Candidates

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Mohit Saraswat

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Camellia Haghverdian

Camellia is an international first-year PhD student in Sociology. For her master’s thesis, she is focused on international graduate students’ challenges regarding cultural and academic adjustment.

Being well familiar with the struggles of international graduate newcomers at UC Merced, Camellia is devoted to facilitating these students’ transition into UC Merced and overall experiences as internationals. As the International Affairs Officer, her objectives encompass the establishment of frameworks to address, investigate, and resolve issues related to transportation, accommodation, paperwork, taxes, visas, academic resources, health, and equity. Through her efforts, she aims to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives on campus, cultivating an environment where American and international students can engage with each other's cultures, form friendships, and mutually support each other in academic and professional pursuits.

As a Nigerian-born and raised first-year international student, I bring a unique perspective and set of experiences that make me particularly well-suited for the role of International Affairs Officer of the GSA. Growing up in Nigeria, a country known for its cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit, I developed a strong sense of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration from an early age. This upbringing instilled in me values of empathy, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of global citizenship, which continue to shape my approach to fostering inclusivity and diversity within academic settings.

My experience as an international student at UC Merced has deepened my awareness of the complexities involved in negotiating various cultural contexts. From adjusting to new academic systems to overcoming language barriers, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that international students encounter. These experiences have not only strengthened my resilience but also fueled my passion for advocating on behalf of fellow international students to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.

In assuming the role of International Affairs Officer, I am committed to leveraging my unique background, skills, and experiences to represent the specific interests of international graduate and professional students at UC Merced. I am keen on making sure that UC Merced's international graduate and professional students are informed, treated properly, and have equal opportunities to engage.

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I am a second-year student in the Cognitive & Information Sciences PhD program. I am running for this position to serve my community as a graduate student. In my tenure, I hope to bring the Graduate Student Assembly closer to all graduate students and other student organizations, such as the UAW, the undergraduate student government, and various clubs and organizations. I also hope to address University-level issues like the lack of graduate student housing, stipends for GSA officers, and improved transit services.

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I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at UC Merced as the Social Media and Graphic Design officer. My journey at UC Merced began with a transfer from a community college program to pursue Computer Science, and I have continued into the graduate program for Applied Mathematics, where I focus on computational problem-solving using my skills in math and coding.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I have explored my passion for the arts. I create and sell digital art online, utilizing graphic and web design to build my online presence. These creative endeavors have not only allowed me to express myself but also sparked my interest in design and technology. I am eager to give back to the university that has nurtured my academic and artistic interests. My background in digital art, graphic design, and social media marketing uniquely qualifies me for the role of Social Media and Graphic Design officer. I am dedicated to enhancing the visibility of the GSA and contributing to the UC Merced community.

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Jai is a second-year, first-generation Mexican American Ph.D. student in the Department of Sociology. His research focuses on how legal status uncertainty affects the mental health of undocumented students at an HSI. How is this uncertainty different for students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and undocumented students without this status, and how does the focal HSI mitigate emotional and mental health distress.

As the Graduate Student Association (GSA) Undocumented Affairs Officer, Jai is responsible for ensuring that undocumented professional and graduate students are well-informed and receive equal treatment and opportunities. Additionally, he creates and maintains a safe environment for the undocumented professional and graduate student community.
 

I am a third-year graduate student in the Hratchian Group in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Prior to UC Merced, I obtained a B.Sc. (Honors) in Chemistry degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. My current research is focused on computational chemistry (molecular clusters, electron binding energies, catalysis) to address challenges related to energy, the environment, and applications in the design of novel materials.

I have a deep interest in capacity building, sustainable mentorship initiatives and propagating chemical sciences. I have had the opportunity to serve in leadership roles featuring wonderful people of diverse cultures, different abilities, and various nationalities. Some of the crucial skills I have developed are resilience, resourcefulness, open-mindedness, and emotional intelligence. I have garnered experience in advocacy, budget management, outreaches, and networking.

At UCM, I have served as Treasurer for CBC Graduate Club, Ground State. Abigail is community focused, at the heart of everything I do, is community service wherever I find myself! I deem it an honor to be nominated to serve as Chemistry and Biochemistry Delegate. I will continue to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific research and graduate education. I will actively seek and promote opportunities and collaborations in research, career, and professional development for graduate students in the CBC program.

As a second-year Ph.D. student in the Interdisciplinary Humanities program at UC Merced, I am thrilled about my nomination for the position of Interdisciplinary Humanities Delegate. My academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to the unique aspects of our program and the diverse needs of our graduate community. I am in good standing and have actively engaged in initiatives that underscore my dedication to the advancement of the Interdisciplinary Humanities (IH) program.

In October 2023, I led the development of a policy amendment proposal. Collaborating with fellow students, we identified and articulated key challenges within the IH program. This effort culminated in a comprehensive discussion with the Graduate Chair, Prof. Susan Amussen, highlighting areas for potential enhancement and collaboration.

Currently, I am co-organizing an event titled ‘The AI Dilemma: Progress vs. Preservation of Humanity’, an event that aims to initiate discussions on the ethical dimensions of AI by bringing together distinguished professors from the Philosophy and Information and Cognitive Sciences departments. By hosting talks from esteemed professors, the program seeks to foster a culture of innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry among IH students and the larger campus community.

As a delegate, I aspire to represent the interests and needs of my peers robustly, ensuring their voices are heard and acted upon. My experience in mobilizing students and faculty around critical discussions positions me as an ideal candidate to influence the allocation of resources and governance within the GSA. I am eager to shape this role to best support not only the IH students but also the broader graduate community, promoting a collaborative and inclusive academic environment.

In conclusion, my academic record, leadership initiatives, and commitment to the IH program's growth make me a suitable candidate for the Interdisciplinary Humanities Delegate. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute more significantly to our community and to advocate for the continuous improvement and recognition of the interdisciplinary humanities at UC Merced.

I am Shivam Kamboj, currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Physics at the University of California, Merced. At the core of my professional development has been my extensive research experience. My educational path, characterized by earning a Master's degree in Physics from San Jose State University in the USA and Chandigarh University in India, demonstrates my dedication to expanding my knowledge in quantum mechanics and computational physics.

Teaching has been another avenue through which I have deepened my expertise. As a Teaching Assistant at UC Merced, I developed and implemented effective teaching strategies for Introductory Physics Labs, while at SJSU, I embraced innovative pedagogical approaches in physics education. These experiences reflect my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and collaborate with peers and faculty.

My portfolio, which encompasses published works in esteemed journals and presentations at significant conferences, illustrates my dedication to advancing the field of physics. It also highlights my collaborative spirit and my ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively.

If elected as the Physics Delegate, I aim to leverage my extensive academic and research background to represent the physics graduate student body with integrity and enthusiasm. I am eager to advocate for our collective interests, foster a supportive and inclusive community, and contribute to the enhancement of our academic and professional development opportunities.

Thank you for considering my nomination. I am excited about the possibility of serving our community and contributing to its growth and success.