Campus Alberta Student Conference on Health (CASch): An Opportunity for Alberta

Health and life sciences encompass a broad spectrum of knowledge and research activities. Across the national landscape, Alberta in particular is a leader in promoting and supporting new trainees in this type of research through conferences, symposiums, and seminar activities. Graduate students play a key role in Alberta’s knowledge-based economy as drivers of new ideas, innovation, and growth. One of the fastest growing areas in research is health research. 

Development and History of CASCH

Development of CASCH began in the Summer of 2012, when a Conference Grant was awarded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions to bring together the hundreds of graduate students in Alberta studying community health sciences or population, environmental, public, and global health. September 2013 marked the kickoff and hosting of the inaugural CASCH. It provided a central forum for discourse, sharing of knowledge, networking, and professional development.

CASCH is the result of the combined efforts of graduate students from across Alberta, and the Campus Alberta Partnership, which includes the University of Alberta School of Public Health and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Calgary O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Lethbridge Faculty of Health Sciences, and Alberta Health Services.

An Integrated Experience

CASCH is a core component of the graduate education experience for each of the three institutions, as they introduce incoming students to health research and public health practice in Alberta: it will serve as a culmination to the introductory activities offered by each institution. Graduate Program Directors of each institution were intrigued by the potential of this conference to serve as an initiation for newly enrolled students – a forum for mentorship, hands-on learning, exposure to graduate study, and opportunities afforded by graduate-level training.  

Planning and Implementation

Steering Committee: A joint planning committee consisting of 6 sub-committees and 14 core members has been organized, which includes student representation from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.

CASCH Sub-Committees: 

1. Abstract
2. Finance
3. IT, Marketing    and Communications
4. Speakers and Content
5. Volunteer Management &  Evaluation 
6. Registration and Hospitality

Volunteering:  We'll need your help to host a successful and enjoyable conference! If you’re interested in assisting with planning or volunteering on the day of the event, please click here or send an email to info@CASCH.ca.

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The 2019 CASCH STEERING COMMITTEE

To contact the CASCH team, please write to info@CASCH.ca.

Executive Co-Chairs
Maryam Kebbe, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Jananee Rasiah, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)

Abstract Committee 
Sadia Ahmed, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
Grace Lee, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Hana Osman, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
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​Finance Committee
Ilaria Rubino, University of Alberta  (Co-Chair)
Samina Sana, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Abubakar Mohamed Nassur,  University of Alberta (Co-Chair) 
​Dhruvesh Patel, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)

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IT, Marketing and Communications
Soheil Souri, University of Calgary  (Co-Chair)
Crystal Gong, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Raisa Catunda,   ​University of Alberta (Co-Chair)

Speakers and Content Committee 
Chen Jin, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Jennifer McGetrick,  University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Ava Zardynezhad, University of  Calgary  (Co-Chair)

Volunteer  Management  & Evaluation Committee
Kira Dlusskaya, University of Alberta (Co-Chair)
Lucia Otero Valera, University of Calgary (Co-Chair) 

​Registration and Hospitality Committee
Amber Sayed, University of Calgary (Co-Chair)
Daranne Harris, University of Calgary (Co-chair)