Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot

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I am Safdar Qasim, a first-year PhD student at the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), researching the anterior segment of the eye. Since commencing my studies in 2024, I have actively engaged in leadership, volunteering, and advocacy roles to support student wellbeing and foster inclusion. As the Postgraduate Representative at SOVS and a member of the PGC Equity Division, I’ve worked to amplify student voices and co-organize inclusive events such as Harmony Day.

Beyond UNSW, I serve as a City of Sydney International Student Ambassador (ISLA), with over 250 volunteer hours across community, environmental, and mentoring programs. I am also a Health & Wellbeing Ambassador and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aider™, supporting peers through wellness initiatives.

My vision is to strengthen equity, representation, and belonging across UNSW. I am committed to building a PGC where every postgraduate student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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My name is Ada Choi – I am your current President of the Postgraduate Council, and I am seeking re-election to continue championing your voice. Since joining PGC in 2022, I’ve been honoured to represent our diverse postgraduate community and led countless initiatives focused on student support, advocacy and wellbeing – from Postgraduate Student Experience Survey, Postgraduate Visa Seminar to major events like Research Awards and Mix&Mingle.

My extensive background in student representation has positively shaped the experiences of my peers. I’ve served in key roles, including NSW Government International Student Representative, and Sydney University Postgraduate Councillor, UNSW HDR Peer Mentor, and many more.

Looking ahead, my vision is to build on this momentum by fostering a more connected, supportive and proactive PGC – a community where every postgraduate student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. I’m excited to lead this change and invite you to help make our vision a reality.

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As President, I envision PGC not only as a body fulfilling its corporate obligations to ARC, but also as a strong advocate for postgraduate rights and community connections. I aim to strengthen PGC’s governance with strategic partnerships and effective knowledge management to deliver services that meet the social, career, and administrative needs of members.

I bring experience from other Australian universities. At ANU, I united 23 student clubs for an International Night Market, which was nationally recognised as one of Australia's best international student events. At USYD, I sparked a multidisciplinary research collaboration that brought the attention of international organisations.

Professionally, I have worked across legal, government, healthcare, and higher education sectors, aligning organisational goals with community needs through engagement, digital transformation and evaluation. These experiences, alongside the insights I gained at the UN Youth Assembly, equip me to be the bridge connecting people of various backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines.

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My foremost priority as President of the Postgraduate Council (PGC) this term is to create practical opportunities for internships and placements that allow postgraduate students to transition confidently into their professional fields. Too often, postgraduate students face barriers when entering the job market, and I intend to work closely with UNSW Careers, industry partners, and alumni to develop programs that connect our students directly with employers.

Alongside career pathways, I am committed to strengthening social engagement and community building within the postgraduate cohort. University life extends beyond classrooms and labs, and I want to ensure postgraduate students feel connected, supported, and represented. By fostering events that bring students together, I hope to reduce isolation and encourage collaboration across disciplines.

The PGC exists to advocate, engage, and support. This upcoming year, I will focus on ensuring our postgraduate community thrives socially and succeeds professionally.

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I am Safdar Qasim, a first-year PhD student at the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), researching the anterior segment of the eye. Since commencing my studies in 2024, I have actively engaged in leadership, volunteering, and advocacy roles to support student wellbeing and foster inclusion. As the Postgraduate Representative at SOVS and a member of the PGC Equity Division, I’ve worked to amplify student voices and co-organize inclusive events such as Harmony Day.

Beyond UNSW, I serve as a City of Sydney International Student Ambassador (ISLA), with over 250 volunteer hours across community, environmental, and mentoring programs. I am also a Health & Wellbeing Ambassador and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aider™, supporting peers through wellness initiatives.

My vision is to strengthen equity, representation, and belonging across UNSW. I am committed to building a PGC where every postgraduate student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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I am Arnav, originally from Kolkata, India, fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil, with an understanding of Marathi, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and Malayalam. Many of you know me as a current PGC member from our stalls and events. Outside PGC, I bring leadership experience as International Relations Officer at the Rotary Club and Student Representative at the Genetic Engineering Association, demonstrating dedication and results.

At UNSW, I have championed inclusive initiatives like the Opal Fair Fare, addressed student concerns, and guided peers as an HDR Student Mentor. I’m committed to fostering a supportive and united postgraduate community through active listening and decisive action.

If honored with your vote as General Secretary, I will be your approachable advocate and first point of contact, ensuring every student’s voice is respected and heard. Together, let’s build a postgraduate community defined by integrity, impact, and inclusive progress that truly represents you.

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I am Safdar Qasim, a first-year PhD student in Optometry at the School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS), Faculty of Medicine and Health. My journey in Sydney has been enriched through leadership roles, including my participation in the International Student Leadership and Ambassador Program (ISLA) with the City of Sydney Government NSW.

I’ve completed various Professional Development Programs like the Leadership Foundation, Practera’s Study Australia Industry Experience Program (SAIEP), and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), earning an accredited certificate. Currently, I serve as the Postgraduate Representative of SOVS, advocating for fellow students.

As a volunteer Health & Wellbeing Ambassador at Kensington campus, I support student wellness. I believe in teamwork, open-mindedness, and fostering inclusivity. With a strong leadership mindset, I am eager to contribute to the Equity Committee, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

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My motivation to submit my nomination for the role of Vice President Equity comes from a strong belief that equity is not only a value we discuss, but a practice that we live out daily in our actions, decisions, and leadership. I reflected on this value by volunteering for several organizations that focus on disadvantaged groups (people with disabilities, youth, and people with low income). If elected, I will prioritize creating spaces where all voices are heard, respected, and represented. I believe true equity is more than access—it requires accountability, transparency, and intentional actions. My goals in this role are to strengthen the representation of underrepresented and/or disadvantaged groups; develop initiatives and campaigns that foster awareness, cultural understanding, and belonging for all postgraduate students; and work closely with teams and stakeholders to implement evidence-based practices and interventions to ensure equitable outcomes.

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My motivation to submit my nomination for the role of Equity Liaison Officer stems from my strong interest in social justice. Equity, for me, is not just a principle but a value inseparable from the pursuit of social justice itself. Since 2019, I have contributed to raising awareness on equity through initiatives that engage young people in discussions on social, legal, and political issues, emphasizing fairness and inclusivity.

If elected, I hope to create a greater impact within UNSW’s diverse community. This role offers the opportunity to move beyond smaller-scale advocacy and contribute to an environment where students from all backgrounds feel represented and supported. I plan to implement initiatives that amplify diverse voices, foster open dialogue, and promote inclusivity across the student body. Through these efforts, I aim to strengthen equity as a lived experience at UNSW and help ensure that diversity is celebrated as a core value.

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My name is Shamim, and I am a PhD student in the School of Biomedical Sciences. My commitment to student equity is demonstrated through my active involvement in campus life, notably as an HDR Health and Wellbeing Ambassador at UNSW. In this role, and as a member of the AI Society's Education Subcommittee, I have actively advocated for student needs. These positions involved addressing critical wellbeing concerns and developing inclusive community programs, equipping me with strong skills in advocacy, empathetic outreach, and fostering supportive environments.

If appointed as Equity Committee Liaison, I will champion initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and ensure all aspects of the university experience are inclusive. I am passionate about ensuring that every student feels supported and valued. My goal is to help cultivate a campus culture where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals have the equitable opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally.

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I’m Sumera Arshad, a PhD student in the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering. I am nominating myself for Vice-President (Research) of the Postgraduate Council.
My outreach as a 2025 STEMM Champion motivates me to step up. Through these activities and peer support, I’ve learned that clear information, quick responses, and practical help can truly improve the experience of HDR students. STEMM has encouraged me to listen first, include everyone, and follow through. STEMM encouraged me to listen first, include everyone, and follow through.
If elected, I will respond promptly to PGC call-back requests and emails; hold regular drop-in sessions and raise HDR concerns with the Graduate Research School, Deans, Heads of School, HDR Coordinators.

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I am a third-year PhD student in the School of Clinical Medicine and currently serve as Vice President (Research) of the Postgraduate Council. Over the past year, I have represented research students by engaging directly with the UNSW leadership, raising student concerns, and working to find solutions. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges faced by postgraduate researchers and the networks to address them effectively.

If re-elected for 2026, my vision is to tackle key challenges by implementing a structured mentorship program, expanding mental health support initiatives, and advocating for improved funding and resources. I am committed to continuing the recognition of student achievements and strengthening professional development opportunities. With my prior leadership experience at the University of Melbourne and my current work at UNSW, I am confident I can continue to make the postgraduate research journey smoother, more supported, and more fulfilling.

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I’m Samhan, an Industry PhD student at UNSW and Ausgrid, and a former PGC International Committee Officer. If elected as Research Committee Liaison, I aim to strengthen the UNSW Master’s and PhD student community by supporting the Research Awards and organising researcher-focused workshops on public speaking, reference management (EndNote/Mendeley/Zotero), AI in research, and professional networking via LinkedIn. I also plan to facilitate affordable research excursion trips to Canberra and other community-building activities. I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all research students feel represented, recognized, and empowered to thrive academically, professionally, and socially.

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As an international Ph.D. student, I understand both the opportunities and challenges that higher degree candidates encounter throughout their academic journey. During my undergraduate years, I actively served in various university societies, and through IEEE I had the privilege of contributing at Section, Asia-Pacific (R10), and now global levels. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration and representation.

By contesting for the role of Research Committee Liaison, I aim to ensure that HDR students’ voices are heard, respected, and represented at UNSW. My vision is to bridge the gap between students and the university’s research leadership by being a strong advocate for their needs. If elected, I will focus on engaging research communities through industry-led career opportunities, mentorship, and cross- university knowledge exchange. Together, we can foster collaboration, address concerns, and celebrate HDR achievements, creating a more enriching and impactful research experience at UNSW.

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As coursework master’s students, most of us are here for only two years, so it is important to make our time both productive and memorable. If elected as Vice President Coursework Officer, I will act as a bridge between students and the school, ensuring clear communication and that student concerns are represented effectively. I will focus on providing practical support, organising peer learning opportunities, and creating inclusive social and networking activities that help coursework students connect beyond the classroom. My goal is to strengthen the sense of community, provide avenues for support, and ensure that students make the most of their limited time here—academically, socially, and personally. By combining representation with purposeful initiatives, I will work to enhance the overall coursework student experience. I kindly ask for your support and your vote to make this vision a reality.

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My name is Frely, a postgraduate student at Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW and I am running for the position of Vice President Coursework on Postgraduate Council UNSW. Through my previous experience in student council, professional work, and volunteer activities, I have developed strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, which I believe will help me represent the students effectively. As a coursework student, I understand how critical this stage is for determining our future path, whether in industry, academia, or research. If elected, I want to create more opportunities for postgraduate coursework students to explore all these pathways while still enjoying the vibrant and supportive university life. I am committed to ensuring student’s voices are heard and acted on.

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I am a Master’s coursework student, and I believe that being part of the Coursework Committee will allow me to actively engage with the community and organise events along with my team. I see this as a meaningful opportunity to get involved with enthusiasm and motivation.

I aim to connect with other students facing challenges, understand their concerns, and help address their needs. I also look forward to contributing to the committee’s mission and raising awareness about upcoming activities and event.

I understand that it is normal to face challenges while pursuing a degree, but believe that every challenge should be transformed into an experience that helps a person grow and improve continuously.

In addition to representing student concerns, I can collaborate with faculty and peers to develop initiatives that enhance student engagement and academic success. This role will enable me to contribute meaningfully to improving student life at UNSW while fostering a strong sense of community.

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I would be honoured to serve postgraduate students as Chairperson of the Coursework Committee. I would offer an approachable manner, solid work ethic and passion for improving coursework. Students could rely on me to advocate with strength and honesty. University staff could expect me to make representations calmly and reasonably — with an open mind and a focus on solutions. In addition, I would strive to help students build their skills by providing frequent, accessible and practical workshops and seminars.

I am a third year Juris Doctor (JD) student with a strong academic record. I have worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years and am making a career change into law. At UNSW, I have volunteered in a variety of roles, including as a JD/PG Mentor, as a Client Intake Officer at the Inner Legal City Centre, and as Director of the Law Society’s Client Interviewing Competition.

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My name is Ruth Soshanna John, and I am currently a Master of Engineering student specializing in Biomedical Engineering. I am honored to nominate myself for the role of Coursework Committee Liaison.

During my tenure, I will be a strong advocate for fellow postgraduates, ensuring your concerns are not only heard but also acted upon. I am committed to working closely with
the Vice-President of Coursework and relevant bodies to create solutions that improve your experience.

As a fellow Master's student, I am aware of the time limitation of the program. My goal is to ensure that my fellow batchmates feel welcome to express their grievances and know that their issues are heard and addressed. I will work hard to uphold empathy, transparency, and approachability as a liaison, while ensuring that teamwork thrives within the council.

I would be honored to earn your trust to represent you in this role.

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As an LLM student passionate about postgraduate interest, I aim to serve as an effective bridge between students and UNSW. With strong communication skills and an understanding of coursework student challenges, I will ensure your concerns are heard and addressed. I’m committed to fostering a supportive environment for all postgraduate students.

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As a Master’s coursework student, I am keen to serve as Liaison on the Postgraduate Coursework Committee to strengthen the bridge between students and faculty. This position offers a valuable platform to represent student concerns, encourage participation in academic and social initiatives, and help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported.

I understand that postgraduate study comes with unique challenges, but I believe these can be transformed into opportunities for growth when students feel connected to a strong community. My goal is to actively listen to my peers, communicate their needs effectively, and collaborate with the committee to develop initiatives that enhance student engagement and wellbeing.

With enthusiasm and dedication, I hope to contribute to fostering a positive and collaborative environment at UNSW where postgraduate students can thrive academically and personally.

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I would be honoured to serve postgraduate students as Coursework Committee Liaison. I would offer an approachable manner, solid work ethic and passion for improving coursework. Students could rely on me to advocate with strength and honesty. University staff could expect me to make representations calmly and reasonably — with an open mind and a focus on solutions. In addition, I would strive to help students build their skills by providing frequent, accessible and practical workshops and seminars.

I am a third year Juris Doctor (JD) student with a strong academic record. I have worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years and am making a career change into law. At UNSW, I have volunteered in a variety of roles, including as a JD/PG Mentor, as a Client Intake Officer at the Inner Legal City Centre, and as Director of the Law Society’s Client Interviewing Competition.

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As Vice President (International), my first priority is career readiness for international postgraduate students, ensuring they have access to meaningful internship and placement opportunities aligned with their fields of study. Many international students face unique challenges when navigating the Australian job market, and I aim to bridge this gap by collaborating with UNSW Careers, employers, and cultural networks to provide tailored career support.

Equally, I recognise the importance of social connection and cultural integration. For students living far from home, building a strong community is vital. I will work with the International Student Engagement Committee to deliver initiatives that promote belonging, celebrate diversity, and encourage international students to actively participate in university life.

By prioritising both career development and social engagement, my vision is to ensure international postgraduate students are not only academically successful but also feel supported, included, and well- prepared for their professional futures.

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I am Suleman Irfan from SOVS and honoured to stand as a Vice President – International to represent and advocate for the diverse international student community. Through my academic and leadership experience as a HDR Rep. Faculty of Medicine and Health and EDI committee member SOVS at UNSW, I have developed strong skills in communication, collaboration, and cultural engagement.

My primary goals in this role are to ensure that international students are well-represented in decision-making, to strengthen support structures that address both academic and personal challenges. If I elected, I will:

Make sure that voices of all international students will be heard.

Create platforms where both international and domestic students can connect and learn from each other.

Work closely with council members to find solutions about issues which international students have.

To sum up, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to this role.

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Surviving Sydney rent is hard — but finding community shouldn’t be! As an international student pursuing my Master of International Business, I understand how overwhelming it can be to start fresh in a new country. Over the past two terms with the Postgraduate Council, I’ve helped run everything from workshops to social events that turned awkward hellos into valuable connections and future opportunities. Now, as Vice President of the International Committee, I want to facilitate creating those moments — the ones that make UNSW feel a little less like an institution and a little more like home. My goal is simple: to make sure international students don’t just study here, but actually grow and feel secure about things they can control. I wish to help you find not just friends, but also mentors, collaborators, and opportunities that shape your future beyond UNSW!

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I am Meet Hitesh Dave, a Master of Commerce (Extension) student specialising in Marketing and Human Resource Management. As an international student, I know the excitement, challenges, and uncertainties that come with studying in a new country. I am standing for International Committee Liaison because I want to ensure every international postgraduate student feels supported, connected, and represented. My focus will be on listening to students’ concerns, sharing their voices with the committee, and helping develop initiatives that make their UNSW experience more welcoming and rewarding. I am committed to fostering inclusivity, promoting engagement, and creating opportunities for cultural exchange and community connection. Through active collaboration, clear communication, and dedication, I will work to ensure that every international student has access to support, guidance, and a vibrant postgraduate experience that they can be proud of.

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As International Committee Liaison, I am committed to ensuring that the voices and interests of international postgraduate students at UNSW are championed and recognised. Working closely with the VP (International), I aim to foster a welcoming and collegiate environment where international postgraduates feel empowered to network, socialise, and contribute meaningfully.

I bring experience from other Australian universities. At ANU, I united 23 student clubs for an International Night Market, which became a huge success as one of Australia’s best international student events. At USYD, I produced valuable insights into global issues that interest both academics and practitioners, sparking a multidisciplinary collaboration.

Professionally, I have worked with people in local and cross-border projects, blending and harmonising diverse perspectives to deliver innovative solutions. These experiences, along with the insights I gained at the UN Youth Assembly, equip me to serve as an effective bridge connecting people of various backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines.

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I’m Sara, a postgraduate student at UNSW Canberra and currently the HDR Representative on the Faculty Board. I appreciate the nomination for Canberra Officer and would be honoured to serve.

As a postgraduate student in Canberra, I understand the challenges of being part of a smaller campus community, including limited access to resources, events, and representation compared to Sydney. If elected, I will advocate for stronger recognition of Canberra postgraduates within the Postgraduate Council, ensuring our unique needs are addressed in decision-making.

I am also an HDR Mentor on UNSW’s official Discord, where I actively support peers across both Canberra and Kensington. This role has shown me the importance of creating inclusive, connected postgraduate communities.

My priorities will be to improve academic and wellbeing support for Canberra postgraduates, build stronger ties between Canberra and Kensington, and ensure equitable access to opportunities for both HDR and coursework students. I want every Canberra postgraduate to feel heard, supported, and empowered.

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My name is Bisma, and I am currently studying at the School of Engineering, UNSW Canberra. Over the past year, I have been actively involved in student life and community building, most notably serving as an Activity Coordinator with Arc Canberra in 2025. This role gave me the opportunity to plan, organize, and deliver events that fostered student engagement, teamwork, and inclusivity. Through this experience, I developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills that I am eager to bring to the role of Canberra Officer at PGC UNSW.

If elected, I aim to continue strengthening the postgraduate community by creating more opportunities for networking, collaboration, and support. I am passionate about ensuring that all students feel represented and connected, both academically and socially. My goal is to promote an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive environment where every postgraduate student can thrive.