Nursing Graduate Students' Association (NGSA)

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

Hi! I’m Cathy and I’m excited to connect with students through NGSA. I am a PhD student, and my research focuses on hybrid intelligence and human–AI collaboration, specifically how AI can be integrated into higher education in effective and ethical ways. Alongside my doctoral studies, I continue to practice bedside nursing on a burns, plastics, and head & neck surgery unit. I have always loved working with students and am also a clinical instructor for the faculty. I love spending time with my partner & dog, friends, and staying active by running and golfing! I am the proud daughter of first-generation immigrant parents from Korea and am excited to support students in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Rachel Kidd

Secretary

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 Secretary 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!

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.

Kate Brown

Social Media, Communications & Events Director

Hello everyone!

My name is Kate Brown, and I am a thesis-based Master of Nursing student at the University of Calgary. I am serving a dual role with NGSA this year, as both Social Media & Communications Director and an Events Director. I have one year of work experience on an internal medicine and COVID-19 unit and 5 years of experience in a Calgary emergency department. I am still working as an emergency nurse throughout my graduate studies. My area of research interest is in exploring how experienced emergency department nurses thrive throughout long-term careers in emergency nursing. Outside of nursing, I love painting, pottery-making, baking, and camping. I’m looking forward to promoting community and engagement within the graduate nursing student community. 
 

Mary Genevieve Gutierrez

Events Director

Hi everyone! I am Mary Genevieve Gutierrez, a graduate nursing student with interests in leadership, teaching and learning, and health systems transformation.

I bring over a decade of nursing experience across pediatrics, community care, and long-term care, with additional experience in cardiology. Over the years, my interests have increasingly expanded toward governance, quality improvement, and the systems that shape how care is delivered. I am especially drawn to recognizing patterns in frontline practice and asking how communication, processes, and organizational structures can be strengthened to better support patients and healthcare teams.

I joined NGSA because I value opportunities for graduate students to connect beyond the classroom, exchange perspectives, and build a stronger sense of community. I am excited to contribute as part of the Events and Social Media team.

Outside of nursing and graduate studies, music has always been a big part of my life. I love singing and have performed at community and social events, and more recently I have been having fun singing with a casual band. I also enjoy travelling and spending time with my family.

I look forward to meeting and connecting with more of our graduate nursing community!