Editorial Team

Editorial Team 2024/25

Missing: Sophie Sigfstead, Kira Sviderskaia, Ellen Tam, and Mohcene Maher

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Gopesh Gopinath
Director and Editor-in-Chief

Gopesh is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta studying Biological Sciences and Psychology. With a passion for making science accessible, he is dedicated to bridging complex ideas for undergraduates, equipping them with the skills to confidently navigate and contribute to the world of research. His major research interests include immuno-oncology and genetics. In his leisure time, Gopesh enjoys reading and watching historical documentaries. ✉︎

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Ellen Tam
Vice-Director

Ellen is a second-year neuroscience student who is passionate about improving the science community at the U of A and increasing undergraduate opportunities in research for all students. She hopes to become a lawyer in the future and is interested in studying the intersectionality of governmental policy and science. In her free time, she enjoys making unserious presentations, coaching badminton and free-style rapping. ✉︎

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Justin Knechtel
Editor

Justin is a PhD student in Oncology at the University of Alberta. During his undergraduate degree, he studied biochemistry in the honors program and completed a certificate in biomedical research. As a result, he understands the value of undergraduate research and aims to highlight the work of undergraduate researchers through his role at Eureka. In his spare time, he loves running, cycling, and spending time with his dogs. ✉︎

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Sophie Sigfstead
Editor

Sophie is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta majoring in mathematics and computational science. She is currently conducting research in several areas, including AI in medicine (supervised by Dr. Christopher Cheung) and health misinformation (under Professor Timothy Caulfield). Additionally, she is the co-founder and CTO of a health technology company that was recently accepted into the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research Entrepreneurship for Cardiovascular Health Opportunities (ECHO) program. Sophie also represents Canadian undergraduate research interests as a member of Computer Science Canada’s national student council (CS-CAN SPAC) and volunteers with several wellness-based programs on campus. In her downtime, she loves to read, spend time with friends and enjoy the outdoors! ✉︎

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Kira Sviderskaia
Editor

Kira received her BSc (High Distinction) in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2023, and has worked as a research assistant in a virology lab of Vanessa Meier-Stephenson at the University of Alberta since. She is most interested in using molecular biology to develop therapeutic solutions for human diseases. Kira shares Eureka!'s passion for supporting undergraduate investigators, aiming to nurture research ambition and communication skills they move forward in their careers. Outside of the lab, Kira is usually found binge-watching 2000's TV shows or cuddling with her cat. ✉︎

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Mohcene Maher
Editor

My name is Mohcene, born & raised in Algeria. I'm a 3rd year software engineering student. I have been doing research since 2023 in Dr. Cao's Computational Psychiatry Lab. Outside of school, I do SCUBA Diving and creative writing for a computer game. ✉︎

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Chris Jiang
Editor

Chris is a first-year UAlberta student studying Immunology and Infection. His work in science communication involved being part of a high-school startup journal focusing on making cutting-edge biological research accessible to high school students, inspired by his own interests in immunology and clinical research. Along with being an editor for Eureka, Chris works as a Residence Assistant on East Campus, and enjoys volunteering at Kaye Edmonton Clinic and with the PMSA on campus. In his free time, Chris plays piano and does graphic design. ✉︎

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Past Editor-in-Chiefs

Emma Elder

Emma received her BSc in Physiology (Hons) in 2024. She aims to be a voice for undergraduate research through Eureka and is an advocate for showcasing the brilliant discoveries made by students. Emma completed her undergraduate thesis on the effects of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication, on women's vasculature and postpartum outcomes in the Davidge Lab. Aside from her passion for science communication, she is the Board Chair of Open Arms Patient Advocacy, a non-profit that supports Albertans in navigating our healthcare system. During her downtime, Emma loves taking an ice cream break at Made by Marcus and binging on a good TV show.

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Noam Sander

Noam received a BSc in Neuroscience (Hons) in 2023. He is passionate about science communication and aims to provide undergraduate students with opportunities that make research in all disciplines accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding through Eureka. Although he is fascinated by many fields of science, Noam is specifically interested in public health, health sciences, and injury prevention. He is also currently involved in the Colbourne Lab, where he studies potential neuroprotective treatments and interventions to protect the brain after stroke. Noam’s free time is often spent outdoors doing activities such as hiking, biking, and snowboarding.

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Mary Cheuk

Mary received a BSc in Psychology (Spec) in 2022. Through Eureka, she hopes to promote the many niches of science and make research more approachable to undergraduate students. Mary has been involved in many facets of research, her main interests including mental health and neuropsychology. Currently, she is studying rhythm and stuttering as a part of the Louck Lab. In her free time, Mary is usually reading or sketching with a sitcom on in the background.