Celebrating Alumnae Excellence on International Women's Day

Emily De Sousa, BA '19, MA '22

Emily De Sousa, a two-time U of G grad, an advocate for sustainable seafood based in Niagara, ON, and champion in ocean conservation efforts. With a master's degree specializing in small-scale fisheries and the impact of COVID-19 on seafood supply chains, Emily has made many contributions to marine conservation and sustainability. As Co-Founder of InnaSea Media, she provides communication solutions for the seafood industry, creating the first ever global influencer marketing program exclusively for seafood companies. While her platform, Seaside with Emily, offers insights on sustainable fishing and ethical travel. De Sousa has taken the stage at TEDx, the Women in Travel Summit, and Industry events worldwide, and at the TEDxKanata talk in 2018, where she highlighted the urgency of tackling plastic pollution, emphasizing change starts with individual action. Through research, advocacy, and storytelling, Emily is making waves in the fight for a more sustainable future. Read more about Emily. 

Dr. Kristina Kupferschmidt, B.Eng '14, PhD '25

Kristina Kupferschmidt’s journey from biomedical engineering to AI innovation has made a lasting impact in research, industry, and policy. A two-time University of Guelph graduate, she earned her PhD in Computer Engineering specializing in human-centered AI and is now shaping the future of technology as an Assistant Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. With a career spanning biomedical engineering, AI development, and entrepreneurship, she has co-founded two companies and served as Lead Scientist-in-Residence for the NEXT-AI accelerator. Beyond industry, Kristina has helped shape Canada’s AI governance, advising on the AI and Data Act at ISED, and has worked to make AI education more accessible through initiatives like the Caregivers & Machine Learning program at the Vector Institute. Her groundbreaking contributions to responsible AI have earned her the 2024 Young Alumna of Honour Award, recognizing her as a trailblazer in AI and a proud example of U of G excellence. Read more about Kristina.
 

Dr. Melerin Madekufamba, BSc '95, MSc '06, PhD '10

Dr. Melerin Madekufamba is a research scientist and project manager at the University of Calgary's Alberta Sulfur Research Ltd, where she has dedicated over 12 years to the critical field of sulfur compound removal from natural gas. Her research contributes to the development, optimisation and understanding of different sulfur removal technologies with an emphasis on oil and gas processing. Trained as an experimental physical scientist she is renowned for her significant contributions to thermodynamics, high-temperature and high-pressure PVT (Pressure-Volume-Temperature) properties, and sulfur chemistry. She earned her BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in physical chemistry from the University of Guelph. She has been published in reputable scientific journals, including the Journal of the American Chemical Society and the Journal of Natural gas and engineering,  and  presented her research at many oil and gas conferences including the Laurance Reed Gas Conditioning Conference (LRGCC).  Recently, Dr. Madekufamba was the keynote speaker for the SulGas 2025 Conference in Mumbai. Beyond her research, Dr. Madekufamba is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the scientific community. As a woman of colour thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, particularly those from underrepresented groups, highlighting the importance of perseverance and representation in STEM fields. Read more about Dr. Madekufamba's work.

Cyndy McLean, BSc '93, MSc '97

After graduating with a Master of Science in Exercise, Nutrition, and Metabolism from the University of Guelph in 1997, Cyndy McLean remained dedicated to health and wellness, using sport and exercise as a tool for recovery and inspiration. Following a life-altering accident in 2003 that left her paralyzed from the waist down, she continued to push boundaries, becoming a member of the Canadian National Wheelchair Tennis Team and earning U of G’s Alumni Medal of Achievement in 2007.  In 2018, she faced another challenge with a metastatic colon cancer diagnosis, undergoing extensive surgeries and chemotherapy, completing her final treatment in 2020.

Cyndy channelled her experience into a powerful mission. From September 9-30, 2024, she embarked on a series of 10 handcycle rides, each spanning 21 kilometres, representing the 10 months and 21 chemotherapy treatments she received at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC). Starting in Guelph, she cycled through Fergus, Elora, Elmira, North Perth, Millbank/Linwood, Waterloo, Cambridge and Kitchener.  The goal of this initiative was to raise funds for the purchase of new chemotherapy chairs for GRRCC, ensuring future patients receive the comfort and care they need during their treatments. The fundraiser raised over $60,000. Cyndy's journey exemplifies the power of resilience and impact of using one's strengths to uplift others, a true testament to her enduring commitment to health and wellness.  Read more about Cyndy.

Katherine Rentsch, BSc. (Eng) '01

Katherine Rentsch, P.Eng., has built a distinguished career in environmental engineering, specializing in onsite sewage servicing and disposal for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. A graduate of the University of Guelph’s Environmental Engineering program, she has over 20 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through complex development, approval, and construction projects. Her expertise has made a lasting impact through her work with the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre, where she provided industry training for a decade, and in her leadership roles as Vice President of the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association and a member of the Ontario Building Code and Building Materials Evaluation Commissions. As Manager of Private Services at C.F. Crozier & Associates Inc., she oversees technical reviews and quality control while continuing to mentor and advocate for women in STEM. Her contributions to wastewater innovation, education, and industry leadership have earned her the Mid-Career Award within the School of Engineering Awards, recognizing her excellence and influence in the field. Read more about Katherine.
 

Barbara Salsberg Mathews, BA '83

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, Barbara Salsberg Mathews turned her challenge into an opportunity to help others. She created “Mime over Mind,” an internationally recognized program that integrates mime and therapy to support those with Parkinson’s, now part of U of G’s new Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness degree. Beyond advocacy, she and her husband co-founded the Pay It Forward Arts Fund to support local artists, and during the pandemic, she authored Kid COVID Fights Back! to help children navigate COVID-19. Honored as a YMCA Woman of Distinction and named one of Parkinson’s Europe’s most inspiring women, Barbara’s work exemplifies creativity, resilience, and a commitment to community impact. Read more about Barbara.
 

Gabriella Sundar Singh, BA '11

Gabriella’s journey in the arts began at the University of Guelph, where her passion for acting and theatre production took root. She further refined her craft at the National Theatre School of Canada, leading to a successful career on stage and screen. Best known for her recurring role on the CBC hit Kim’s Convenience and standout performances at the Shaw Festival in The Russian Play, Chitra, and The Importance of Being Earnest, she has captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond performance, Gabriella is a dedicated mentor, sharing her expertise with students at Brock University, George Brown College, the University of Toronto, and high schools across Ontario. A proud U of G alumna, she has also contributed to promoting the College of Arts, embodying a passion for both artistic excellence and community impact. Read more about Gabriella.