Northern BC Graduate Students' Society

Director of Events and Communication

Syeda Taarin Ishraat is a graduate student in Chemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), specializing in natural products, microbiology, and analytical chemistry. Her research focuses on the discovery and characterization of microbial metabolites using advanced analytical techniques such as LC–MS and NMR.

She completed both her Bachelor and Master of Pharmacy at the University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh. Prior to joining UNBC, she gained over five years of industry experience in research and development at Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd, BD, where she worked in drug formulation development. Through this work, she developed strong skills in communication, coordination, and problem-solving within multidisciplinary environments.

In addition to her academic work, Taarin has gained valuable experience as a Teaching Assistant, where she supports student learning, assists with laboratory instruction, and helps guide students through course material. This role has strengthened her communication, mentorship, and organizational skills.

As the Director of Events & Communication, Taarin is committed to enhancing the graduate student experience through clear, accessible communication and thoughtfully designed events. Her focus is on creating inclusive and engaging opportunities that foster connection, support student well-being, and encourage collaboration across disciplines. She aims to ensure that graduate students feel informed, represented, and meaningfully connected to their community and the broader university environment.

Email address: gssevents@unbc.ca

Director of External Relations and Partnerships

I am a Master of Applied Science (MASc) student in Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia, specializing in Virtual Reality applications for dam break simulation to enhance emergency preparedness and infrastructure safety. My academic background combines engineering, data analysis, and GIS-based modeling, allowing me to approach complex problems with both technical depth and practical impact.

I have demonstrated leadership from an early stage, serving as President of my high school student council and later as a member of the Civil Engineering Student Committee during my undergraduate studies. At UNBC, I contribute as a Teaching Assistant and actively volunteer to support student engagement and academic success within the graduate community.

Through my involvement, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, and I am passionate about advocating for graduate students. I am committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment, and to representing student voices effectively within NBCGSS.

Email address: gssexternal@unbc.ca

Chairperson

I am Md Navid bin Islam, a graduate student at UNBC and your elected NBCGSS Chairperson. My journey with the Society started from working behind the scenes in administration and student support, where I saw firsthand what students need and where we can do better.
My academic work focuses on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, but what truly drives me is building a graduate community where every student feels supported, included, and empowered. I believe leadership is not about position; it’s about showing up, listening, and taking action when it matters.
I am here as one of you, to advocate, to bring forward your concerns, and to help create real opportunities whether that’s better support systems, stronger transparency, or spaces where our diverse cultures and voices come together.

Email address: gsspres@unbc.ca

Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management

Ayed Anowar is a graduate student in Civil Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), specializing in geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure development. His research focuses on ground improvement techniques, innovative materials, and enhancing infrastructure performance in cold-region environments, particularly in Northern British Columbia.

Ayed is a recipient of the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, through which he will conduct a research internship at the University of Oulu, Finland. This international research opportunity reflects his commitment to advancing applied geotechnical solutions and collaborating across global research environments.

He currently serves as the Director of Internal Relations & Strategic Management-Vice President at the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS). In this role, Ayed works to strengthen internal communication, improve coordination among board members, and promote transparency and accountability within the organization. He is dedicated to ensuring that graduate students’ voices are effectively represented and that NBCGSS operates in a responsive, efficient, and student-centered manner.

Prior to his election, Ayed served as an Administrative Assistant at NBCGSS, where he supported the Executive Director and Board of Directors in event coordination, budgeting, financial tracking, and strategic planning. This experience provided him with valuable insight into student governance and organizational operations.

In addition to his leadership roles, Ayed contributes to the academic community as a Teaching Assistant and Lab Instructor at UNBC. In this capacity, he supports student learning, provides mentorship, and facilitates a collaborative academic environment. These experiences have strengthened his communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ayed is passionate about bridging research and real-world application, particularly in developing resilient infrastructure for challenging environments. He is equally committed to fostering a strong graduate student community through transparent leadership, effective communication, and meaningful student engagement.

Email address: gssdal@unbc.ca

Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Welfare

Nazanin Parvizi is a Master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), originally from Kurdistan, Iran. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, during which she built a strong foundation in IoT networks, smart grids, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Nazanin serves as a Research Assistant in the INFORM Lab under Dr. Sajal Saha at UNBC, where she collaborates on innovative projects exploring the intersection of machine learning, cybersecurity, and distributed systems. She is particularly passionate about creating practical solutions that seamlessly balance high performance with robust privacy protections, ensuring technology serves people responsibly and effectively.

Deeply committed to creating inclusive, respectful, and supportive environments for graduate students, Nazanin blends sharp analytical thinking with genuine empathy and practical problem-solving. She loves building community and championing student wellbeing. Driven by a real passion for research, innovation, and lifelong learning, she brings collaboration, adaptability, and creativity to everything she does. Her dedication to academic excellence, peer mentorship, and making a genuine impact continues to shape her contributions both on campus and in the wider community.

Email address: gssdiversity@unbc.ca

Office Manager

Vishnukumar (Vishnu) Sharma is the Office Manager of the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS). He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Engineering in Automobile & IC Engine Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Northern British Columbia.

Vishnu brings experience in operations, project coordination, administration, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining NBCGSS as Office Manager, he served the organization in various capacities, including administrative support and as Director of External Relations and Partnerships. His work has focused on financial administration, student services, event coordination, organizational operations, and building partnerships that enhance the graduate student experience.

Vishnu is passionate about supporting students, improving organizational processes, and fostering an inclusive and engaged graduate student community. Through his role at NBCGSS, he is committed to helping deliver effective services, advocacy, and opportunities for graduate students at UNBC.

Email address: gssoffice@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

Grants Administrative Assistant

Asal Salari is a biotechnology graduate currently pursuing her journey toward dentistry. Her involvement with the Northern BC Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS) began through volunteering with the NBCGSS Food Bank, where she enjoyed supporting students and helping strengthen a sense of community on campus.

Today, she continues her work with NBCGSS in her role as Grants & Administrative Assistant, contributing to initiatives that support graduate students and enhance their university experience.

Asal values meaningful connections, lifelong learning, and opportunities to make a positive impact through service and collaboration.

Email address: gss@unbc.ca