Transforming spaces. Connecting people.
Core Team
The MSP's core activities are driven by a group of keen undergraduate and graduate students working in collaboration with staff and faculty from across McGill. Read on for short bios and consider joining up with us!
(Check out the amazing individuals from our MSP Advisory Network too, while you're at it.)
Danielle DeMarsh
Expert Visioneer
Hey, I'm Danielle and I'm a Masters student in McGill's Urban Planning program. I'm a frequently travelling and ice-cream loving kind of person, who's obsessed with small hidden urban areas (which fits in well with the McGill Spaces project)!
I'm excited about all the opportunities for experiments on campus and seeing what transpires within these spaces once they're transformed!
demarshdanielle@gmail.com
Danisa Schiff
Geography: Urban Systems (U3)
Hello! I'm Danisa and I'm about to complete my B.A. in Geography: Urban Systems at McGill. I’m interested in studying the effects social, political, and economic processes have on the built environment.
With the McGill Spaces Project, I’m excited to help transform and enhance the spaces suggested by the McGill community as well as to see how the space transformations improve campus life!
Most recently I’ve become fascinated with urban bike share systems and the planning process behind them, so off campus, you’ll probably find me wandering the streets of Montreal (on foot or on two wheels) pondering the layout of the Bixi system. Though, watch out if you see me on a bike…I’m not the most skilled rider!
danisa.schiff@gmail.com
Josée Méthot
Founder and Special Agent
Bonjour! My name is Josée Méthot. As the founder of the MSP, I’m fueled by the idea that “people power + elbow grease + spaces = better communities”. At least, that's the working hypothesis. As a scientist, I view the MSP as an experiment in progress. Can we really build more lively, engaged, and resilient communities through place-making? Let's find out.
Now living in Alberta, I work as an environmental scientist and process designer. I continue to work with the MSP on visioning, strategy, and enthusiastic tweeting (@Josee_Methot).
joseemet@gmail.com
Emilie Langlois
MSP Pillar and Pioneer
Hi, my name is Emilie. I'm a second-year student in Urban Planning at Mcgill and a proud member of the McGill Spaces Project.
In my non-academic life, I am a nature and adventure-lover with a penchant for interesting and interactive landscapes, especially small ones you stumble upon like a secret!
Last year, I was heavily involved in creating a James' Walk; an interactive walk that highlighted some of the cool spaces on campus. This year, I look forward to doing some more permanent changes and, hopefully, getting my hands a little dirty with gardening, building, constructing... anything with soil or power tools really!
emilie.langlois-patterson@mail.mcgill.ca
Paul Guenther
McGill Senior Campus Planner
Hi, My name is Paul Guenther. I currently work at McGill as a Senior Campus Planner; managing the use and long-term visioning of Mcgill's interior and exterior spaces.
I'm constantly looking for innovative ways to improve the physical environment on-campus, ultimately improving the quality-of-life of the McGill community.
When I'm not on-campus, I'm probably exploring the city with my young family (that or changing diapers).
Alan Chen
Project Coordinator
Yo! My name's Alan, and I'm a happy-go-lucky B.A.Sc-er studying Sustainability & Urban systems at McGill.
As the director of the McGill Spaces Project, I fill my mindspace by thinking about placemaking and the ways it shapes our daily lives. “Serendipity is not an accident”, he says.
You'll also be able to spot me around a bunch of other sustainability initiatives, like the ECOLE house and the Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF).
Outside of school, I have a on-off relationship with parkour and a steady love affair with rollerblading. Hit me up with a salutation if you spot me around and let’s strike up a spontaneous conversation.
alanxzchen@gmail.com
Ian Tattersfield
Urban Systems and Website Coordinator
Ian is an undergraduate student in Geography: Urban Systems. He is very interested in urban built environments and modern architectural styles that subtly integrate both historical and environmental design.
He is a technology and GIS enthusiast whose work with the McGill Energy Project led to the creation of the 'McGill Energy Map'.
Ian loves to cook and grows hot peppers in his back yard to make his own hot sauces.
website.sustainability@mcgill.ca
Under construction...
We've got more members filtering onto our website, just you wait!