Established in 2014, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows partnered to create the Goodman Cancer Student Society (GCSS). The GCSS consists of five main positions with regularly recurring responsibilities, each filled by a pair of trainees. Members-at-large can attend GCSS meetings, which occur monthly, and assist in events in general. Members are responsible for a variety of events including fundraising initiatives at the GCI, student social events, community outreach and academic career development. In brief, the GCSS plays an integral part in making the GCI an exciting environment where research can be pushed to the edge of science. Read more about the trainees who make this possible below:
Ìý
Name: Romane Monnet
Year: MSc 2 (Dr. Josée Dostie Lab)
GCSS Position: Spotlight Coordinator
Ìý
Why did you choose to be Spotlight Coordinator?
Spotlight is an informal presentation series held every Friday afternoon (with snacks and drinks!) to showcase current research conducted by GCI trainees. As a new graduate student last year, I had the opportunity to witness how Spotlight brings us together as an Institute not only to discuss and improve upon each other's work, but also to meet people and form connections. Given that my favourite aspect of the GCI is its collaborative and friendly environment, it was only natural for me to join the GCSS as Spotlight coordinator!
Ìý
What do you hope to achieve on GCSS this year?
I am really excited to keep Spotlight active, as it has been going strong for many years and is an integral part of life at the GCI. This year, we want to make it even more fun and engaging for the GCI community, so we’ll be playing Trivia after the talk once a month! On another note, I’m also looking forward to featuring a wide range of alumni speakers to showcase the many career paths that GCI trainees can follow after they graduate.
Ìý
Why do you think student leadership/volunteering within the GCI is important?
I believe that what makes the GCI such a thriving and vibrant community is the dedication and engagement of its trainees. Whether that is by promoting social life at the GCI, advancing the wellness of students, encouraging scientific collaborations, or fostering connections within the Institute and beyond, trainee involvement in leadership and volunteering makes us so much stronger and interconnected as a community.
Ìý
Name: Anne Blouin
Year: MSc 2 (Dr. Luke McCaffrey Lab)
GCSS Position: Trivia Organizer / Social Coordinator
Ìý
Why did you choose to be a Trivia Organizer / Social Coordinator for GCSS?
I personally love trivia and I know it was happening at the GCI before covid. I really wanted to bring it back, so this is how I joined GCSS! I find very important to create an environment where people can step away from the lab and have fun with fellow trainees, which is why I will officially join GCSS as social coordinator in January.
Ìý
What do you hope to achieve on GCSS this year?
Trivia will be set as a year-long tournament, where labs can accumulate points at every game. I hope this will bring people together as labs to put in their best effort to try to win and have fun. I also hope people will learn fun things that are not necessarily lab related.
Ìý
Why do you think student leadership/volunteering within the GCI is important?
I think to fully experience grad school one needs to learn a variety of skills, which can be acquired in- and outside the lab. Leadership and community involvement is essential to create an environment where we can become great scientists but also engaged individuals who can make a difference. I also believe student representation at the GCI is essential at the level of the administration, considering the importance of the trainee body for research.
Ìý
Name: Phillipe HuttonÌý
Year: MSc 1 (Dr. Vincent Giguère Lab)
GCSS Position: Fundraising Coordinator
Ìý
Why did you choose to be a Fundraising Coordinator for GCSS?
I chose to be a Fundraising Coordinator for the GCSS because I believe that it is important to bring people together and support non-profit organizations. I enjoy organizing events for my peers and I’m thrilled to raise funds for good causes. I’m especially looking forward to organizing bake sales for the GCI community.
Ìý
What do you hope to achieve on GCSS this year?
I hope to organize some fun events for the GCI community and raise money for good causes such as Défi Canderel and Terry Fox. I’m also looking forward to organizing smaller events such as bake sales and plant sales.
Ìý
Why do you think student leadership/volunteering within the GCI is important?
Student leadership and volunteering initiatives at the GCI is important because it provides its graduate students with the opportunity to develop essential life skills and experiences that will greatly benefit their futures. Engaging in leadership roles cultivates qualities such as responsibility, teamwork, and communication, which are invaluable in both academic and non-academic career paths. Volunteering, on the other hand, helps to foster a sense of community.