Members
All graduate students registered at UNBC, including Master’s and PhD graduate students, are members of the Northern BC Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS). The NBCGSS is run by a board of directors that is elected by members each year. Members of the NBCGSS are also members of the BC Federation of Students (BCFS).
Board of Directors 2025 – 2026
Director of Events and Communication
Every successful event begins with a vision and a commitment to bringing people together—principles that Omar Akbar Sraban has consistently upheld through his experience in event planning, financial management, and student engagement. As the Director of Finance for the Bangladesh Student Association at UNBC, he managed budgets and supported student-led initiatives that strengthened the campus community. Previously, he served as the Finance Director for Budget Olympiad 2019, where he played a key role in organizing a large-scale event with 700 participants, raising funds, and ensuring seamless execution. His leadership as Secretary of Administrative Operations at the Royal Economics Club, NSTU, further honed his ability to coordinate events and foster collaboration.
In his role as Director of Events and Communications, Omar plans to bring fresh ideas and a structured approach to student engagement. His focus will be on organizing dynamic and inclusive events, improving communication between students and leadership, and creating opportunities for all students to connect, grow, and thrive. From professional networking events to cultural celebrations and student-led discussions, he is committed to making campus life more vibrant and meaningful.
Omar Akbar Sraban is a dedicated and results-driven leader with a strong understanding of event execution, financial planning, and student engagement—an ideal candidate for Director of Events and Communications. When people come together, he believes, they create something greater than themselves.
Email address: gssevents@unbc.ca
Director of External Relations and Partnerships
Vishnukumar Sharma currently serves as the Director of External and Partnership for NBCGSS. He is pursuing his MBA at UNBC and brings a background in mechanical engineering, complemented by valuable experience in project and processing engineering roles.
Vishnukumar is passionate about connecting with people and organizations to create meaningful opportunities for the graduate student community. He is committed to building strong partnerships, opening new doors for NBCGSS members, and contributing to a stronger, more connected graduate society. With enthusiasm and dedication, he looks forward to an exciting journey ahead.
Email address: gssexternal@unbc.ca
Chairperson
Sriparna Dey is currently pursuing her Master’s in Development Economics at UNBC. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta in India. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves as the Director of the UNBC Investment Club, works as a Student Assistant, and contributes to campus academic life as a Teaching Assistant Co-Facilitator.
As Chairperson of the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS), Sriparna is dedicated to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard, valued, and represented. She is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all graduate students at UNBC.
Email address: gsspres@unbc.ca
Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management
Alireza Noory is a graduate student in Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). With a solid foundation in civil engineering, he earned his degree in Road and Transportation from Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran, where he was recognized as the second outstanding student.
Currently, Alireza serves as the Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management for the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students Society. He has coordinated various initiatives, including workshops on intellectual property protection. His professional experience encompasses leadership roles in municipal research and planning, with a focus on urban innovation and environmental management.
Alireza’s research contributions have been acknowledged through several awards, including the Graduate Entrance Research Scholarship from UNBC and accolades for outstanding papers at international conferences. He is proficient in a range of software applications related to civil engineering and transportation. Fluent in Farsi and English, Alireza also possesses skills in Arabic, French, and German.
His goal is to enhance student life by providing more engaging and enjoyable experiences for all.
Email address: gssdal@unbc.ca
Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs
Alana LaMalice is of Dene, Gwich’in, Nēhiyawēwin, and Denesuliné descent and is a proud member of the K’atl’odeeche First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. A mother to one daughter and one ceremonial daughter, she is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), completing her thesis in Calgary, Alberta.
Alana lives and works on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi, including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina, Îyâxe Nakoda, Cree, Sioux, and Saulteaux bands, in the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region III, Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary, AB).
Her work and volunteer experiences reflect a deep commitment to Indigenous advocacy, community-based research, and cultural preservation. She currently serves as the Community-based Research Lead for the Dehcho Protected Areas Communities (DPAC) project with Wilfrid Laurier University and Dehcho First Nations, focusing on documenting and supporting Indigenous-led conservation through the Edéhzhíe Learnings Project.
Alana is the Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs for NBCGSS at UNBC, and has served in leadership roles with CAAN Communities, Alliances & Networks, the Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI), and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA). She has co-chaired major community gatherings such as the Dehcho 30th Annual Assembly and has held multiple governance and advocacy positions, including with UNBC’s Accessibility Committee and as an Indigenous Research Ambassador.
With a strong foundation in social work, research ethics, and Indigenous-led initiatives, Alana LaMalice brings a wealth of experience, cultural knowledge, and dedication to every role she takes on.
Email address: gssindigenous@unbc.ca
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Welfare
Lina Shehata is a Master of Applied Science in Engineering student at UNBC with a professional background in architecture and a strong commitment to community development. Originally from Egypt, she brings international experience and a multicultural perspective to her academic and leadership roles. Lina is also an active volunteer with campus organizations.
In her role as Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Welfare, Lina is passionate about ensuring the voices of international and marginalized graduate students are heard and included in decision-making. Her mission is to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all students by promoting inclusive practices, cultural awareness, and mental health support. She aims to expand food-related programming, organize wellness activities, and advocate for resources that reflect the diverse needs of the graduate student body.
Lina also serves as the Graduate Student Representative on the UNBC Board of Governors and is an active member of several university committees, where she brings forward graduate student perspectives on equity, policy, and student welfare. As Food Bank Manager, she is committed to addressing food insecurity through regular food distributions and culturally inclusive initiatives that meet the nutritional needs of a diverse student population.
Email address: gssdiversity@unbc.ca
Staff
Executive Director
Rozanna, the Executive Director of NBCGSS, is a dedicated social worker with a diverse background in account management, client services, IT, and communications. With six years in the corporate sector and six years with the Government of Canada in Sri Lanka, she excels in change management and developmental issues. Rozanna’s commitment to humanity and sustainability shapes her professional journey.
As Executive Director, she is responsible for strategic planning, working with the board of directors (B of D), and operating within a budget to ensure the office runs smoothly. She holds a BSc. in Business Information Technology from the University of Greenwich, a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from Pearson, a Master of Social Work from the National Institute of Social Development in Sri Lanka, and an MA in International Studies from UNBC.
Rozanna also founded “Hope for Humanity,” supporting children and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka. Passionate about balancing human and environmental needs, she believes in linking resources effectively.
Email address: gssoffice@unbc.ca
Grants Administration Assistant
Behrouz (Bruce) Danesh serves as Grants Administration Assistant for the Northern BC Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS), where he researches funding opportunities and develops strategic partnerships to expand the organization’s portfolio and enhance its reputation across the graduate student community.
Building on his tenure as NBCGSS Chairperson (2024-2025)- during which he elevated the Society’s visibility, organized over 30 events, and secured summer job funding for the first time in years Bruce now focuses on identifying grant opportunities that will strengthen NBCGSS’s capacity to serve graduate students. Currently completing his Master of Occupational Therapy at UBC’s Northern cohort and valedictorian of UNBC’s Health Sciences program, he brings research expertise and strategic vision to advancing NBCGSS’s profile as a leader in graduate student advocacy and support.
Email address: gss@unbc.ca
Administrative Assistant
Ramin Kupaei is a Master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), originally from Iran. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and brings a strong background in technology, research, and student support.
Ramin currently works as a Research Assistant at the UNBC Robotics Lab, where he contributes to projects at the intersection of computing and innovation. He also serves as an Administrative Assistant for the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS).
Dedicated to advocating for student voices and improving campus life, Ramin is passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible environment for all students. His commitment to student engagement and academic excellence continues to shape his contributions both in and outside the classroom.
Email address: gssadmin@unbc.ca
Administrative Assistant
Zeerak Waryam Sajid is a civil engineer and researcher with a focus on the built environment, committed to promoting sustainability and resource efficiency in the construction sector. With experience spanning both engineering practice and academic roles, he has also actively contributed to student-led organizations dedicated to academic and professional development.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Zeerak serves as an Administrative Assistant with the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS), where he is eager to support and empower fellow graduate students.
Email address: gssadmin@unbc.ca
Administrative Assistant
About Ayed Anowar
Ayed Anowar is a dedicated graduate student in Civil Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) specializing in Geotechnical and Geo-environmental Engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Magna Cum Laude) from North South University in Bangladesh, where he built a strong foundation in sustainability-driven research and leadership within the academic community.
Ayed’s academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and education. He has served as an Administrative Assistant and Teaching and Lab Instructor, efficiently managing departmental operations, preparing instructional materials, and supporting faculty and students in laboratory-based courses. As an Academic and Research Representative, he has played a key role in fostering communication between students and faculty while encouraging collaborative research initiatives.
His research interests focus on sustainable soil stabilization, geopolymer technology, and the use of industrial waste in geotechnical engineering, with the goal of developing eco-efficient and resilient infrastructure systems. Through his studies and projects, Ayed aims to bridge the gap between traditional construction practices and modern sustainability principles.
Beyond academics, Ayed has been actively involved in community engagement and leadership. He volunteered with UNBC Engineering Outreach at the Uda Dune Baiyoh House of Ancestors, supporting First Nation community engagement, and served as Secretary of Administrative Operations for the Royal Engineering Club at North South University, coordinating academic events and collaborations.
Known for his strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities, Ayed effectively combines technical expertise with creativity. He is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative tools, which he uses to enhance academic, research, and outreach activities.
Through his dedication to research, education, and community service, Ayed continues to contribute meaningfully to the field of civil engineering, aspiring to create sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious infrastructure for the future.
Administrative Assistant
Navid Bin Islam is a passionate and purpose-driven individual who believes in using technology and leadership to make a difference. With a foundation in Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Data Science, he thrives on solving problems, inspiring others, and turning ideas into impact.
Navid leads with empathy and vision—creating opportunities for students to connect, grow, and lead. His initiatives focus on collaboration, innovation, and community building, empowering others to develop leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to campus life. He also values cross-cultural engagement, often working alongside indigenous people and promoting dialogue that fosters respect, understanding, and inclusivity within the university environment.
Beyond academics and leadership, Navid actively participates in student events, volunteer programs, and intercultural activities that strengthen the sense of belonging on campus. He enjoys mentoring peers, organizing workshops, and supporting initiatives that promote student well-being and professional development. Alongside his academic and technical pursuits, Navid remains deeply engaged in community work within the Northern BC Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS), where he contributes to organizational coordination, student support, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen the graduate community. Guided by curiosity, empathy, and a drive to serve, he continues to explore new ways to connect people, ideas, and technology for a better future.
Administrative Assistant
Nusra Shakkir is a graduate researcher currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Biochemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Her research under the supervision of Dr. Kendra Furber focuses in neurodevelopment and healthy brain aging, integrating her background in biotechnology with a strong interest in neuroscience and molecular biology.
At UNBC, Nusra has gained valuable experience supporting academic events, coordinating student programs, and managing communication across multiple platforms. She received the Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in recognition of her organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with diverse groups. Beyond academics, her volunteer and administrative roles have enhanced her ability to manage logistics, provide support to students, and foster community engagement.
In addition to her scientific and administrative expertise, Nusra brings creativity and technical proficiency in marketing, digital content creation, and social media management, with experience using tools like Canva to support outreach and advocacy initiatives. As an NBCGSS Administrator, she is committed to creating an inclusive, well-connected, and supportive environment that empowers graduate students to thrive both academically and personally.