Student Council

2023-2024 Life Sciences Student Council

The Life Sciences DSC serves to improve the experience of students in the Life Sciences program at Queen’s University by increasing student awareness of resources that boost academic success and helping to foster connections with peers and faculty members.

Co-Presidents: Serena Sengupta Rukana Ragutharan
Academic Co-Chairs:    Sophia Baldasaro Alex Ball
 

The Academic Co-chairs serve as the liaison between the DSC and the university’s faculty to advocate for academic changes and feedback regarding the academic courses and structure of the Life Sciences program.
Social Co-Chairs: Emma Purdy Kathleen Saunderson Ryan Mickelson
Marketing Director:         Sandra Hacault
 

The Marketing Director manages the DSC's social media and creating all digital content for the sites
Secretary-Treasurer: Daniella Meraw
 

The Treasurer manages the DSC’s annual operations budget, and maintaining partnerships with our sponsors.
Prospective Students Facilitator:

Sarah Bowen
 

Engages with prospective and 1st-year students to help recruit for the Life Sciences program
Extra Curricular Co-Chairs: Alex Mayhew Ava Colangelo  
 

Plan and execute all fitness events and initiatives, including intramural teams and Weekly Fitness Challenges.
Exchange Directors:     

 Holly Mackay
Student Experience Director:   

Elizabeth Savoy

EDII Directors

  Delaine Pereira Alexis Ejeckam  

THE YEAR REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE HIRED IN THE FALL:    

1st Year Representative: TBA

2nd Year Representatives: TBA

3rd Year Representatives: TBA

4th Year Representatives: TBA

For the Life Sciences Student Council Website click here.

 

Common FAQs and Feedback Form for Life Science Students from your DSC

Introduction

Dear Queen’s Life Science students,

This feedback form has been implemented by the Life Science Departmental Student Council to answer your questions related to academics, extra-curriculars, research, social life, and the student experience. You can refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” subsection of each category. However, if these answers do not provide the answer you are seeking, please send your question and/or feedback to lisc.dsc@asus.queensu.ca . Thank you!

 

  • Where should I look for extracurricular opportunities?

  • How does the Life Science Department Student Council provide extracurricular opportunities for students? 

    • The Life Sciences Department Student Council hires executive members in March, and Social and Prospective Student Facilitator committee members in early fall semester. Stay tuned: https://www.instagram.com/queensulifesci/
    • The Life Sciences Department Student Council creates Intramural teams exclusively for Life Sciences students every semester. Stay tuned next September!

  • Where can I find available research positions?

    • Look at faculty websites such as the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and read about professors’ research.
    • Make a list of those that interest you.
    • Search Omni on the Queen’s Library website to read more about their publications.
    • Send respectful emails to the professors whose research interests you and inquire about research positions in their lab.
    • Don’t be discouraged! This process can be difficult and take time.

  • What is a LISC 499/594/595 project?

    • They are independent research projects offered by the Life Science program in Anatomy, Cancer, Epidemiology (now Public Health Sciences), Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology and Reproductive Development.  
    • 499 projects are reserved for Specialization students, and 594/595 projects are for Major students. 594 projects are worth 3.0 credits and last for one semester, whereas 595 projects are worth 6.0 credits and last for two semesters.

  • How do I find a supervisor for my LISC 499/594/595 project? (from website)

    • Life Science Bachelor of Science Honours Specialization students interested in pursuing a 499 project in their fourth year should contact professors late fall of their third year unless a professor indicates a specific date. Please refer to the following websites for faculty associated with 499 projects (note: sometimes students will go outside of these but they will require approval - email lifesci@queensu.ca. The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences:  http://dbms.queensu.ca/faculty; Pathology and Molecular Sciences:  http://www.path.queensu.ca/People/Faculty_Primary.php; Public Health Sciences: https://phs.queensu.ca/people/primary-faculty  and  the Centre for Neuroscience:  http://neuroscience.queensu.ca/faculty-research http://neuroscience.queensu.ca/faculty-research
    • The LISC office updates the 499 projects on the website prior to February 1st of each year.
    • Students are expected to provide an unofficial transcript to their potential supervisor, thus confirming their eligibility for a 499 project.
    • Once an agreement has been made between you and a supervisor, please email lifesci@queensu.ca from your Queen's email (and include your student number) letting us know who your supervisor is (and copying them on the email) and which 499 project you will be completing (for example, ANAT, CANC, EPID, MICR, NSCI, PATH, PHAR, PHGY or REPD).  We will copy the 499 Coordinator on your email so that everyone is in the loop.
    • Please note that some research grants will be announced later in the winter term, so faculty will not know until later in the term if they will be taking a 499 student. We can add 499 projects into September to a students schedule.

  • How do I discover what areas of research I am interested in?

    • Pay attention to the different subjects that are taught in second year courses like cardiovascular sciences and reproduction in physiology, and microbiology.
    • Use option courses to explore multiple course fields and find your interest.

  • What courses can help prepare me for research?

    • STAM 200 or any equivalent statistics project
    • LISC 391
    • NSCI 323
    • Others

  • How can I meet other students in the Life Science program?

    • Attend events held by the Life Science Department Student Council, like speed meeting and Zoomba, to meet your peers! Come on out to our lifesci formal! Details on upcoming events can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/queensulifesci/