Candidate Data Appearing in the Ballot
2026 PGC ElectionPresident of the PGC
President of the PGC
General Secretary
General Secretary
Vice President Research
Vice President Research
Vice President International
Vice President International
Vice President Equity
Vice President Equity
Research Committee Liaison
Research Committee Liaison
Coursework Committee Liaison
Coursework Committee Liaison
Equity Committee Liaison
Equity Committee Liaison
Poll Group: 2026 PGC Election
Poll Group: President of the PGC
Over the past year, I have proudly served as the General Secretary of the Postgraduate Council (PGC), working to strengthen student engagement, support, and networking opportunities across our community. In this role, I helped organize student-focused events and initiatives that encouraged collaboration, professional development, and meaningful connections among postgraduate students.
Before serving as General Secretary, I contributed as a Liaison Officer for the Equity Office of PGC, a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, and a Student Representative in School. I am also Mental Health First Aid accredited and have participated in training and leadership programs such as Professional Development, and Leadership Foundation.
My vision is to build a more proactive and connected PGC by amplifying student voices, increasing engagement opportunities, strengthening support networks, and ensuring student concerns are effectively represented and addressed. I remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative postgraduate community through advocacy, engagement, and service.
I am Vik, a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering, and I am running to be your next PGC President.
Now in my fifth year at UNSW, I have experienced postgraduate life as both a coursework master’s student and a PhD candidate. I understand what matters to you: quality education and research support, career opportunities, wellbeing, and a community where we can connect and belong.
I bring extensive student leadership experiences, alongside four years as a casual academic. I am also award-winning research scholar, and was selected for the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program.
If elected, my priorities are clear: stronger representation in university decision making, better academic and career support, more opportunities for postgraduate students to connect, and a PGC that actively reaches students across faculties, degrees and campuses. I also want to bring coursework and research students closer together, building a community where you feel heard, supported and connected.
Poll Group: General Secretary
I am Serena, a Master of Commerce student at UNSW, and I am running to be your next PGC General Secretary.
As an international postgraduate student, I know that some of our biggest concerns extend beyond the classroom. Building a career while studying and managing the rising cost of living can shape our entire university experience.
Through professional internships, student society involvement, and being a lead at the International Student Career Expo, I have seen how access to the right information, opportunities and connections can make a real difference.
If elected, I want to focus on what matters in students’ everyday lives: more accessible career opportunities, practical support around cost of living, and clearer communication about the resources already available to us. I will also ensure all your concerns are heard and followed through
Over the past year, I have proudly served as the General Secretary of the Postgraduate Council (PGC), working to strengthen student engagement, support, and networking opportunities across our community. In this role, I helped organize student-focused events and initiatives that encouraged collaboration, professional development, and meaningful connections among postgraduate students.
Before serving as General Secretary, I contributed as a Liaison Officer for the Equity Office of PGC, a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, and a Student Representative in School. I am also Mental Health First Aid accredited and have participated in training and leadership programs such as Professional Development, and Leadership Foundation.
My vision is to build a more proactive and connected PGC by amplifying student voices, increasing engagement opportunities, strengthening support networks, and ensuring student concerns are effectively represented and addressed. I remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative postgraduate community through advocacy, engagement, and service.
Poll Group: Vice President Research
Hi, I’m Keira, a second-year research student in Computer Science and Engineering, and I’m running to be your next Vice President Research.
As an HDR student, I understand the challenges of research life, from meeting thesis milestones and navigating supervision to finding funding, building research connections and preparing for life after our degree.
Through my involvement with different clubs and societies, I have developed experience in organising events, engaging students and bringing people together. I want to bring that same energy to our HDR community.
I will advocate for better access to research funding, grants, conferences, exchanges and professional development opportunities. I will create more opportunities for HDR students to connect across faculties, exchange ideas and build meaningful research collaborations.
I will also continue supporting initiatives such as the PGC Research Awards, 3MT Trip, and Canberra Trip, creating opportunities for tiy to showcase research, celebrate achievements and gain recognition.
I am running to help build a postgraduate research community that is welcoming and connected. As a PhD candidate, I understand the pressures researchers face, including isolation, uncertain opportunities, demanding workloads, and the challenge of communicating our work beyond our disciplines. I understand the difficulties and isolation that can come with graduate work.
I will advocate for postgraduate researchers and pursue practical opportunities for interdisciplinary networking, research showcases, public engagement, professional development, and community building. I want more researchers to have platforms where they can exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and show off all the incredible work happing here.
Most importantly, I will be an accessible and active representative. I will listen to researchers across faculties and backgrounds to bring forward their priorities. I will champion policies and initiatives that support both academic progress and personal wellbeing. Postgraduate research should be rigorous, rewarding, and part of a fulfilling university experience.
As a postgraduate research student at UNSW, I believe we thrive when our voices are heard, our research is supported, and we are connected and empowered to succeed.
I bring over a decade of global collaborative research experience across multicultural settings, with 30+ articles published in leading journals, including The Lancet series. I received travel awards for conference presentations and am actively engaged with Australian and international research societies.
In recognition of my research, I received the 2026 Higher Degree Research Excellence Award from the School of Population Health, UNSW.
As Vice President Research, I would seek to:
• Strengthen our voice and ensure our perspectives are heard.
• Support access to funding opportunities for conferences, fieldwork and professional development.
• Build stronger research connections through collaboration, networking and career development.
As one of you, I want to listen, connect and advocate for what matters to our research community.
Please vote for me.
Poll Group: Vice President International
Hello everyone! I’m Suleman Irfan from SOVS, and I’m excited to nominate for Vice President – International to continue representing and advocating for UNSW’s diverse international postgraduate community. Through my current role as VP International (PGC), and previous roles as a HDR Representative and EDI Committee Member, I have gained valuable experience in student advocacy, leadership, event organisation, collaboration and cross-cultural engagement.
I will work closely with students, PGC representatives and UNSW stakeholders to raise international student concerns and pursue practical solutions. With my experience, commitment and understanding of our international student community, I look forward to making PGC more inclusive, connected and responsive to international students.
If elected, my priorities will be to ensure international students have a strong voice in decision-making, advocate for better support for their academic and personal challenges, and create more opportunities for students to connect, engage and build meaningful networks.
As an international PhD candidate, I understand the excitement of studying at UNSW. The excitement of an adventure possibly over halfway across the globe, but also the challenges of building a life, community, and sense of belonging far from home. I am running to ensure international postgraduate students are heard, supported, and fully included in university life.
I will advocate for students’ academic, professional, social, and personal wellbeing needs while creating more opportunities for connection across cultures and backgrounds. I want international postgraduates to feel confident sharing their experiences, celebrating their work, and contributing to the wider university community.
I will be an accessible and active representative who listens to diverse perspectives and turns concerns into constructive action. Every international postgraduate should have the opportunity not only to complete their degree, but also to build friendships, find community, develop professionally, and enjoy a fulfilling experience at UNSW.
I am Emily, a Master of Environmental Management student at UNSW, running for PGC Vice President International.
Having studied in the United States for seven years before continuing my studies in Australia, I understand the challenges of adapting to different education systems, cultures and communities. Studying overseas can be exciting, but it can also mean navigating unfamiliar processes and building a new social network from scratch.
If elected, I want to create a stronger sense of community and belonging for international postgraduates. I will organise more multicultural events and social activities where students from different backgrounds can meet, build friendships and feel at home at UNSW. I will also work closely with cultural club presidents and student leaders to better connect their communities with the PGC, celebrate the diversity of our campus and ensure different international student voices are heard.
Together, I hope we can make UNSW feel a little more like home.
Poll Group: Vice President Equity
I am passionate about building a postgraduate community where every student feels represented, respected, supported, and empowered to participate.
My experience as a STEMM Champion and currently as Vice-President (Research) of the Postgraduate Council has strengthened my skills in student representation, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration with students and university stakeholders. Working closely with postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds has also given me a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Through my role as Vice-President (Research), I have learned that academic success is closely connected to equitable access to opportunities, inclusion, representation, and support. I now want to broaden my contribution beyond research and advocate for postgraduate students across all backgrounds and experiences.
Moving into the Equity portfolio is a natural progression of my student advocacy. I am committed to promoting inclusive opportunities, strengthening student voices, and building a PGC community where diversity is valued and every postgraduate student feels they belong.
Hi, I am Leona, an international female PhD student at UNSW, and I am running for Vice President Equity.
To me, equity means ensuring that your background, identity or circumstances never prevent you from accessing the same opportunities, support and sense of belonging at UNSW.
As an international HDR student, I understand how easily students can feel overlooked or unsure where to turn when facing barriers. I want to strengthen representation for international students, women, LGBTQIA+ students and other underrepresented communities, while making equity, diversity, and inclusion a visible part of postgraduate life.
If elected, I will advocate for more accessible support, stronger EDI initiatives, safer and more inclusive spaces, and better representation in university decision-making. I will work closely with students and UNSW to ensure concerns are not only heard, but acted upon.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and that they belong at UNSW.
Poll Group: Research Committee Liaison
Hi, I am Xinyi, a PhD candidate at CHeBA in UNSW Medicine & Health, where my research focuses on cognitive health, dementia and underrepresented populations.
As an international HDR student, I understand both the opportunities and challenges of research life, from navigating university processes and changing expectations around AI to sourcing funding, professional support and the right research connections.
I believe we can do more to bring our research community together. I want more opportunities to connect across faculties and disciplines, practical workshops that respond to what young researchers actually need, platforms to celebrate our research (such as Research Awards), and academic exchanges that connect us with researchers beyond UNSW.
I will also push for better access to PhD funding and stronger academic and career support.
As your Research Committee Liaison, I will make sure HDR students are heard, supported and better connected throughout their research journey.
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.
I am excited to nominate for the Research Committee Liaison role, bringing experience in research, student engagement, and academic event organisation. During my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in organising academic student conferences, which developed my skills in coordinating research-focused events and engaging students in scholarly activities.
As a current PhD candidate at UNSW, I have remained actively involved in the HDR community, including serving as a Postgraduate Research Representative and contributing to initiatives that support research students.
In this role, I would be particularly enthusiastic about coordinating and promoting ARC PGC research activities, including the ARC PGC Research Awards, and creating opportunities that recognise and showcase the achievements of research students. I would aim to make these initiatives engaging, accessible, and valuable to the wider research community while strengthening connections between ARC PGC and research students.
Poll Group: Coursework Committee Liaison
Hi, I'm Harry Lu, a Master of Commerce student specialising in Business Analytics. I'm interested in becoming a Coursework Committee Liaison because I think students should have an easy way to raise concerns, share ideas, and know that their feedback is actually being heard.
If I'm selected, I'll try to gather views from different students rather than only speaking from my own experience. I'll bring the main issues to the committee clearly and respectfully, and I'll also share useful updates back with students so they know what has been discussed.
I'm easy to talk to and I take responsibility seriously. I don't want this role to be just about pointing out problems. I'd also like to suggest practical changes where possible and help improve the overall learning experience. I'd be happy to represent students and make sure their voices are included in the conversation.
Hi, I am Janice, a postgraduate Journalism and Communication student.
Coursework life should be easier to navigate. Yet many of us have struggled with choosing the right courses, understanding assessment requirements, applying for Simple Extensions, navigating academic appeals, or simply figuring out where to go when something goes wrong.
My studies in journalism and professional internships have trained me to collect different perspectives, identify what matters and communicate clearly. I believe communication should be two way: when students raise an issue, they deserve to know what happens next.
If elected, I will advocate for more accessible Simple Extensions, clearer appeal processes and better guidance for course selection. I also want coursework students to have greater access to career opportunities, industry connections and practical professional development.
I want to be your voice, bringing coursework students’ concerns directly to the PGC and UNSW and making sure they lead to action.
Poll Group: Equity Committee Liaison
I'm Cloris, a Construction Project Management and Property and Development student, running for Equity Committee Liaison.
I came to UNSW as an international student after five years working in property management. Starting over taught me how easily a postgraduate feels out of place, and how much a timely answer matters. I spent years drafting policy proposals on women's rights, the trafficking of women and children, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
At UNSW, I represented students at my Faculty's Academic Program Review, bringing student experiences into university decisions. A student member of API, RICS and CIOB, I was nominated for the CIOB Tomorrow's Leaders Student Challenge and intern with a Sydney builder, coordinating suppliers, sites and
councils.
If elected, I will work with the VP Equity to reach underrepresented students, identify barriers to participation, and turn what we hear into proposals the University can act on. Every concern raised will be followed up and answered.
I am a PhD candidate in Vision Science at UNSW, and I am applying for this position because I would like to contribute more actively to the postgraduate community and help ensure that students’ voices are heard and represented.
During university, I served as Vice-Captain of the Youth Volunteer Service Team, an Officer in the Department of Science and Technology, and Secretary of the Youth League Branch. These roles developed my skills in communication, teamwork, organisation, and supporting students with different needs.
At UNSW, my PhD research focuses on corneal sensory function, dry eye disease, and ocular surface assessment. As both a researcher and former clinician, I understand many of the academic and personal challenges postgraduate students may face. I hope to use my previous leadership experience and current perspective as a PhD student to strengthen communication, support student wellbeing, and contribute to a more connected and inclusive postgraduate community.
Poll: President of the PGC
Safdar ALI (PGC 2027)
Before serving as General Secretary, I contributed as a Liaison Officer for the Equity Office of PGC, a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, and a Student Representative in School. I am also Mental Health First Aid accredited and have participated in training and leadership programs such as Professional Development, and Leadership Foundation.
My vision is to build a more proactive and connected PGC by amplifying student voices, increasing engagement opportunities, strengthening support networks, and ensuring student concerns are effectively represented and addressed. I remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative postgraduate community through advocacy, engagement, and service.
Vik QIN (the voice of postgrad)
Now in my fifth year at UNSW, I have experienced postgraduate life as both a coursework master’s student and a PhD candidate. I understand what matters to you: quality education and research support, career opportunities, wellbeing, and a community where we can connect and belong.
I bring extensive student leadership experiences, alongside four years as a casual academic. I am also award-winning research scholar, and was selected for the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program.
If elected, my priorities are clear: stronger representation in university decision making, better academic and career support, more opportunities for postgraduate students to connect, and a PGC that actively reaches students across faculties, degrees and campuses. I also want to bring coursework and research students closer together, building a community where you feel heard, supported and connected.
Poll Group: General Secretary
Poll: General Secretary
Serena CHEN (the voice of postgrad)
As an international postgraduate student, I know that some of our biggest concerns extend beyond the classroom. Building a career while studying and managing the rising cost of living can shape our entire university experience.
Through professional internships, student society involvement, and being a lead at the International Student Career Expo, I have seen how access to the right information, opportunities and connections can make a real difference.
If elected, I want to focus on what matters in students’ everyday lives: more accessible career opportunities, practical support around cost of living, and clearer communication about the resources already available to us. I will also ensure all your concerns are heard and followed through
Safdar ALI (PGC 2027)
Before serving as General Secretary, I contributed as a Liaison Officer for the Equity Office of PGC, a Health and Wellbeing Ambassador, and a Student Representative in School. I am also Mental Health First Aid accredited and have participated in training and leadership programs such as Professional Development, and Leadership Foundation.
My vision is to build a more proactive and connected PGC by amplifying student voices, increasing engagement opportunities, strengthening support networks, and ensuring student concerns are effectively represented and addressed. I remain committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative postgraduate community through advocacy, engagement, and service.
Poll Group: Vice President Research
Poll: Vice President Research
Keira ZHAO (the voice of postgrad)
As an HDR student, I understand the challenges of research life, from meeting thesis milestones and navigating supervision to finding funding, building research connections and preparing for life after our degree.
Through my involvement with different clubs and societies, I have developed experience in organising events, engaging students and bringing people together. I want to bring that same energy to our HDR community.
I will advocate for better access to research funding, grants, conferences, exchanges and professional development opportunities. I will create more opportunities for HDR students to connect across faculties, exchange ideas and build meaningful research collaborations.
I will also continue supporting initiatives such as the PGC Research Awards, 3MT Trip, and Canberra Trip, creating opportunities for tiy to showcase research, celebrate achievements and gain recognition.
Christian BERGH
I will advocate for postgraduate researchers and pursue practical opportunities for interdisciplinary networking, research showcases, public engagement, professional development, and community building. I want more researchers to have platforms where they can exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and show off all the incredible work happing here.
Most importantly, I will be an accessible and active representative. I will listen to researchers across faculties and backgrounds to bring forward their priorities. I will champion policies and initiatives that support both academic progress and personal wellbeing. Postgraduate research should be rigorous, rewarding, and part of a fulfilling university experience.
Ariful ISLAM
I bring over a decade of global collaborative research experience across multicultural settings, with 30+ articles published in leading journals, including The Lancet series. I received travel awards for conference presentations and am actively engaged with Australian and international research societies.
In recognition of my research, I received the 2026 Higher Degree Research Excellence Award from the School of Population Health, UNSW.
As Vice President Research, I would seek to:
• Strengthen our voice and ensure our perspectives are heard.
• Support access to funding opportunities for conferences, fieldwork and professional development.
• Build stronger research connections through collaboration, networking and career development.
As one of you, I want to listen, connect and advocate for what matters to our research community.
Please vote for me.
Poll Group: Vice President International
Poll: Vice President International
Suleman IRFAN (PGC 2027)
I will work closely with students, PGC representatives and UNSW stakeholders to raise international student concerns and pursue practical solutions. With my experience, commitment and understanding of our international student community, I look forward to making PGC more inclusive, connected and responsive to international students.
If elected, my priorities will be to ensure international students have a strong voice in decision-making, advocate for better support for their academic and personal challenges, and create more opportunities for students to connect, engage and build meaningful networks.
Christian BERGH
I will advocate for students’ academic, professional, social, and personal wellbeing needs while creating more opportunities for connection across cultures and backgrounds. I want international postgraduates to feel confident sharing their experiences, celebrating their work, and contributing to the wider university community.
I will be an accessible and active representative who listens to diverse perspectives and turns concerns into constructive action. Every international postgraduate should have the opportunity not only to complete their degree, but also to build friendships, find community, develop professionally, and enjoy a fulfilling experience at UNSW.
Emily CAI
Having studied in the United States for seven years before continuing my studies in Australia, I understand the challenges of adapting to different education systems, cultures and communities. Studying overseas can be exciting, but it can also mean navigating unfamiliar processes and building a new social network from scratch.
If elected, I want to create a stronger sense of community and belonging for international postgraduates. I will organise more multicultural events and social activities where students from different backgrounds can meet, build friendships and feel at home at UNSW. I will also work closely with cultural club presidents and student leaders to better connect their communities with the PGC, celebrate the diversity of our campus and ensure different international student voices are heard.
Together, I hope we can make UNSW feel a little more like home.
Poll Group: Vice President Equity
Poll: Vice President Equity
Sumera ARSHAD (PGC 2027)
My experience as a STEMM Champion and currently as Vice-President (Research) of the Postgraduate Council has strengthened my skills in student representation, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration with students and university stakeholders. Working closely with postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds has also given me a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Through my role as Vice-President (Research), I have learned that academic success is closely connected to equitable access to opportunities, inclusion, representation, and support. I now want to broaden my contribution beyond research and advocate for postgraduate students across all backgrounds and experiences.
Moving into the Equity portfolio is a natural progression of my student advocacy. I am committed to promoting inclusive opportunities, strengthening student voices, and building a PGC community where diversity is valued and every postgraduate student feels they belong.
Leona WANG (the voice of postgrad)
To me, equity means ensuring that your background, identity or circumstances never prevent you from accessing the same opportunities, support and sense of belonging at UNSW.
As an international HDR student, I understand how easily students can feel overlooked or unsure where to turn when facing barriers. I want to strengthen representation for international students, women, LGBTQIA+ students and other underrepresented communities, while making equity, diversity, and inclusion a visible part of postgraduate life.
If elected, I will advocate for more accessible support, stronger EDI initiatives, safer and more inclusive spaces, and better representation in university decision-making. I will work closely with students and UNSW to ensure concerns are not only heard, but acted upon.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and that they belong at UNSW.
Poll Group: Research Committee Liaison
Poll: Research Committee Liaison
Xinyi YU (the voice of postgrad)
As an international HDR student, I understand both the opportunities and challenges of research life, from navigating university processes and changing expectations around AI to sourcing funding, professional support and the right research connections.
I believe we can do more to bring our research community together. I want more opportunities to connect across faculties and disciplines, practical workshops that respond to what young researchers actually need, platforms to celebrate our research (such as Research Awards), and academic exchanges that connect us with researchers beyond UNSW.
I will also push for better access to PhD funding and stronger academic and career support.
As your Research Committee Liaison, I will make sure HDR students are heard, supported and better connected throughout their research journey.
Aryan
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.
Hamid HEIDARI (PGC 2027)
As a current PhD candidate at UNSW, I have remained actively involved in the HDR community, including serving as a Postgraduate Research Representative and contributing to initiatives that support research students.
In this role, I would be particularly enthusiastic about coordinating and promoting ARC PGC research activities, including the ARC PGC Research Awards, and creating opportunities that recognise and showcase the achievements of research students. I would aim to make these initiatives engaging, accessible, and valuable to the wider research community while strengthening connections between ARC PGC and research students.
Poll Group: Coursework Committee Liaison
Poll: Coursework Committee Liaison
Harry LU (PGC 2027)
If I'm selected, I'll try to gather views from different students rather than only speaking from my own experience. I'll bring the main issues to the committee clearly and respectfully, and I'll also share useful updates back with students so they know what has been discussed.
I'm easy to talk to and I take responsibility seriously. I don't want this role to be just about pointing out problems. I'd also like to suggest practical changes where possible and help improve the overall learning experience. I'd be happy to represent students and make sure their voices are included in the conversation.
Janice JIANG (the voice of postgrad)
Coursework life should be easier to navigate. Yet many of us have struggled with choosing the right courses, understanding assessment requirements, applying for Simple Extensions, navigating academic appeals, or simply figuring out where to go when something goes wrong.
My studies in journalism and professional internships have trained me to collect different perspectives, identify what matters and communicate clearly. I believe communication should be two way: when students raise an issue, they deserve to know what happens next.
If elected, I will advocate for more accessible Simple Extensions, clearer appeal processes and better guidance for course selection. I also want coursework students to have greater access to career opportunities, industry connections and practical professional development.
I want to be your voice, bringing coursework students’ concerns directly to the PGC and UNSW and making sure they lead to action.
Poll Group: Equity Committee Liaison
Poll: Equity Committee Liaison
Cloris YANG (the voice of postgrad)
I came to UNSW as an international student after five years working in property management. Starting over taught me how easily a postgraduate feels out of place, and how much a timely answer matters. I spent years drafting policy proposals on women's rights, the trafficking of women and children, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
At UNSW, I represented students at my Faculty's Academic Program Review, bringing student experiences into university decisions. A student member of API, RICS and CIOB, I was nominated for the CIOB Tomorrow's Leaders Student Challenge and intern with a Sydney builder, coordinating suppliers, sites and
councils.
If elected, I will work with the VP Equity to reach underrepresented students, identify barriers to participation, and turn what we hear into proposals the University can act on. Every concern raised will be followed up and answered.
Cecily TAN (PGC 2027)
During university, I served as Vice-Captain of the Youth Volunteer Service Team, an Officer in the Department of Science and Technology, and Secretary of the Youth League Branch. These roles developed my skills in communication, teamwork, organisation, and supporting students with different needs.
At UNSW, my PhD research focuses on corneal sensory function, dry eye disease, and ocular surface assessment. As both a researcher and former clinician, I understand many of the academic and personal challenges postgraduate students may face. I hope to use my previous leadership experience and current perspective as a PhD student to strengthen communication, support student wellbeing, and contribute to a more connected and inclusive postgraduate community.