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The Astronomy Club at York University is a club organized by York University students and is dedicated to helping people learn new and interesting things about astronomy. At bi-weekly meetings, ACYU members get to listen to a guest speaker with a professional astronomical background present an interesting topic in astronomy, and get the opportunity to ask the speaker questions. Members get to meet people with like interests, go on special trips of astronomical significance, go to star parties, and more!

 

Meetings and events are open to everyone, but members receive priority in trips and off-campus events, and are entitled to free food and beverages at all meetings. Membership packages can be found on the membership page, and are valid for the duration of the academic year.

Meet the 2018-2019 Exec Team

All Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Monahil Chaudry

Hello Everyone! My name is Monahil Chaudry and I am a Fourth Year Physics Student. I have been part of the Astronomy Club for the past two years as Secretary and Treasurer and will be part of the club as the President for the year 2018-2019. 

With the Astronomy Club I've had a chance to learn a lot about Astronomy and I hope that during this year we will be able to provide more amazing events for everyone. I look forward to working with our new executive team. They are all amazing and dedicated people and I am sure this year would be fantastic as always for Astronomy Club. 

If you are someone interested in Astronomy, no matter your level of knowledge, you are welcome to join us. We always try to make our events accessible to everyone. Hope to see everyone at our events and good luck to everyone for the new academic year.  :)

Neil McCall

My name is Neil McCall and I will be Vice President of the ACYU for the 2018/2019 year. I am in my 5th year of Biophysics at York University and I have previously served as Executive at Large and Vice President of the ACYU.  After my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing a PhD in experimental physics. Outside of academics I enjoy reading classic literature, creative writing, and doing independent research in physics, chemistry, and biology. In the future, I hope to make discoveries that advance our knowledge of the universe but also hope to invent new technologies that catalyze the prospering of our civilization.

Roshan Srirangarajan

Hi, my name is Roshan Srirangarajan and I am happy to say that I am the ACYU Secretary for the 2018/2019 school year. I am currently in my 5th year of a dual degree in Political Science and International Studies at York University's Glendon Campus; I specialize particularly in International Relations and Space Law. I also work at the university's Alan I. Carswell observatory conducting tours along with research. Though I have always had a passion for all 3 of the scientific disciplines ever since I was a kid, nothing captivates me more than the mysterious yet wondrous nature of our universe and its laws of reality. I also like to believe I am a very sociable guy, so don't be afraid to come strike a conversation. Along with all of the other amazing executives, I enjoy helping others learn more about Astronomy and Universe, so please do ask me as many questions as you can and I hope to see as many people as I can this year during our events!

Jean-Louis Haywood

Hi! My name is Jean-Louis Haywood. I am happy to have served the role of Events Photographer during the 2017/2018 year, and I'll be reprising the role for this 2018-2019 period. Capturing memories is an essential part of having events. When they pass, you'll still have the photos to reflect on in the most vivid way possible, rather than by recall alone. It for this reason why I'll continue to dedicate my time to this role to consistently have them captured as I put an artistic spin on it.

Amin Jafarov

Hi, I'm Amin Jafarov. I am currently a second year Astrophysics student at York University. I also volunteer at the Allan I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory, located in York. Astronomy and physics are my passions. I also like to play football (soccer) and chess. I am a new member of the Astronomy Club at York University executive team for this year. I am the Executive at Large

Niyousha Mojri

My name is Niyousha Mojri. I am the ACYU current treasurer. I study kinesiology at York University. I am a pre-dental student who loves astronomy and anything related to physics and space! I am a professional piano player and this my favourite hobby!

Nifia Garg

Hey everyone, my name is Nifia Garg and i will be serving as Event Coordinator of the ACYU for 2018-2019 academic year. As a Event Coordinator i will be responsible for planning trips and events. Though it's my first year on the ACYU executive team, i will try my best to make every event fun and memorable.

Sunna Withers

Hi everyone! My name is Sunna, and I will be the Media and Advertising Executive for this year. I am a second year physics student at York University, and this is my first year being on the ACYU executive team. I love playing piano, and everything related to physics and astronomy! 

June Parsons

Hiya, my name is June I'm the 2018-2019 ACYU website coordinator. This is my first year as an exec and my second year at York. I'm in an honours bachelor's undergraduate degree in astrophysics, but my love for computer science and science in general is my inspiration. Feel free to send your website recommendations and issues to the acyu email account and check back for event information here!

Kainat Sajid

Hello!! I’m Kainat Sajid, member of the ACYU since 2017/2018. I have the honour of introducing myself as the Graphic Design Exec. I am excited to be able to draw from the limitless inspiration present in the universe around us. The universe in itself represents the vastness of knowledge and possibilities to me; which as a curious student, part-time graphic designer and hopeful animator, excites and inspires me beyond compare. I am excited to see what the ACYU will throw my way. I am looking forward to growing and exploring alongside the current exec team, and in the process, growing the ACYU with new members, ideas and memories. 

Not Kainat, this is professor Paul Delaney. Kainat does not have a portrait yet.

Meet the 2017-2018 Exec Team

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Ushieja De Zoysa

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My name is Ushieja De Zoysa, and I will be the president of the ACYU for the 2017/2018 academic year. I am in my final year of a Double Major in Pure Mathematics and Astrophysics, but my love for astronomy dates back to my childhood! This will be my fourth year on the executive team of the astronomy club and my second year as President and I am so excited to work together with our new exec team to make this year another great year!

 

I have always been passionate about astronomy and astrophysics and I’m specifically interested in String Cosmology and Differential Geometry (and lately Field Theory as well). I hope to pursue graduate studies in either of these fields. I am a huge science-fiction fan and have loved Doctor Who since high school and I am also very passionate about animals. I’m from an island, so of course snorkeling is my favourite thing to do!

 

My dream of becoming an astronaut still stands!

NEIL MCCALL

 

My name is Neil McCall and I will be Vice President of the ACYU for the 2017/2018 year. I am in my 4th year of Biophysics at York University and I have previously served as Executive at Large for the ACYU.  After my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing physics at the graduate level. However, I have yet to decide an area in which to specialize since I am fascinated by everything! Outside of academics, I enjoy reading classic literature, creative writing, and doing independent research in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. In the future, I hope to make discoveries that advance our knowledge of the universe but also hope to engineer new technologies that catalyze the prospering of our civilization.

Monahil Chaudry

 

Hello Everyone!

My name is Monahil Chaudry. I am in my third year of Physics. After having a fantastic year with the Astronomy Club during the 2016-2017 year as a Secretary I decided I would like to keep working with the club. :)

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Therefore I have joined again this year as Treasurer and I look forward to having another wonderful year. As a Treasurer I will be responsible for managing the club funding and finding avenues for obtaining funds when holding large events. I will try to do my best in this position and learn along the way.

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I look forward to meeting you all and knowing more amazing people. :)

ADAM RETSINAS

 

Hello everyone! My name is Adam Retsinas and I am pleased to announce that I am representing ACYU as the Media and Advertising Executive. Fall 2017 will mark my fourth year in an Honours Biochemistry program. As Media and Advertising Executive, I will be notifying our members about upcoming events on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and recently added, Instagram. You may also see me running around putting up posters on campus to advertise the amazing events ACYU has to offer. Being a science student, it's easy to understand that I have a passion for learning about the universe. Astronomy is something that has always peaked my interest, so naturally being a part of ACYU was one of the best decisions I could have made. I cannot wait to meet other like-minded students to have discussions about the universe and stars above us.

JEAN-LOUIS HAYWOOD

 

Hi! My name is Jean-Louis Haywood and for the 2017/2018 year I will be the Events Photographer of ACYU. This is my second year in Computer Science at York University. As you can already see, I have a soup of interests. I'm an international student and I grew up in the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla where I was first interested in Astronomy in high school. At the time, I occasionally read science magazines at the library and read encyclopedias at home. Besides Astronomy, I've always been interested in Computer Science, especially in Hardware Design and more recently in Artificial Intelligence - and even Game Programming. I'm an amateur at Photography, but picked it up - as I bought a camera - when I decided to capture Toronto's cityscape, nature and memories during my studies here. So it'll be my pleasure to serve as the Events Photographer.

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Ilia Jarikov

 

Hello everyone, my name is Ilia Jarikov and I am the Graphics Design Executive at the ACYU for 2017/18. I create the posters used to advertise for meetings and various other graphics for the club. This is my second year in this executive position at the ACYU and my third year in the club. I am in my fourth year of Computer Science but I’ve been interested in Astronomy ever since I learned about SETI and all the amazing things in space. I look forward to working with everyone again this year!

Fahad Ali Kazi

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Hey Everyone! My name is Fahad Ali Kazi. I am in my 4th year of Biology. This is the first time I’m an executive within the club so I hope to learn from the experience. I am not as interesting as some of our other members ,but I’ll try to be. I enjoy collecting comics, reading and I’m obsessed with good food.

 

I hope to pursue a Masters in Biomedical Engineering and hopefully after do a Medical Doctorate and a Masters in Public Health so that I can work within Health Administration within Canada and hopefully support non-profits within the developing world through infrastructural and financial support.

LAWRENCE DO

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My name is Lawrence Do and I'm a history major and philosophy minor. I'm currently the secretary for Astronomy Club at York University. I really like astronomy and space because of the exotic worlds that exist out there in our universe. Some of these exotic worlds reside within our very own solar system. Io, for example, is heavily volcanic moon that orbits Jupiter and is bright yellow because of the sulphur dioxide that is spewed from its volcanoes. Europa is another moon that orbits Jupiter, and this moon might harbour a vast ocean of water underneath its icy surface. My all time favourite planetary body in the solar system is Titan though. Titan is the only moon in the solar system that has an atmosphere (a very thick one at that) and features liquid lakes and methane as well as a methane weather cycle that is analogous to our water cycle. The gravity is low and the atmosphere so thick, that you could actually fly on Titan by flapping a pair of makeshift wings. If there are such amazing worlds in our solar system, imagine what exists out there in the universe. The possibilities are nearly limitless! And given the number of worlds that exist in the universe, it must be inevitable for some to have life on them. I hope that one day we will be able to find life (whether intelligent or not) and that I'm around for that moment. Thinking about alien life and the possibilities of aliens societies fascinates me. In fact, it's probably one of the reasons I took history in the first place; because historical societies around the world can be so different to ours as to seem alien to us!

ANAHITA KARAMI

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Hey astronomy lovers! I'm the website coordinator for the ACYU. I'll be posting all future events onto the ACYU website so if there's anything you have trouble viewing or finding then definitely let me know.

 

This is my first year as an exec team member but I'm actually almost done my undergraduate degree in Biology. Ever since I was in elementary school I have been interested in all things space and stars. Too bad none of the school subjects or clubs really focused on the topic otherwise I might have been able to learn more from earlier on in my life. 

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I'm really friendly and would love to help you with any questions you may have so don't be afraid to come up to me or message me on the website.

 

Let's have a great year filled with all things astronomy.

NIYOUSHA MOJRI

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Photographed by Jean-Louis Haywood

Meet the 2016/2017 Exec Team 

Vice President: Susan Chen

My name is Susan, and I will be the Vice President of the Astronomy Club at York for the 2016-2017 year. This will be my second year as an ACYU executive. Although I am not a science, or mathematics student, I am extremely passionate about learning, and education. I stand strongly for public outreach because I believe it is important to share scientific literature with the public. As for matters concerning astronomy, my interests lean more towards cosmology. I am drawn to the large scale structures of our universe, dark energy, dark matter, but more specifically, and importantly, the historical narrative of our universe as a whole. Some of my favourite public scientists are Carl Sagan, and Max Tegmark. I believe learning should be not only fun, and interesting—but also romantic, and meaningful. I believe the latter provides a portal to learn more about ourselves as a species, and why we are here. With that said, I regard the humanistic element as inseparable from science. I am majoring in Philosophy, and I will also be the President of the Philosophy Club at York for the 2016-2017 year. Aside from science, I have many additional interests. Some of these interests include philosophy, psychology, consciousness, artificial intelligence, systems science, and art. In my free time, I like to conduct independent research, write, read, and anything else that allows me to explore my artistic, and creative abilities. I am looking forward to the upcoming year, and I am excited to not only work with the new ACYU executive team, but to meet, and connect with new members of the club!

​Treasurer: Priyanka Rajakumaran

My name is Priyanka Rajakumaran. I am an aspiring Chartered professional accountant. I am in my third year at York University. I am the treasurer at York university's astronomy club.  I have also participated in DECA provincial competition. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in hospitality, marketing, law, finance and management in high schools and post-secondary institutions across Ontario. I am also a volunteer with the City of Toronto's cultural events and York federation of students. I love to volunteer at various activities around Toronto and at University. I love astronomy because every time I look at the sky, I've always wondered what is happening beyond earth's atmosphere. I've always loved to look at night sky and admire the beauty of our galaxy. I have always wanted to learn more about the sky , stars, planets. However, I've been too busy studying accounting and never got a chance to know about astronomy. I promise that I will dedicate my time to help the club grow and expand and use my skills to complete my duty as a treasurer.

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

President: Ushieja De Zoysa

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Hi Everyone! My name is Ushieja De Zoysa and I am currently in my third  year of a double major in Pure Mathematics and Astrophysics. I am also a student ambassador for the Physics and Astronomy Program at York as well as the Mathematics and Statistics Program at York. 

 

Astronomy has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities York has provided me in pursuing my interests. My interests include string cosmology and differential geometry, both of which I would love to pursue during my graduate career. My dream of being an astronaut still stands,and I work towards it everyday!

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This will be my third year on the ACYU Exec team, and I'm looking forward to another great year!

Executive at Large: Neil McCall

​My name is Neil and I am a 3rd year biophysics major. As the executive at large, I assist in developing and coordinating events and outreach to better strengthen the ACYU’s impact on campus. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading classic literature, creative writing, soccer, and experimenting (i.e. messing around) with physics, chemistry, biology, and math. After my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing physics at the graduate level. In the future I hope to make discoveries that advance our knowledge of the universe but also hope to engineer new technologies that catalyze the prospering of our civilization.

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Secretary: Monahil Chaudry

Hello everyone!
My name is Monahil Chaudry. I'm currently a 1st year Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate student and will be going into my 2nd year in September.
It is my privilege to be serving as a Secretary on the ACYU executive team 2016-2017. As a Secretary some of my responsibilities include sending reminders for upcoming events to everyone in the Astronomy Club via email. Keeping an updated list of all members of the Astronomy Club as well as attending meetings and filling out other documents as might be required for organizing events for the club. Astronomy is simply an awesome field and if you think so too, you should come join us. It’s open to everyone. We have food, drinks and a side order of astronomical awesomeness. So be sure to stop by! I look forward to getting to know all Astronomy Club members and to help in making the club a more welcoming place.

 

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Events Coordinator: Samuel Dupuis

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Media Coordinator: Ilia Jarikov

Photo credits: Matthew Tanner Photography

Meet the 2015-2016 Executive Team

President || Sophia Nasr
 

My name is Sophia Nasr and I’m going into my fourth year of astrophysics at York University, where I currently hold a position in research on dark matter. Having always been actively involved in the astronomical community at York University, I’ve long been part of teams including the Astronomy Club at York University, the York University Observatory, and occasionally, York Universe Radio. 

 

My passion for astronomy and physics led me to participate heavily in scientific outreach, which landed me a position writing news updates for Pluto Safari, an app dedicated to the New Horizons mission. Other passions of mine include being a huge lover of animals, animal rights and protection, feminism and equality, music, and reading. Heavily active on social media, I share my love for astronomy, physics, and other passions with the world. 

 

 

 

Vice President || Armita Jalooli

Hi everyone! My name is Armita Jalooli and I’m double majoring in Physics and Mathematics. This is my second time running for an executive position at Astronomy Club at York. Last year I was the event coordinator and this year, with much more experience, I am the vice president of Astronomy Club. I am not astronomy major but I love stars and knowing about outer space. I look forward to seeing all of you guys this year and hope to create great team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer || Atifa Syed

 

My name is Atifa Syed. I am in my final year at York for astrophysics and the Treasurer for the astromony club. My hobbies include cooking, gardening, and star gazing (which is odd considering I live in Toronto).

 

I am in culinary school at the same time and run a blog ForeverFoodieAS.blogspot.com which is all about the love of food! I love both food and astromony and hope the coming year will be as great as the last in both those fields!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary || David Ampofo

 

Hi, my name is David and I am second year Communication Major student. I have always been fascinated with celestial bodies and the potential of extraterrestial life since I've read a lot of science fiction as well as watch entertainment related to space, growing up. Astronomy is a interesting field to me because there is so much humans have learned from observing celestial phenomenons and building technology from these observations. Starting Fall 2015, I'll be the Secretary for the Astronomy Club, meaning I'll be primarily responsible for communications with the general public and the university among additional responsibilities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events Coordinator || Ushieja De Zoysa S.


I am in my third year of a double major in Pure Mathematics and Astrophysics. This year will be my second year as an executive member of the Astronomy Club at York University. Astrophysics has always been a passion of mine ever since I can remember, but it wasn’t until the first year of high school that I firmly decided I wanted to pursue a career in this field. Now, walking in space and making long lasting contributions to mankind is no longer a dream but a goal. After completing my degree at York, my plan is to pursue graduate studies in both pure mathematics (specifically differential geometry and tensor analysis) and astrophysics (specifically string cosmology and astro-particle physics). I hope to someday become a fighter pilot for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and then proceed to pursue a career as an astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency. As a dual citizen I hope to not only extend my services to Canada but also to Sri Lanka where I want to work to plan, coordinate and implement Bachelors degrees in Astronomy at public, government funded Universities on the island. In addition to my involvements with the astronomy club, I am also a staff member of the York University Observatory as well as on this year’s Executive Council for Club Infinity (York University’s Mathematics Club). Furthermore, I am involved in Bethune College’s Student Ombuds Services as the Student Ambassador for Pure Mathematics and Astrophysics. I am also a member of this year’s Orientation Team for Bethune College. My involvements in astronomy and mathematics also extend to the National Space Society and the Mathematical Association of America as student member.  

 

 

 

Media Coordinator || Susan Chen


My name is Susan, and I am currently in my fourth year of Philosophy. I am interested in the transition of natural philosophy to modern science. Ever since I was young, I found myself captivated by the cosmos. It was not until I read Carl Sagan in my late teens, that my curiosity rekindled. I believe learning about how the world works, and unraveling the ambiguties of the universe, leads us to know more about our position here on Earth. As the media coordinator, I wish to communicate this relation to the general public. I believe it will lead to a greater understanding—and a more informed and harmonious co-existence. In my spare time, I enjoy writing, reading, and learning. Some of my other interests are: theory, psychology, systems science, artifical intelligence, technology ethics, sci-fi, sustainability, art, and consciousness. 

 

 

 

 

Exec At Large || Christopher Mills

 

Hi, I'm Chris and I'll be At Large for the ACYU this year! In my third year of an Honours degree in Physics, I'm fascinated by everything we're learning about the universe around us. Joining the ACYU and attending our events is a great way to keep up with these scientific developments and I hope to see you there! My other interests include working with electronics and enjoying a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books.

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