New GCSS Leadership Brings Fresh Energy to the GCI Student Community

With the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) highlights the trainees who lead the Goodman Cancer Student Society (GCSS) and create a stronger and more inclusive student community. This year, Paulina Varela and Deepashika Senaratne are the newly elected co-presidents, and Ariadna Pollato holds the role of vice-president finance.

Paulina, third-year PhD student in Experimental medicine under the supervision of Professor Xiang-Jiao Yang, returns to GCSS as co-president after a first year that showed her the true value of student connection, from organizing the GCI Research Day to fundraising initiatives. She hopes to build on that momentum, ensuring GCSS remains a welcoming space where trainees can share both their scientific milestones and everyday experiences.

Joining her is Deepashika, graduate student in Professor Ian Watson’s laboratory, whose enthusiasm for community-building has been noticeable for some time as she contributed to organizing GCI Research Day and weekly Spotlight seminars in the past year. She will bring new ideas to the table as GCSS looks ahead to another full calendar year of events and opportunities for GCI trainees.

Rounding out the leadership team is Ariadna, third-year PhD candidate within Professor Arnim Pause’s team, who takes on the vice-president role, ensuring GCSS initiatives, from social events to professional development opportunities, are well supported and sustainable throughout the year.

Together, this year’s GCSS leaders are committed to fostering community, connection, and belonging among trainees, while continuing to celebrate the achievements of GCI’s vibrant student body.

To learn more about GCSS: https://www.goodmancancer.ca/en/the-student-society