Academic Senate elections candidates

Position nominated: Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement:

My name is Shoyeb Ahmed, and I am studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics and Marketing at the University of Wollongong. I have proudly served as an International Student Representative on WUSA and as a Casual Member of the Academic Senate (Onshore International). These experiences have given me the chance to listen to students, raise their concerns, and understand the challenges faced by both international and domestic students. If elected, I will focus on the issues that matter most:

1. Fair Tuition Fees – Many students pay extra charges on tuition instalments. I will fight to remove these unfair costs and make education more affordable.

2. Better Student Central – Students deserve fast, accurate, and student-friendly services. I will push for a stronger and more efficient Student Central.

3. Protecting Subjects – Subject cuts reduce opportunities for learning and harm both domestic and international students. I will oppose unnecessary cuts and push for more transparency.

4. Lower Parking Fees – Parking costs are a major burden for students. I will work to reduce parking fees at UOW so students have fairer and more affordable access to campus.

5. Clubs and Societies – Clubs are the heart of our student life, yet they lack proper funding. I will advocate for larger budgets and stronger support for student organisations.

6. Inclusive Campus – I am committed to a racism-free and respectful UOW where every student feels safe, valued, and included. I will bring passion, accountability, and dedication to ensure student voices are heard. Together, we can create a fairer, more inclusive, and student-focused UOW. 

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: No statement provided

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Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Hi, I’m Cameron Cortes, a penultimate year Law and Arts student. I’m keen to advance the student experience here at UOW, ever since I joined the UOW Law Students’ Society as Second Year Representative. From there, I’ve taken on a PAL tutoring position, LSS mentoring roles, and various positions within the LSS, up to the current Presidency which I now hold.

I have also been at the forefront of founding the UOW Liberal Arts Society which I have had the privilege of leading as President this year. Whether as Undergraduate Representative, or as BAL Faculty Representative, I believe that I am the candidate to vote for because I am experienced leader, because I have already begun to build the contacts and rapport to pursue our interests as faculties are soon merged, within both Law and Arts schools, and because I will be an approachable and available leader to those in degrees I may not be as familiar with.

Ultimately, I have a passion to ensure that we get value out of our experience, and that the University is in the best shape to provide us with the tools to succeed in the years to come.

Thank you for your support!  

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Hi everyone, I’m Will and I’m running as an independent candidate for the Academic Senate. I am a third-year student studying law and PPE (politics, philosophy and economics). I’ve grown up in Wollongong and believe that UOW is such a wonderful and vital institution in this community.

I am incredibly concerned about the higher education sector in Australia, and particularly what is happening at UOW. Subjects and degrees are being cut, electives are becoming a thing of the past, academic and professional staff are losing their jobs and the opportunities available to students are disappearing. AI is impacting the way we learn, teach and research. During this period of instability, I want to ensure that we don’t compromise on the quality of education, and that we don’t negatively impact the long-term credibility or image of UOW.

I am running because I deeply care about the student experience at UOW, both academic and social. We should ensure that students have a range of choices within their degree, from the subjects they take to the extracurricular opportunities they can get involved in.

If elected I would:

• Listen to and represent student voices
• Advocate for policies and programs to improve the quality of teaching and learning for students
• Oppose any potential cuts to essential support services such as SARC
• Strongly support the current programs of SAC such as the pulse pantry and free period products initiatives

I have experience working with others in a leadership and team environment. I am currently the Secretary of the UOW Debating Society and have been the Competitions Officer of the UOW Law Society for several years. Throughout High School I was a member of the SRC. I was also awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship. Thanks for reading this :) 

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

My name is Ruby Egan Brown and I am a third year student studying a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation. I am a Wollongong local with a deep interest in the success of the university and the city.

I am a strong academic performer receiving the Jane Mathews AO Memorial Prize in 2025 for the highest performing female student in second year school of law.

In my spare time, I compete in the highest level of representative football in NSW for the National Women’s Premier League and have represented the University at the 2024 University Games. My work in the community includes volunteering for Primary Ethics as a volunteer ethics teacher for stage one and two students.

I would be honoured to represent undergraduate students on the Academic Senate.  

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Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

My name is Gwenn Ashley Go, and I am a 2nd year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of Wollongong. I am grateful to have received the 2024 UOW Excellence Scholarship and to have been recognised on the Dean's List, awarded to the top 5% of students in my degree program. In my first year, I was honoured as the Top Nursing Student across all UOW campuses, an achievement that inspires me to keep working hard and to support my peers along the way.

Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in student leadership and representation. I served as the First-Year Student Representative at UOW Liverpool, founded the UOW Liverpool Nursing Club, and currently serve as its President. I also represent students through the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association at the Liverpool campus. These roles have strengthened my advocacy, collaboration, and leadership skills, allowing me to help foster a supportive and inclusive student community.

Alongside my studies, I work as a Nursing Assistant across both aged care and acute hospital settings. This professional experience has instilled in me the importance of accountability, adaptability, and listening to diverse perspectives — values I aim to bring to the Academic Senate. I am running for Academic Senate because I believe students should have a strong and respected voice in shaping the academic direction of our university. If elected, I will work to ensure that Senate decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of students, with a focus on academic excellence, inclusivity, and wellbeing.  

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Jessica is a first-year Bachelor of Laws student at the University of Wollongong. She is a passionate and ambitious member of the community, who aspires to enhance general wellbeing and spread positivity. She is a Wellness Ambassador at UOW and consistently advocates for alleviating mental struggles. This is achieved through several events run at UOW such as Stress Less Week, Mental Health Month, Wellness Wednesdays and Breaky Bar. Additionally, she is a regular volunteer for UOW Pulse, also becoming a Pulse Volunteer Leader, taking on the responsibility of creating and running events/opportunities for UOW students. Furthermore, Jessica has participated in the LLB Program Committee in which she discussed with the Dean of Law regarding first-year perspectives on numerous aspects of Law school. This included teaching styles, travel barriers, online/in-person lectures and building connections with peers.

Jessica maintains balance amongst her academic life through creative endeavours such as nail design, dance and singing. She also loves to travel and learn new languages so she can communicate with many people around the world! 

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: No statement provided

No portrait provided

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: No statement provided

No portrait provided

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

My name is Muhammad Maaz, and I am currently a second-year Nursing student at the Liverpool campus. Throughout my time at UOW, I have been committed to both my academic and extracurricular development, seeking opportunities to make a positive impact on the university community. As a student, I have focused on building strong foundations in healthcare while also advocating for student rights and wellbeing.

One of my proudest leadership experiences was volunteering as a team leader for Vivid Sydney, where I managed a group of volunteers in ensuring smooth operations during the festival. This role enhanced my communication, problem-solving, and team coordination skills—qualities that I believe are essential for representing students effectively.

Additionally, I have actively engaged in community outreach initiatives and participated in workshops aimed at improving healthcare awareness. I have also organized a Table tennis tournament at Liverpool campus along with student engagement officer. These experiences have given me a broader perspective on the needs of students, particularly in terms of mental health and academic support, which I am passionate about advocating for in the Academic Senate. 

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Hi there! My name's Kat, I'm studying a Bachelor of Mathematics and involved in student activism on campus.

Throughout my studies, I've seen the impact that student voice has on improving the university experience for everyone, both students and teachers. Whether it's providing resources such as period products and study supplies, or services such as UOW Wellbeing and the Allsorts Queer Collective, I'm very passionate to see the university support its students and staff to achieve their goals.

With my prior experience working with the university, I hope to continue engaging with the student body to bring your concerns and requests to attention, and make things happen!

Thank you for reading :)  

Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: No statement provided

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Position nominated:  Undergraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am a third-year Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) student, seeking to represent the student voice on Academic Senate. I believe students have a vital role to play in ensuring the University upholds academic excellence, integrity, and fairness while continuing to innovate in teaching and research. My experience as the Undergraduate Representative for the School of Civil, Mining, Environmental & Architectural Engineering (CMEA) has given me the opportunity to raise concerns around subject delivery, assessment quality, and access to resources—ensuring students’ academic experiences are continually improved.

In addition, as Deputy Chair of the Student Advisory Council, I have advocated for students during the University’s transformation process and pushed for practical changes in areas such as parking infrastructure, where academic life and campus life intersect. Through these roles, alongside my work as President of the Civil Engineering Society and Student Director on the UOW Pulse Board, I have gained governance experience and a strong understanding of how policy, consultation, and accountability shape student outcomes.

If elected, I will bring diligence, independence, and transparency to Academic Senate, ensuring student perspectives are embedded in decisions that safeguard teaching, research, and the broader academic life of the University.  

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Position nominated:  Postgraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am a third year PhD candidate studying human brain, and I am excited to stand for the position of Postgraduate Student Member on the Academic Senate. I believe that my extensive experience of serving as a student representative on multiple governance committees, along with my role as a member of the Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA), makes me an ideal candidate for this position. I serve as a Vice-President (Coursework) of WUPA and hold student representative positions on Research Integrity Committee (RIC), SMAH Faculty Graduate Research Committee (FGRC) and School of Science Safety Committee. These roles have provided me with comprehensive insights into institutional decision-making processes and enabled me to effectively navigate complex governance structures.

Currently, I am actively participating in WUPA’s constitutional amendment process, which clearly demonstrates my commitment to meaningful reforms. Moreover, nearly three and a half years of experience as a postgraduate student – one and a half years as a master’s student and a little more than two years as a PhD student – has given me a firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by postgraduate students, including an increasingly unstable job market, overwhelming financial concerns, and the disruptive impacts of AI on traditional career paths. Therefore, if elected, I will prioritize advocating for three key initiatives:

1. establishing stronger relationships with industrial partners to create more employment opportunities
2. ensuring more financial supports to help postgraduate students deal with the rising cost of living
3. offering training programs to help students ethically leverage AI tools and thus gain more efficiency

Postgraduate studies are not just about exams and thesis, they are also about personal growth and professional development. Postgraduate students aspire to achieve a clear pathway to success through their studies, and I am committed to be a voice of that aspiration.  

Position nominated:  Postgraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Hi, I’m Aaron and over the years I’ve worn many hats at this university as a Master’s and PhD student, tutor, Associate Lecturer, Peer Learning Coach, Accessibility Peer, and WUPA Vice President. What that really means is I’ve spent a lot of time listening to students, teaching, supporting, and trying to make life at UOW a little easier for those around me. Because I’ve experienced uni life from so many sides as a student trying to balance study and life, as a peer supporting others, and as a staff member helping deliver subjects, I know where things work well and where they can be frustrating.

If elected to the Academic Senate, I want to use that experience to make the student journey more balanced, accessible, and supportive. Something I feel strongly about is how prepared we are when we step out into the workplace. That means weaving career-ready skills into our subjects, giving students the chance to work on real-world projects, and making sure we graduate with the soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, that employers value most. It also means simplifying the pathways between university and the workplace, so students aren’t left figuring it all out alone. And just as importantly, it means stronger, dynamic support for student wellbeing, because success at university shouldn’t come at the cost of balance or mental health. I also believe technology, including AI, can be integrated more thoughtfully to help us stay organised and manage our academic lives, freeing us to focus on what really matters, learning and growing. I’m not just running on ideas; I’m running on years of experience. I know the problems because I’ve lived them.

A university’s success isn’t measured in its policies or committees. It’s measured in the success and wellbeing of its students. Let’s get to work. 

Position nominated:  Postgraduate Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am Muhammad Sarwar, and I am contesting for the position of Postgraduate Representative on the Academic Senate. I bring a strong background in student advocacy and representation. During my Master’s degree at Xiamen University, China, I served as a student representative, working to ensure the academic and social integration of postgraduate students into university policy-making. At the University of Wollongong, I have just completed my tenure as a Postgraduate Student Member at the Academic Senate, where I actively contributed to policy formulation and initiatives that strengthened the student voice in key university decisions. My vision is to continue ensuring that postgraduate students are heard, valued, and represented at the highest levels of governance. I am committed to:

• Advocating for policies that support academic success and research excellence
• Promoting wellbeing and inclusivity for postgraduate students
• Strengthening channels for feedback so that your voices directly shape university decisions

With my experience, dedication, and passion for postgraduate engagement, I am ready to keep championing your interests at the Academic Senate.  

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Hello, my name is Shoyeb Ahmed, and I am studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics and Marketing. I have served as an International Student Representative on WUSA and casually on the Academic Senate (Onshore International). In my six months on the Senate, I raised issues affecting us students and saw how much work still needs to be done. I have faced many of the same problems you face — high costs, lack of support, and services that don’t always work for us. The people who have already experienced these struggles truly understand what kind of problems other students can face. That is why I know your feelings, and I want to be your voice to push forward and fulfil our demands for a better UOW. If elected, I will fight for:

1. Fair Tuition Payments: End unfair extra charges when students pay tuition in instalments.
2. 24/7 UniActive Access: Make UniActive available round-the-clock so fitness is flexible and affordable.
3. Stronger Mental Health Support: Current free counselling only lasts six weeks; we will push to extend this to long-term support for students.
4. More Career Fairs & Networking Events: Organise regular job fairs and career chats so students can understand the job market and build employer connections.
5. Parking Fee Reduction: Work to lower parking costs to make them realistic and affordable.
6. Better Student Central: Push for clear, fast, and reliable student support services.
7. Fight Subject Cuts: Protect students from losing essential courses and electives.
8. Racism-Free Campus: Commit to building a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus culture.
9. Stronger Club Support: Advocate for higher budgets so student clubs and societies can thrive.
10. Cheaper Food Options: More affordable and healthy meals at campus outlets.
11. Cheaper Printing Services: Reduce printing costs to 5 cents per page for students. 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science with a major in Human Resource Management at UOW. Over the past three years, I have actively contributed to the university community through my roles as a Student Ambassador and as the Media and Communications Director for the UOW Psychology Society. In these capacities, I have represented UOW at major events such as Discovery Days, Open Day, and international agent exhibitions, while also leading initiatives to strengthen student engagement and build networks. In my current role, I have spent the past 1.5 years working closely with international students—answering their questions, guiding them through admissions and scholarships, and supporting them in adjusting to university life. I have also been actively advocating for their needs and experiences, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. This hands-on engagement has strengthened my ability to listen, empathize, and provide practical solutions that enhance the student experience. Beyond this, I have taken on several leadership roles and have also ventured into entrepreneurship by starting my own initiative. Alongside this, I am a writer and poet, with published work that reflects my commitment to storytelling, creativity, and giving voice to human experiences. These pursuits have shaped me into a compassionate individual who believes in representation, inclusivity, and community building. I want to act as a bridge between UOW and its students—especially international students. UOW already offers a wealth of resources and support services, and my focus is on advocating for greater awareness so these reach every student effectively. At the same time, I aim to ensure that services are maneuvered and adapted in line with student needs, making their transition to university life smoother, more supportive, and empowering. 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

Chaitanya Varma Chamarthi I am currently pursuing my studies at the University of Wollongong and am standing for the role of Onshore International Student Representative. I am passionate about building an inclusive and supportive student community where every international student feels represented and valued. In my undergraduate degree in my home country, I actively contributed to student and community leadership. I had the privilege to serve as the President of my University Cycling Club, where I encouraged participation, organized events, and promoted teamwork and wellbeing among students. I was also elected as the General Secretary of my District Rifle Shooting Association, a role that gave me experience in governance, coordination, and representing members’ interests. Alongside these positions, I was part of the organizing team for various sports events and took the initiative to organize a Trivia Challenge as part of departmental activities. These experiences strengthened my skills in event management, collaboration, and creating engaging opportunities for student involvement. As an international student now at UOW, I can relate to the challenges of adapting to a new academic, cultural, and social environment. If elected, I aim to ensure that the voices of international students are heard and acted upon. My focus will be on promoting inclusivity, enhancing opportunities for student participation, and building stronger connections between students and the university. I believe my background in leadership, community engagement, and student representation equips me to contribute effectively in this role. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and represent the international student community at UOW. 

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Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

No statement provided 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

My name is Gwenn Ashley Go, and I am a 2nd year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of Wollongong. I am grateful to have received the 2024 UOW Excellence Scholarship and to have been recognised on the Dean’s List, awarded to the top 5% of students in my degree program. In my first year, I was honoured as the Top Nursing Student across all UOW campuses, an achievement that inspires me to keep working hard and to support my peers along the way. Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in student leadership and representation. I served as the First-Year Student Representative at UOW Liverpool, founded the UOW Liverpool Nursing Club, and currently serve as its President. I also represent students through the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association at the Liverpool campus. These roles have strengthened my advocacy, collaboration, and leadership skills, allowing me to help foster a supportive and inclusive student community. Alongside my studies, I work as a Nursing Assistant across both aged care and acute hospital settings. This professional experience has instilled in me the importance of accountability, adaptability, and listening to diverse perspectives — values I aim to bring to the Academic Senate. I am running for Academic Senate because I believe students should have a strong and respected voice in shaping the academic direction of our university. If elected, I will work to ensure that Senate decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of students, with a focus on academic excellence, inclusivity, and wellbeing. 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

For those who don’t know me, I’m Aaron, a PhD candidate and high-distinction student who’s also been a tutor, lecturer, peer coach, and accessibility support. I’ve sat in your lectures, marked your assignments, and mentored students one-on-one. I’ve seen the late-night panic before deadlines, the gap between a subject and a career, and that sinking feeling when feedback leaves you more confused than when you started. That’s why I’m running. Because university should be more than grades. It should give us the confidence, skills, and support to succeed beyond graduation. My experience has shown me a clear blueprint for success: practical assessments that build confidence, feedback that helps us improve, and teaching that connects directly to our future. I want to help shape a curriculum that genuinely prepares us for the world we’re entering. That means building a career-ready curriculum where real-world projects and soft skills are part of every student’s journey. It also means using technology, including AI, in ways that cut down stress, streamline admin, and let us focus on learning instead of constantly chasing deadlines. And just as importantly, we need feedback systems that are more responsive and consistent, so students feel heard and supported. We also need clearer pathways into work, with stronger connections between what we study and the opportunities waiting for us after uni. I’ve lived these challenges alongside you, and I know we can do better. Let’s build a faculty that is innovative, supportive, and truly prepares us for the future so every student leaves ready for what comes next. 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am an international student currently pursuing my Master of Business Analytics at UOW. Having moved here recently, I understand the challenges of adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system. These experiences motivate me to represent and support fellow international students so that we all feel included and heard. In my undergraduate years, I served as a class representative and also as event head for several intra-department events. These roles taught me how to listen to peers, coordinate between students and faculty, and manage responsibilities under pressure. Professionally, I have worked in content marketing, social media, and data analysis, which helped me strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills while working with diverse teams. If elected as Onshore International Student Representative, I will: Listen actively to student concerns and present them to the university. Create opportunities for international students to connect and build a stronger sense of community. Advocate for support in areas such as wellbeing, academics, and employability. I am approachable, adaptable, and committed to ensuring every international student at UOW feels represented. 

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I am Muhammad Sarwar, a PhD student at the University of Wollongong, seeking election as the International Student Representative at the Academic Senate. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Postgraduate Student Member of the Senate, where I actively contributed to policy discussions, ensuring student voices were represented in academic decision-making. My prior experience as an International Student Representative at Xiamen University, China, has further strengthened my ability to understand and advocate for the diverse needs of international students. During my previous tenure at UOW, I worked closely with fellow students, faculty, and administration to improve academic support, enhance inclusivity, and promote student engagement in university governance. These experiences have equipped me with strong advocacy, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills. If elected, my key objectives will be to:

• Strengthen support services tailored for international students.
• Foster greater inclusivity and cultural exchange within UOW.
• Ensure international students’ perspectives remain central to academic and policy decisions.

I am committed to continuing my service with dedication, transparency, and integrity. With my experience, dedication, and passion for postgraduate engagement, I am ready to keep championing your interests at the Academic Senate.  

Position nominated:  Onshore International Student Member

Candidate statement: 

I’m Jin Zhao, and I’m standing for the International Academic Senate to amplify the voice of international and postgraduate students and to strengthen the link between world-class research, excellent teaching, and an inclusive campus culture. Over the past 3.5 years as President of the Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA), 4.5 years on the Student Advisory Council (SAC), and 1 year as HDR Officer on the NSW International Students Representative Committee (ISRC). I’ve learned what international students need and how to help them. I’ve delivered safer campuses, stronger career pathways, practical supports like free printing, and state-level advocacy. I listen, build coalitions, and deliver measurable outcomes. Let’s make UOW’s governance as global and student-centred as our community.