Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot

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My name is Jin Zhao. I’m a PhD student from EIS.
My engagement with WUPA can be traced back to when I first arrived at UOW in,2019. I have participated in many activities held by WUPA both as an attendee and volunteer.
As a volunteer, I helped with setting up the competition area for the 2019 WUPA Table Tennis Competition on the IC campus, setting up the food stalls at the 2019 WUPA End of Year Party and organizing the 2020 summer and 2021 autumn WUPA Professional Photo Shoot Events.
I became the WUPA president in July 2021 and I’m running for re-election because I believe there is more I can offer.
The past years have been tough for all of us due to Covid-19. Now students are back and UOW is shining again. I’m confident WUPA can be more active in 2024. It is my core belief WUPA funding should be fully spent on students’ activities and FREE for all postgraduate students.
With my skills and experience, I’m willing to dedicate my time and energy to improving the postgraduate student campus experience. I will take on all tasks with the utmost positive attitude.

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I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of President for Wupa.
My name is Shengnan Yuan, and I am currently a PhD candidate from the MMMB school of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS).
Allow me to share some information about my background and experience. In 2019, I had the privilege of serving as the Director of the Academic Department at the Chinese Student Association (CSA). This experience was transformative and allowed me to make substantial contributions to our organization. As the Academic Department Director, my responsibilities included organizing workshops, seminars, and academic events that aimed to enhance the educational experience of our members. During my tenure, I worked tirelessly to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for all students within CSA.
I collaborated with professors and scholars to bring insightful lectures and discussions to our campus. These events not only enriched our understanding of various academic subjects but also fostered a sense of intellectual curiosity among our members. Furthermore, I successfully initiated and executed several community outreach programs that promoted educational equity and inclusivity. These programs aimed to provide resources and mentorship opportunities to underprivileged students, making education more accessible to all.
If elected as the President, I will bring the same level of dedication and passion to our student body.
My vision for our community includes:

Enhancing Academic Support: I will continue to strengthen academic support systems by collaborating with faculty and organizing workshops, tutoring services, and study groups. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: I am committed to fostering a campus environment where every student feels valued and included, regardless of their background.
Increased Student Engagement: I will work on expanding student involvement in extracurricular activities, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to find their niche within our vibrant community.

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I am Yeshwanth Sunkara, a committed and passionate individual with a solid dedication to positively impacting our community. I am in the secondary year of my PhD in the school of CMEA in the EIS department and have a track record of leadership in various community organisations, including as a Senior student mentor in the EIS Department.
Throughout my life, I have been deeply involved in community service, whether it's through volunteering, advocacy, or organising community events.
I believe that my experiences, coupled with my education and unwavering dedication, make me a well-rounded candidate who can effectively represent and serve the interests of our community. I am running for this position because I am deeply committed to the betterment of our community and believe that, with your support, I can make a significant difference.
My vision for our community is unity, progress, and inclusivity, and I aim to create a community where every resident feels valued, engaged, and empowered. Together, we can build a community that thrives, embraces diversity and provides opportunities for all its members to succeed. I will prioritise tackling our community's most pressing challenges by working collaboratively with all SAC and administration to find practical solutions. I am committed to open and honest communication, ensuring every community member is informed and engaged in decision-making. Also, building a sense of belonging and solidarity is crucial, which brings us closer together by organising community events, workshops, and cultural celebrations. With your trust and support, I am confident that we can build a brighter future for our community.

Together, we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for considering me as your representative, and I look forward to serving you with integrity and dedication.

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Dear Members and Colleagues, I am Kartikay Sharma, a candidate for President.
With a Master's in Information Technology and experience as the State Vice President of a nationally recognized student union in India, I offer a vision of unity and excellence.

I commit to:
Promote Unity: Fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and celebrated. Maintain Integrity: Upholding transparency, ethics, and accountability.
Sincerely Serve: Providing guidance, support, and resources to address academic, professional, and personal needs.
Enhance Academic Facilities: Upgrading our resources to support educational pursuits. Combat Ragging and Racism: Establishing a 24/7 helpline for reporting racism or harassment, with strict legal actions against wrongdoing.
Celebrate Successful Events: Organizing memorable events that showcase our talents and foster togetherness.
Collective Journey: It's all of us working together to make our university experience better and more memorable.
I seek your support to build a vibrant, inclusive university. Your vote can make this vision a reality. Thank you for considering me as your candidate for President. Let's shape a brighter, safer, more inclusive, and memorable future together. Sincerely, Kartikay Sharma

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I received my Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering (First-class Honours) from UOW in 2021. Currently, I am in my second year pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at UOW, driven by a passion for advancing knowledge in this field.

My dedication to our university community is evident through my involvement in various roles. I served as the International Students’ Officer at Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA) for one year. In this role, I successfully organized diverse events such as O-week Welcome, Movie Night, and Afternoon Tea & Talk, fostering a sense of belonging among international students.

My academic journey at UOW has been complemented by my roles as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant within the Computer Science department, where I've honed my leadership and interpersonal skills. As a Higher Degree Research (HDR) peer mentor, I provided valuable guidance and support to fellow students navigating their academic paths.

From February 2022 to June 2023, I served as the EIS student mentor at UOW, guiding and assisting numerous international students in their academic and personal journeys in Australia.

In my daily life, I actively engage in volunteer activities to give back to the community. In 2019, I participated in a Global Environmental Volunteering Project in Inner Mongolia, China, funded by Hyundai, with the aim of combating desertification. I contributed to the construction of tree walls in desertified areas, contributing to environmental sustainability.

I believe that my strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills make me a suitable candidate for WUPA. If granted the opportunity to serve as Secretary Treasurer, I am eager to contribute my time and energy to foster stronger connections between students, staff, and the administration, ultimately enhancing our university experience.

Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to contributing positively to our university community.

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Dear Reader, I am Zhongbei Li, a PhD candidate from the School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CMEA) within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS).
Today, I am thrilled to seek your support as I run for Secretary-Treasurer of WUPA. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as the president of the CSC sponsored PhD student association. organizing pivotal community events like traditional festival meals and excursions, promoting unity among our diverse student cohort.
In addition to my leadership roles within the university, I have actively participated and contributed to the global academic community. I have presented at premier conferences like NAMVS 2023 and the 26th World Mining Congress. My dedication earned accolades like the second prize at the IJCST First Doctoral Students Forum and best paper awards at ERESD 2022 and ISMSSE 2023. Furthermore, my organizational skills were put to the test when I served on the organizing committee for the 2023 Resource Operators Conference held at our very own University of Wollongong and the upcoming Green Mining 2023.
These roles required meticulous attention to detail, from crafting conference timetables and agendas to overseeing attendee registration and catering arrangements. WUPA's mission resonates with me. I admire its dedication to postgraduate students and its goals of representation, collegiality, and service.
Drawing from my experiences, I am confident in my ability to fulfill the Secretary-Treasurer role, ensuring impeccable financial record-keeping and efficient council meeting organization. In conclusion, I am deeply committed to serving the postgraduate student body and furthering the objectives of WUPA. I humbly ask for your support and trust in electing me as the next Secretary-Treasurer.

Together, we can continue to make WUPA a beacon of excellence and representation for all postgraduate students at the University of Wollongong.

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Dear UOW FAMILY I am Tany Shaji Thomas, a postgraduate student enrolled in Master of Engineering at the University of Wollongong and I am excited to declare my candidacy for the Women’s Officer of WUPA.
Throughout my life, I have been driven by the passion to empower women and I believe that when Women Support Women, they are UNSTOPPABLE. Vision: As a Women’s Officer, I pledge to ensure that women have a strong voice within our University and No voice will remain unheard.

I aim to bring women from various social and cultural backgrounds together on campus and foster a feeling of unity and solidarity among them, taking away any discrimination based on their social backgrounds. Women's health care will be the supreme priority and I work for improved access to women's health care services on campus including menstrual hygiene products, safe sex education, and mental health support.

They will be always supported, involved, and encouraged through various events, workshops, mentoring programs, and meet-ups.

Moreover, I guarantee the safety of female students on campus, especially during evening hours by collaborating with campus security and enhancing safety standards.
I invite you to join me in this journey to break down the barriers, smash the stereotypes, and create an environment where every woman can bloom.

To all my sisters, I am again reminding you that you are incredible and stronger than you think, together we will stand, together we will rise, and together we can turn our vision into reality. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for Women’s Officer of WUPA. Sincerely, Tany Shaji Thomas

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Hello, my name is Zhifei, and I'm a third-year PhD student in cultural studies, focusing on feminist thoughts and movements in my home country.
As an international student who has made Australia my academic home, I understand the unique challenges that come with adapting to a new environment and culture. The journey taught me the importance of empowering myself and others, lessons I bring to my candidacy for the Women's Officer position in WUPA.
For the past year, I've gained experience in organising campus events that empower female students. These initiatives have not only provided platforms for personal growth and networking but have also nurtured a supportive community for those juggling academic pursuits and parenting responsibilities.

If elected, I aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all female postgraduate students. I plan to establish regular events, workshops, and support groups to address issues like lack of confidence and work-life balance. A mentorship program is also on my agenda, designed to pair new female students with more experienced ones to facilitate smooth academic and social transitions. Having navigated the complexities of being an international student, I'm especially attuned to the diverse needs of our community. I pledge to represent your voices and concerns in all relevant meetings and forums, ensuring that our collective needs are addressed. In sum, I aspire to create a campus culture where every female postgraduate student feels seen, heard, and supported, irrespective of their background.
Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the possibility of serving you as your Women's Officer.

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Dear WUPA Members, I am very excited and thrilled to nominate myself for the role of International Students' Officer in the upcoming WUPA Election. With a background as an international postgraduate student, I am deeply committed to addressing the specific educational, welfare, and other needs of our diverse international student community at the University of Wollongong.
In my role, I will:
1. Educational Advocacy: I will work tirelessly and be a dedicated advocate to represent your academic concerns to the University administration, ensuring that international postgraduate students receive the support they need to excel in their studies.
2. Welfare Betterment: I am Conscientious about improving the welfare of international students, including addressing accommodation, healthcare, and essential services, to create a safe and supportive environment.
3. Cultural amalgamation: I will foster cross-cultural understanding by organizing events and initiatives that bring international and domestic students together, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.
4. Liaison with University Bodies: I will actively liaise with the University administration and relevant bodies to convey the specific needs and challenges faced by international students, This will involve constructive dialogue to bring about positive changes for our international postgraduate community. I am passionate about representing your interests and making a tangible impact on the experiences of international postgraduate students.

With your support, I am confident that together, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and culturally diverse postgraduate community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity serving you and ensuring that your voices are heard and acted upon. Sincerely, Bharadwaja Satya Vinod T

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Biographical Note Renzhe Zhang graduated with an Honours degree in History from the University of Queensland in 2017.
He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong and his research topic is about the influence of the New Culture Movement on the Chinese Diaspora in Australia from the 1900s to the 1930s. This study investigates how the Chinese community was shaped by Australian social pressure and Chinese intellectual debates. In 2023, he has been awarded the Postgraduate Scholarship of the National Archive of Australia. Election Statement I believe that many recurrent obstacles encountered by international students can be overcome by a close-knit international community and direct communication.
If elected as the International Students’ Officer, I will make every effort to achieve this. We have a great number of international students with multicultural backgrounds in every faculty at UOW. Our experiences are beneficial not only to international students, but also to the entire UOW community. I hope to establish long-lasting ties among schools, societies and clubs.
This network is essential, as it provides international students with access to the resources they need. Being the representative of all international students is crucial to me, as I am aware of the obstacles you face and the ways to explore solutions. I am willing to be your voice in the council, ensuring that your concerns are heard and addressed collectively.
I believe that sharing experiences and ideas within our community is vital for the success of international students at UOW.

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I am writing to formally announce my candidacy for the position of 'Events Officer' in the upcoming elections for WUPA.
Having actively engaged with WUPA events and initiatives during my tenure as a member, I have developed a keen understanding of the unique requirements and responsibilities associated with the 'Events Officer' role.
My dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community aligns seamlessly with the objectives of WUPA, especially in enhancing our event planning and execution. My vision for WUPA centers on inclusivity, creativity, and responsiveness to the evolving needs and interests of our student body. I am dedicated to expanding the range and diversity of events hosted by WUPA, ensuring that every student finds enriching and enjoyable activities that resonate with their preferences and aspirations.
Furthermore, I am committed to enhancing communication channels to gather valuable feedback from our members, allowing us to tailor our events to best meet their expectations. By fostering collaboration and transparency, we can maximize the impact and success of each event while cultivating a sense of belonging and unity within our university community. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to WUPA's mission and making a meaningful difference in our campus experience through this pivotal role.

I humbly request your support and vote in the upcoming elections, and I am eager to dedicate my energy and passion to the betterment of WUPA's event initiatives. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

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My name is Xiangjun Xia, a Ph.D. student from EIS.
I joined WUPA as an events officer last year and participated in organizing related events. During my undergraduate period, I have more than three year's experiences of serving my fellow students as a member and a minister in the student union. I was also a member of some interesting clubs.
During this period, I organized some interesting activities, which attracted hundreds of students. As a postgraduate student, I attended some academic activities and published journal and conference papers. As a student assistant, I served as a member of the organizing committee for the 2019 International Conference on Advanced Vehicle Powertrains (CAVP) and the 3rd Conference on Vehicle Control and Intelligence (CVCI). As an international student, I would like to serve my fellow postgraduate students at UOW.
I am running for the Events officer of WUPA.
I believe that my experience and skills in student unions and academic conferences can contribute to the events held by the WUPA. As the Events officer, I want to improve postgraduate students' campus life by organizing events.