Nursing Graduate Students' Association (NGSA)
NGSA creates an open and collaborative environment for graduate students to engage in professional and personal growth.
The Nursing Graduate Students' Association (NGSA) is a student-led Departmental Graduate Association affiliated with the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) of the University of Calgary.
We aim to connect and empower graduate students in the Faculty of Nursing through services, leadership, and professional development.
Our role is to foster a supportive community of nursing graduate students through:
- representing the interests of nursing graduate students to the Graduate Students' Association (GSA)
- providing opportunities for leadership and professional development
- promoting social interaction and collaboration among graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members
New Peer Co-Writing Space
The Peer Co-Writing Space is an unstructured, peer-led working session for nursing graduate students who would like dedicated time to write in a supportive, non-evaluative environment. The focus is on accountability and momentum, and there is no expectation to share your work unless you wish to.
- Starting January 27, 2026
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM MST
- Via Zoom
- Bi-weekly on Tuesdays until the end of the semester (April 21, 2026)
- Brief check-in and goal setting, focused writing time, short wrap-up reflection
This space is open to all MN (course-based and thesis-based), PhD, and DN students.
Participants are welcome to bring any type of writing, including coursework, thesis or dissertation work, manuscripts, or proposals.
Please feel free to attend one session or join regularly—whatever best fits your schedule.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out via email or social media.
Faculty of Nursing Students’ Journal Club
The Journal Club is a monthly, peer-facilitated space to engage with nursing and interdisciplinary scholarship in an informal, discussion-based setting. Articles will rotate across topic areas and methodologies, and sessions will emphasize curiosity, reflection, and shared learning rather than expertise.
- Starting February 11, 2026
- 6:00 – 7:30 PM MST
- Via Zoom
- Second Wednesday of the month until the end of the semester (Feb 11, March 11, and April 8)
- Attend regularly or drop in as schedules allow.
The Journal Club is open to all MN (course-based and thesis-based), PhD, and DN students. Faculty members are also welcome to attend.
Participants are also invited to sign up to facilitate a session. Facilitators select an article of interest and guide discussion; there is no expectation to be an expert.
Support for facilitation will be provided by the NGSA.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or social media. You are welcome to share this invitation with any nursing graduate peers who may be interested.
NGSA Executive
Sondra Wesner
Chair
Hello and thank you for visiting the NGSA webpage!
Hi, I’m Sondra Wesner, a PhD student in Nursing at the University of Calgary and the Chair for the Nursing Graduate Student Association. My research focuses on the experiences of gender diverse individuals accessing emergency care, using a narrative inquiry methodology. I bring nearly a decade of experience as a registered nurse in emergency and oncology settings, and I also teach in both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs as a sessional instructor. I’m passionate about advancing health equity, fostering inclusive care practices, and supporting students to think critically about their roles in healthcare systems. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy running and recently completed my first marathon. I also love spending time with my two dogs and two cats. I’m excited to serve in this role and look forward to helping build a more inclusive and supportive environment for all nursing graduate students.
Cathy Lee
Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Jessica Carl
Events Coordinator
Hi everyone, I'm Jessica Carl. I am a certificate Master’s nursing student with over 15 years of nursing experience, currently living and working in downtown Toronto. I serve as the Event Coordinator for the Nursing Student Graduate Association, where I am dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful events that foster connection, collaboration, and professional growth among graduate nursing students. I am also completing my Master of Nursing and hold a Graduate Certificate in Leadership, with a strong interest in mentorship, student wellness, and leadership development within the nursing profession. My extensive clinical background, combined with experience in teaching and leadership roles, informs my thoughtful and inclusive approach to event planning and community building. I am passionate about supporting the next generation of nurse leaders and contributing to a vibrant, supportive graduate nursing community.
Rachel Kidd
Social Media and Communications Director
Hello! My name is Rachel Kidd, and I am a thesis-based master’s student at the University of Calgary. I am excited to serve as the Social Media and Communications Director for the Nursing Graduate Students’ Association (NGSA). I bring over seven years of experience as a nurse in burns, plastics, and head and neck surgery, with additional clinical experience in oncology, public health, and home care. My research interests focus on the burn population, particularly the complex intersection between burn injury and substance use disorder. Outside of my academic and professional life, I love spending time outdoors, hanging out with my dog, and exploring new restaurants. I’m looking forward to supporting and connecting with the nursing graduate community in this role!
Alex Cuncannon
Secretary
Hi everyone! I’m Alex and I'm a second-year PhD student in the Faculty of Nursing. My research interests broadly encompass early relational health and social genomics. I continue to build on four years of experience as a registered nurse in mental health. I’m looking forward to NGSA meetings and events that bring our graduate student community together.
Mahnoor "Noor" Zainab
Finance Director
Hi everyone, I’m Noor! I’m currently pursuing my Master of Nursing in the thesis-based stream at the University of Calgary. I’m happy to join the NGSA as your Finance Director. I’m passionate about creating supportive spaces for graduate nursing students to feel connected, heard, and empowered. I currently work in addiction and mental health on an inpatient unit and with psychiatric emergency services. My research focuses on exploring the lived experiences of family members supporting individuals with mental illness. In my free time, I enjoy exploring restaurants in the city and spending time in the Rockies. I’m looking forward to connecting with graduate students and building a meaningful community.