President: Arsh Randhawa
Arsh is currently in her PhD program in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. Arsh’s research focus on physical activity, body composition and obesity. She completed her MSc focused on implementing healthy behaviour change interventions in different chronic disease populations. With more than three years of progressive research coordinating experience, She have had the opportunity to work with volunteers and research assistants to be an integral part of various projects. She was a research assistant at Healthu Student Inititative , which is aimed to increase awareness of mental and physical health issues of students by engaging students in Mindfulness Meditation practice. She also enjoys teaching dance and fitness classes in community centres.
Vice-President: Dharav Patel
Dharav is a fourth year Kinesiology and Health Science student here at York University. He is a firm believer of achieving optimal health through the use of various holistic approaches, to treating systematic ailments, which threaten health as a multidimensional model. He has paved a way, which will lead him to be a future leading health professional, in the public health sector. From on campus clubs, extracurricular activities and off campus work, Dharav has gathered experiences from various different subfield of the health sector. In the past he has worked for a children's soccer club, managed various charity events for children, worked as a personal support worker and has managed event for a Markham youth club. He is currently employed part time at a Physiotherapy Clinic located in downtown Toronto. He has been an active member of GRASP for two consecutive years.
Secretary: Vina Mohabir
Vina is a candidate for her MSc in Kinesiology & Health Science and the Neuroscience diploma at York University. Vina's research focuses on Autonomic Nervous System Regulation, Chronic Pain and Mindfulness. Vina has a passion for health research and is involved in several studies as a member of the Health Behaviour Change Lab, a research coordinator, and a health coach at the UHN. Vina is also co-president of the Healthy Student Initiative (HSI) which aims to provide students with programs that support physical and mental health wellness. Vina is a mindfulness meditation leader on campus and enjoys reading, spending time with family, cooking and watching movies/tv.
Treasurer: William Lizardo
William Lizardo is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. He has assisted physiotherapists at the Athlete’s Care Sports Medicine Centre and volunteered for the emergency department at Trillium Health Partners. William was a former vice president of finance for the Canadian Immunology Research Association and financial officer for the Humber River Hospital Student Alliance. He currently advises first year undergraduates as a peer mentor for the Kinesiology and Health Science Student Organization and is a research assistant interested in whether early onset of obesity is positively or negatively associated with prevalent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In 2016, William had the opportunity to collaborate with graduate students and present at GRASP’s Annual Research Symposium, further increasing his interests in overall health. He also competed and attended international competitions and seminars in Taekwon-Do, and currently enjoys recreational exercise, reading books, and listening to podcasts.
Media & Web Communications: Dean Vaksman
Dean is in his final year in the B.Sc., Spec. Hons. Kinesiology & Health Science program and is at the top 15% in the faculty of health. Dean is undertaking an honours thesis project at the Body Composition and Health Lab supervised by Dr. Kuk analyzing clinical data using statistical methods to perform research on obesity with an emphasis on immune function. Dean is concurrently working With Dr. Abdul-Sater on an independent study investigating exercise immunology. In addition, Dean is a Peer Mentor & Peer Tutor for KINE2050 (statistics) in the KAHSSO organization.
Communications Officer: Jash Parikh
Jash Parikh completed his undergraduate degree at Western University in Biological & Medical Sciences. He is currently a Masters candidate interested in examining medication use among individuals with obesity and diabetes. He is currently the Communications Officer for GRASP, and an executive member for the Canadian Obesity Network-SNP chapter here at York.
Undergraduate Liaison: Emerald Bandoles
Emerald Bandoles completed her Health and Fitness Promotion diploma in Humber college and is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. She has been involved in volunteering for the cardiac rehabilitation unit at William Osler and the Exercise Education program at Black Creek Community Health Centre. Emerald enjoys working with the community and sharing on how to adapt physically active and healthy lifestyles to others.
