...the real reason?
Because it's cool, and we can do it, and that feels awesome.
...and the potential benefits for humanity are staggering.
Michael Jensen - President, Webmaster
E-mail: mikethe1wheelnut(at)gmail.com
Skype: mikethe1wheelnut
Supported by an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship, Mike Jensen is a Masters’ student in mechanical engineering at the University of Sherbrooke. From space and aeronautics to circus art and extreme sports, Mike is driven by the adventurous side of life, and this is evident from his on-going projects. At present, he is currently designing a nano-pulse detonation rocket for nano-satellite applications as part of his thesis, constructing a glider of the Wright Brothers’ flier, helping develop an acrobatic airplane, and directing the activities of SEDS-Canada all the while! Mike also holds a Bachelor’s degree in theoretical physics and has spent two years training full-time at the Quebec school of circus arts, specializing in unicycling, juggling, and flying trapeze. His career ambitions are high – literally – and include test pilot, acrobatic pilot, orbital pilot, circus artist, and circus coach.
As President of SEDS-Canada, Mike is thrilled to be working with a group of like-minded individuals to implement the SEDS Vision. Mike’s involvement with SEDS-Canada began with the resurrection of the organization in 2005, and is now in its third year and counting. As one of the first individuals recruited to the organization by founding member Melissa Battler, one of Mike’s major contributions to the organization has been the construction of its website as the first SEDS Webmaster. In addition to his programming experience, which has evolved considerably in his time with SEDS, Mike also brings a good deal of leadership and management experience to the organization as the founder of SEDS-Sherbrooke. This experience with SEDS-Sherbrooke has been particularly effective in equipping Mike the skills necessary to run efficient meetings, prioritize objectives, delegate tasks effectively and direct a team. Most notably, Mike is known for the high degree of enthusiasm and energy he brings to SEDS, both of which have been instrumental in making SEDS-Canada into the organization it is today.
These attributes are supplemented by his prior academic and extra-curricular experiences: Mike worked in the field of astronomy for numerous years as a photographer, and completed an honors thesis on dark matter in the expanding universe. His passion for circus arts has also turned him into a part-time teacher and performer, both useful skills for a would-be director and spokesperson for a national organization!
Skype: mikethe1wheelnut
Supported by an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship, Mike Jensen is a Masters’ student in mechanical engineering at the University of Sherbrooke. From space and aeronautics to circus art and extreme sports, Mike is driven by the adventurous side of life, and this is evident from his on-going projects. At present, he is currently designing a nano-pulse detonation rocket for nano-satellite applications as part of his thesis, constructing a glider of the Wright Brothers’ flier, helping develop an acrobatic airplane, and directing the activities of SEDS-Canada all the while! Mike also holds a Bachelor’s degree in theoretical physics and has spent two years training full-time at the Quebec school of circus arts, specializing in unicycling, juggling, and flying trapeze. His career ambitions are high – literally – and include test pilot, acrobatic pilot, orbital pilot, circus artist, and circus coach.
As President of SEDS-Canada, Mike is thrilled to be working with a group of like-minded individuals to implement the SEDS Vision. Mike’s involvement with SEDS-Canada began with the resurrection of the organization in 2005, and is now in its third year and counting. As one of the first individuals recruited to the organization by founding member Melissa Battler, one of Mike’s major contributions to the organization has been the construction of its website as the first SEDS Webmaster. In addition to his programming experience, which has evolved considerably in his time with SEDS, Mike also brings a good deal of leadership and management experience to the organization as the founder of SEDS-Sherbrooke. This experience with SEDS-Sherbrooke has been particularly effective in equipping Mike the skills necessary to run efficient meetings, prioritize objectives, delegate tasks effectively and direct a team. Most notably, Mike is known for the high degree of enthusiasm and energy he brings to SEDS, both of which have been instrumental in making SEDS-Canada into the organization it is today.
These attributes are supplemented by his prior academic and extra-curricular experiences: Mike worked in the field of astronomy for numerous years as a photographer, and completed an honors thesis on dark matter in the expanding universe. His passion for circus arts has also turned him into a part-time teacher and performer, both useful skills for a would-be director and spokesperson for a national organization!
Shawna Pandya - Director of Projects
E-mail: shawnapandya(at)hotmail.com
Shawna Pandya is a medical student at the University of Alberta (MD, 2011, Edmonton, Canada) and holds prior degrees in Neuroscience (BSc Hon., University of Alberta, 2006) and Space Studies (MSc, International Space University, 2007, Strasbourg, France). Her research interests are numerous, ranging from space medicine to neurosurgery to the use of telemedicine and technology for ensuring access to quality healthcare. Her publications, related to these fields, include papers on telemedicine in the developing world and a book chapter on space technology spin-offs for medical use. Shawna also authored a business plan for a student-based telemedicine consultancy as part of her Masters’ work. She has previously worked in the Crew Medical Support Office of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany and is currently carrying out pre-clinical testing of the neuroArm at the University of Calgary.
Shawna’s involvement in SEDS began in mid-2006, when the newly established organization began searching for an executive. Throughout the summer of that year, Shawna took part in the flurry of e-mails and net-meetings as the early Executive tried to establish itself, leaving shortly thereafter to pursue her Masters’ degree at ISU. During this time, Shawna maintained occasional correspondence with the group and helped with SEDS website translations. Upon her return to Canada in the fall of 2007, Shawna took a renewed interest in SEDS and at the November AGM, was elected to the position of Vice-President Research and Projects.
Shawna’s prior experiences in project establishment make her uniquely qualified for the VPRP position. Since 2002, she has founded many projects including the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine UAFM) Space Medicine Club (’07-’08), the UAFM Extreme Medicine Club (’08-’09) and Step-Up, a community wide anti-bullying project. Through her extra-curricular and academic involvement, she has also managed teams and volunteer pools (Interim Chair, UA Students’ Union Council Administration Committee, 2005 and Team Manager & Report Manager, ISU Team Project, 2006-07). Shawna came to the organization with the proposal of the International Astronautic Games in late 2007, the concept of which has since been enthusiastically embraced by the SEDS organization, and looks forward to developing the project in the times ahead, beginning with a presentation at the International Astronautical Congress in 2008.
Shawna Pandya is a medical student at the University of Alberta (MD, 2011, Edmonton, Canada) and holds prior degrees in Neuroscience (BSc Hon., University of Alberta, 2006) and Space Studies (MSc, International Space University, 2007, Strasbourg, France). Her research interests are numerous, ranging from space medicine to neurosurgery to the use of telemedicine and technology for ensuring access to quality healthcare. Her publications, related to these fields, include papers on telemedicine in the developing world and a book chapter on space technology spin-offs for medical use. Shawna also authored a business plan for a student-based telemedicine consultancy as part of her Masters’ work. She has previously worked in the Crew Medical Support Office of ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany and is currently carrying out pre-clinical testing of the neuroArm at the University of Calgary.
Shawna’s involvement in SEDS began in mid-2006, when the newly established organization began searching for an executive. Throughout the summer of that year, Shawna took part in the flurry of e-mails and net-meetings as the early Executive tried to establish itself, leaving shortly thereafter to pursue her Masters’ degree at ISU. During this time, Shawna maintained occasional correspondence with the group and helped with SEDS website translations. Upon her return to Canada in the fall of 2007, Shawna took a renewed interest in SEDS and at the November AGM, was elected to the position of Vice-President Research and Projects.
Shawna’s prior experiences in project establishment make her uniquely qualified for the VPRP position. Since 2002, she has founded many projects including the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine UAFM) Space Medicine Club (’07-’08), the UAFM Extreme Medicine Club (’08-’09) and Step-Up, a community wide anti-bullying project. Through her extra-curricular and academic involvement, she has also managed teams and volunteer pools (Interim Chair, UA Students’ Union Council Administration Committee, 2005 and Team Manager & Report Manager, ISU Team Project, 2006-07). Shawna came to the organization with the proposal of the International Astronautic Games in late 2007, the concept of which has since been enthusiastically embraced by the SEDS organization, and looks forward to developing the project in the times ahead, beginning with a presentation at the International Astronautical Congress in 2008.
Andy Chen - Outreach Coordinator & Assistant Webmaster
E-mail: mars.andy(at)yahoo.ca
Andy Chen, Webmaster of SEDS-Canada, is a student of Richmond Hill High School (RHHS), member of OCESS and a space enthusiast who sees space exploration as a common goal for mankind. Well known as the 'speakfreak' in school, he enjoys debating about space exploration with his classmates and communicating the importance of space exploration to everyone. His passions for science and space have accompanied him for a decade, growing from a youth spent staring at the night’s sky in fascination. Andy builds simple machines in his spare time and is currently working on a twin turbo low speed wind tunnel. In his spare time, Andy enjoys stargazing, astrophotography, cycling, running and soccer (these last three being especially important in the quest to be an astronaut!).
Andy’s involvement with SEDS-Canada is a chance happening stemming from an internet search, after which he quickly became a member. Since then, Andy has set up a SEDS chapter at his school and has been working with SEDS on a variety of projects. In registering the RHHS Aeronautics and Space Association (RASA) as a chapter of SEDS, he wishes to restore interest in space among elementary and high school students. This passion and dedication is impressive, to say the least. In the short time he has been with the organization, Andy has worked on the SEDS Website, established contact with the University of British Columbia, delivered a SEDS outreach presentation at the 2008 University of Toronto Space Design Contest, proposed the creation of a database of presenters for space education and introduced Associate Vice-President Daisy Wong to the group. Andy is also currently working with OCESS to bring the Canadian Space Challenge to high schools in Canada.
Andy Chen, Webmaster of SEDS-Canada, is a student of Richmond Hill High School (RHHS), member of OCESS and a space enthusiast who sees space exploration as a common goal for mankind. Well known as the 'speakfreak' in school, he enjoys debating about space exploration with his classmates and communicating the importance of space exploration to everyone. His passions for science and space have accompanied him for a decade, growing from a youth spent staring at the night’s sky in fascination. Andy builds simple machines in his spare time and is currently working on a twin turbo low speed wind tunnel. In his spare time, Andy enjoys stargazing, astrophotography, cycling, running and soccer (these last three being especially important in the quest to be an astronaut!).
Andy’s involvement with SEDS-Canada is a chance happening stemming from an internet search, after which he quickly became a member. Since then, Andy has set up a SEDS chapter at his school and has been working with SEDS on a variety of projects. In registering the RHHS Aeronautics and Space Association (RASA) as a chapter of SEDS, he wishes to restore interest in space among elementary and high school students. This passion and dedication is impressive, to say the least. In the short time he has been with the organization, Andy has worked on the SEDS Website, established contact with the University of British Columbia, delivered a SEDS outreach presentation at the 2008 University of Toronto Space Design Contest, proposed the creation of a database of presenters for space education and introduced Associate Vice-President Daisy Wong to the group. Andy is also currently working with OCESS to bring the Canadian Space Challenge to high schools in Canada.
Stephan de Young - Compiler of the Strategic Plan
E-mail: stefandeyoung(at)gmail.com
Stefan De Young is currently a student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a bachelor's degree in Astrophysics. He is an executive member of the Waterloo Space Society, and was assigned by that organization to redevelop ties with SEDS Canada. He was the former co-president of the Ottawa-Carleton Educational Space Simulation. During his time at the OCESS, Stefan was an astronaut for three missions (Mars 06, Titan 07, and Borrelly 08), and the Habitat Commander for his final tour of duty. Stefan's major career goal is to be at the forefront of future manned space exploration missions both on the ground and up beyond the thermosphere.
Stefan De Young is currently a student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a bachelor's degree in Astrophysics. He is an executive member of the Waterloo Space Society, and was assigned by that organization to redevelop ties with SEDS Canada. He was the former co-president of the Ottawa-Carleton Educational Space Simulation. During his time at the OCESS, Stefan was an astronaut for three missions (Mars 06, Titan 07, and Borrelly 08), and the Habitat Commander for his final tour of duty. Stefan's major career goal is to be at the forefront of future manned space exploration missions both on the ground and up beyond the thermosphere.
John Thaler - Treasurer
E-mail: jdthlr(at)mta.ca
Skype Name: jdthlr
John is an M.Sc. candidate at the University of Calgary and is working on the concurrent effects of gender specific hormones and mechanical stimulation on gene expression in human bone and connective tissue cells. John has participated in three Mars Society Canada training missions (ExBeta, ExGamma & ExDelta) at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. He was an instructor of the ExGamma and ExDelta Mars simulation training missions. John recently chaired the organizing committee for the Canadian Space Summit 2007 which was held in Calgary, AB on November 17-18, 2007.
Skype Name: jdthlr
John is an M.Sc. candidate at the University of Calgary and is working on the concurrent effects of gender specific hormones and mechanical stimulation on gene expression in human bone and connective tissue cells. John has participated in three Mars Society Canada training missions (ExBeta, ExGamma & ExDelta) at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. He was an instructor of the ExGamma and ExDelta Mars simulation training missions. John recently chaired the organizing committee for the Canadian Space Summit 2007 which was held in Calgary, AB on November 17-18, 2007.
Nasim Kaveh - Chapters Relations
E-mail: nasim_kaveh(at)hotmail.com
Nasim Kaveh is currently an undergraduate engineering student at McGill University.
Nasim Kaveh is currently an undergraduate engineering student at McGill University.
Aditya Dutta - Director of Political and Media Relations
E-mail: aditya.911(at)gmail.com
Daisy Wong - Assistant Outreach Coordinator
E-mail: daisywong777(at)yahoo.ca
Daisy Wong, a high school junior at Lisgar Collegiate Institute and active member of the Ottawa-Carleton Educational Space Simulation (OCESS), is a swimming instructor and lifeguard. She enjoys chemistry, gaming, and movies about space missions and aspires to be a genetic engineer. Born with a strong desire to learn of the cosmos, she wishes to see the same sort of educational enrichment in the minds of young students. Though only recently introduced to the SEDS organization, Daisy has already taken on a great deal of responsibility, using her design talents to tackle the sizable task of preparing early promotional materials for the International Astronautic Games.
Daisy Wong, a high school junior at Lisgar Collegiate Institute and active member of the Ottawa-Carleton Educational Space Simulation (OCESS), is a swimming instructor and lifeguard. She enjoys chemistry, gaming, and movies about space missions and aspires to be a genetic engineer. Born with a strong desire to learn of the cosmos, she wishes to see the same sort of educational enrichment in the minds of young students. Though only recently introduced to the SEDS organization, Daisy has already taken on a great deal of responsibility, using her design talents to tackle the sizable task of preparing early promotional materials for the International Astronautic Games.
Anthony Xing
E-mail: xing.anthony(at)yahoo.com
Anthony Xing is in his final year at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, serves as an executive member with OCESS, and partakes in an impressive array of space activities. Through OCESS, he served as pilot on the 2008 mission to Mars and co-pilot on the 2007 mission to Borrelly. In addition, Anthony is leading teams in two Space Design Challenges in 2008 with the University of Toronto Space Design Contest and the NASA Space Settlement Challenge. Anthony’s involvement with SEDS-Canada began with his contact with RASA, a newer chapter of SEDS. Some of his interests include space exploration, mathematics, history and debate; he currently aspires to be part of the design team that will put humans on Mars.
Anthony Xing is in his final year at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, serves as an executive member with OCESS, and partakes in an impressive array of space activities. Through OCESS, he served as pilot on the 2008 mission to Mars and co-pilot on the 2007 mission to Borrelly. In addition, Anthony is leading teams in two Space Design Challenges in 2008 with the University of Toronto Space Design Contest and the NASA Space Settlement Challenge. Anthony’s involvement with SEDS-Canada began with his contact with RASA, a newer chapter of SEDS. Some of his interests include space exploration, mathematics, history and debate; he currently aspires to be part of the design team that will put humans on Mars.
Maxime Boileau
Maxime Boileau is a recent recruit to the organization from the University of Sherbrooke, and is using his bilingual talents to help translate the SEDS site into French. SEDS is especially thrilled by his considerable experience with university engineering projects, particularly in the realm of promotion and advertising of such projects
