Our Team
Director
Dr. Bassem Awad is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Area of Concentration in Intellectual Property, Information and Technology (IPIT) at the Faculty of Law. Bassem teaches courses on intellectual Property (IP) Law, International Protection of IP, and Law and Disruptive Technologies. He is also a Head Tutor and Professor at the Academy of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.
Prior to joining Western, Bassem was the Deputy Director of IP Law and Innovation at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and served for several years as a Judge and Head of Court at the Appeal Courts of Egypt and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Professor Awad has remarkable experience in intellectual property law, technology and innovation policies. He worked in both common and civil law systems and conducted research projects for international and regional organizations in Africa, Europe and Canada.
Student Directors
Adam Maunsell
Adam is in his third year of the JD program at Western law. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) from McMaster University with a focus on Nuclear Engineering. His interest for intellectual property (IP) spawned from the opportunities throughout his undergraduate studies. Working in the evolving fields of satellites, nuclear reactors, machine learning and simulation systems, Adam gained an appreciation for human ingenuity. IP law is a field ripe with interesting problems and Adam welcomes the challenges.
Following his first year of law school, Adam worked as a summer student at one of Canada’s leading IP law boutiques, Ridout & Maybee LLP. Following his second year, Adam worked for Gowling WLG in Toronto. Outside the clinic, Adam was a student assistant for Western Law’s contracts course and enjoys playing for the Western Law intramural volleyball team. In his free time, Adam enjoys 3-D printing, escape rooms, board games, and live music.
Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor (she/her) is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in molecular biology from York University. Gurnoor first became interested in intellectual property (IP) in graduate school. While working as a biology laboratory instructor, she witnessed first-hand the challenges that academics and scientists face while protecting their intellectual property. She has gained further experience in the IP field through her work as a summer student at Smart & Biggar LLP, one of Canada’s leading IP law firms. As a scientist and law student, Gurnoor understands how innovation transforms our lives and has a genuine appreciation for the inventors' journey. She has a keen interest in the regulatory framework of emerging technologies in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Outside of law school, she enjoys spending time with her family, nature walks, and collecting Star Wars/NASA themed LEGO sets.
Case Managers
Brayden Secord
Brayden is in his third year of the JD program at Western Law, working with WIPILC each year. He earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, concentrating on energy systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. He became interested in intellectual property (IP) law through his academic and professional work experiences in the energy and technology sectors.
Following his first and second years of law school, Brayden worked as a summer student at Smart & Biggar in the Ottawa and Toronto offices respectively. Outside the clinic, Brayden is VP, Technology for the Student Legal Society and plays on the Western Law intramural volleyball team. In his free time, Brayden enjoys struggling on the golf course and spending time outdoors.
Mahika Ahluwalia
Mahika is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University and a Master of Bioethics degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Mahika became interested in intellectual property after completing various research projects in graduate school where she explored ethical implications in pharmaceutical and regulatory policy and patent work. Mahika has written several publications in the field of bioethics and law.
Mahika is a Managing Editor for the Canada-US Law Journal, and a part of the Western Intellectual Property Association. Mahika has served as a Program Manager at the Yale interdisciplinary Centre for Bioethics, where she continues to explore topics related to intellectual property and ethics. Outside of law school, Mahika enjoys cooking vegan meals, running, and making Spotify playlists!
Lauren Sheffield
Lauren is in her second year of the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University majoring in psychology, neuroscience and behaviour. Lauren’s interest in intellectual property law developed throughout her undergraduate studies, where she had the opportunity to work with various researchers and gained insight into the importance of protecting academic ownership. She is passionate about supporting innovation and promoting accessible ways for individuals to safeguard their creations. Outside of school, Lauren loves spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Arshdeep Thuhan
Arshdeep is in her second year of the JD program at Western law. She obtained both her Honours Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees (focusing on cellular physiology and immunology) from York University. Arshdeep developed an interest in intellectual property law after participating in pharmaceutical drug research during her graduate studies, which exposed her to the legal challenges faced by researchers. She has competed in negotiation moots and is currently competing in the Harold G. Fox Moot and the Cherniak Cup. In her free time, she loves hiking with her dog and staying active.
Case Workers
Nadia Fyfe
Nadia is a second-year student in the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Ottawa. Nadia’s interest in intellectual property law emerged through her work as a resident care attendant, where she provided direct care to assisted living patients and gained firsthand insight into the importance of accessibility and innovation in healthcare. This past summer, she interned at the HIV Legal Network, where she focused on advocating for public health policies and harm reduction strategies for marginalized populations. At Western Law, Nadia is a student ambassador, a member of the Western Health Law Association, and has been actively involved in the Western Law Critical Race Theory Reading Group. Outside of school, she enjoys playing piano and golfing with her family.
Ashley Kivlichan
Ashley is a first-year JD student at Western Law. Before starting her legal journey, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree at Queen’s University, specializing in Pharmacology and Toxicology as well as the Social and Physical Determinants of Health. Ashley's passion for intellectual property and innovation was ignited during her undergraduate studies through her exposure to the pharmaceutical industry and clinical trials. Eager to explore various fields within intellectual property, she is particularly motivated to support small creators and businesses. In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, cooking, and taking walks with her dog.
Stephanie Berberian
Stephanie is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. She earned her Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Neuroscience from McMaster University as well as a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences from Western University. Her interest for intellectual property stemmed from a course taken in her Master’s on IP and the Commercialization of Scientific Technology. She has a strong interest in knowledge translation from scientists to the public, working with novel research, and advocating for inventors. Outside of law school, Stephanie enjoys reading and travelling.
Hannah Jones
Hannah is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. She completed an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University. She first encountered intellectual property in the context of the pharmaceutical sector during a drug discovery and development course, which motivated her to enroll in an intellectual property class. Though passionate about the intersection of law and healthcare, Hannah is excited to explore the application of IP in various contexts through the WIPILC. Outside of her studies, Hannah enjoys spending time with her dog and travelling.
Savannah Mathieu
Savannah is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. Prior to law school, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Health Studies from York University and a diploma in Justice Administration Studies from Seneca College. She has worked as a court reporter in the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justice, and as a legal assistant in property assessment law. Her interest in intellectual property stems from a desire to explore copyright infringement in art, fashion and video games. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys yoga, video games and reading.
Cecily Zeppetella
Cecily is in her first year of the JD program at Western Law. Prior to law school, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Media and Communications from Brock University and Law Clerk Certificate from Niagara College. During her undergraduate degree, she focused her research on the intersection of legal regulation and emerging technologies including AI and algorithms used for social media and marketing. Cecily is also a Co-Founder of an IP-centric start-up in the construction industry with patented innovative safety gear for working at heights. With a goal of redefining the standards of safety for blue-collared workers through IP, she has grown a passion for how other entrepreneurs can create IP strategy, take innovation to market, and leverage IP to fuel business growth.
Outside of law school, you can find Cecily either exercising with her dog, spending time with family, cooking and trying new foods, or exploring new cafés.
Sean Ross
Sean is in his second year of the JD program at Western Law. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and specialized in software engineering at the University of Windsor. Sean's interest in intellectual property stems from his technological background, and he is excited to be involved in the legal aspects of innovation. In his spare time, Sean is a pilot and enjoys going up for scenic flights.
Marya Talha
Marya is in her second year of the JD program at Western University. Prior to law school, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo. She developed an interest in intellectual property during her undergraduate studies, where she gained insight on patent protection for research work. In her free time, she enjoys running and reading fantasy novels.
