Graduate Student Representatives to Senate
Katherine Arnold
Systems Design Engineering
I began serving the UWaterloo community in 2015 during my undergrad in Mechanical Engineering, and I care strongly about student life. I have experience working for students on finances, mental health, academics, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. This is gained from student volunteer work nationally, provincially, and within the UWaterloo community, as part of the Engineering Society, current membership on the Committee on Student Mental Health, and other work addressing student needs. Now pursuing graduate studies in Systems Design Engineering, I strive to build on my advocacy experience to represent the best interests of the variety of graduate student experiences.
Judy Castañeda
School of Public Health and Health Systems
Figuratively and literally, my door has always been open to hearing graduate students’ concerns. Countless stories were shared in my office regarding issues such as workload balance, unfair treatment, and financial struggles. For those part of a disadvantaged demographic such as by ethnic or socioeconomic status, their challenges are greater yet their voices are often less heard. Since 2019, I have listened to your stories and it is time for me to do more. Voting for me means voting for someone who cares about these concerns and will prioritize our voices in initiatives presented to the Senate.
Onurcan Gokkaya
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
Hi Friends, I am Onurcan, a first-year master’s student in Sustainability Management. I am running for senate so that I can be a voice for sustainability at the university. I have been involved with many sustainability projects both national and international, including Fossil Free Waterloo, UN SDSN, and Divest Ryerson. Our university invests millions of dollars in fossil fuel companies, and unfortunately, our sustainability strategy is lacking. With my experience in sustainability, and developed network of sustainability professionals and academics, I seek to push the agenda forward on these difficult topics. I appreciate your consideration! Thank you.
Nastaran Mosavari
Civil and Environmental Engineering
It would be an honor to serve you as an at-large representative in UW Senate for 2021-2023. I would embrace the opportunity to serve the UW Community. I am excited about the opportunity of working alongside other members of the Senate to represent all members of our community on issues including quality of life, diversity and inclusion, and academic development. I am committed to making the University of Waterloo the best place to work, learn, and experience.
Naima Samuel
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
I am a PhD student in Sustainability Management. I am passionate about serving and giving back to the community. I have a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. I have actively represented graduate student interests on various University committees. I served as GSA President for 2.5 years and led several initiatives to improve the graduate student experience through enhanced service delivery and meaningful engagement. I am presently doing anti-racism work to advance inclusivity in curriculum, pedagogy, research, and scholarship. With 7+ years of experience supporting students, I hope to continue representing the diverse needs and interests of graduate students on Senate.
Vinu Selvaratnam
Recreation and Leisure Studies
I am a first-year PhD student studying the business of sport and physical activity participation in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies. I am running to serve on the Senate and represent the voices of 4,500+ graduate students for two main reasons. First, to recommend a robust use of University resources to improve all students’ educational experiences on campus. Second, to rethink short-term and long-term academic planning. If given the opportunity to serve, I will make sure to consolidate the perspectives of graduate students and use an evidence-based framework to make major policy decisions.