Nominations: Nominations closed
Voting: Voting closed
Election
Postgraduate Officer is a full time Sabbatical Officer of the Students’ Union working full time to provide leadership to the Students’ Union’s services by leading on all issues relating to the needs and interests of postgraduate taught and research students. They will lead the Union in making sure we provide the best student experience for postgraduate members.
Category
Candidates
Nureini Mohamed Nureini
(He/Him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I envision a community where students and staff collaborate seamlessly. With advanced course management tools, navigating academic requirements will be smoother, allowing us to focus on learning and growth. I'm deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.
Moreover, I'm enthusiastic about organising networking events tailored for postgraduate students across various fields. These gatherings will offer opportunities for students to network. By facilitating cross-disciplinary interactions we can build stronger future for students.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
In this role, I offer diverse perspectives shaped by experiences across various countries and cultures. With a background in psychiatry and currently pursuing an MSc in Mental Health Research at UCL, my passion for mental health advocacy ensures a student-focused approach to well-being. My past roles as student union president and academic committee minister during my undergrad have honed crucial leadership, communication, and organizational skills necessary for effective representation and driving positive change.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Students should vote for me because I offer more than just experience; I bring heart. My journey, from being born in the midst of Somalia's civil war to studying and building professional and personal skills in China, UAE, Europe, and now in the UK, has taught me the value of compassion. It's the key to making a real difference in people's lives. My passion for mental health advocacy and leadership roles have shown me how compassion can drive meaningful change. With me, students get someone who genuinely cares and believes in creating a stronger, more inclusive community through compassion.
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Leonardo Torres Llerena
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Revitalise the postgraduate social experience
We postgrads are often seen as just 1 group, but we are very diverse. Some have studied previously at UCL, some come from other universities, and some more come from all around the world, as I. We need a Student Union more aware of our needs and that makes us feel that the University is not only about lectures. It should be a community for us.
- I will implement a social structure available for every postgrad student
- I will make more Postgrads truly feel part of UCL's community
- I will work closely with the Mature, Part-Time and Carers Network
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
- Studying my 2nd MSc: Urban Regeneration
- BSc Industrial Engineering and MSc Political Science in Peru
- Migrant and ethnic minority
- 8 years of working experience in private and public sector.
- Postgrad Lead Academic Rep at Bartlett School of Planning
- UCL’s Regional Representative for Latin America
- Former Country President Peruvian Association of Industrial Engineering Students
- 5 years in student rep positions directly managing a yearly budget of 200k pounds
- 12 years in social and community organisations
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
As a 30-year-old indigenous Quechua from Peru who is studying a course taught not in my mother tongue, I am aware of the barriers present for postgrads, migrants and mature students. I know what is to feel left on the sidelines and having to self-organise to socialise and made a supportive network. With my experience, I will make you and the upcoming Postgrads feel part of the UCL community.
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Diksha Shahakar
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
My goal is to innovate the postgraduate experience at UCL by prioritizing mental, social, and physical well-being. I aim to propel initiatives that enhance career support, foster an inclusive space for international students and students from all spectrums, and enhancing academic resources and support. My vision is for every postgraduate student to fully immerse themselves in the UCL experience, affirming they've lived it to the fullest potential. This entails enhancing the academic journey and cultivating a vibrant community where every student feels supported, empowered, and able to thrive.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
With persuasive advocacy skills, I champion the needs of our diverse student body. My strong communication abilities foster collaboration among the involved parties. As a Faculty Representative for Postgraduate Students in the student union, I possess firsthand insight into community challenges. Known for approachability, I cultivate inclusivity. Leadership qualities inspire common goals, while creative problem-solving tackles complex issues. Moreover, I have a track record of introducing innovative initiatives both at my previous university and in various organizations I've been part of.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I bring a wealth of experience, empathy, and dedication to the role of Postgraduate Students' Officer. Being an international student myself, I understand the importance of inclusivity and empathy, with a high emotional intelligence that allows me to connect deeply with others. I thrive in collaborative environments, leveraging my experience in social work to benefit our student community. Moreover, I always prioritize ensuring that every voice is heard. Your vote for me ensures a passionate advocate who will tirelessly enhance the postgraduate experience and promote student welfare at UCL.
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Alejandro Michel Marron
(Original / Gangsta)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I will get you guys jobs. That's what you want and honestly, that's what I can try and do. You know, getting some job fairs that make Imperial and LSE jelly. Maybe I can try and get some more grants? Do I beg billionaires for donations? Not exactly sure how it works but I will figure it out. It would be pretty cool to get a lot of hammocks everywhere so you can live your best life on campus.
Overall, I'll try to make your money's worth man, 🚀💎🙌IMPROVE THE ROI OF COMING HERE.📈💸🚀
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
I will annoy the people in charge to get you what you want. That's my special talent, I'll message them, call them, and send automated emails until they finally agree to your demands.
The less funny answer is that I do have experience managing teams, filling forms, and reading the small print and I am at least kinda maybe slightly marginally modicumly (not a word) above average smart. You know, enough to be helpful but not a threat to you.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Well besides what I said before, which should be enough for you tbh. Your boy needs to eat fr, I have gotten like 100 "After careful consideration", "we regret to inform you" and "high volume of applicants". It would be nice not to end up in the streets.
It's a doggie doggie world but it ain't need to.🐕🐕❌❌
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Ajita Ashok Taware
(Her/She)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I wish to achieve Inclusivity, well being and Development skills for the Post graduates, especially those as international students, minorities and underprivileged.
I seek to integrate career advancement and resources support from diverse backgrounds. Many students are into career conversion courses and looking to make the best possibilities from their time at UCL. An integrated platform is highly required to suit postgradutes.
Well Being and Financial services support is other area I wish to tailor make for postgraduates.
Advocating for postgraduates needs and representing them to create maximum impact.
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Ruchita Bhawsar
(She/Her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
I intend to cultivate a balance and enhance postgraduate lives at and beyond UCL.
We all come from different walks of life and yet career stability, academic performance and having the best time at university are our top priorities. Hence, I aim to:
- Deliver a proactive approach to help students curate a career plan from the start of the term.
- Collaborate with ACC to help students understand and ace the British Education system.
- Increase inclusivity of the diverse PG community in all social events and recruiting activities.
- Campaigning PG concerns and advocating on their behalf in Union.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a Regional Representative of South Asia at UCL, I have worked with the team to initiate policies to help students better navigate the start of university life, from attendance issues to briefing about career opportunities. I am eager to similarly foster strategies to help support fellow postgrad students.
My role as an Editorial Executive during my undergrad helped me become the voice of students in college. I've successfully led the board of higher education, student exchange program, and earn-while-learn scheme, which draws to my capabilities to pioneer students' ambitions in college.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Being a PG student, your journey is my journey. Despite making up more than half of the student body, we feel a disconnect from the UCL community. We manage and navigate alone, not being able to make the most out of the resources and opportunities provided.
After having met with most of you from diverse backgrounds, I empathize with you. I'm keen to address PG's aspirations, struggles, and needs while enriching your student experience. I will listen and make sure you're heard in the UCL community.
I will be giving my best to contribute and serve in any and every way possible.
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Kaihan Alamkhel
(Kaihan)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
My foremost goal would be to lead initiatives that enhance the overall experience of postgraduate students at UCL. This involves ensuring that the services and resources offered by the University and the Students’ Union are tailored to meet the unique needs of postgraduate students. By actively engaging with postgraduate students and understanding their concerns, I would work towards implementing policies and initiatives that enhance their academic and social experience at the university.
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
As a current postgraduate anthropology student myself, I have gained knowledge and enthusiasm about contributing to the enhancement of the postgraduate student experience at UCL and I am confident in my ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the role effectively. Additionally, I believe being part of the executive team in the Public Speaking Society while doing my undergrad has given me strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling me to effectively advocate for student voices and foster meaningful relationships within the Student Union.
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
My candidacy is driven by a commitment to advocating for a positive student experience at UCL. Whether through organising events, advocating for policy changes, or addressing specific concerns raised by students, I will work tirelessly to ensure that postgraduate students feel supported, empowered, and valued within the university community. Additionally,
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Cristobal Diaz Martinez
(He/Him)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
Improving studying conditions for postgraduate students
Improving working conditions for research assistants and teaching assistants
Creating new spaces of socialisation and sharing experiences, with a focus on international students adapting to London life
Linking permanently with academic and teaching assistant representatives to channel students' needs and interests to enhance their UCL experience, to create a sense of belonging to our university
Accountability, transparency and direct democracy in my practice as postgraduate officer, to give visibility to the role and promote participation
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
My experience as academic representative of PhD students of the Bartlett in 2020-21 which sparked my interest in creating spaces of socialisation and exchange of experiences to overcome the pandemic
My experience as Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) representative of the Bartlett in 2021-22 which helped me understanding the bureaucratic structure of UCL and the channels of participation and information that can be used to improve our working conditions
My extrovert and friendly personality, love for UCL, its cosmopolitan vibe and my interest in making everyone feel part of our university
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I am an international student that know and understand the challenges of coming to London and learning to adapt to UCL. Also, as a PhD student, I understand the needs for quality spaces for studying, researching and working. I am also very interested in political activism, safeguarding the rights of different communities to express their concerns regarding human rights issues, anti-war movements and demands for improved democracy and sustainability and EDI in the UK. The example we can offer from UCL to the rest of the world is important, and by linking with each other we can build together.
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Aditya Lathar
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
If I get elected as your PG Officer I will-
· Scrap Master’s application fee for current/ formal students seeking a second master’s degree
· Lobby the University to provide E-Library access to students even after five years of graduation
· Provide better access to more resourced mental health services, with greater diversity among counsellors
· Create an action plan to combat isolation in widening participation groups
· Make sure PHD stipend increments are proportionate to annual inflation rate
· Provide Cost of living support for self- funded PGRs
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
Hi all, I am Aditya Lathar, after completing my law degree at Durham I'm studying MRes Interdisciplinary Urban Design. I have held various positions at Durham and want to continue to represent students and ensure that our voice is heard.
Experience:
* Postgraduate Officer, Durham Students Union 2022
* First Runner-Up Presidential Candidate, Durham Students Union
* NUS Delegate 2020-22
* President, Durham Indian Society 2020-22
* International Officer, George Stephenson College 2020-21
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
I feel lucky to have had a fantastic experience at UCL so far and want all of us to have an even greater experience while at the University. I will advocate for more postgraduate events and initiatives, including networking opportunities, career workshops and social gatherings. Being a People of Colour and International student I believe that diversity and inclusion must be at the forefront of all student activities. I will prioritize environmental sustainability and take action to reduce the University's carbon footprint.
#UCL SU NEEDS CHANGE
#ADITYA LATHAR IS THE CHANGE
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Darcy Lan
(she/her)
What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?
- A series of industry-based, country-oriented alumni networking, career events designed to bridge the information gap in job-seeking
- Group-based buddy-up scheme designed to connect like-minded student job seekers or student researchers with shared interests
- Transferable employability skills boost-camp
- More themed language support for those who need it
- Wellness Workshops
- Transition mentors for PGs
- More PG only study/discussion spaces
- More fun PG events with food provided
- Better pay for PGTAs
- A central platform for research students to recruit participants
- More financial support
What will you bring to this role (e.g. experience, skills or qualities)?
EXPERIENCE
- Seasoned in student leadership roles, since undergrad first year until now
- Facilitated various job readiness workshops and alumni events at my alma mater
- Former IB international school teacher with strong skills in multicultural communication and insights into the education industry job market
ME :)
- Easily Approachable: Known for my bubbly personality and patient listening skills
- Reliable: A goal-oriented person who will actually get things done
- Strong negotiation skills: Skilled in articulating student needs while effectively balancing UCL's interests
Please summarise why students should vote for you.
Hi friends, It's Darcy Lan, yah, Darcy the Asian math avoider and proud ground-placed backpack owner :P, WHO CARES about your experience, career and wellbeing
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by self-doubt, lost, or isolated, struggling to feel connected to the UCL community?
Don't fret; you're not alone, and I'm here to foster change!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Career events, employable skills boost-camp, buddy-up scheme - all available for alumni, last-year students I got you covered:)
Financial support, themed language support, wellness workshop, PG only study spaces, events with food provided and more
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