Mohammad Abdollah Chalaki
Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Senate's pivotal role in establishing the educational policies of the university resonates with my passion for fostering an inclusive environment promoting innovation and learning. As an individual deeply committed to the principles of academic excellence and institutional growth, I believe serving on the Senate would allow me to contribute to advancing the university's mission. My prior experiences comprising deputy chair of GSA have equipped me with the skills to analyze complexities, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and make informed decisions. I am confident that my critical thinking ability would contribute positively to the Senate's deliberations.
Akshay Dhananjay Gawali
Electrical & Computer Engineering
My name is Akshay Dhananjay Gawali, and I'm a master's student studying electrical and computer engineering at the moment. My previous leadership experience has equipped me to take on the obstacles. My guiding principles are honesty and openness. I promise to speak out for all foreign and university students, making sure that all viewpoints are acknowledged and valued. Now, I'm asking for your trust and assistance while I travel this path and your vote in the upcoming election.
Md Ruyel Miah
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED)
I have been holding executive positions at student organizations here at the University of Waterloo (UW) as well as at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in Canada. These experiences motivate me to be in the Senate at UW, actively advocate for the graduate community, and gain professional experience. Similar to this position, recently, I was serving as a resource to the Graduate Student Relations Committee 2023/24 as a graduate student representative of the Faculty of Environment. At MUN, I represented the Graduate Students Union to the Special Senate Committee on Evaluating Courses and Teaching Effectiveness in 2020/21.
Karmvir Padda
Sociology and Legal Studies
Hi, I'm Karmvir, a first-generation Sociology PhD candidate passionate about student representation and advocacy. I founded the Sociology Graduate Student Association and serve as President, working to amplify student voices in decision-making. With over a decade of experience supporting peers, I understand the diverse needs and aspirations of graduate students. I aim to continue advocating for a safe, valued, and inclusive environment at UWaterloo. I believe every student deserves to be heard and respected, and your vote for me in the Senate is a step towards ensuring your voice is heard and acted upon. Thank you for your support!
Everett Avison Patterson
Physics and Astronomy
I am a second year PhD student looking to get more involved on the University side of student governance here at Waterloo. Since starting my MSc here in 2020, I have served as a representative on the PhysGSA, the GSA-UW (as both a Councillor and a Director), and as a graduate student representative on the Science Faculty Council. This is in addition to two years on the Senate at my undergraduate institution. I am committed to collegial governance and ensuring that graduate student voices are heard on academic issues that affect us.
Nicholas Pellegrino
Systems Design Engineering
I wish to support our community by promoting policies that will foster an improved university experience for all. As a PhD student, I've taken an active role in my lab, department, and beyond to effect positive change: If I believe something could be improved, I try to improve it. I intend to translate my prior experience on senate committees and as a GSA councillor to this role. I’ll make decisions critically but also with compassion, focusing on fairness, wellness, EDI, and financial considerations. I am committed to advocating for graduate students’ needs and concerns to authentically represent our community.