The Geography And Planning Students’ Society (GAPSS) advocates and supports students in the Human Geography and Planning programs at the University of Alberta, and students interested in issues surrounding Human Geography and Planning.
The Executive Team is elected by all members of the Geography and Planning Students’ Society to serve a one-year term from May to April of the following year.
Your 2023/2024 GAPSS Executive Team:
Daniel Witte
President
I am Daniel (he/him) and I will be your GAPSS president for the 2023/24 year. I joined GAPSS during the first year of my degree, spending 2 years in the academic committee before last year where I joined the executive committee as the VP Events. I love volunteering and getting involved in my community, through events like festivals and place-making; I am very excited to get to do similar work with GAPSS this year! I have had an interest in urban planning for many years, I am especially interested in how we design usable and comfortable public spaces, and create sustainable cities. In my free time I like to find new restaurants and cafes to try out around the city, and going out with friends. Being part of the community of geography and planning students at the UofA has been such a great experience for me, and I hope that through our work at GAPSS this year we can continue to grow that community.
Lauren Slevinsky
Vice President (Human Geography)
Hi there! My name is Lauren (she/her), and I am going into my third year of BA Human Geography with a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. I’m excited to start my journey with GAPSS as VP Human Geography. I look forward to further connecting the human geography and planning students this year and to be able to spread awareness about our community. I am passionate about the environment and our relationship with it. I am interested in sustainable practices, and how we can incorporate them into our everyday lives. I love spending my time outdoors with my dog, hanging out with my friends, and continuously learning about the world around me.
Kiyomi Coffman
Vice President (Planning)
Hey y’all! My name is Kiyomi (she/her), and I am excited to be the VP Planning for GAPSS during my fifth — and final — year of a BA Planning degree! I joined GAPSS in my first year, and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a student. The community of Human Geography and Planning students is incredibly supportive of one another, and I want to strengthen the connection between students and our programs. We are two of the smallest programs on campus, so we have the unique opportunity — and the right environment — to engage with each other on a personal level. I am passionate about community planning, policy and governance, and public engagement, among other interests. If I’m not studying or in class, you can find me on long walks around the city or reading in my secret spot in Rutherford library. I look forward to meeting many new faces this year!
Mason Von der Ohe
Vice President (Finance)
Hi! My name is Mason and I am going into my 5th year of BA Planning with a Minor in Economics. I am interested in urban development, sustainable development, and urban design. I went into planning because I am passionate about creating places that are livable and bring communities together. During my free time, I enjoy skating, paddle boarding, playing the piano, and planning my next road trip! I’m excited to start my second year with GAPSS as the VP Finance. This year will be my final year at the U of A in the fall, and I’m excited to spend my final year at the U of A connecting students and contributing to the planning and human geography community.
Krystalynn Chan
Vice President (Internal)
Hello! My name is Krystalynn (she/her) and I am the VP Internal for GAPSS during my final year of a BA Planning degree! I did an internship with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the City of Edmonton’s Transit Accessibility Team, which sparked my interest in the topics of accessibility, affordable housing, Indigenous planning and winter cities. My experience with ISC gave me a lot of insight into the struggles of Indigenous people in terms of housing within reserves and in the urban areas. My experience with the City opened my eyes to the ways in which the City’s infrastructure is lacking in terms of accessibility and drove home the importance of Winter City design for accessibility. When I am not busy with school or work, I enjoy reading, watching movies or going out with my friends.
Neil Choudhury
Vice President (External)
Hi everyone, my name is Neil (he/him) and I am the VP External for GAPSS this year! I am in my fourth year of my BA Planning degree and am having a great time doing it. I honestly didn’t like planning much at first, but after a few solid classes and a planning internship I’m hooked on it. I’m currently interested in how Urban Planning can help achieve broader city goals such as climate resilience, equity, and creating livable cities (and figuring out what livable cities even are). My role in GAPSS comes from a burning passion of sending emails and for getting more involved with the planning community at the University of Alberta, the planning industry, and other municipalities & universities! I will be co-chairing the Media committee this year where we’re going to figure out how to make Urban Planning look as exciting as it is!
Callista Kruger
Vice President (Marketing)
Hello! My name is Callista (she/her). I am going into my fourth year of my Urban Planning degree. I am excited to be GAPSS’ VP Marketing for the upcoming year! I believe GAPSS plays an important role in sharing knowledge and creating connections between Planning and Human Geography students, especially since both programs are very small and niche.
I have many interests in the realm of planning, including urban design, environmental planning, and architecture. I am passionate about making our cities more equitable and sustainable. Like many planning majors, I am also a big advocate for active transportation. In my spare time, I enjoy taking care of my plants, hanging out with my cats, reading, and exploring the city with friends.. My main goal as VP Marketing is to create fun and engaging content to highlight how interesting Planning and Human Geography are!
Dezmond Coyes-Loiselle
Vice President (Events)
Hello! My name is Dezmond (he/him) and I am this year’s VP Events! Growing up in central Edmonton, I’ve always had an appreciation for all the great things cities have to offer. That being said, I’ve also always been unsettled by the many challenges that cities face and contribute to. It was a combination of these two feelings that helped me decide to try out Urban Planning. I’ve enjoyed the first two years of my Planning degree and I am now doing a work term where I’m learning more and more about the inner workings of the Planning world everyday. In my free time I love playing sports, looking at maps, traveling, eating food, playing the guitar, and riding my bike. As VP Events, my main goal is to bring Planning/Human Geography students together and create new connections and friendships within the program. The value of making friends within your discipline cannot be overstated, in terms of academic success, and enjoyment of your time at the University in general. With that in mind, please come out to some events–you won’t regret it!