Alex Betsos (they/them)

I am a PhD Candidate studying the history of drug addiction research in Canada in the 1960s-90s and its relation to national and international statecraft. My background is in anthropology, sociology and Science and Technology Studies; I study the relations between science, technology, law, drugs and the ways people use them. I’m also a bit of a Canadian drug history nerd.

From 2012-2014 I was part of CSSDP’s SFU chapter, and joined the Board first from 2013-2016, and then again from 2017-2021 as its International Representative. Attending the 2016 UNGASS on drugs with CSSDP, completely changed my life. CSSDP taught me that youth voices matter not just because they can speak to the experience of young people, but because they have the creativity and knowledge to dream big; what happens in the rest of the world matters here; and our best work is done together!

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Co-Treasurer

Monique Sandhu (she/her)

Monique is a recent MSc. graduate from the University of British Columbia’s Experimental Medicine program. Her research explored how young people who use drugs navigate systems of care and supervision and the ongoing toxic drug crisis. She is currently a project coordinator working with BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services. In her free time, she loves exploring new cafes and rollerskating.

Kira London-Nadeau, PhD

I am a CIHR and FRQS Health Systems Impact Fellow currently completing a pediatric research post-doc at the CHU Ste-Justine’s Gender Diversity Clinic, in affiliation with the Université de Montréal. Prior to this work, I completed my graduate studies as an FRQS and CIHR-Vanier scholar, focusing on the associations between cannabis use and mental health among queer and trans youth in Québec. My research aims to remain connected to community work. As such, in 2018, I co-founded project VoxCann, a bilingual cannabis education initiative for youth in Québec. Between 2018 and 2023, I was the chair of the national board of Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, for which I now have the pleasure to sit as a Strategic Advisor.

Co-Chapter Liaison

Kelsey Speed (she/her)

I am a PhD student at UBC in the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program. My research focuses on intersectional, gender-based approaches to drug policy evaluation. Outside of work, you will find me hanging out with Frost, my 3-legged husky-cross rescue dog!

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