Stacey CoeMaster of Business Administration (Coursework) - BusEco

After joining the Monash community in early 2020, I have quickly grown to feel embedded within and proud

of my cohort. I see myself as an ambassador to Monash University for my immediate cohort, the Business

and Economics School, and broader student group. I will be an impactful and influential member of the

Monash Graduate Association Executive Committee – channelling my network of relationships across the

university, as well as my strengths in advocacy, collective bargaining, negotiation, stakeholder

engagement, strategic communications, project management, policy development, governance, and

executive advisory.

I bring rich professional experience in roles across a broad base of complementary disciplines – my work

in consulting on strategy and organisational management; my work as an industrial relations advocate for

large employers; my time as a governance and regulatory compliance advisor to a board; my time in

complaints handling and workplace investigations; and, my experience managing teams, projects, and

policy consultation, co-design, and implementation.

Beyond my professional and educational experience, I am an active community member with

organisations progressing causes I am passionate about – the Australian Red Cross, Relay for Life, Oxfam

Trailwalker, Lean In Melbourne, and Rye Seaside Scavenge. I want to continue to lend my talents to

causes I care about. I see the 2020/21 MGA Executive Committee as an ideal meld of my purpose and

values – I want to advocate for my community in a forum that will provide the opportunity to engage directly

with, and influence, university policy and strategic direction for the benefit of my peers.

Elliot AndersonMaster of Surgery (Research) - MNHS

Firstly, a bit about me, in 2015 I completed my medical degree at Monash University. After working as a

doctor for four years I decided to undertake a master’s degree in order to pursue my passion for surgery.

During my undergraduate study I held various leadership positions (TeamMed, Wildfire Rural Health Club

and Monash University Soccer Club) which reinforced in me the important values of representation and

advocacy. My experience was further developed in 2017 when I became the wellbeing officer for junior

doctors at the Alfred Hospital. As such I am practiced and capable of being your ‘VOICE’ and will strive to

the best of my ability to represent your values and help with your concerns. More broadly I am friendly and

approachable and always willing to ‘lend a hand’. I work well in teams and value the input of others. I am

kind and compassionate towards people and supportive if someone needs help. My personal interests

include sport, music, travel (before COVID-19) and reading. Graduate education is an incredible

opportunity and I would love to be a part of the MGA Executive Committee and make a difference to the

graduate student community at Monash!

Vishakha ChechaniMaster of Business (Coursework) - BusEco

Hey!!

My name is Vishakha Chechani and I’m standing for the role of a Women’s Officer for Monash Graduate

Association.

I come from a country where we have diverse cultures, a strong sense of brotherhood but yet behind such

a beautiful and progressive country we also face patriarchy and chauvinism. My personal journey has

motivated me to run for this position. People are oblivious to the challenges women face constantly. From

walking on the streets to climbing up the professional ladder we face issues which are often overlooked

and normalized. In my power I’ll help create a safe environment for women on and off campus by

practicing our rights. I’ll help in advocating women to get equal opportunities and make arrangements for

the necessary medical tests and routine checks for each woman in Monash. My leadership will only turn

into success if we all stand together and speak for what we believe in. In light of recent events, the

pandemic has affected many lives in different ways and I hope that in the near future we are able to come

together and overcome these hurdles.

Mohamed Imraan IqbalMaster of Business (Coursework) - BusEco

As a child I was always attracted to stories. Whether be it in movies or books. As I grew, my focus shifted

from fictional stories to human stories. I started reaching out to people from various parts of the society to

understand their story. Many a times, I pursue stories further which I believe requires a strong voice for

representation. I did this through NGOs back in my undergraduate days. I was also the head of the theatre

club in my undergrad, so I have prior experience of student organisations and undertaking responsibilities.

I understand the challenges associated with event organising and student coordination. In the one

semester I spent at Monash, I networked with many graduate students to hear out their stories, be it bitter

or sweet. I am keen to join the MGA team as a representative of those bitter sweet stories. My aim is to

have a society filled with only sweet experiences in the short span a graduate student spends at this

uniquely international community.

Pranay PrathivadiMaster of Data Science (Coursework) - IT

The opportunity to be part of the 2020 Monash Graduate Association Executive Committee brings

excitement, responsibility and a fresh wave of new ideas. As a Bachelors and post-graduate student of

Monash, I understand the university’s strengths and areas for improvement. The university has been an

integral part of my life; including not only my education but the founding of many strong friendships. I’ve

been involved in seven years of Monash activities, including peer mentoring, student ambassador

programs and tutoring. For these reasons, I believe I would be a passionate and productive member of the

MGA Executive Committee.

As a part time Master of Data Science student and full-time data analyst at KPMG, I recognise the careful

balance required to maintain high performance across multiple roles. I have worked in Management

Consulting for two years, which has taught me how to build and maintain important relationships both

professionally and socially. Furthermore, I bring prior committee experience to the MGA Executive team,

serving as the Communications lead for the 2020 KPMG Graduate Committee in 2019.

Over the next twelve months, I want to improve flexible learning options for students already in the

workforce and steady the uncertain path from graduate study to employment. With considerable

experience in both areas, I have the skills required to build a lasting transition program between the two. I

am dedicated, passionate and ready to represent the students’ best interests as a general member of the

Monash Graduate Association Executive Committee.

Ailsa WebbJuris Doctor (Coursework) - Law

I started my Juris Doctor at Monash University at the end of 2017, after undergraduate studies in Arts

(Linguistics). As an MGA officer I want to explore avenues to support and provide for graduate students’

wellbeing, in order to build a university culture that is welcoming and sustainable. I really believe that

positive mental health outcomes for students are correlated with higher quality learning and research, and

that tertiary institutions have a responsibility to provide education that cultivates rather than undermines

students’ wellbeing. When graduate students are well supported, the fullness of their contributions can be

realised and enjoyed by the wider academic community.

I am particularly interested in supporting womens’ rights, promoting campus safety, educating students

about their rights and avenues for redress, and participating in anti-discrimination inititatives. I would like

students to know they don’t need to face adversity alone, and to feel confident to stand up and have their

concerns heard.

I also wish to encourage increased engagement between larger campuses and students further afield. As

a JD student at the City Law Chambers, we sometimes feel left out of support networks or wellbeing

initiatives. I hope to provide a link to the greater student body.

I have a range of experience as an English teacher and tutor, legal assistant, musician, hospitality and

retail worker, and volunteer to draw upon to bolster my advocacy. Outside of my law studies, I am a

classical singer and English tutor. I also like to read, drink tea and go hiking.

Farheen SiddiquiMaster of Business Information Systems (Coursework) - IT

It is with great pleasure that I nominate myself for consideration for the Monash Graduate Association

Executive Committee 2020/2021. In addition to performing my studies at an exemplary level, I demonstrate

an extraordinary commitment to my university community as well as to the general public.

I will take it upon myself to provide exceptional support and service to new students and staff. I discern

quickly my individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or

direction.

I am always willing to pitch in for the good of the university regardless of the mission. I have been an active

member of student committees' back in my country and would bring my own experience and knowledge to

the role. Moreover, being an international student from a diverse socio-cultural background, I have that

unique edge of bringing in diverse opinions and a different perspective to tackle a problem. International

students being a very crucial part of the university student cohort, I can be that bridge between the

students and the university.

Through many changes in leadership, I would do my best to make a difference at our university,

exemplified the mission of the university, and positively impact the people of our state. With my skills,

knowledge, willingness to help others, and dedication to our university and the community I would like to

nominate myself for the post of General Representative.

Joshua KealeyMaster of Surgery (Research) - MNHS

Dear Graduate Research students.

My name is Josh Kealey and I am applying for an MGA general executive committee position. I'm a

Surgical registrar at Eastern Health and a Masters of Surgery Candidate. I have taken this time away from

clinical work to complete my research full-time.

I believe I would add value to the committee through my previous experience on the board of the Medical

Society at the Alfred Hospital. In this role I organised the finances of the society in addition to general

aspects of the society’s mission and functions. This included general meetings with the hospital board,

advocating for individual junior doctors’ rights and conflict resolution where required. As part of this board I

also organised social events including balls, social catch-ups, teaching session and skills courses. My

other social committee roles include several years at Surf lifesaving clubs and football clubs.

If elected I would aim to improve the over-all experiences for all graduate research students. Be this

through improving university policies, addressing individual concerns or ensuring we all remain as

connected as possible in these difficult times. There may be many challenges as a research community

ahead and a strong MGA is necessary to advocate for changes and students where required.

Jayasurya JayachandranMaster of Advanced Engineering (coursework) - Engineering

“You are the salt on the earth. But remember that salt is useful in association, but useless in isolation.” I

hereby stand in the election not only as a representative of you, my fellow piers, but also to disclose my

duties serving as a strong bridge between the university and students. I take the oath with conscience as

my witness to be just and follow virtue in all situations. If appointed, I will never be a just a representative

but a friend to understand your hardships, value your ideas, implement your worthwhile suggestions and

solve the problems that you face with all my efforts. I hereby declare that I will tirelessly work for the

welfare of us, the students and the management I will carry forward all your valuable suggestions

contributing to the betterment of our Clayton Campus. Periodic meetings, occasional events and skill

development activities will become a regular agenda in our campus owing to improve ourselves. My dear

piers, always remember, a Team stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More”. Let’s work as team and

achieve success.

Hence, my dear friends, choose wisely, chase glory and win triumphantly.

Syed Nahid PashaMaster of Educational Leadership and Policy (Coursework) - Education

Hey! My name is Syed Nahid Pasha, currently in my final semester pursuing a master degree in

Educational Leadership and Policy. I enjoy working with young people who are passionate about bringing

a change in society. Over the last six years, I have been working in the development sector both in

Australia and overseas on various subjects ranging from improving the quality of education, engaging the

international students at Monash University, assisting the students in unleashing their true potential and

advocating for the importance of inclusion and diversity.

Experience with the student clubs:

During my time at Monash University, I have been a part of a few student-run clubs and various other

initiatives. Last year, I was elected as the President, Licensee and Curator of TEDxMonashUniversity. As a

TEDx community, we impacted close to 1500 attendees and engaged more than 80k people via our social

media platforms. We also won the award for the Best New Event in 2019, as part of MONSU Awards. I

thoroughly enjoyed working with an exceptional team of TEDxers.

Why MGA?

I always wished to be a part of MGA, one of the most significant graduates' student association and assist

in enhancing the students' experience at the University. In the past, I have enjoyed being a mentor at MGA

and helped ease the experience of incoming international students. I aspire to assist more international

students to succeed in their respective paths while making sure they feel valued, cared and appreciated at

the University.

Zhidian LinMaster of IT (Coursework) - IT

I have been studied in Monash Caulfield for almost a year, now I am a peer mentor in IT faculty. I consider

myself a good team player, quick learner and a detail-oriented person. I believe that by being part of the

MGA Executive Committee, I would play an important role in building bonds among the postgraduates,

staff, and administration. If given an opportunity to be part of the MGA, I would be glad to contribute my

time and efforts in making the difference for the MGA and the campus community. I respectfully request

your vote to let me be in it!!!

Narendhar MuralidharanMaster of Business(Coursework) - IT

Dear Fellow Students,

My name is Naren, I am a second year Masters student in the faculty of IT. An International student like

the majority, been in Melbourne for more than a year and I have experienced what Monash has to offer

and believe that I can act as an integral team member for the best interests of the wider community.

I understand that safety on campus, especially given recent world events is a high priority for all of us. No

student should feel unsafe or unwelcome at Monash. We need representatives who genuinely want to

ensure the best needs of everyone, not those who seek to divide. If elected to the Monash University

Council I will strive to bring us together, and do the best for all members of the Monash student

community.

The job of the Monash University Council is (among other things) to monitor the performance of university

management. This means is the student representative is critical to ensuring your needs at this wonderful

university are met. Please consider that you want someone who understands this fully and can approach

the position with the experience required. I wholeheartedly support positive change in areas that look after

LGBTQI issues, gender equality, and marginalized groups, including Indigenous students at the university.

I hope I have your vote. Please feel free to contact me with queries you may have.

Mengyan WangMaster of Banking and Finance (Coursework) - BusEco

Hi, I'm an independent female chinese student study in master of professional accounting in the final

semester. I'm a fast learner; always willing to learn new things and trying to dig out creative things in daily

life.

I have a good team spirit, communication skills, sense of responsibility and empathy.My ability to work

effectively within a diverse team and I like cross-culture communication, and I respect everyone from

different backgrounds. My past roommates came from Germany, Denmark, and New Zealand. I'm good at

communication and I can speak Mandarin and English. Furthermore, I have good innovative thinking and

critical thinking. I believe I can think outside of the box. I can quickly accept new knowledge and new work.

Jirarote JirasirikulMaster of Data Science (Coursework) - IT

Hi everyone,

My name is JJ a Master student from Thailand. I decided to volunteer for general representative because I

would like to voice out and be an advocate for others especially at this time of situation.

I believe that everyone has different circumstance but everyone should be remind that they still have a

have a place to voice out opinion and thoughts. I would like to support and make sure that those voice be

heard. I am of the opinion that people should say it rather than keep to ourselves and be a bystander.

Let’s do it together.. share what you think and make things better.

Caitlyn NealeJuris Doctor (Coursework) - Law

My name is Caitlyn Neale and I am a Juris Doctor student at the Monash University Law Chambers.

I am currently the Off Campus and Distance Education Officer on the Monash

Graduate Association Executive Committee (MGAEC). I have had opportunities to organise health and

wellbeing events and provide academic support and advice to graduate students.

During my undergraduate degree, I became interested in mental health and support services and this has

continued well into my graduate degree. Especially with graduate students, self care can lose priority

amidst academic study. It is my goal to assist students with the issues and concerns that they may

experience throughout their graduate degrees. Whether it is health and wellbeing support services or

individual grievances, I value the diversity of each issue experienced by students.

As an off campus student at the Monash Law Chambers, an increase in awareness, engagement and

collaborative services are essential in my opinion. Off campus and distance education students especially

can seem separated from the Monash community. It is my aspiration to provide engaging and supportive

activities and services to assist students during each stage of their degree.

I hope to continue my role on the MGAEC to help support and assist students,

especially during these challenging and uncertain times.

Emily PryorPhD - MNHS

I’m Emily, a PhD student with the Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences faculty. Now, more than ever, it’s

important that we have a strong student body advocating for our graduate students. If elected, I would focus

on:

1. Supporting all graduate students while they study from home, including advocating for students who have

been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 situation.

2. Running online academic and social events to help graduate students, and especially new students,

connect with and support one another during these challenging times.

3. Discussing how to streamline the enrolment process for graduate students on a stipend scholarship, so

they don’t miss out on an essential source of income for several fortnights due to administrative holdups and

errors.

I have extensive experience organising successful large-scale and large-budget events. For example, in my

role as Producer for Monash MedRevue, I coordinated a budget of over $10,000 and a cast and crew of 100

people to produce a high-quality show for 800 attendees. Furthermore, I have experience running successful

online events in my role as Projects Officer for the Medical Students Research Society, which were targeted

at encouraging students on rural placement across many different remote sites to engage with research

opportunities. This experience will be invaluable to MGA this year, as we move to supporting you online.

Most importantly, I am passionate about advocating for you all during this unprecedented situation, and I

think there are things that the University could and should do better to support graduate students.

Ke Xiou TanMaster of Social Work (Coursework) - MNHS

I initiated my application with MGAEC two months ago with an enthusiasm to participate in an organisation

who commits to make a difference. I have been inspired and proud to be part of a professional and efficient

team by witnessing how MGA takes on the advocacy role for the graduate community addressing COVID-19

concerns. I only wish I could contribute more to be a bigger part of this effort.

Even though it has only been less than a quarter long and an unusual distant working relationship during this

pandemic phase, it has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to serve on MGAEC board as a general

representative. As I have been trying to navigate my way around my first semester and my new role as a

general rep, I would consider myself to not been as productive as I wanted it to be. It is my intention to

continue developing knowledge and skills to support the graduate community with my best ability.

I am confident I would value add MGAEC with my various sets of skills considering my experience in the

business industry in the past decade. My lobbying skill was proven from numerous successful collaborations

and deals made with different firms and organisations. My ability to connect with different stakeholders and

team members were demonstrated by managing a team of 200 people from multicultural background and

establishing productive partnerships with corporate partners. I truly appreciate my short but meaningful

experience with MGA in the past 2 months and I would like to be given an opportunity to do more and to serve

better in next term. Thank you. Warmly, Ke Xiou

Kunal AhujaMaster of Social Work (Coursework) - Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

I want to actively participate in improving the facilities for students of our university in every manner

possible. Due to this COVID-19 situation it’s been hard to identify the general issues and concerns of the

students, however, due to pandemic I have felt that University was not well prepared for the times like this.

Thus, coming in terms with situation like this I think we should have a better platform to address the

situations of students more efficiently. Even though this pandemic situation will go away with time, we

should never forget “Life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times'. Furthering, this time

might pass soon but leaves us with a lot of possibilities to work upon. Australia is defined by its cultural

diversity and international students from all over the globe are the essence of this diversification which

gives us the greatest opportunity of all times to learn about different cultures which I think can be achieved

in a more authentic and active manner.

I personally hold a varied experience in different academic and cultural fields. Moreover, being a law

graduate gives me an edge to understand the issues and concerns of students more deeply and will try to

redress them in an efficient manner. Besides my academic qualifications I have been actively involved and

have experience in starting various platforms through which the cross departmental students can come

together and provide an opportunity to feel a sense of belongingness and make the best out of it.

Wendy FebritaMaster of Business (Coursework) - BusEco

Hi there! I'm from Jakarta, Indonesia! I used to study in an International high school as a kid and did my

Bachelors in Singapore, and here I am now as an International student pursuing my degree on Master of

Business at Monash University.

Throughout my life I was always surrounded by friends with different cultures and beliefs, I have always

felt grateful to have such opportunity as it made me open-minded and curious about the world. This allows

me to have better understanding towards others regardless of their ethnic background.

I am an enthusiastic individual and I'm always willing to listen to the issues that arises from students. I will

thrive to fix these issues and support everyone to the best of my ability in a continuous effort to make

university life more enjoyable. I believe I am a suitable candidate for this position as I've had previous

experience with volunteering with the MGA. Through this experience, I was able to enhance

communication skills through constant engagement with students, identify and bring solutions for my

mentees as an MGA mentor, initiate creative ideas to the table when it comes to helping out events, and

working as a team along with other volunteers and MGA staff members.

I would love to be a part of the MGA Executive Committee to offer more to the already broad range of

activities, and more support to a wider range of students to improve their educational and personal life.

Matthew ArturiJuris Doctor (Coursework) - Law

Hi! I'm Matt. I'm 23 and currently in my second year of the JD at Monash.

Having graduated with a BA in 2018 and starting at Monash University, I've seen the great work that student

associations do to represent the student body. I understand the importance of effective representation in

supporting and inspiring fellow students.

In recent months, we have all seen the importance of meaningful advocacy and communication on behalf of

students. During these unprecedented times, I want to ensure that the concerns and grievances of students

are heard loud and clear and acted upon; especially as teaching and exam procedures evolve. This is so

important for the wellbeing of students going forward. I believe that I can work collaboratively with other

committee members to achieve positive outcomes for graduate students during these times.

I want to play my role in representing and advocating on behalf of the graduate student body at Monash via

involvement in the MGA committee. I feel like I have a lot to offer the graduate community and have always

had a passion for helping people.

My goal as a member of the MGA committee is to apply my knowledge from previous roles to ensure that

MGA serves the student body, effectively represents the interests of graduate students and ensures that

Monash is a positive and inclusive environment for all.

Preeti MehtaMaster of IT (Coursework) - IT

Hello! My name is Preeti Mehta and I am an international student pursuing a Master of Information

technology degree in the first year. I would like to express my nomination for the position of General

representative keeping in mind the importance and impact the Monash Graduate Association has had in

my first semester in a new country. I see the position of a General representative as an excellent way to be

a part of a team that is involved not only in the current student’s lives, but also the bigger picture of

providing a better place for future students.

I would consider myself an environment enthusiast who encourages sustainable alternatives for better

waste management and a healthier environment. The borrow cup was an amazing initiate by Monash to

replace disposable cups. MGA can come up with various such initiatives keeping in mind the amount of

single use items widely used.

Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic and the lockdown, the environment is heeling itself with reduced pollution

teaching us a lesson to be more mindful in future. As a part of the lockdown, people are losing jobs, we

have lost our freedom of movement and 3am has become the new 10pm. Studies suggest that the

lockdown is causing people to fall into depression and can also result in increased social anxiety in the

coming future. MGA can encourage its members be more mindful on how they utilise their time away from

digital screens to develop fitness and enhance creativity.

Joel SamuMaster of Journalism (Coursework) - Arts

My name is Joel Samu, a second-year Master’s in Journalism student, started around two years ago and

have a good experience throughout my time at the university.

Since my first semester, I have been an active volunteer with the MGA and have volunteered for various

MGA events including on-campus event or any outreach program, been a mentor for the MGA speed

mentoring program for the last three semesters, and has shown leadership qualities and as an

appreciation for my volunteering and dedication towards MGA, I have also been awarded as the Volunteer

of the Year 2019 Award.

I have been part of MGA for a long time and helped it in every possible way, and know MGA throughout.

Taking a step forward, in February this year I also applied for the General Representative at the MGAEC

and was successfully co-opted in the committee, and later was made the Coursework Education Officer

and currently serving as that and I wish to continue to work in the committee for the next term as well.

I know a lot of students and been friends with them, I understand them and know what they might go

through, what they need during their uni life. If chosen as an elected member I would sever with any role or

position be given to me wholeheartedly and perform all my duties rightfully and I would make sure that

graduate students get all the necessary thing they require.

Aman MadaanMaster of Data Science (Coursework) - IT

As the Vice-President of Monash Data Science Society in 2019, I have learned and gained a lot of

experience in understanding the needs of students on our campus and If elected as part of the MGA

Executive 2020 team, I will continue to dedicate my efforts into improving your time at university.

To me, the ultimate goal of any university should be the production of quality graduates. The quality of the

education at Monash is thus of utmost importance, and I do not believe any goal other than the quality of

education should be the focus of any society/organization at Monash. While there are many paths to this

goal, the question must always be “what actual, long-term benefit will this provide to students?” Too often, I

feel that this question has been forgotten, and that students have been looked over for ostensible benefits

in other areas. If any of you have ever had a talk with me regarding Monash Data Science Society then

you guys know I kept my promises about generating/sharing Job/Internship opportunities for the MDSS

members.

If you’ve ever come up to me and voiced your concerns before, you know that I am approachable, ready to

listen, and genuinely prepared to help. I am passionate about making these years here as enriching as

possible for you and I want to work for you by working with YOU.

Vote One Aman Madaan – a voice representing YOU.

Anushka MasseyMaster of Business (Coursework) - BusEco

Dainere Anthoney once said, "Carry the sun inside you and reach out for the dreams that guide you. You

have everything you need to take you where you want to go then.“

I have yearned to make my dreams come true by persistent efforts. I realized my passion to grow as a leader

and aspired to one day become a passionate professional. Becoming the Head Girl of the school in year 12

and the President/Ambassador of my undergraduate University were stepping stones towards my dream. I

became a Pilot alongside my undergraduate degree, felt empowered as an individual and inspired my mates

to follow their passion. I wrote articles as the editor of our University’s Newsletter and was the voice of the

students.

I believe a vision must be collective and must be implemented one small target at a time. Because it’s the

achievement of those small targets that make our vision turn into reality. My experience has made me a

laborious and a multi-tasking individual. I am fond of interacting with new people and exploring new ventures.

Given an opportunity at MGAEC, it would take me another step closer to my dream. It would encourage me

to study tenaciously and help me build a network in Australia's multi-cultural space. Being an international

student, I would be the voice of Monash for other aspiring students. Moreover, this experience will provide

me an opportunity to serve my alma mater and provide a global exposure I have always dreamt of.

Mohammad Awais ZaheerMaster of Advanced Electrical Engineering (Coursework) - Engineering

Ever since my arrival at Monash, MGA has been like a family to me. My first group of friends at uni, my first

social circle, my first hangouts, all have been through the MGA platform. The people are amazing, the

lounges are awesome and there's a little bit of everything a graduate student could ask for. For me, being a

part of MGA means that regardless of what one circumstances might be facing at uni, there is this bunch of

amazing people one can always turn to, and count on, when one most needs them.

That's why I'm applying for the general representative position in MGAEC, so that I can represent the

interests of the group of people I hold close to my heart, and add value to their experience at Monash

University in the most impactful way possible. MGA's vigilance and activeness in advocating for the rights of

Graduate students at Monash has been inspirational for me, and I'm confident that I, with the support of the

MGA community, can play a vital role in taking MGA's role in Monash University to a whole new level.

Samuel Alexander MilesPhD - Arts

I am a PhD student who commenced my research in June 2019 into issues surrounding International

Students, Housing and Mental Health in Melbourne in order to understand how support services,

accommodation institutions and universities can best support incoming international students. I have

previously studied at the University of South Australia (UniSA), University of Adelaide and The University of

Melbourne (as well as study exchanges to Roskilde University in Denmark, Bogazici University in Istanbul

Turkey and The University of Manchester in England) so I believe I have a good understanding of how

universities can best function for their students. My undergraduate degree was an Honours 1 in Urban &

Regional Planning (Majoring in Social & Community Planning) and my two postgraduate degrees were in

Politics and International Relations. I have previously worked in State and Federal politics across SA and

Victoria, as a social worker with people experiencing homelessness, youth, the disabled and the elderly as

well as extensive university tutoring, RA work and roles in university student services.

It is with my broad experience of having worked in various part-time / casual positions in the university sector

and as a graduate student myself for a couple of years that I believe I could contribute to the MGA. I would

like to advocate on behalf of graduate students for increased mental health services, more services for our

international students, creating stronger pathways to employment from graduate studies, outcomes from the

COVID-19 alteration to study patterns and general academic matters.