Our Team

Conference Chair

Donya Danesh

Chair/Co-Founder
PhD Candidate | Department of Biology | Queen's University

My research focuses on the use of paleolimnological techniques to determine long-term climate impacts to freshwater resources in the boreal region of Northwest Ontario. As co-chair/co-founder of WatIF 2014, I was inspired by the amazing graduate students I had the privilege of working with during the planning of WatIF and the ones I met at the conference. I decided to chair again this time around and am excited to create/be part of a new global water community of graduate students around the world.

Accounting and Sponsorship

Avneet Button

Industry Finance Manager
MASc Candidate | Department of Civil Engineering | Queen's University

I am part of an interdisciplinary team to research the effects of potential oil spills to fish habitat in Canada's rivers. I joined WatIF to work with water researchers from various academic backgrounds and I really like that WatIF broadens students’ perspectives on water related issues.

Alex Tourigny

Industry Finance Assistant
MASc Candidate | Department of Civil Engineering | Queen's University

My research is focused on developing and testing water demand forecast methods on water distribution systems in order to quantify future energy requirements and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. I am very interested in water management and WatIF provides a great opportunity to connect and discuss with equally passionate individuals.

Program Development

Cecilia Barouillet

Breakout Session Coordinator
MS Candidate | Department of Biology | Queen's University

I investigate the impact of climate change and hydroelectric management on the productivity of salmon spawning lakes in British Columbia, Canada. I decided to join the WatIF organizing team because I think it is a great opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds that share the same passion and motivation, and also to learn about myself.

Vanessa Bennett

Technical Program Coordinator
MASc Candidate | Department of Civil Engineering | Queen's University

My current research looks at the impacts of Hurricane Sandy on a barrier island call Fire Island, NY, USA including hydrodynamic and morphologic changes. I joined WatIF because I truly believe in coordinating the efforts of grad students now to create and educate the future water leaders of tomorrow.

Katherine Moir

Social Events Coordinator
MES Candidate | Department of Environmental Studies | Queen's University

My research is focused on evaluating the algal biodiversity in alvar wetlands of Ontario. I joined WatIF because I want to facilitate social and research connections between students from different disciplines, backgrounds, and schools.

Digital Media and Marketing

Hannah Rundle

Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator
BScH 2016 | Department of Biology | Queen's University

I am working on my undergraduate honours thesis in biology and studying the effects of a changing climate on golden-brown algae (chrysophyte) assemblages in lakes in the Adirondacks, NY, USA. I wanted to be a part of WatIF because it unites students from different regions and disciplines in order to inspire change for the future of the world's water.

Angela Huston

Digital Media Outreach
MSc/PhD Candidate | Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics | McGill University

I am a lover of chemistry, dance, innovative toilets, and nature. As a PhD Candidate at McGill University, I integrate participatory social science research with engineering tools for holistic assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene in Cameroon. I am trained in dialogue facilitation and arts-based methods that invite people from all backgrounds to engage as active members of civil society. I am a yogini and a hip hop enthusiast.

Student Outreach

Jessica Pertili

Student Outreach Coordinator
MES Candidate | Department of Environmental Studies | Queen's University

My research examines policy surrounding flame-retardants. I joined WatIF because I want to be part of WatIF’s inspiring and motivating community movement. WatIF provides an amazing opportunity to establish relationships among peers which will allow us to learn, grow and work together now and in the future, in order to bring about awareness and change in water policy.

Guy-Thierry Tenkouano

Linguistics Lead and Francophone Contact
MES Candidate | Department of Environmental Studies | Queen's University

My research focuses on geochemical techniques applied to lacustrine sediment in order to determine anthropogenic impacts from mining activities. My current interest focuses on gold mining in Nova Scotia, Canada. I joined WatIF with the hope of working with other young researchers allowing me to break from my bubble and meet a multitude of brilliant minds.

Lianne Chu

Queen's Internal Student Outreach
BScH 2016 | Departments of Geology and Physics | Queen's University

I am currently in my final year of my undergrad and spent the last year doing research for an advanced applied geophysics course. I conducted hydrogeophysical surveying techniques to shed light on the geologic history of peculiar karst dissolution features in Prince Edward County, ON, Canada. I was inspired to major in hydrogeology while travelling the Maasai Mara in Kenya. I joined WatIF because it is a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from other young water researchers from around the globe.

Logistics

Kamila Pogoda

Food and Beverage Manager
MES Candidate | Department of Environmental Studies | Queen's University

My research is investigating the implications of the assessment and consumption of private well water quality in Ontario via metagenomics. I joined WatIF to be a part of the international water conversation.