Shaniah Irving, Biology, M.A.
Throughout my academic career, I was exposed to a wide array of communities. From the large area of New York City, to the small towns of Northern New York, to the mid-sized cities of Central and Western New York, I have been able to experience and connect with the key values that comprise these communities. I/m experienced in representing students of diverse backgrounds. As a student body senator during undergraduate, I made sure all voices were heard. Additionally, I have professional experience working with higher education administration and sought to continue my education in Biology by pursuing a master’s degree here. I feel as though I can accurately represent the School of Arts and Sciences, as my undergraduate degree is in both philosophy and biology. My code of ethics is in both schools of thought. It would be my honor to represent graduate students at Buffalo State University.
Cinnamon Morris, Public Relations, M.S.
As an individual in the PR graduate program with experience in community relations, I feel that I bring with me, a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to assisting my fellow students. There are many opportunities and services that students may be unaware of, and I would like to play a part in increasing that awareness.
Understanding the importance of students as a key public within Buffalo State can contribute to modeling efforts in favor of student success which--in turn--can inspire them to take advantage of the benefits our school provides. I would like to have the opportunity to become a GSA Senator for the sole reason of playing an active role in student support, building community, and forging pathways to student success.
Having the opportunity to encourage a sense of community and provide students the support they need is very important to me and I would love to have a role in representing the student body. As students, when we work together, we have a shared understanding of our needs and what can help us to be successful. In some cases, students are unaware that community and support exist and are available and so it is also important to cultivate relationships that bring this to the forefront of student's attention. Student-centered organizations are an invaluable resource and with this being what the GSA provides students, I would like to take part in this mission.
Thank you for the opportunity to run for the position as a GSA Senator, and I hope that my core value of helping students succeed is what you feel is needed in the organization that represents you.
Katherine Miromonti, Conservation of Art & Cultural Heritage and Conservation of Science & Imaging, M.A./M.S.
Hello! I’m Katherine and I am excited to run for GSA Senator as I am dedicated to fostering relationships among graduate students and creating opportunities for involvement within the university and Buffalo community outside the classroom. I've honed my leadership and organizational skills as a founder of my undergraduate university’s first visual arts club and serving as the treasurer and secretary for 3 years. I've successfully executed numerous events accommodating groups of 15 to 100 students, managed budgets, and maintained effective communication with members. I aim to apply these skills to support my fellow graduate students.
Navya Mehta, Data Science & Analytics, M.S.
My name is Navya Mehta, and I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the position of Graduate Student Association (GSA) Senator. At the age of 23, hailing from India, I am deeply committed to making a meaningful contribution to our academic community and ensuring that your voices are heard and represented effectively.
With a solid educational background, I completed my Bachelor's in Engineering in Electronics and Computers in 2022. This educational journey instilled in me a profound appreciation for technology and its potential to drive positive change. Subsequently, I gained invaluable experience as a software engineer at Optum (UnitedHealth Group), where I honed my technical skills and witnessed firsthand the impact of efficient problem-solving within a corporate setting.
My aspiration to serve as a GSA Senator stems from a genuine desire to work tirelessly for the collective welfare of our graduate student body. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication in addressing the diverse needs and concerns of our peers. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have cultivated the ability to listen empathetically and understand various perspectives. I am eager to employ this skill to ensure that every graduate student's unique voice is represented in the decisions and policies that shape our academic environment.
One of my core strengths lies in being solution-oriented. I firmly believe that merely identifying issues is not enough; we must actively work toward finding pragmatic solutions. As your GSA Senator, I will focus on understanding the challenges faced by our community and strive to develop and advocate for feasible solutions that enhance our academic experience and overall well-being.
Moreover, I consider myself a hardworking individual with a strong sense of dedication. I am committed to investing the time and effort required to thoroughly research, propose, and support initiatives that address the concerns of our fellow graduate students. Whether it involves academic support, mental health initiatives, inclusivity programs, or enhancing extracurricular opportunities, I am committed to putting in the work necessary to drive positive change and uplift our community.
In conclusion, my vision as a GSA Senator is to create an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers every graduate student to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with all of you and serve as a conduit for meaningful dialogue, effective action, and lasting impact. Together, we can shape a graduate student experience that reflects our collective aspirations and fosters growth and success for all.
Thank you for considering me for this important role. I look forward to the opportunity to represent you and make a difference in our academic community.
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