Learn about your student leaders and how they're representing you on our councils, boards, committees and associations.
Meet your representatives
UTS student representatives bring their voice, experience, insights and interests to the work of the university's various committees.
- UTS Council
- Academic Board
- Academic Board Committees
- Faculty Boards
- Students' Association
- ActivateUTS
- Student Representative Advisory Group
In 2022, the UTS Student Partnership Agreement (PDF, 771kB) was signed, supporting student engagement and collaboration as part of UTS’s inclusive culture.
In the agreement, UTS, the ActivateUTS Board and the UTS Students’ Association set out a combined approach to student engagement within the university’s broader governance framework, improving opportunities for students to provide feedback on their university experience.
The agreement is reviewed every two years to reaffirm a set of collaborative priorities against which progress may be benchmarked. The 2022-2024 priorities are student participation, inclusion, sustainability, quality management and communication.
UTS, the ActivateUTS Board and the UTS Students’ Association are proud of UTS’s vision to be a leading public university, defined by our commitment to social justice and support for the economic, social and cultural prosperity of our communities.
UTS Council
UTS Council is the university's governing body. It’s responsible for the management and control of the university's affairs, concerns and property.
One undergraduate and one postgraduate student are elected to represent their respective student bodies. They work alongside the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Chair of Academic Board and a range of professionals to manage areas like finance and infrastructure.
Kurt Cheng
Undergraduate student
Kurt is a Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student. While studying at UTS, Kurt has been involved in the Academic Board, Faculty Board for Law, Students’ Association, Law Students’ Society, and Labor Club.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: My priority is to ensure that students are placed at the heart of decision-making, they are supported throughout every stage of their degree, and that they leave UTS will the confidence that industry is actively seeking our graduates who learn, think and work differently.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My priority is to shape an end to end student experience where the support we provide to first-years is continued throughout a students' journey with UTS.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: During my five years here, I've led a number of projects focused on enriching the student experience and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. From brokering our first Student Partnership Agreement to give students more say on what UTS should be, to governance reforms introducing our first Indigenous student Academic Board member and launching UTS' anti-racism campaign, I've been fortunate to have been a part of projects that have shaped UTS.
Peter Munford
Postgraduate student
Read more about Kurt, Peter and other members of Council.
Academic Board
Students are elected to Academic Board to:
- give advice to UTS Council
- discuss UTS courses
- review policies
10 students are elected to the board, including one student from each faculty, an Indigenous student and a postgraduate research student.
Lucas Tan
Arts and Social Sciences
Lucas is a Bachelor of Communication student (Social and Political Sciences) (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Lucas has been involved in the Society of Communications and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences welcome party.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As the only student representative from FASS, I will be able to present to a wide group of committee members on student study experience, review and oversee lots of major university initiatives and voice students' perspectives to influence the final decisions being made.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I would love to voice and represent fellow students for a better study environment, and better learning experience and create a stronger community.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am a very outspoken person and will voice to make changes and make things better!
Mila Fisher
Engineering and Information Technology
Mila is a third year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I plan to advocate for the students from the faculty of engineering and IT by actively listening to their concerns and suggestions regarding various aspects, including teaching methods, scholarships, inclusivity, and more. My goal is to serve as a dedicated voice for the student body, ensuring their perspectives are heard and valued.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My goal is to foster an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of their background or journey, feels welcomed and supported at UTS. I aspire to facilitate an atmosphere where all students can readily access and maximize the abundant opportunities offered.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I'm a great match for this role as a current engineering and IT student at UTS, allowing me to relate closely to fellow students and their experiences. This connection makes me easily approachable for discussions on concerns or ideas.
Sabrine Yassine
Law
Sabrine is a fifth year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business student. While studying at UTS, Sabrine has been the treasurer of cultural youth societies and involved in the Students’ Association, Faculty Board in Law and Labor Club.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: The primary objective is to be a dedicated advocate for the student body. Gathering feedback, concerns, and suggestions from fellow law students and then bringing those to Academic Board meetings is key to ensuring that decisions made at the Academic Board consider the diverse needs and aspirations of our student community.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My goal is to foster a collaborative environment where students feel empowered to engage in discussions shaping the academic policies and decisions at UTS.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am deeply passionate about making UTS the best university for all students and to give others the same opportunity I have had to feel a sense of belonging in the university and have a voice that is heard and valued.
Shree Aradhya
Science
Shree is a final year Masters of Philosophy in Medical Biotechnology student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I want directly seek input from students, listen to their experiences and document the frequency of issues. This will help provide better direction for the type of input required to make effective change within the campus community.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to bridge the gap between students and university admin so that students can feel heard and have a more fulfilling academic and personal life within UTS.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am very approachable and always ready to listen when someone has a problem.
Academic Board Committees
Students on Academic Board Committees give advice on the UTS academic programs and make recommendations to inform Academic Board decisions. These recommendations may concern areas like research, teaching, learning and course accreditation.
Dick Audley
Course Accreditation Committee
Dick is a Master of Applied Policy student. While studying at UTS, Dick has published books and attended conferences and forums, such as the Association of Tertiary Education Managers and Australasian Association for Institutional Research.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: The UTS Courses Accreditation Committee endorses courses to Academic Board, not the content of individual subjects. It tends to be the content of subjects that cause the greatest difficulty for students rather than the structure of courses. If I can make a contribution, I feel it obligatory to do so.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I am anxious to support the work of the Committee in every way, not simply for the sake of students but for the benefit of the University as a whole.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have worked in this field for many years, both for the Government and a number of universities, and some say that I have been one of the leaders in developing the science of Strategic Course Analysis within Australian universities.
Eva Gaarder
Course Accreditation Committee
Hanwei Yu
Higher Degree Research Board, Research Committee
Hanwei is a third year PhD student in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. While studying at UTS, Hanwei has taken part in university competitions like 3 Minute Thesis and Visualise Your Thesis, and has been involved in the Fencing Club, Dance Society, Research Café, Women in Engineering and IT events and mentoring.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I aim to be a bridge between the academic board and the student body. I'll actively seek input, concerns, and ideas from fellow students, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in board discussions and decision-making processes.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to advocate for initiatives that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and overall student welfare. This includes fostering a supportive learning environment, addressing pertinent issues, and championing student-centred policies.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: My commitment to student welfare and my ability to empathise and effectively communicate have allowed me to build strong connections within the student community, fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and considered.
Sai Muthukumar
Teaching and Learning Committee
Sai is a fourth year Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) student. While studying at UTS, Sai has been involved in the Law Students’ Society, Faculty Board in Law and was nominated for NSW Young Volunteer of the Year.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will take a proactive approach to representing the student cohort. I will frequently draw on my peers’ opinions to make practical recommendations on how UTS should approach teaching coursework.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to endorse the university’s innovative approach to teaching in the advent of artificial intelligence. I will engage in discussions with students across faculties and observe their key concerns and collaboratively identify areas for improvement.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have demonstrated sustained involvement in leadership roles in a professional capacity and possess sound understanding of A.I. programs commonly used by students at UTS.
Faculty Boards
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are elected to the board of each UTS faculty. They give specific advice about their faculty's academic programs to the dean, senior staff and wider Academic Board.
Lucas Tan
Arts and Social Sciences
Lucas is a Bachelor of Communication student (Social and Political Sciences) (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Lucas has been involved in the Society of Communications and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences welcome party.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As the only student representative from FASS undergraduate students, I will be able to voice students' perspectives to influence the final decisions that the faculty leadership makes as well as vote in important decision-making situations
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I would love to voice and represent fellow students for a better study environment, and better learning experience and create a stronger community.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am a very outspoken person and will voice to make changes and make things better!
Alastair Tomkins
Arts and Social Sciences
Alastair is a second year postgraduate Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will represent my peers by listening to their concerns and feedback and then advocating for their position in decision-making settings. I will be contactable and available for students online and in-person.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I hope to be able to make sure the student voice is heard by decision makers.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have previously had experience as an undergraduate on the Commerce faculty board at a major Australian university and have since worked extensively in teaching/mentoring roles in the tertiary sector.
William Chen
Business
William is a third year postgraduate Bachelor of Economics student, majoring in Finance. While studying at UTS, William has been involved in the Business School’s Faculty Courses Committee, student mentoring and the 2023 Learning and Teaching Forum.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I provide a student’s perspective when there are proposals for new subjects, modifications to existing subjects, or the discontinuation of subjects.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My primary objective is to ensure that subjects do not unduly burden students with more difficulty than is necessary for properly understanding course content.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am someone who is willing to ask direct questions and provide frank advice when required.
Darcy Davies
Business
Darcy is a second year Bachelor of Business student majoring in Accounting and Finance.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: My approach to representing students would involve a combination of advocacy, communication, and collaboration. Through effectively communicating with the students of the Business faculty, I will aim to provide my peers with total transparency representing their needs and interests.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My primary aim is to enhance the overall student experience and to create a vibrant and supportive academic environment where students feel empowered, heard, and engaged.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: My ability to communicate with the students of UTS to both assist my peers’ demands, and also challenge them to grow and develop in their educational journey.
Rufus Auld
Engineering and Information Technology
Rufus is a fifth year Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice student. While studying at UTS, Rufus has taken part in numerous Engineers Australia events and has played basketball and soccer within the university.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I plan on advocating for more inclusion at UTS in the Faculty of Engineering and IT. To do this, I plan on providing students with the tools to organise more events and social gatherings that are based around technology, engineering, sports and exercise.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want to make a positive difference and to be able to spend my last year at UTS giving back.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am passionate about people and the university experience.
Hanwei Yu
Engineering and Information Technology
Hanwei is a third year PhD student in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. While studying at UTS, Hanwei has taken part in university competitions like 3 Minute Thesis and Visualise Your Thesis, and has been involved in the Fencing Club, Dance Society, Research Café, Women in Engineering and IT events and mentoring.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I aim to be a bridge between the board and the student body. I'll actively seek input, concerns, and ideas from fellow students, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in board discussions and decision-making processes.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My primary goal is to enhance the academic experience for students. I aim to advocate for initiatives that promote inclusivity, accessibility, and overall student welfare.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: My commitment to student welfare and my ability to empathise and effectively communicate have allowed me to build strong connections within the student community, fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and considered.
Sai Muthukumar
Law
Sai is a fourth year Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) student. While studying at UTS, Sai has been involved in the Law Students’ Society, Faculty Board in Law and was nominated for NSW Young Volunteer of the Year.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will engage in discussions with my peers to gather diverse feedback on the UTS Law student experience. I aim to compile feedback provided and make recommendations to Faculty on how students can be better supported during their time at UTS.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to shed light on key student concerns and bridge the gap between Faculty and the wider student community. In doing so, I strive to contribute to UTS Law’s reputation as an innovate and inclusive community of students and professionals.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have demonstrated sustained involvement in leadership roles in a professional capacity.
Hannah Lambert
Law
Hannah is a fifth year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws student. While studying at UTS, Hannah has been involved in the BUILD program, the Soul Award, the Law Students’ Society and Society of Communications.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I hope to embody youth voice and be able to amplify a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I would love to continue the growth and ambitions of UTS, particularly around wellbeing initiatives.
Mariam Yassine
Law
Mariam is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws student. While studying at UTS, Mariam has been a student rep on the course committee for the Law faculty and involved in the Students’ Association, Society of Communications and Debating Society.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: My proactive engagement and diverse experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within our university. I hope to advocate for policies that promote student welfare, academic excellence, and cultivate a campus atmosphere conducive to both personal and intellectual development.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My goal is to streamline university leadership, structures, and resources, making them more comprehensible and easily accessible for the average student, enabling them to make the most of their university experience.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I believe that my enthusiasm, strong beliefs, and approachable nature make me well-suited for the responsibilities associated with this role.
Xiande Xu
Matthew Pittorino
Science
Matthew is a third year Science PhD student. While studying at UTS, Matthew has been involved in Sydney Homeless Connect, the Medical Society, the Faculty Board in Science and Science Higher Degree by Research Committee since 2022.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will advocate for all issues relating to Honours and postgraduate students at UTS. This includes improving academic workplace culture, raising stipends, addressing inequities and introducing funding schemes for Higher Degree Researchers.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: To further improve the workplace and living conditions for Honours and postgraduate students at UTS.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Through my 2 year involvement in the Higher Degree by Research Committee, I've gained deep awareness of challenges faced by Honours and postgraduate students and am passionate about speaking up for our community's welfare.
Sid Nair
Graduate Research School Board
Sid is a third year PHD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering. While studying at UTS, Sid has been involved in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the SOUL Badge and Award, societies, assisting Higher Degree Research (HDR) students with their research and representing as an ambassador for Equity, Gender Equity and Women in Engineering and IT.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: This role entails me to effectively communicate HDR students' concerns to the Dean and wider academic board, collaborate with faculty and administrators of all levels, and actively participate in Graduate Research School Board meetings and Research Degrees Committee discussions to contribute to the university's academic and research agenda.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: To represent our HDR students on university research councils, associations, and committee boards. I aim to involve their voice and advocate for student interests, provide input on academic and research matters, and ensure student voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: My experience as both a student and a researcher equip me with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and perspectives of both groups. I also have a proven track record of effective communication, collaboration and advocacy.
UTS Students' Association
The UTS Students’ Association provides a range of services to students, including
- advocacy
- advice
- peer tutoring
- equipment loans
- student media
- welfare initiatives through Bluebird Brekkies, Night Owl Noodles and the Bluebird Pantry.
The UTSSA is led by an executive team, General Councilors and Officers for a range of like-minded communities.
These collectives include the:
There is also a team of students who edit and produce Vertigo publications.
Mia Campbell
President
Mia is a fourth year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Physics) student. While studying at UTS, Mia has been involved in the Faculty Board in Law and competitions run by the Law Students’ Society, including witness examination and mooting.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I aim to represent the interests of students through improving and expanding the free services that we run, as well as bringing forward student concerns to other UTS stakeholders and UTS management.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: Firstly, expanding free student services such as Night Owl Noodles, the Bluebird Pantry and Peer Tutoring. Secondly, reforming UTS’ SA/SH policy and response through dialogue with other university stakeholders. Thirdly, expanding collectives so that all UTS students can engage in university life and find communities where they feel supported for free.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I’ve served on the UTSSA for the past two years, so I’ve already been witness to the great achievements of the previous teams and I know how my role can create meaningful change at UTS.
Adam Levett
General Secretary
Bridie O'Kelly
Assistant General Secretary
Bridie is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Bridie has been involved in CREDO (Christ for UTS), Central News and the UTS Students’ Association since 2023.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: Representing the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that our student community comprises will be at the heart of my mission. With my inherent devotion to promote equity and as someone who is fervent about fostering a generation of zealous and ambitious pioneers, I aspire to use the platform of Assistant General Secretary to elevate the voices and concerns of the UTS student body at large.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges university students face is rooted in my determination to find innovative, student-led and focused solutions that incites positive change.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Through my involvement in social justice projects and collectives, I am familiar with the capacity the SRC has in being a catalyst for positive change – serving as a platform for advocacy and a vehicle for change.
Alisa Hamilton
Education Officer
Aylin Cihan
Welfare Officer
Aylin is a fifth year Bachelor of Laws student. While studying at UTS, Aylin has been involved in the Law Students’ Society, Labor Club and Palestinian Youth Society.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As the incoming Welfare Officer, I believe I can represent students in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, which has significantly impacted current students in being able to afford necessities and participate in class, following the limited access to food needed to effectively function.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I hope to achieve the reinstatement of blue bird brekkie, a program which offered free breakfast to students. This initiative aided students in their studies as many did not have the privilege or time to have a meal before an early morning lecture or tutorial.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have leadership experience as the Women's Officer for 2023 and I helped bring free pads and tampons to campus. I've also been the 2022 Welfare Convenor.
Jermaine Petterson-Heard
Indigenous Officer
Jermaine is a third year Bachelor of Construction Project Management student. While studying at UTS, Jermaine has been involved in the First Nations Society, Indigenous Nationals team, UTS housing residential worker program and programs for high school leavers transitioning to university.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I am a representation of my community and the people around me. This holds me accountable to be the best version of myself for students as I want to represent them in the best possible light, showing the university that they are the next generation of uniquely talented and strong minds.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My main goal is to help everyone rise and achieve everything they want from the short period of their university life.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am a natural leader and problem solver. I love helping people and only want to see people reach their full potential in any endeavour of their life.
Laura Currie
Postgraduate Officer
Mariam Yassine
Women's Officer
Mariam is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws student. While studying at UTS, Mariam has been a student rep on the course committee for the Law faculty and involved in the Students’ Association, Society of Communications and Debating Society.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: By actively engaging with student concerns and advocating for their interests I will represent students by being a proactive, enthusiastic, and determined women's officer.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to address the diverse needs of women on campus by hosting enjoyable activities like book clubs and movie nights but also events that provide opportunities for women to enhance their careers and academic pursuits. Moreover, I am committed to advocating for the protection of women on campus.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I believe that my enthusiasm, strong beliefs, and approachable nature make me well-suited for the responsibilities associated with this role.
Raghav Motani
International Students Officer
Raghav is a final year postgraduate Master of Marketing student. While studying at UTS, Raghav has been a wellbeing representative and involved in peer networking, the BUILD program, the SOUL award, the StartUp Link society and ActivateUTS.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I aim to be an advocate for UTS international students, creating a space for them to voice their experiences and concerns. My role in the student association involves ensuring these concerns are heard and addressed.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My efforts will focus on organising events that help international students build networks and gather information on vital topics such as visa policies, career opportunities, and volunteering.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: My experience as an international student in a new country has taught me the immense value of stepping into unfamiliar situations. UTS has given me various challenges, pushing me out of my comfort zone and revealing my capabilities.
Daewah Thein
Student Representative Councillor
Joseph Naffah
Student Representative Councillor
Joseph is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Science) student. While studying at UTS, Joseph has been involved in the Students’ Association and campaigns like the UTS Students for Yes campaign.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will represent students by voicing issues that I have seen not being addressed as well as listening to people's opinions on what can be done better.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I hope to achieve a better student environment regardless of your degree.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am very much centered on the belief of a ‘fair go’ and I want to ensure that all people are given that.
Matthew Murray
Student Representative Councillor
Dirk Hoare
Student Representative Councillor
Samiha Emran
Student Representative Councillor
Samiha is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) and Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation student. While studying at UTS, Samiha has been involved in the Bangladeshi Society.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I'll prioritise amplifying diverse student voices, addressing concerns, and fostering open communication to ensure every student feels represented and heard.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to voice student wellbeing, promote academic success, through standardising simple extensions and 11:59 submissions.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: It aligns perfectly with my strong determination, confidence, and effective communication skills, allowing me to passionately represent and advocate for students, fostering positive change at UTS.
Salma Elmubasher
Student Representative Councillor
Bilvika Abburi
Student Representative Councillor
Januka Suraweera
Student Representative Councillor
Sina Afsharmehr
Student Representative Councillor
Sina is a second year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business student. While studying at UTS, Sina has been involved in the Debate Society, Photography Society, the Big Lift and Law Students’ Society.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will make regularly engage with the student body so that I can identify areas where we can improve the UTS student experience.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: My main goal for this term is to ensure that free services that support students throughout this cost-of-living crisis (e.g. Night Owl) are protected and expanded.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I have participated in a wide range of clubs and societies at UTS and I believe that this engagement allows me to understand the perspectives of many different groups of students.
Thomas Richardson
Student Representative Councillor
Hasim Rahman
Student Representative Councillor
Neeve Charlesworth
Student Representative Councillor
Jeremy Higgins
Adrian Lozancic
Student Representative Councillor
Adrian is a Bachelor of Laws (Legal Futures and Technology) student. While studying at UTS, Adrian has been involved in the Students' Association since 2021 and Enviro Collective.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will listen to the concerns of students to identify areas that UTS should implement or problems that need to be addressed. I understand the importance of teamwork and will work collaboratively with other councilors and UTS management to achieve the best outcomes.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I hope to contribute to modernising student services (including those offered by the UTSSA). I will promote improvements to campus life, including introducing a virtual Student ID card. I won't stop advocating for increased transparency at UTS and the Student Representative Council.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I'm passionate and won't stop until the job gets done!
Tyberius Seeto
Vertigo Editorial Team
Raphaella Katzen
Vertigo Editorial Team
Raphaella is a second year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Science) and Bachelor of Laws student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: Students are young, driven and fearless, and the students of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. Through my role as managing editor of Vertigo in 2024, I hope to create a publication that captures these aspirations into something tangible and inspiring.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: To continue the Vertigo legacy and reflect the desires, fears and aspirations of my cohort.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Through previous work on campaigns (YES23) and being a student representative for my high school's environmental collective, I have experience in team management and journalism activism. This is a great outlet for me as it mixes my two passions of art and writing.
Isabel James
Vertigo Editorial Team
Isabel is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts and Production) (Writing and Publishing) student. While studying at UTS, Isabel has been involved in the UTS Comedy, Revue and Performance Society as both a cast member and co-director.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As Creative Writing Editor, I will represent UTS students by showcasing their incredible breadth of work, and by refining their work through editing whilst preserving students' unique personalities, perspectives and voices within the work.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want to help make Vertigo an inviting and accessible publication that publishes a broad range of creative writing. From comics, to horror stories, to historical fiction, I am open to anything - what I care about most is helping students feel confident in making their work the best that it can be through the editing process.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I am extremely passionate about Vertigo and about literature and creative writing as a whole. I have a very wide range of experience in creative writing, English, film, theatre and visual arts so I am comfortable writing and editing across multiple mediums.
Mia Rankin
Vertigo Editorial Team
Mia is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) and Bachelor of International Studies student. While studying at UTS, Mia has been involved in Central News and the Comedy, Revue and Performance Society as both an executive and performer.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: In the articles I create and edit, I want to shine a light on more racially diverse media and create discussions around representation that students can also comment on. Students deserve to be seen in the content that they read.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want to make sure students feel seen by Vertigo, and as its upcoming Arts and Lifestyle Editor it’s my job to ensure that we are looking at a diverse, exciting range of media.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I’ve been in love with writing all my life, from doing Extension 2 English for my HSC to running my own Substack about ‘80s music. I’m passionate about writing on the arts, which has been not only reflected in my Substack posts, but the articles I’ve written for UTS’s newsroom, Central News.
Phoebe Quinn
Vertigo Editorial Team
Phoebe is a second year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) (Writing and Publishing) student. While studying at UTS, Phoebe has been involved as an executive in the Journalism Society, and in the UTS Comedy, Revue and Performance Society as both a performer and executive.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I'm super passionate about issues affecting students, and will be able to articulate such issues through writing and editing articles in an accurate yet creative way.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to assist the student body in feeling represented accurately in Vertigo. To also give a broad range of students, across all faculties, an opportunity to share and develop their writing through getting feedback and publishing.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I think I'm a great fit as a student news editor as I'm super involved in student life at UTS and can communicate on behalf of students very precisely.
Emersyn Wood
Vertigo Editorial Team
Emersyn is a second year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Emersyn has written for Central News.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As Law and Politics editor I want to help bring our student body up to speed, represent the issues that affect us the most, and learn about our society alongside the UTS community.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: One of my biggest goals as a student representative is to get to know the UTS student collective on a deeper, more nuanced level. We are all individuals with unique stories, but also, there are so many struggles and phenomena that bind us together.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Since childhood I have been strongly passionate about journalism and magazine publications, as well as having been a humanist long before I knew such a term existed. I care about people, their struggles and their stories. I’m a good writer, a confident presenter and a courageous reporter.
Melody Kiptoo
Vertigo Editorial Team
Melody is a final year Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Melody has written for Central News and been an active part of student life.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I instinctively prioritise voices of marginalised communities throughout my work and will extend that to Vertigo at UTS. In a role like Society and Culture Editor, I will rely on genuine connection with our students.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to grow a sustainable relationship with UTS’s student body, opening the Vertigo door to every student with a story. ‘Society and Culture’ is not what I decide but what those around me make it.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I hope to encourage others to explore and create on their own terms. You can't be something if you can't see it and it's my job to make sure we’re all seen.
David Tran
Vertigo Editorial Team
David is a third year Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication student. While studying at UTS, David has been involved in the Anime society and the UTS Esport tournaments.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I will be representing the Design students, specifically the Viscom students. I will also be representing my fellow Asian Australians.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want to represent the voice and aesthetic that students want to showcase to Vertigo. I want students to use Vertigo as a platform.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I feel like I understand what students want to voice and always keep an open mind whenever they speak out.
Bianca Wong
Vertigo Editorial Team
Bianca Drummond Costa
Vertigo Editorial Team
Bianca is a third year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student. While studying at UTS, Bianca has been involved in the Journalism Society and the Comedy, Revue and Performance Society main revues.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As the Student News Editor, I aim to deliver news that is in the interests of my fellow students. This could be anything from interesting society events to student politics and activism, to important university course changes or structure.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want my peers from every discipline to see Vertigo as a place where they can be inspired by student work, as a platform where they can showcase their own ideas, and also be a place where they can be both informed and feel seen! This year we aim to expand Vertigo to reach students from a wider range of degrees, not just FASS and Design students, so we’re very excited about that.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I’m a passionate person with a keen interest in writing, and am super involved in student life!
Amanda Patmore
Vertigo Editorial Team
Amanda is a third year Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I aim to encapsulate all sorts of creativity and expression throughout all learning departments at UTS through student works, stories and designs! I hope to reflect this in a way that resonates with the values of the readers and commit to a strong focus on diversity, inclusivity and accessibility.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: By being a student representative as a part of Vertigo, I hope that we can engage a wide audience of students to hopefully share their works and support one another.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Being a part of a Design role, I hope I reflect our goals of accessibility and diversity. I aim to utilise a visual language that captures the audience's attention and resonates with their values whilst staying true to the playful and exciting nature of the Vertigo publication!
Tom Houston
Vertigo Editorial Team
Tom is a third year Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication student.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: As Showcase Director, I aim to publish works that provide an authentic reflection of the cohort, platforming student work to the wider student body and beyond their faculty of origin.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I want to assist Vertigo in fostering a collective culture across UTS. Media, such as Vertigo, is ever more important to weaving individual experiences into a collective cultural identity.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I’m guided by a passion for creativity, regardless of the context they may emerge in. The opportunity to simply exist and interact within this space of thought is immensely exciting to me.
ActivateUTS
ActivateUTS creates programs, events and activities to enhance student life.
ActivateUTS is governed by the ActivateUTS Board, which includes seven students who are elected as directors for a two-year term. They create initiatives and provide input at board meetings to ensure ActivateUTS is improving the student experience.
ActivateUTS also runs over 180 clubs and societies at UTS, which each have their own executive teams and are voted on by members of that club or society.
Hannah Cerezo
President
Hannah is a third year Bachelor of Accounting Co-op student. While studying at UTS, Hannah has been involved in volleyball, the Elite Athlete Program, Consulting Club, Women in Business and represented UTS in the Case Team, Bats Women's Premier AFL team and City2Surf.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: My role is to ensure students shape the narrative around campus. University is meant to be among the best years of our lives, and I’m committed to ensuring it lives up to that reputation for every student.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I aim to ensure the diversity that exists within the UTS community is reflected in a supportive, inclusive culture which is accessible for all students. If we can get that right, the student journey can be just as exciting as it is educational.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: I believe my fit for this role stems from my core strengths in empathy and enthusiasm. I view university life beyond academia, drawing from my experiences on campus and a passion for living a busy, balanced lifestyle.
Edsel Hosan
Gracelyn Dao
Hannah Lambert
Student Director
Hannah is a fifth year Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and Bachelor of Laws student. While studying at UTS, Hannah has been involved in the BUILD program, the Soul Award, the Law Students’ Society and Society of Communications.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I hope to embody youth voice and be able to amplify a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I would love to continue the growth and ambitions of ActivateUTS, particularly around wellbeing initiatives.
Rodger Liang
Student Director
Rodger is a fourth year Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) and Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation student. While studying at UTS, Rodger has been involved in the Society of Communications, TD Connect, StartUp Link UTS and Central News.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: While I've been a student leader across my roles in UTS, I believe in drawing upon the collective wisdom of my peers. With their experiences, I seek to make change for the better on their behalf. I'm excited to build a co-designed future for UTS.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I'm looking to strengthen the agency and resilience of student leaders. I'd like to streamline the process of leading and building student communities, and better accommodate the needs of our hard-working peers.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: With my previous work across societies and clubs, I come into the role with an understanding and empathy of what student leaders live through. I'm always down to chat, and my door is always open for anyone who needs their voice to be heard.
Luke Howard
Student Director
Luke is a fifth year Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) student with a Sub-Major in Computer Science. While studying at UTS, Luke has been involved in extracurricular student projects, societies and worked as a technical assistant, academic and bars manager.
Q: How will you represent students in this role?
A: I plan to represent students by being a genuine reflection of our diverse campus voices, actively seeking out and sharing the real, unfiltered student perspectives on university life.
Q: What do you aim to achieve as a student rep?
A: I hope to have an actual positive impact on student experience. I'm also aware how hard it is for students to be involved in clubs and societies, with some roles being like a full-time or part-time job and I aim to help support students that do want to get involved in this aspect of university life.
Q: What makes you a good fit for your role?
A: Since starting at university, I've been heavily involved in student life and have met such a range of students. I've heard so many perspectives on the student experience at UTS, and I aim to bring all of these perspectives into my position with ActivateUTS. I'm also an incredibly social person, so if you'd ever like to have a chat about any of this leadership stuff or Activate UTS feel free to reach out!
Sagar Verma
Student Director
Student Representative Advisory Group
The Student Representative Advisory Group provides advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) on all matters relating to the student experience, from teaching and learning to student services and extracurricular activities.
The group is made up of student leaders:
- UTS Council members, Kurt Cheng and Peter Munford
- ActivateUTS President, Hannah Cerezo
- ActivateUTS Vice-President, Edsel Hosan
- UTS Students' Association President, Mia Campbell
