Yi En Wang, Co-President
Hey everyone! I am Yi En, co-president of URSSU this year. I am in my fourth year of my undergraduate degree, with double majors in Urban Studies and Sociology, and a minor in Diaspora and Transnational Studies. I spent most of my life in Singapore, and as such, I am deeply interested in multicultural cities and their influences on space and place. Another focus of my studies includes civic engagement and public participation, and hence, URSSU is something that is close to my heart. At URSSU events, you can often find me with my handy camera – come say hi!
Polina Gorn, Co-President
Hi! I am Polina, a Co-President of URSSU. I am in my third year of Urban Studies and Human Geography Double Major. My academic interests lie in addressing systemic issues people experience in the city. I have done work researching Indigenous homelessness, immigrant rights to the city, transit equity, disability rights. I am also passionate about mapping and I find geovisualizations a powerful means of communication. I am excited to be part of URSSU and contribute to the Urban Studies community!!
Kaitlyn Chan, Upper Year Representative
Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlyn. I’m in my fourth year and currently serving as the senior representative of URSUU. Honestly, I felt lost while choosing my field of study at U of T. Eventually, I was fortunate to discover urban studies and fell in love with it. My role involves coordinating and assisting with events for URSUU and fostering connections among people in the program. Alongside my minor in History and Human Geography, I’m researching gentrification and displacement in Toronto’s Chinatowns and equitable representations of urban social inequalities in academia. Outside the classroom, you’ll probably find me nerding out about urban matters (transit, rights to spaces, shelter insecurities, etc.), engaging in adventurous outdoor sports, exploring with my dog, grabbing delicious food with friends in the city, and travelling. I look forward to seeing you at our next URSUU event, and I can’t wait to chat with you in person!
Caitlin Devion, Upper Year Representative
Hi everyone! My name is Caitlin and am one of the Upper-Year Representatives for this year. I am currently in my third year studying Human Geography, Urban Studies and GIS. I absolutely love learning about how community involvement can spark incremental and meaningful change towards urban equity and justice, and this past year I have explored an interest in global urbanization dynamics. I’m interested in the function of community in people’s lives, and how these relationships can be affected by external circumstances. Outside of school, I love exploring different parks, pilates, baking, trying new coffee shops, painting, and meditating. I’m so excited for all of the fun events we have planned for the winter semester!
Kayla Tillekeratne, Treasurer
Hi everyone! I am in my fifth and final year of my undergrad double majoring in Urban Studies as well as History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (HPS) with a certificate in sustainability. I developed a love for the study of cities in my second year and have been passionate about the urban planning field ever since. My interests are in the field of health planning, specifically the impact of cities and urban spaces on the overall health of people. Some of my hobbies and interests include travelling, photography, exploring the city, reading, and of course… café hopping! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, so please feel free to stop by our URSSU events throughout the year!
Bianca Pereira, Lower Year Representative
Hey! My name is Bianca and I am the lower year repressive for URSSU 2024/2025! I am in my second year majoring in urban studies and industrial relations and human resources, with a certificate in sustainable pathways. I was born in Toronto and have lived here ever since which is why am I so passionate about the urban issues affecting my city. In my free time I love going shopping and trying new restaurants.
Excited to be a part of the team this year :)
Rosie Howey, Lower Year Representative
My name is Rosie and I am in my second year. I am pursuing a double major in political science and urban studies. A class I took in first year about the history of cities is what inspired me to pursue urban studies, alongside my interest in politics and world events. I am really enjoying being a part of the Urban Studies Student Union and meeting other students with the same interest and passion for the urban landscape and culture. Outside of school I enjoy travelling to new cities, going for walks, and reading!