Candidate Statements for the position of Postgraduate Officer 2025

 

Trista Ma (Second Option)

As a first-year Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate at the Newmarket campus, I am uniquely positioned to serve as AUSA's Education Vice-President (Postgraduate). 

My experience on AUSA's Postgraduate Consultation Committee in 2024 has given me valuable insight into the needs and challenges facing postgraduate students across the university.

I have demonstrated leadership through running the Mechanical Engineering Women in Engineering postgraduate group, fostering inclusivity, social and academic support within our community. This experience has honed my skills in advocacy and relationship-building, crucial for the PEVP role.

If elected, I will focus on four key areas:

  1. Enhancing AUSA's presence on the Newmarket campus, serving as a direct link between AUSA and this often-overlooked student population.
  2. Strengthening the connection with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) to ensure postgraduate voices are heard in academic decision-making processes.
  3. Increasing the number and visibility of academic-related workshops, ensuring better exposure for postgraduates, especially on campuses like Newmarket and Grafton.

I am committed to working collaboratively with the AUSA Executive, staff, and university departments to advocate for postgraduate students' interests. My experience and dedication make me well-suited to represent our diverse postgraduate community on academic committees and contribute meaningfully to policy development at the University of Auckland.

Less focus will be placed on developing the academic-related workshops and the relationship building between SGS. 

 

Li Li Shin (Second Option)

I am an international postgraduate student with a strong passion for supporting and guiding my peers through their academic and personal journeys. My experiences navigating the challenges of postgraduate studies have provided me with valuable insights that I am eager to share to create a supportive and inclusive community for all postgraduate students. This dedication to improving the postgraduate experience is why I am nominating myself for the position of Postgraduate Student Officer of AUSA.


Martin Wang

My name is Martin, and I am an admirer of philosophy. I believe students at university are meant to take away more than just academics but to find a direction in their lives. Throughout history, the school has been a place to offer life guidance and provide students with purpose. However, in modern days, I found more students with confused initiatives, which impaired their learning ability. I want to strengthen the counseling of student well-being, not only when students have mental difficulty but also by kindly talking to them and making them believe they can be the great people in the textbook. Psychological counseling is not what I am after but an indiscriminate deed of kindness. I wish to form an organization that offers these services to students who care about themselves and make this something people are not ashamed to tell their friends. My vision is that one day, students can come with their friends to counseling without fear to discuss not their capabilities, but what they want with their lives. Ask them what they truly want from the study at Uni. Most importantly, I wish to propagandize the service on multiple campuses and host free food events so everyone knows the organization exists. It's not systematically doing things because it's our job, but actually getting the students the help they need because we respect them as we respect ourselves.


Ghanashyam Danam 

I am an active Master's student in Construction Management, deeply engaged in various student leadership roles. I represent my program on the Staff-Student Consultative Committee (SSCC) and serve as secretary for the Engineering Postgraduate Student Association (EPSA). My extensive experience in mentorship through the Civil Engineering Students Association (CESA), AUSA Buddy Program and PG Buddy Program has equipped me with the skills to effectively support and advocate for my peers.

If elected as the Postgraduate Officer, I will focus on three primary objectives: enriching academic support, streamlining communication, and fostering a robust community among postgraduates. My initiatives include organizing specialized academic workshops and a seminar series with industry experts and enhancing digital communication for improved interaction and feedback.

Furthermore, I aim to launch a comprehensive mentorship program that pairs new students with seasoned postgraduates, facilitating both academic and professional development. My proactive involvement in university committees will ensure that postgraduate voices are not only heard but also influence decision-making.

With a proven track record in student representation and leadership, I am committed to making a significant positive impact on our postgraduate community.

 

Mick McDonough

Kia Ora! 

My name is Mick McDonough, and I am ecstatic to apply for the Postgraduate Student Officer position. 

I am an aspiring human rights correspondent, I have a passion for working with people to help them achieve their goals and foster a vibrant, equitable community. Currently pursing a Master of Conflict and Terrorism Studies, I have plans for further study at the University of Auckland for at least the next year. 

I have had the pleasure of serving as chair of the International Cultural Branch of the International Office on my undergraduate campus, a postgraduate class representative two semesters in a row, and a TA at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Each of these positions have provided me with diverse perspectives.

If elected, I would aim to work with the postgraduate mentors to build cohesion across disciplines and continue to expand upon the exciting mixers and social events put on for postgraduates. I would also collaborate with PSGA to ensure postgraduate students continue to have a place to voice their questions, comments, and concerns so that we can approach issues students may be encountering in a meaningful way.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Kindly,

Mick