Get to know me!
What are your pronouns?
She/her
What is your elected position for 2024?
VP (Student Rights)
If you’ve been on the exec team before, which position/s have you served and when?
I was previously the Postgraduate Officer on the UQ Union Executive in 2023, and the Association of Postgraduate Students Co-president.
What are you currently studying?
I am currently studying a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Motor Neuron Disease. I previously did a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Bioinformatics Research Extensive – both at UQ!
What are you most looking forward to about your involvement in the Union in 2024?
I’m most excited to meet with students and learn about their lived experiences. The UQ community is incredibly diverse with students from so many backgrounds. Whether they’re international students, postgraduate students, students on placements, I’m here to listen and to ensure your voice is heard.
What are your priorities, key focuses and/or commitments in 2024?
My key priorities this year will be to ensure that students are supported through policies and initiatives by the University and government to remove socioeconomic barriers to enable students to excel in their studies. Some of our campaigns we want to focus on this year are the age of independence and also public transport concessions for all students, regardless of study load or modality. In addition, the Union will continue to provide and expand welfare support to students in this difficult time. Kampus Kitchen, Morning Marmalade and Food co-op have never been more popular, and this unfortunately reflects the financial burdens that students are facing right now.
What do you believe are the biggest or most pressing challenges facing students today?
The cost of living crisis continues to be one of the key issues among the student population in 2024. In the past few years, interest rates have risen at breakneck speed, and the cost of living has risen as a result. Unfortunately, students are one of the most vulnerable cohorts in Australia. The government has not necessarily recognised this and we’re seeing so many students struggle putting a roof over their heads and feeding themselves proper meals. While we do the best we can in terms of welfare, we want to attack the issue at its core by lobbying all levels of government and other stakeholders to ensure that students are actually supported.
How would you like to support, represent, and/or entertain students?
I will be supporting students by expanding and diversifying our breakfast and dinner programs, Morning Marmalade and Kampus Kitchen. We also have other programs like our Placement and welfare bursaries, Food co-op and Op shop. Late last year we relaunched the Academic Advocacy Network, which connects student representatives across the University. This network will continue to grow this year and we hope that this will enable student representatives to discuss and learn not only from each other but also from other stakeholders too. Together we can ensure that student representatives are equipped with the necessary resources and knowledge to represent their cohorts.
What’s been a highlight or favourite moment or event from your time at university or with UQU?
As a PhD student, my highlight so far has been to travel to Switzerland for a conference and present my research to the wider scientific community. It was such an amazing experience and I learnt so much from so many other researchers, and I also have some potential collaborations too!
What can you be found doing for fun when you’re not studying or working?
Sometimes you’ll find me on the Nintendo Switch playing Mario Kart, Legend of Zelda or Animal Crossing 😊
Where’s your favourite spot to grab a feed and kick back on campus?
When I’m feeling parched I’ll always head to Chatime to grab a bubble tea.
How can students get in contact with you?
If students have questions they can email me or Jordy at [email protected]. They can also find more information about the Student Rights portfolio on our Instagram and Facebook.
Anything else?
DFTBA! (Don’t Forget To Be Awesome)