sunia staff

Rian Hoyle • any pronouns

Rian is SUNIA's resident botanist, geography nerd, climbing enthusiast, and Executive Director. Rian is super sweet and oddly energetic, who very much enjoys the thrills of life. However, it's not always go-go-go as Rian also loves the simplicities like building LEGO and spending summer nights stargazing. They graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in political science and history, which might be why they can name every country's flag. When it comes to music, Rian is probably listening to Joji, the Twilight soundtrack, or Japanese Jazz from the 70s. Aside from bringing the good music, Rian will also bring the good vibes and can’t wait to see everyone this August! At SUNIA, be sure to ask Rian about their collection of cow figurines.

Hargun Kochar • she/her

Hargun is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Science in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. Aside from school, she's an avid swiftie (…avid might be an understatement), and can often be found roaming around her favourite thrift store looking for vintage Patagonia. Hargun loves to mellow out to Laufey while baking her favourite sweet treats (she would love to exchange recipes with you). When she’s not at home reading her horoscope (she is a Libra sun and moon, and has a Leo Rising) or the latest contemporary novel popular on TikTok, you can find Hargun lifeguarding at your neighborhood pool. Hargun loves connecting with people through their hobbies and is REALLY REALLY excited to meet all of you this summer!

Sophia Nadeau-Karnik • she/her

Often snacking or drinking tea, you can find Sophia crocheting, knitting, drawing or napping under a big cozy blanket! (Maybe even one she’s made herself!) She is the primary math enthusiast on staff, (because, even though it may be a little nerdy, math is super cool!) And enjoys learning about human developmental and neurological psychology. Soph is in her first year of study at the University of Alberta for Psychology and Linguistics. A good playlist is a MUST when studying, and hers consists of anything from Smashing Pumpkins and Beastie Boys, and Noah Kahn and CAS. Sophia loves Scooby-Doo, American Psycho and Coraline. Although she’s a little shy and soft spoken, once she comes out of her shell she's quite easy going, a little goofy, and will talk about anything with you!! She can't wait to see you at SUNIA, and talk to you about skittles, movies, soap or whatever your interests are!

Jack Bates • he/him

Currently a first year student at the University of Alberta, Jack is pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Immunology and Infectious Disease. He is fated to forever be an amateur gym rat - most prominently due to his aggressive aversion to leg day. At SUNIA, Jack is always down to discuss any camper's area of 3am expertise, from nerd-infused book reviews to the intuitive correlation between superior music taste and life satisfaction (scientific backing pending). Although Jack is beyond excited to meet the campers this summer and get a tour around the topics that interest them, it must be understood that the topic with zero room for debate is what cereal is the best: at the end of the day we have to realize it is Shreddies. Make sure to say hi to SUNIA's bubbliest (most bubbly??) random conversation partner!

Hailey Campbell • she/they

Hailey is currently a political science and psychology student at the University of Alberta. She spends her free time coaching soccer and analyzing professional game footage. While she doesn't remember the outcomes of every game, she has watched every minute of the UEFA Euros for 2021 and 2022. When Hailey's not yelling at soccer players on the TV (You'll Never Walk Alone!), she is usually at the local thrift and art store. Hailey also has a large CD collection featuring everything from 54-40 and The Lord of the Rings Soudtrack. Hailey is a firm believer of doing every task with music (please ask her about 90s bands). At camp you can expect to see her carrying around several books during the day, recently she’s obsessed with Jane Austen. Hailey is so excited to meet you all at SUNIA and share lots of book and music recommendations.

Annika Chrapko • she/her

Annika works for the AB Legislature Page Program, fuelling her interest in political science and ways to contribute to her community. You can find her in nature walking her dog Pickles or on her family farm with peacocks! Annika loves the environment and sustainability, she leads an environmental club with initiatives & summits. Earl Sweatshirt, The Beatles, and Neutral Milk Hotel are a few favourite artists that represent her wide taste and appreciation of music. She also plays piano and has history with a few other instruments such as the baritone, guitar, & recorder of course. A proud dual citizen of Greece/Canada, Annika's dream is to travel around the world and continue learning Greek with family & on Duolingo (ongoing record of 1200+ day streak). As for sports, Annika danced competitively for 10 years and is currently a club handball goalie. She can't wait to see you all out at camp!

Gabe Elliott • they/them

Gabe is a proud dropout of the U of A Political Science program, and SUNIA’s resident filmmaker! When not researching social policy in Latin America or struggling to get a short film edited on time, you can find them heading out to any local punk show they can get tickets to and hanging around their favourite place in the city, Metro Cinema. They’re also super stoked to chat about anything, from neurodivergence to instant noodle flavours, French film from the 60s to Barbenheimer, and 90s alternative music to Daft Punk’s score to TRON: Legacy (2010) (seriously, talk to them about that). Whatever you’re passionate about, Gabe is excited to learn about, and they can’t wait to meet you out at SUNIA!

Hazel Gue • she/her

Hazel is a huge music lover. When not at SUNIA or school you can find her at a cheap (and probably very bad) metal show; thinking about the connection between Typical Girls by the Slits and Train in Vain (Stand by Me) by The Clash; or thrifting old cassettes that she has no way of listening to. She also loves to play music and has played the flute for over 10 years. Her eclectic music taste is her only true personality trait, but sadly she still is horrible on aux. Aside from music, Hazel enjoys cooking meals with all sorts of seasonings, thrifting yet another grandpa sweater and being outside. Her fondness for the outdoors and love of roadtrips usually results in camping with friends or family. Hazel can’t wait to meet you all this August!

Tejaswi “TJ” Bhandari • she/her

Tejaswi, outside of classes, spends most of her time teaching yoga and meditation to kids. As an avid games fan, she is always scouring the web for new games to play, with her top three favorite games being Clue, Chess, and Contexto. When she’s not doing yoga or playing games, you might find her watching documentaries on random subjects or listening to crime podcasts. She has a great fascination for the planet and in the summer can be found making miniature gardens filled with different fruits and vegetables. In her spare time, you can find her cooking crazy recipes, reading mystery novels and out on long walks with friends and family. She loves having conversations about anything and everything. She can't wait to meet you at SUNIA and be sure to ask her for a riddle or game recommendations!

Jorja Tupper • she/they

Jorja is currently pursuing a political science degree at the University of Alberta. In her free time, Jorja likes to peruse various wikipedia articles on niche topics, read books from her extensive book list (collected from her job at the EPL) or listen to the newest “underground” band she’s found (current is radiohead, have you heard of them?). Music is ultimately her biggest love, playing the saxophone for over 7 years and piano for 3, and exploring a new music genre every week. She is also obsessed with fruit of all varieties. Jorja is passionate about climate change, social justice, and bridging the gap of inequality, and is grateful to be apart of SUNIA. Her entire personality is built off of niche internet references no one has ever heard of, and if you see her around at SUNIA, try one out at her and see if she can keep up!

Josh Soldan • he/him

Josh is currently studying at NAIT for an EMR certification to one day be working for Edmonton Medical Services. His favourite music genre is “anything under the sun except country” (sorry), with top listened to artists being The Avener and Hozier in 2022. Having hobbies such as forging or printing 3D models, Josh is always creating or thinking something up in his garage if he thinks he can make it (which is everything). A big enjoyer of skiing, playing badminton, and doing pretty much anything outside on a breezy and chill summer evening. Josh only knows 2 card tricks that he can show to you if you show him one first!

Bria Griffin • she/her

Bria Griffin is pursuing a degree in conservation biology at the University of Alberta. She is passionate about sustainability and the environment, and in her spare time you can find her thrifting (her goal is to make 100% of her clothes second hand!) She works at a biological consulting firm, and loves being outdoors and learning about nature. Her favourite Alberta animals are moose, mountain goats, and northern flying squirrels. She loves listening to all types of music from metal to EDM to pop, and her family has a collection of 200+ records. Bria also likes to make music, and is learning piano. (She is currently working on perfecting Claire de lune.) Bria is super bubbly and loves to chat about anything under the sun, so make sure you say hi to her at SUNIA!

Mihir Rao • he/him

Whether it's challenging friends to spontaneous games of tag, or jamming out to songs from around the world, Mihir embraces it all. Beyond being a tourist in his own city (he loves taking pictures of everything), Mihir is a true globetrotter at heart; his current travel bucket list includes Bhutan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Mauritania, New Zealand, and more. His interest in geography is zealous – challenge him to name all the world capitals or see if he can finally draw the world map from memory. To relax, Mihir enjoys indulging in his favorite video journalism hubs like Brut and Vox Media. His TV tastes lean towards thriller crime and espionage shows, along with a penchant for historical dramas. Mihir is also a passionate speaker, leading conversations and action on various issues facing regional and national communities. Whether it be emceeing at festivals, engaging in Model United Nations, or speaking to youth about different topics, Mihir recognizes the importance of sharing his ideas. Mihir's ultimate goal? Pursuing a career in foreign service and creating unforgettable experiences for others along the way, just as he aims to do at SUNIA for you all!