2026 Scholars | Sir Howard Douglas Society | President | Leadership | UNB

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Leadership

2026 Sir Howard Douglas Scholars

2026 Scholars

Luke Boateng

Luke Boateng, from Ghana, is pursuing a Bachelor of Health, honours in Biomedical Sciences and Health.

Luke’s campus involvement reflects his commitment to service and inclusion. As an Orientation Week Leader with the UNB SRC, he supported more than 150 new students and helped foster a welcoming transition to university life. Luke also volunteers as a research assistant at the Canada East Spine Centre, contributing to clinical research through patient data collection. Additionally, he supports student well‑being through the SRC Campus Free Food Pantry and promotes accessible learning as a peer note‑taker with the Student Accessibility Centre.


Aishi Chakraborti

Aishi Chakraborti, from Kolkata, India, is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing.

Aishi has a strong record of campus engagement. She recently served as the Nursing & Health Sciences Representative on the UNB SRC. Aishi also represents her cohort as the third-year representative on the UNB Nursing Society, contributing to academic and clinical discussions. As a coordinator for UNB’s Learning Communities, Aishi mentors student leaders and helps create supportive, community-focused programming. She is also a member of the New Brunswick Association of Men in Nursing, participating in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the profession.


Vera Chen

Vera Chen, from New Maryland, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology, minor in Biology and a specialization in Neuroscience.

Vera’s leadership spans research, health advocacy and community service. She serves as editor-in-chief of the Atlantic Student Research Journal at UNB, leading editorial planning and supporting interdisciplinary research communication. As treasurer of the UNB Health Sciences Society, she managed budgeting and event planning. Vera is also the founder and director of the Hera Initiative and AlloVera, and volunteers at York Care Centre, supporting seniors through music, activities and one‑on‑one engagement.


Emma Vittoria Dunnett

Emma Vittoria Dunnett, from Moncton, New Brunswick, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.

Emma is a dedicated student‑athlete and community volunteer. As captain of the UNB Field Hockey team, she leads both on and off the field, bringing national‑level experience and a strong commitment to the growth of the sport. She also serves as vice-president of the UNB Field Hockey Executive Council and is an active member of the REDS Student Athlete Council, advocating for her teammates and supporting program development. Emma also volunteers with the Girls Forward Youth Advisory Council and contributes to her community through ongoing work with the Fredericton Community Kitchen.


Julia Evans

Julia Evans, from Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick is pursuing a Juris Doctor.

Julia is committed to advocacy, mentorship and community leadership. She serves as Co‑President of the Feminist Legal Association, where she helps strengthen inclusive legal communities. Julia is also a coach with the St. Thomas Moot Court program, supporting students in developing oral advocacy skills. As a Board Member with the Sweet Caroline Foundation, she contributes to allergy‑awareness education and strategic outreach. At UNB Law, she is a dedicated peer mentor, guiding first‑year students through academic and professional transitions.


Casey Flanagan

Casey Flanagan, from Saint John, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing with a Mental Health Nursing Certificate.

Casey is a dedicated student leader committed to fostering community, advocacy and support within the UNB Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences. As president of the Nursing Undergraduate Society, Casey champions student engagement and academic success while representing the voice of nursing students. She also serves as a Nursing Peer Mentor, offering guidance to help peers thrive in their studies and clinical experiences. Beyond academics, Casey is deeply involved in equity-focused initiatives as co‑chair of the Reproductive Justice Society and logistics coordinator for the Menstrual Health Society.


Kayley Gregoire

Kayley Gregoire, from Halifax, Nova Scotia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with honours.

Kayley is an engaged and community‑minded student leader dedicated to supporting learning, collaboration and connection at UNB. As co‑chair of Connect the Thoughts, UNB’s health case competition, she helps design experiential learning opportunities that inspire students to tackle real-world health challenges. Kayley also contributes as a volunteer teaching assistant for SCI1001: Professional Skills for Science Students and serves as a peer mentor in the Faculty of Science, guiding students through their academic journey. Beyond academics, she creates student‑focused digital content for Discover UNB and volunteers at Pine Grove Nursing Home.


Isaac Groom

Isaac Groom, from St. Stephen, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Health, honours in Biomedical Sciences and Health.

Isaac is a dedicated student leader committed to community service and mentorship. As a volunteer with Global Medical Brigades, he participated in medical outreach in Honduras and Guatemala, helping deliver care to rural communities. Isaac also serves as president of Club 3:16, where he leads weekly gatherings and community initiatives that foster connection and support among students. A passionate advocate for youth education, he tutors high school students through Pathways to Education, providing one‑on‑one academic support. He also contributes to local outreach as vice-president of the Community Volunteering Club, coordinating service projects across Saint John.


Andrew Gweon

Andrew Gweon, from Fredericton, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Andrew is a dedicated kinesiology student committed to supporting health, movement and community well-being. As an assistant coach for Fredericton U18 Hockey, he mentors young athletes and fosters their personal and athletic growth. Andrew also serves as an activity assistant at York Care Centre, building meaningful connections with residents living with dementia and as an exercise assistant with the Currie Centre Silver Series, where he supports older adults in improving mobility and confidence. In addition, he volunteers with UNB CELLAB, gaining hands-on research experience that strengthens his academic and professional development.


Marlee Hansen

Marlee Hansen, from Riverview, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with joint honours in Law in Society and Political Science.

Marlee is a committed advocate for social justice and community empowerment. As a legal assistant with the Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre, she supports Temporary Foreign Workers facing exploitation and helps advance migrant rights. She also serves as logistics coordinator for the UNB Reproductive Justice Society, coordinating volunteers who maintain free on‑campus reproductive health product dispensers. Marlee is a dedicated peer mentor in the Faculty of Arts, fostering connection and confidence among new students and a Committee Member for the UNB Arts Matter 2026 Conference, helping celebrate student research and creativity.


Jami Horne

Jami Horne, from Windsor, Nova Scotia is pursuing a Juris Doctor.

Jami is an emerging legal professional committed to advancing equity, accessibility and community well‑being. As a board member with Inclusion Fredericton, she works to strengthen inclusive housing, education supports and community planning. She also serves nationally as a disability case monitor for Pro Bono Students Canada – Inclusion Canada, producing legal research to inform disability‑rights advocacy. Jami is co‑president of the UNB Health Law Society and vice‑president/founding member of the UNB Fertility Law Society, and the founder of Youth LEAD, a mentorship initiative supporting youth with disabilities.


Fatan Islam

Fatan Islam, from Fredericton, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology-Chemistry.

Fatan is a dedicated community contributor and emerging scientist passionate about youth development, compassionate care and sustainable agriculture. As a coach with the Fredericton District Soccer Association, he supports U9 boys in building confidence, teamwork and social skills. He also volunteers in the Goodnight Program at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, offering evening companionship to patients and with the Fredericton Food Bank, helping to improve food access and dignity for clients. Fatan also works as a Scientific Research Assistant at Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada, contributing to agricultural innovation and climate‑resilient crop research.


Jackson McElman

Jackson McElman, from Quispamsis, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Chemical Engineering and minors in Mathematics and Biology.

Jackson is a dedicated student leader and research‑driven engineering student committed to strengthening academic community and supporting local health care. As director of outreach for the UNB Engineering Undergraduate Society, he helps new students integrate into the engineering community, organizing initiatives that connect them with peers and resources. Jackson also serves as chair of the Atlantic Student Research Journal, where he expands undergraduate access to research through events, mentorship and inter‑university collaboration. Beyond campus, he volunteers at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, providing comfort and support to patients during their stay.


Bernard Morgan

Bernard Morgan, from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador is pursuing a Juris Doctor.

Bernard is a dedicated law student and community‑minded leader committed to advancing justice, mentorship and public service. As Chair of the UNB Student Disciplinary Committee, he works to ensure a fair, representative process grounded in natural justice. He also contributes to student success as a member of the UNB Law Faculty Articling and Placement Committee, supporting peers through recruitment and professional development. A former Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces, Bernard brings disciplined leadership to his work. He also volunteers with Pro Bono Students Canada – Innocence Canada, supporting efforts to address wrongful convictions.


Ghazal Motamedi

Ghazal Motamedi, from Saint John, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Health, honours in Biomedical Sciences and Health.

Ghazal is a health student whose work spans community building, health advocacy and compassionate patient support. As president of the UNB Bachelor of Health Society, she has strengthened student connection through large‑scale events, fundraising initiatives and health‑promotion programming. She volunteers at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital, assisting with patient navigation, discharges and communication support, particularly for newcomer families. A strong reproductive justice advocate, Ghazal contributes to policy discussions, community education and resource development across New Brunswick. She also serves as a patient and family support volunteer at Bobby’s Hospice, offering meaningful end‑of‑life support to patients and their families.


Sylvia Okpata

Sylvia Okpata, from Obeledu, Anambra state, Nigeria is pursuing a Bachelor of Health with a major in Biomedical Sciences and Health.

Sylvia’s education and volunteerism centers on mentorship, cultural advocacy and writing as a tool for empowerment. As a student mentor with the UNB Promise Partnership, she supports youth in underserved Saint John communities through literacy, confidence‑building and educational guidance. She is the co‑author and editor of Culture Through Medicine: Bridge to Harmony, a globally distributed book introducing children to ethnomedical traditions. Sylvia is also the founder and curator of Nzụkọ Ọ̀hà: Where Our Stories Meet, a storytelling initiative amplifying Black and African women’s experiences in health care. She additionally serves as a tutor at the UNBSJ Writing Centre, mentoring students in writing and communication.


Sophie Patriquin

Sophie Patriquin, from Amherst, Nova Scotia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology-Psychology and a specialization in Neuroscience.

Sophie’s campus involvement spans health education, research and student leadership. As vice‑chair and school outreach co‑coordinator of the UNB Menstrual Health Society, she expands youth programming and supports evidence‑based menstrual health education. She also volunteers with the UNB Perinatal‑Pediatric Health & Development Studies (PEADS) Research Lab, contributing to projects supporting women, children and families. A dedicated dancer, Sophie is a Co-President of the UNB REDS Dance Team, and she fosters community connection as a three‑time UNB Orientation Week Red Shirt Leader, helping create a welcoming, supportive campus environment.


Victoria Patterson

Victoria Patterson, from Saint John, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work.

Victoria is deeply engaged in community building and social justice. She is the co‑founder and social justice coordinator of the Social Work Student Society at UNB, where she advances equity‑focused initiatives and meaningful student engagement. As co‑founder and board member of The Place We Create, Community Art Hive, Victoria supports accessible arts‑based programming that fosters wellness, creativity and belonging. She also volunteers with First Steps Housing Project, providing childcare and community support to young mothers and works as a Research Assistant with the Human Development Council, contributing to social policy and homelessness research.


Laura Pitts

Laura Pitts, from Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia is pursuing a Juris Doctor.

Laura is passionate about rehabilitation, the power of community leadership, restorative justice and strengthening the UNB Law experience for her peers. She serves as vice‑chair of the board of directors for the 7th Step Society of Nova Scotia, supporting reintegration and rehabilitation for individuals transitioning from incarceration. At UNB Law, she is co‑chair of the annual Charity Auction, co‑president of the Criminal Law Society and the 3L representative on the Articling & Placement Committee. Across all roles, Laura combines advocacy, mentorship and service to help build a more informed, equitable and supportive legal community.


Isabelle Shepard

Isabelle Shepard, from Burtts Corner, New Brunswick is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, honours in Psychology.

Isabelle’s academic and community work reflect a deep commitment to research and youth advocacy. As a research assistant in the Faculty of Arts, she contributes to qualitative research centered on identity, belonging and the experiences of marginalized groups. She served as secretary of the UNB Student Union, helping strengthen campus engagement and student support initiatives. Isabelle is also an instructor and barn manager at Écuries Aster Stables, where she teaches riders and supports equine care. A founding member and secretary of the New Brunswick Youth Council, she champions youth voices in provincial decision‑making.


Serena Woolridge

Serena Woolridge, from Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador is pursuing a Bachelor of Science, honours in Mathematics with a minor in Physics.

Serena’s leadership and service enrich the UNB community. As a volunteer with UNB S.P.R.I.N.G., she supports children with disabilities through adaptive gym and swim activities, fostering confidence, inclusion and joy. Within the Faculty of Science, Serena serves as a peer assisted learning (PAL) leader and a peer mentor in the Science Student Leadership Program, helping students build academic skills and navigate university life. She is also a teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and a general executive member of the UNB Math Society, contributing to student engagement and collaborative learning.