly discussed. Being a scrupulous artist, a

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methodical thinker and most of all, insatiably curious, da Vinci had all the makings for a perfect dissector. He had himself noted performing dissections on 30 corpses around the year 1513. His earlier undertakings, as you will see, carefully detailed the structures and mechanics of the skeletal and muscular systems. He later studied the individual organs, particularly the brain and heart to deduce that the heart, instead of the liver, was the necessary component of the blood system. He also realized that humors, the four types of fluids in the body principally understood to regulate health and emotion for millennia, could not be found in the cerebral ventricles. He was also the first person to describe atherosclerosis and hepatic cirrhosis.


Much of da Vinci’s passion came from his striving to understand how nature had so serenely crafted the human form, and how emotions were even a possibility. He believed that humans were a microcosm of the extended workings of the cosmos, which bore the human figure within mathematical proportions (the famous Vitruvian Man). Sadly and mysteriously, his anatomical drawings were never published, at the detriment of the medical sciences which could have greatly

advanced from his findings. Andreas Vesalius, featured in the previous issue of our newsletter, outlined the human anatomy some 30 years after da Vinci’s time; William Harvey described the circulation of blood by the heart 120 years later; and Antonio Valsalva discovered sinuses in the aorta some 200 years later. All of these were alluded to or known by da Vinci! Thus, let us take a moment to appreciate his study of life through illustration. █

References Heydenreich, Ludwig Heinrich. 'Leonardo da Vinci | Biography - Italian Artist, Engineer, And Scientist :: Anatomical Studies And Drawings'. Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p., 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2015. Jones, Roger. 'Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist'. British Journal of General Practice 62.599 (2012): 319-319. Web.

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Wine & Cheese

PHOTOGRAPHER: HESSAM RAD

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Wine and Cheese —

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Plane m This collaborative event with ABACUS allowed students to escape the midterm study crunch and ponder the complexities of space-time continuum. The featured shows “Vertigo” and “Tempo” offered a somewhat psychedelic experience that left everyone questioning time, space, and our place in the world. 26 THE TELOMERE TIMES


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Photo : © MixxedFit® VIP & Instructor Destination Location 2015

 A collaborative Sexual Health Awareness fair with ABACUS, AHSCSA, COMS Guild, CUPA, and JSA. Lectures given by Dr. Jim Pfaus, Ms. Condom, and Aqua, and a booth featuring both Concordia affiliates (Health Services, Centre for Gender Advocacy, Queer Concordia) and external sources (Passion Parties, Alternative Lifestyles Community Centre and Mistress Hellkitty) that all promoted consent, communication and safe sex practices: all important tools for any sexual person to have.

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My name is , and I am very thrilled to be serving you once again as your for 2015-2016! It is you who has inspired and motivated me to orient my efforts towards broadening the tools available at Concordia University, so that you may succeed academically and grow socially in a place that can sometimes feel lonesome and overwhelming. And as your fellow peer, I also recognize the lack of opportunities available to network and experience work, internship and volunteer positions for us Biology enthusiasts. So, along with the wonderful energy I receive from sharing and interacting with each of you, I am excited to say that the BSA team and I will work hard to continue bringing changes needed, to make this a truly great year. Remember, interaction is inspiration, so come by, strike up a conversation, and voice your inputs and ideas!

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Hi all, my name is

. I am finishing my first year at Concordia

in Biology and I am proud to be your BSA for 2015-2016. My goal is to learn what it is the students truly need and implement strategies to meet those needs, as well as bringing forth any changes that the students wish to see. I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team, and am looking forward to helping make this year fun and successful for everyone!

Hello! My name is

and I am in my third year of a

Biology specialization. I'll be your BSA for the year 2015-2016. I'll be working throughout the year on organizing as many entertaining events as possible! I look forward to getting to know you through fun activities and parties. My main goal will be getting more people to interact and exchange ideas in our Biology community. I promise you, this year will be anything but boring!


Hello fellow Biology students, I am ! I am a third year Specialization Ecology student and I am very excited to be the 2015-2016 ! As your VP Comms, I will be responsible for keeping all you wonderful Biology students updated and informed on the latest biology related Concordia activities, as well as all the amazing events organized by the BSA. I will also be responsible for the management of the BSA newsletter, The Telomere Times. My hope for this upcoming academic year, is to enhance our BSA social media platforms and provide information about opportunities and advances in science that can enrich your undergraduate experience! Hi, my name is , and I am the elected ASFA for the BSA. I'm a third year Specialization Biology student. I am the out-going VP of Social Affairs of the BSA, and I wanted to expand into a more legislative role, and am excited to start my new mandate in May! My name is

-

and I will be

acting as your for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. I intend to help make next year exciting for both new students, and for our current student body. I look forward to managing a budget that will make your school experience fulfilling and one which benefits the best interest of our department. I wish everyone the best of luck! Here's to a great year! Hi, I am , your new for the Biology Students Association. The VP External is a new position primarily designed to organize the Concordia Galรกpagos Project (CGP) 2016, and have it credited as a course within the Biology Department curriculum. In addition to this trip, the VP external will also complement the BSA team and organize promotional events of different kinds throughout the year. As a freshly added position to the BSA, the VP External will have the freedom to personally take suggestions and requests from Biology students to share with the committee and bring them to life.

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Meet the Writers Jana

Katherine

Kateland

Kateland

Zarin

Simmons is an international student from Dallas, Texas in her final year of Concordia’s Biology program. She is BSA’s current VP Communications. As writing has always been a cathartic and enjoyable activity for her throughout her life, she hopes that she can encourage people to see life through a different perspective via her work.

Jana Hamdan is a second year

…………………

…………………

Zarin

Arshy

is a Concordia Biology graduate to-be whose fascination of the sciences has not fully masked her love of the arts including the literary and fine arts. She believes writing for the BSA newsletter will serve as a nice liaison between these different things. She hopes to draw a sense of patriotism and community among Concordia Biology students, as she thinks they truly have much to take pride in.

Cell and Molecular Biology major. She has a great interest in genomics, cell biology and human nutrition. She takes immense pride in writing for the Telomere Times and hopes this opportunity allows for her to make connections with the scientific and student community.

Katherine

Levasseur

is in her third year at Concordia completing a specialization degree in Ecology. She has a passion for conservation and hopes to one day contribute directly to the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife. She is a scuba diver and nature lover who through her writing with the Telomere Times hopes to take greater pride in Concordia and to connect with other students to do the same.

If you are interested in writing for the newsletter, please email us at bsa.concordia@gmail.com!

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COFFEE

Office Hours Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays

12:00 - 1:00 pm (VP Comms Kateland Simmons) 1:00 - 2:00 pm (VP Internal Laura Bergeron) 2:30 - 3:30 pm (VP Social Alex Baird) 1:30 - 2:30 pm (President Krutika Patel) 2:00 - 3:00 pm (VP Finance JP Maillet) 10:30 - 11:30 am (VP Academics Braeden Donaldson)

The BSA Team From left to right: VP Academics Braeden Donaldson, VP Comms Kateland Simmons, VP Social Alex Baird, VP Internal Laura Bergeron, President Krutika Patel, and VP Finance JP Maillet.

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Room Number

SP-375.21

Concordia Biology Student Association

www.bsaconcordia.com

Phone Number +1(514)848-2424 ext. 5499

bsa.concordia@gmail.com

VOLUNTEER FOR US Come and volunteer with the BSA!    

Become involved in your department; Looks great on your CV; Have fun and meet new people! Get a reference letter from the BSA president.

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