Meet your 23/24 OTSU Board of Directors
The OTSU is proud to present its 2023/2024 Board of Directors. These folks are the OTSU's highest governing body and help steer the direction of your student union with strategic oversight. They play an integral role in tackling the issues that matter most to students, shaping their experience at Ontario Tech, and ensuring the union’s fiscal responsibility. Without any further adieu, please join us in welcoming your 23/34 Board of Directors!
MaryCae Serote
Faculty of Health Science, Board Chair
marycaejulliene.serote@ontariotechu.net
Hello there!
I 'm thrilled to finally introduce the Board and myself in this blog post. My name is MaryCae Serote (she/her) and it is my pleasure to serve you as this year’s OTSU Board Chair, and as the Board Director for the Faculty of Health Sciences (yes, I can’t deny—I love health sci). I'm currently in my fourth year of the health sciences program, specializing in public health.
As Board Chair, I oversee the Board of Directors, measure accountability and most importantly, advocate for the best interests of the student body (i.e. making sure your OTSU tuition funds are being used properly).
It is our fundamental responsibility and legal obligation to ensure transparency and accountability. We, the Board of Directors, are committed to getting in touch with your needs and concerns, so please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us and the executive team!
Wishing you an amazing year, Ridgebacks!
Samuel Canonaco
Graduate Studies, Vice-Chair
samuel.canonaco@ontariotechu.net
Hello Ontario Tech students, I’m Sam Canonaco (he/him) and I am the Board’s Vice-Chair and Director for graduate studies. I’m currently in the first year of my master’s of computer science and I also did my undergraduate degree here in the game development program. As the Director for graduate studies, it is my job to advocate for the unique issues graduate students face, and also to advocate for the best experience for all Ontario Tech students. In the past, I’ve been on the executive team of the Game Development Student Association and K-Pop Club. No matter what, I will always aim to enrich the university experience for my fellow students.
Celine Jahan
Social Sciences and Humanities
Hi everyone! I am Celine Jahan (She/Her), and I am in my third year of the Legal Studies program and am the Board Director for the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. I aim to collectively represent all social science and humanities students and provide guidance to the OTSU on our perspective. My role requires me to hold the executive team accountable, work closely with the VP Downtown, and listen to the concerns of social science and humanities students. I was recently hired during the summer and look forward to bringing more opportunities and activities downtown to social science and Humanities students.
Sujith Santharuban
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
sujith.santharuban@ontariotechu.net
Hey everyone, my name is Sujith Santharuban! I am serving as the Board Director for the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science for the upcoming year. I’m excited to be back on campus and can’t wait to see how this year unfolds.
I am in my third year of mechatronics engineering and I was the engineering Board Director last year, so this will be my second academic term with the team. I’m looking forward to working alongside the amazing OTSU team to improve the lives of the students here at Ontario Tech. I hope to give more students the chance to get involved at the university and create an engaging and fun school environment.
Basman Galo
Faculty of Science
Hello everyone! I'm Basman Galo, your Board Director for the Faculty of Science at the Ontario Tech Student Union. I'm currently a fourth-year student majoring in biological sciences and I'm passionate about representing you and ensuring that your voices are heard. I'm here to listen to your concerns, ideas, and suggestions, and to actively work alongside you to make a positive difference in your university experience. My primary mission as your Board Director is to create a more inclusive and positive environment for all science students. Whether you're dealing with academic challenges, have great ideas to share, or just want to chat, I'm here to help! I'm dedicated to working with students to make sure your university experience is everything you hoped it would be.
Arajenthira Narenthira
Faculty of Education
arajenthira.narenthira@ontariotechu.net
How’s it going everyone? My name is Arajenthira Narenthira (to help with the excessive syllables I either go by Arajen or AJ). I'm the new Board Director for the Mitch and Leslie Faculty of Education and I'm in my first year of the Concurrent Education program. I recently graduated with a degree in criminology and justice, so decided to try my hand at teaching.
I usually describe myself as the guy who’s always around, but to get into specifics I have had the joy of being involved in many things at Ontario Tech. I have been an ambassador, peer leader, senior peer leader, communications assistant, student mental health advisory member, and probably other things that have slipped my mind.
As a Board Director, I will be working with our VP Downtown and our downtown students to help make better opportunities and experiences for our education students. I would also want to focus on making a better experience for all students in downtown Oshawa. It is a great place with potential for amazing experiences, so creating a great downtown student culture is a priority to me.
