Board of Directors, 2026–27
Mya McKinnon (She/Her) | President
Angelica Lee is a Master of Space Studies candidate at the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg, France, specializing in space policy, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration. She previously studied Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Waterloo and has interned at the Canadian Space Agency in financial analysis while also contributing to cross‑departmental space health initiatives. She was later selected for the ESA Academy through the Life Support Systems Solutions program on MELISSA‑related feasibility and sustainability research, and has conducted independent research and ecosystem mapping on the European space biotech sector. Angelica has led external relations efforts on international team projects at ISU, supported national space initiatives at the CSA, and contributed to opportunity‑mapping and partnership development between Canada and Europe. She will also be presenting her research on space biotech funding and international ecosystem design at the 2026 International Astronautical Congress (IAC). As VP External, she joined SEDS Canada to help expand global partnerships and make international programs and career pathways more visible and accessible to Canadian students. Outside of her studies, she enjoys learning languages, volunteering with local food‑security initiatives, running long distances, and supporting peers interested in global space careers.
Taylor is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto Scarborough, pursuing a degree in Physics and Astrophysics with a focus on observational astrophysics, instrumentation, and high-energy particle physics. She has a strong interest in cosmic ray muon detection and the intersection of particle detection and astrophysical phenomena, an area she is actively looking to pursue at the research level. Within SEDS-Canada, Taylor has served as HR Manager and Chief Recruiting Officer, building experience in team development and organizational growth before stepping into the VP Internal role. Beyond academia, they are passionate about disability advocacy and mainframe advocacy, and contributes to her community through recreation event oversight with the City of Toronto. Taylor brings a genuine commitment to fostering inclusive, student-driven communities that make space exploration and science accessible across Canada.
Shahithiya is an Engineering student at Toronto Metropolitan University.
She is responsible for managing all internal and external communications for SEDS-Canada, including social media, graphic design, and content creation. She is fascinated by space operations and logistics, from mission planning to the systems that make exploration possible. A lover of teaching and education, she enjoys mentoring K-12 students and sharing her passion for STEM with the next generation. She draws inspiration from her fellow engineering peers who stay dedicated to their craft. Their resilience reminds her that no one succeeds alone. That’s why she is passionate about bridging the gap between secondary and post-secondary education, ensuring students have the guidance and support they need to step into the industry with confidence and clarity.
Rimaza Saleek is a Business Accounting student at Concordia University with a passion that goes well beyond spreadsheets. She currently serves as the VP Finance for SEDS Canada, where she is responsible for managing the organization’s finances. When she was a child, Rimaza was very interested in astronomy and loved learning about space and the galaxy through science projects. Joining SEDS felt like a natural way to rediscover that spark, while surrounding herself with others who share the same excitement for the industry. Outside of school and work, Rimaza enjoys reading and baking, and she hopes to learn how to play the piano in the future.
Abdul is a fourth-year Materials Engineering student at the University of Alberta whose research interests lie in spacecraft propulsion and fluid mechanics. He currently serves as the Projects Chair for SEDS Canada, where he oversees the organization’s technical projects and supports student teams across the country. Abdul is currently interning at Spaceium, where he supports the development of in-space refueling technologies. He also serves as the Mechanical Deputy Team Lead for AlbertaSat where he contributes to the development of student-built spacecraft. Outside of engineering, Abdul enjoys travelling, hiking, listening to music, and exploring the history and future of space exploration.
Leo is a second year Engineering Physics student at the University of Alberta with a special interest in robotics and plasma physics. He currently serves as Deputy Projects Chair on the SEDS-Canada Board of Directors where he helps oversee the many project campaigns SEDS runs. Outside of SEDS, Leo is a member of the Attitude Determination and Control System team for the Ex-Alta 3 CubeSat mission from AlbertaSat. He is also the Systems Lead for AlbertaSat’s high altitude balloon mission launching in the summer of 2027, studying energetic electron precipitation. In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and rock climbing. He hopes to pursue a career that combines his interests in aerospace, physics and robotics.
Anjana is a third-year Aerospace Engineering student at Carleton University, specializing in aerodynamics, propulsion, and vehicle performance. In their position of Vice President of Outreach, they work with affiliates and supervise initiatives that spread information about SEDS’ projects and opportunities across Canada to ensure SEDS’ mission reaches all across the nation. She is passionate about aviation and propulsion, and hopes to pursue a career innovating propulsion systems for air and spacecraft. She previously served as Vice President Academic for the Carleton Student Engineering Society, and can be found working on rockets with CUInSpace, Carleton’s rocketry design team. In their free time, they enjoy performing with the Carleton Engineering Musical, writing original works, and playing indie video games. As Vice President of Outreach, Anjana is committed to further extending SEDS’ reach across the country and supporting student involvement in SEDS initiatives and the space sector.
Amanda Mongillo is a third-year Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto in the Aerospace option. She is the Director at Large, Events at SEDS Canada, where she helps organize and plan large-scale events such as the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the Canadian Space Conference. Amanda has a strong interest in space exploration, robotics, and human spaceflight, with a particular passion for mission operations. She currently contributes to the Mission Operations team at UTAT Space Systems, where she helps support satellite development and operations. Amanda is also involved with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), where she helps create inclusive spaces and events for women in STEM. Last year was Amanda’s first year with SEDS Canada, where she served as Co-Logistics Lead for the Canadian Space Conference. Inspired by the success of SEDS events and the supportive community they foster, Amanda is excited to contribute to that impact and help build meaningful connections across Canada’s space community.
Shivam Khera is a Mechanical Engineering student at Concordia University with a strong interest in mechanical design, space systems, and propulsion technologies. He currently serves as the Events Chair for SEDS Canada, where he takes the lead in planning and organizing national-level events, helping to drive engagement and collaboration across the student space community. Shivam has been actively involved with SEDS Canada for the past two years and also serves as the Canadian CubeSat Network Lead, contributing to initiatives that support student satellite development across the country.
In addition to his role at SEDS Canada, this summer, he is gaining hands-on industry experience through an internship at AeroNova, a research, development, and manufacturing company specializing in advanced composite materials. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Shivam enjoys exploring new places, traveling, and staying active, while continuing to deepen his passion for the evolving space industry.
Associate Professor
