Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

I first came to Durham in 2021 on a year abroad from Canada, but fell in love with the city and the university, which led me to stay and pursue my BSc and MSc degrees here. I have since moved on to start my PhD. When I’m not working on my degree, you can find me either rowing on the Wear or sipping a coffee and croche ng in one of Durham’s many cafes.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

Throughout my studies at Durham, I have always been an involved student, serving on various commi ees within my college and the Student Union. Such experience has familiarised me with the decision-making structure at Durham and the need for transparency with students. In this, my previous experiences prove incredibly useful, as I have always clarified what goes on behind the scenes and have been ready to communicate with all invested groups. Such clarity is especially important for the postgraduate research community at Durham, as historically the focus has been on Durham’s engagement with the undergraduate student body, leaving postgraduate researchers neglected.

Why is this role important to you?

As the Postgraduate Research Students’ Officer, my primary goals will be to be transparent about how decisions are made and to be open to feedback from my peers.

Transparency is key, as postgraduate researchers already have a lot on their plates, and worrying about how decisions are made at the Student Union and how these affect them should be the last thing on their minds. Through this, I will always be sure to clarify the relevant factors in decision-making for postgraduate research students and how these choices were made.

Of course, these choices cannot be made without proper input from postgraduate research students, where I am only one person from a diverse and complex community. Therefore, I will always seek input from my peers on topics related to the university, the Student Union, and the broader Durham community to fully consider all perspectives on issues affecting postgraduate researchers.

What is your pitch to students?

Vo ng for me as your Postgraduate Research Students’ Officer means you’ll always have your perspec ve heard, and that the values of the diverse postgraduate research students' community at Durham will be upheld in all decisions made.

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