Biochemistry Course Union

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BCCU at UBCO 

The Biochemistry Course Union at UBCO is a students-by-students club that brings you study sessions, social events, tutoring and more!


Meet the team!

Behind all of your favourite BCCU events is a team of Biochemistry students at UBCO. Meet your 2023/24 executives right here!

Riya Naik

President

Riya is a fourth-year medical and molecular biochemistry student. Her role as a president involves leading the BCCU team, providing guidance to the executive members, and ensuring the smooth running of the course union. Riya is fascinated by the field of nutritional biochemistry and aspires to research metabolic disorders in a pharmaceutical setting. Besides studying healthy food tips, you can catch her on hikes, long drives, or in a coffee shop. 

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James Chiu

Vice President


James is a third-year student majoring in Medical and Molecular Biochemistry and is in his second year with the BCCU. His role as VP will be to assist with all of BCCU’s internal and external meetings to organize social events, study sessions, office hours, and peer tutoring services. He will also be a consultant to the President, assisting in any aspect of running the BCCU. Outside of academics, he enjoys running, swimming, playing piano, as well as volunteering at KGH and the Okanagan Pre-Med Club.

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Mitchell Beckedorf

Events Coordinator

Mitchell is a 3rd year Biochemistry major, and one half of the dynamic duo of event planners for the BCCU this year. When not studying or working in the lab (a rare occasion) you will find Mitchell skiing, mountain biking, or rock climbing.

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Stephanie Busse

Events Coordinator

The other half of the dynamic duo - Stephanie is a third-year Medical and Molecular Biochemistry student. This is her second year with the BCCU and she is excited to return as one of the Events Coordinators in the 2023/24 school year. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jogging, and spending time with friends and family. 

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Kim Mangiliman

Secretary

Kim is a third year biochemistry major. This year, Kim really looks forward to collaborating with the whole team to support our lovely community of Biochemists! As a secretary, she is in charge of creating the minutes of the meeting, monthly newsletters, and managing the emails. Fun fact, Kim loves the colour pink!


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Janaeya Baher

Study Session Coordinator

Janaeya is a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry. Janaeya has been a member of the BCCU for two years, and she is thrilled to now be a part of the executive team for the upcoming academic year, serving as one of the Midterm Study Session Directors. Working alongside the other MTSS Directors, Janaeya will be able to provide club members with effective, representative, and aligned study sessions for specific Biochemistry-related courses. 

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Kim Davarani

Study Session Coordinator

Kim is a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry. She is thrilled to join the BCCU as one of the Midterm Study Session Directors for the upcoming academic year. Aside from academics, Kim’s hobbies include reading fiction and hiking. Kim also dedicates time to her engagements with the UBCO Emergency First Response Team, Canucks Autism Network and serves as a member of the IRCC’s Youth Advisory Group. 

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Jill Shillito 

Study Session Coordinator

Jill is a first year graduate student completing her Masters of Biology. She is excited to give back to the club as one of the Midterm Study Session (MTSS) Directors this year. Jill is currently focusing her research on women’s health - something she wishes to carry into her career in the medical field. If she is not on campus, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, swimming, and playing volleyball, or playing board games! 

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Lydia Lee

Tutor Coordinator

Lydia is a third-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student interested in pursuing a medical career after her undergrad. Her responsibilities include creating tutoring hours for peer support and fostering a supportive community among UBCO students. Lydia is involved as a Teaching Assistant in MATH 100/101 and a science tutor in the Student Learning Hub on campus. Lydia is very excited to connect with new students and to answer any questions about BCCU or UBCO!

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Olivia Levesque

Social Media Coordinator

Olivia is a 4th year student majoring in Medical and Molecular Biochemistry. This is her 2nd year with the BCCU as the Social Media Coordinator, and she's excited to join the team again this year. Off-campus, you can find Olivia at KGH volunteering in the ER, coaching skating lessons for KSC or working at the Hotel Eldorado. 

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Keanna Spanggaard

Treasurer

Keanna is a fourth-year student majoring in Biochemistry. She is excited to join the BCCU team as the Treasurer this year. Her responsibilities include managing the course union’s budget and reporting on the financial performance. Around campus, you’ll find Keanna involved in the lab, the UBCO Emergency First Response Team, or working as a Chem 203/204 ATA. Keanna enjoys skiing, hiking, and playing piano and guitar outside her studies. 

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Madelaine Wong

General Executive

Madelaine is a third-year Medical and Molecular Biology student and minoring in History. In her role, Maddy will help support and learn from the other executives on the team, ensuring all tasks and events are completed successfully. Maddy thoroughly enjoys being a part of and giving back to her community and can be found researching with Rainbow+ and as president of the Southeast Asian Club.

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Nathan Loo

General Executive

Nathan Loo is a second-year biology major interested in medicine, sports, and helping in the community. Nathan was born and raised in Kelowna and currently volunteers with the KGH, Canada Blood Services, and the Okanagan Pre-Med Club. He is thrilled to be working with the BCCU and looks forward to meeting new people while making this year the best it can be!

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How do I become an executive?

Every April, we elect new exectuives for the upcoming year. Keep an eye on our Instagram and on this website for 2024/25 applications!

Do I have to pay to become a member?

No! Our memberships are free so why not sign up today!