Simona Meier
Hello, my name is Simona Meier, and I’m a Clinical Research Professional at the University of Saskatchewan, where I’ve been proud to contribute for over 18 years. Originally from Regina, I moved to Saskatoon after completing university and have built my career here supporting research.
Beyond my professional role, I’ve served on the ASPA Executive for the past three years, including two years as Chair of the ASPA Research Committee. It’s been a genuine honour to represent and advocate for ASPA members, and I’m eager to continue that work on your behalf. I’m also active in the broader research and community landscape, participating in committee work for national and international clinical research organizations, as well as volunteering locally with cat rescues and initiatives supporting the unhoused. If re-elected, I’ll continue working to ensure ASPA members’ voices are heard and valued across the university community. Thank you for your consideration!
Manjunath Murdeshwar
My name is Manjunath Murdeshwar, and I currently work as a Finance Coordinator in the VP Admin portfolio at the University of Saskatchewan. I joined USask in 2025, and although I have been in my current role for just eight months, I’ve enjoyed contributing to the university community and building strong working relationships across departments.
Outside of my professional role, I stay actively involved in community service and youth development. I am a certified Red Cross First Aid provider, and I’ve volunteered at multiple first-aid camps. I’m also a certified ICC Level 1 Cricket Coach, and I’ve had the opportunity to help coach kids at the Saskatoon Cricket Association’s cricket academy—something I’m truly passionate about.
In addition to my campus and community involvement, I proudly serve as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, where I am currently undergoing training. This experience has strengthened my discipline, leadership, and commitment to service—qualities I bring into every aspect of my work and volunteer life.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to ASPA Executive and support the association through collaboration, service, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Nicole Gates-Willick
Hi! My name is Nicole Gates Willick and I have been the Clerkship Coordinator for the College of Medicine in Regina since January of 2022. I graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Kinesiology with a double major in Human Kinetics and Adapted Movement Science in 2014 from the U of R. In my role as Clerkship Coordinator, I support Year 3 and 4 students throughout their medical school journey – everything from scheduling, exams, sessions, or when they just need someone to talk to.
Outside of my professional work, I am married and have a 6-year-old daughter, two step kids and a cat who acts like a toddler. I love traveling, rock music, horror movies, being active, trying new restaurants/recipes and going on adventures. My daughter and I volunteer at the Regina Humane Society for their Kitty Reader program, we donate to animal rescues whenever possible, and I was an avid blood and plasma donator for years.
What I would bring to the table for the Executive is a caring, friendly and feisty personality who wants to support our members in any way that I can. I would love the opportunity to work with ASPA, learn more about the union and be more involved. Being located off the Saskatoon campus, I feel that I can bring a new perspective for our off-site members.
Candace Fichtner
Hi everyone! My name is Candace and have the pleasure of being nominated for the ASPA Executive. I have a long history with ties back to the University of Saskatchewan. Back in 2007, I started my undergraduate studies, focusing on Mechanical Engineering, and within taking my degree, I worked at Sci-Fi Science Camps, as well as volunteered with the USST team.
Post graduation, I have worked on projects as a consultant, an owner representative, and an independent contractor in the mining industry, all the while taking an interest in how businesses work, thrive, and reach their goals.
I have made my way back to the University of Saskatchewan as their Commissioning Lead where I have created, implemented, and am now managing the Commissioning process for major projects on campus. As I have a passion for understanding how businesses run, I am also enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Leadership program at USask, which I am intending to roll into my MBA this coming fall. I would love the opportunity to be an ASPA Executive where I can learn how ASPA works as well as help ASPA reach its full potential. When I am not at work or busy with classes, my family and I will make occasional trips to my family farm which is located near Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. When at home, you can find me renovating every inch of my house or enjoying time outside with my husband, three young kids and one doggo.
Claire Mugabe
Claire Mugabe is a finance professional with over a decade of experience working across Canada, Africa, and Europe in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. She currently serves as Project Financial Administrator at the University of Saskatchewan, where she manages the financial oversight of a $20 million global health project funded by Global Affairs Canada.
In this role, she ensures regulatory compliance, strengthens financial accountability systems, and collaborates closely with university finance teams and international partners to support effective resource stewardship.
Claire brings deep expertise in financial governance, risk management, and organizational accountability. Her career spans senior roles in consulting and public accounting, including leadership positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Defend Defenders. She has managed and reported on multi-million-dollar grants across nine countries, led audit engagements for large institutions, and designed internal control frameworks that enhance transparency and operational effectiveness.
A graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program, Claire is recognized for her analytical rigor, collaborative leadership style, and ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights. She is passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces, strengthening institutional governance, and advocating for policies that support employee well-being and professional growth.
Beyond her professional work, Claire is actively engaged in community leadership as a board member of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, a volunteer tax preparer through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, and a member of the refugee committee at St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral. Claire is committed to advancing transparency, equity, and strong financial stewardship within the University of Saskatchewan community, and brings a thoughtful, principled approach to executive leadership in support of union members.
Alison Kraft
Alison Kraft is the Program Coordinator at the Jane and Ron Graham Centre for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at the University of Saskatchewan. She brings fifteen years of experience across the university, having held roles in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, College of Nursing, and the College of Education.
In her current position, Alison provides leadership and operational support for a wide range of projects, service delivery, and quality management initiatives, while actively supporting the strategic priorities of the Graham Centre for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Beyond her professional work, she has been actively involved in the community, including service with the Wildwood Community Association and currently as Chair of the Holiday Market at the Saskatoon Festival of Trees.
Ryan Heistad
Thank you for your interest in my ASPA Executive nomination. My name is Ryan Heistad, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent such a strong and diverse union. Though I’ve been employed at the University of Saskatchewan since 2015, I’ve recently taken on a new position as a Laboratory Manager in the Health Sciences Building where I help to support dozens of researchers in their daily operations.
As a new ASPA member, I hope that my fresh perspective and enthusiasm can help continue to build better connections for the union across campus.
I bring with me seven years of non-profit volunteer experience as an executive member for the Saskatoon Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. I was honoured to serve as the President of the chapter for four of these seven years. In this role, I helped to facilitate chapter meetings, organize fundraising events, and advocate for those living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Karen Mosier
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Karen E. Mosier has called the University of Saskatchewan home since 1996. With a BA in Psychology and an MSc in Pharmacy, she has dedicated her career to supporting research excellence across the institution.
Over the past two decades, Karen has worked in various departments and colleges, including Psychiatry, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and currently, the Department of Surgery. As a Research Coordinator, she specializes in helping faculty secure funding and navigate the complexities of grant development.
Karen is also deeply committed to ASPA. She currently serves on both the Executive Committee and the Education Committee, building on previous terms on the Executive (2020–2022, 2023–2024). She also chaired the former Communications & Public Relations Committee from 2019 to 2022, strengthening ASPA’s outreach and engagement. Her passion for storytelling and celebrating others’ accomplishments is reflected in her 34 ASPA Member Highlights articles.
Her involvement extends beyond campus through the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA), where she has served on the Executive since 2020 and co‑chairs the Professional Development Committee. She is also the co‑Chair of the Saskatchewan Research Facilitation Network.
Bringing extensive experience, strong community engagement, and a genuine commitment to supporting others, Karen would be an excellent candidate for reelection to the ASPA Executive. She looks forward to continuing her service and contributing to ASPA’s continued success.