2026 GPSC Election Candidates

Candidates for GPSC President:

Vanessa Macamo 

Image

Candidate Statement:

Graduate and professional students deserve leadership that is intentional, credible, and responsive to the realities we experience every day. I am seeking to serve as GPSC President because together we can improve representation, expand engagement, and elevate the impact of graduate student governance at the University of Arizona. As a doctoral candidate in Special Education, a Fulbright scholar, a teaching assistant, and Vice President of AfroConnect, a university-recognized organization serving undergraduate and graduate students, I have developed a deep understanding of the academic, professional, and personal pressures graduate students navigate. In my leadership role, I have coordinated cross-cultural initiatives, facilitated on- and off-campus engagement, and led mentoring sessions to support undergraduate and graduate students in navigating academic expectations and leadership opportunities, promoting belonging and collaboration across diverse communities. 

Graduate education can be demanding and isolating, and I speak from experience. Is from this experience that graduate students should therefore feel fully integrated into campus life. My leadership will focus on three priorities.

• First, building transparent communication so graduate and professional students feel heard, informed, and meaningfully represented.

• Second, advancing structured advocacy and communication pathways so concerns related to housing, healthcare, and financial well-being are consistently elevated and addressed through coordinated dialogue with university leadership, including Institutional Equity and Title VI considerations to support equitable treatment and student access.

• Third, expanding intentional graduate student engagement by improving awareness of and access to campus opportunities that foster connection, participation, and school spirit. 

Through my work in CATS Academics alongside student athletes and diverse student communities, I have seen how meaningful access to campus engagement, including athletic events and university-wide initiatives, strengthens connections and well-being. 

I understand that effective leadership operates within institutional structures and shared governance systems. My commitment is to work strategically, responsibly, and collaboratively, focusing on actions within the scope of GPSC authority while ensuring graduate student voices remain heard, organized, visible, and respected. Strong student governance strengthens institutional excellence. When GPSC operates with accountability, consistency, and purpose, it enhances the University of Arizona's reputation in graduate education, both on campus and beyond. 

This candidacy is not about a title; it is about responsibility and the belief that we can build something stronger together. Through thoughtful service and collective effort, we can build a graduate student experience that reflects the standards we aspire to as individuals and as a university. 

Aamir Quraishy

Image

Candidate Statement:

The Sonoran Desert is an ecosystem defined by resilience—a place where long, dry periods are not signs of weakness, but endurance. And when storms come, they arrive with force—bringing both challenging winds and nurturing rain. The strength of this biome, and this university, lies in its ability to endure the quiet stretches and make full use of the storm. 

I firmly believe that the graduate and professional student body at the University of Arizona reflects this ecosystem—and I am grateful to be an organism in it. 

I have grown through the University of Arizona across multiple stages of my life. From early visits through Tucson’s primary school system, to earning my bachelor’s in physics, completing a master’s in optical sciences, and now pursuing my PhD, I have experienced this institution from multiple perspectives. Beyond my academic work, I have served in teaching roles, worked with at-risk youth in the juvenile detention system, and contributed to engineering consulting environments through technical support and product development. These experiences have shaped how I understand systems, people, and responsibility. 

I am running for Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) President with the belief that graduate school should not simply be endured—but should prepare us to emerge stronger, more capable, and fully supported to shape our future. My platform is built on three pillars: 

• Access & Resources – Ensuring students have clear pathways to funding, tools, and institutional knowledge so they can focus on their work without unnecessary barriers. 

• Mentorship & Growth – Strengthening mentorship networks and professional development so students can grow into leaders, researchers, and contributors across all disciplines. 

• Community & Wellbeing – Supporting the mental, social, and communal needs of the graduate body so that excellence is sustainable, not extractive. 

Above all, I aspire to the principle of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” It reflects a simple truth— our success is both individual and shared, and our challenges are personal and collective. 

If elected, I will work not as a voice above students, but as a conduit for them—ensuring that this university is a place where their needs, concerns, and aspirations are clearly represented and meaningfully addressed. 

Like the desert system we inhabit, we are not defined by the storms we face—but by how we transform through them. And we are at our best when we transform together. 

Candidates for GPSC Executive Vice President (EVP)

Milad Hasankhani

Image

Candidate Statement:

To the esteemed members of the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC),

Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving GPSC in leadership roles, including College Representative and Treasurer, and I am now seeking the opportunity to serve in a fourth year as an Executive Vice President. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how GPSC can advocate for graduate and professional students, strengthen representation, and turn student concerns into meaningful action.

Over the last year, we have started important work that I want to continue and improve. I have advocated for issues that directly affect graduate and professional students’ daily lives, including dental and vision insurance through my presentation to the Arizona Board of Regents, parking discounts for graduate students, and improved accessibility to CAPS services. I believe GPSC must continue building on this momentum with steady, collaborative, and student-centered leadership. 

I am running for Executive Vice President because this role is an opportunity to better support representatives, strengthen communication between the Executive Board and General Council, and help ensure that student priorities remain at the center of our advocacy. I want to continue the projects we have already launched while improving transparency, responsiveness, and follow-through in how GPSC serves students across colleges and programs.

As Treasurer, I have worked to align our budget with student priorities and support initiatives that improve students’ academic, professional, and community life. Combined with my previous service as a representative, this experience has prepared me to lead with organization, accountability, and a clear sense of purpose.

If elected, I will bring continuity, experience, and a strong commitment to results. I am ready to build on the progress we have made and help GPSC deliver even more meaningful improvements for graduate and professional students at the University of Arizona.

Warm Regards,

Milad Hasankhani

Ella Stephan

Candidate Statement:

Hello, I’m Ella Stephan, a current Masters of Public Health Student, and an elected at-large representative for the Graduate & Professional Student Council. I am excited to run for the Executive Vice President position, as I am deeply committed to strengthening the graduate and professional student experience through advocacy, collaboration, and action!

As a 4.0 MPH student in Health Services Administration, I bring both academic excellence and a systems-level, operational mindset to this role. My career goals center on healthcare operations and quality improvement, and I approach leadership the same way, by identifying opportunities to refine processes, strengthen communication channels, and ensure accountability. I believe we can improve the consistency of communication between representatives and leadership, better streamline internal committees, and provide clearer reporting on the impactful work our representatives are doing on external university committees.

In my current constituency role, I have actively listened to peers and met with our deans to advocate for expanded in-person class modalities, and expand internship opportunities. Additionally, I have served on internal committees addressing GA stipends and grievance and support policy, as well as on the University Hearing Board, Student Governance Board, and the Commission on the Status of Women. These experiences have strengthened my ability to
collaborate across stakeholders and represent diverse graduate voices.

If elected, I hope to prioritize accessible de-stress programming (such as concerts, wellness initiatives, and athletics events) along with pursuing additional discounts and tangible benefits for graduate and professional students. I am passionate about building community in ways that fit into busy schedules.

I have served in executive roles for my undergraduate committees, where I learned to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and listen carefully to stakeholder needs, as well as organized volunteer initiatives such as blood drives. I am organized, energized by meeting new people, and committed to serving as a strong point of contact for representatives and all graduate and professional students at the University of Arizona.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our current GPSC leadership, as their dedication, transparency, and advocacy have strengthened our community in meaningful ways. I hope to build upon their strong foundation by enhancing communication, increasing engagement opportunities, and streamlining internal processes to better support our representatives and the students we serve.

I would be honored to help strengthen our council, and continue advancing experiences rooted in communication, accountability, and community. Thank you for your consideration and vote!

Ali Naderi Malek

Image

Candidate Statement:

I am a PhD student in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona, and I am running for Executive Vice President of GPSC to advocate for a more connected, responsive, and inclusive graduate student experience.

Before joining the University of Arizona, I spent two years at the University of Vermont, where I served as a Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Senator and briefly as Vice President before transferring. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in student governance, advocacy, and representing graduate student needs, as well as working collaboratively to turn student concerns into actionable outcomes.

My background is rooted in service. I founded and managed an autism clinic in Tehran, Iran for four years, working closely with hundreds of families. This experience shaped my ability to listen, problem-solve, and support people in practical, meaningful ways, skills that directly translate to addressing the real challenges graduate students face.

My work has been recognized through several awards and fellowships, including the Most Innovative Graduate Student Award and a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Vermont. I have also been nominated for multiple leadership and research awards at both the University of Vermont and the University of Arizona, reflecting my commitment to innovation, leadership, and community engagement.

I speak four languages, English, Persian, Turkish, and almost fluently Arabic, which allows me to connect with diverse communities and better represent a broad student population. I also work closely with Dr. Patricia Prelock, Provost of the University of Arizona, as my academic advisor, giving me insight into institutional processes and opportunities to strengthen communication between students and university leadership.

Beyond my formal roles, I am approachable, easygoing, and value genuine connection. I am actively engaged in the graduate community, including being part of Grad Café, and I have already begun collaborating with students across colleges such as Business and Education. Even in my short time at the University of Arizona, I have focused on building relationships and understanding student needs across departments.

If elected, I will focus on improving transparency and communication, strengthening cross-college collaboration, and advocating for initiatives that directly improve student well-being, access to resources, and overall graduate life.

I believe effective leadership is not only about representation, but about action. I am committed to working alongside students to create a more supportive, engaging, and impactful graduate experience.

Ali Naderi Malek

Candidates for GPSC Administrative Vice President (AVP)

Mehrdad Aghayari

Image

Candidate Statement:

My name is Mehrdad Aghayari, and I am a third-year PhD candidate in Behavioral Management Sciences at the University of Arizona. I am running for Administrative Vice President to dedicate my time to supporting graduate and professional students and making sure the work of this council translates into real outcomes. 

As the current Assembly Chair, I have been closely involved in how GPSC operates. This experience has shown me what is working, where we can improve, and most importantly, how to follow through and keep initiatives moving forward. 

My approach is simple: focus on execution, continuity, and making sure student priorities are consistently reflected in our decisions. 

Key Priorities: 

• Continuity and Follow-Through: Actively follow through on ongoing efforts to ensure they continue and deliver results, including: 

  • Parking discounts for graduate students 

  • Expanding research and professional development funding 

  • Strengthening and expanding basic needs support initiatives 

• Expanded Research & Travel Grants: Work to strengthen and expand access to research and travel funding so more graduate students can benefit and participate in conferences and academic opportunities. 

• Stipend Advocacy (Follow-Through): Continue to follow up on ongoing efforts to improve graduate student stipends and help keep these conversations active and moving toward real progress. 

• Graduate Student Voice: Create more consistent ways for graduate students to share input so council priorities better reflect what students actually need. 

• Health and Insurance Improvements: Continue working toward improvements in student insurance, including better dental and vision coverage, so more students can access essential care. 

I do not see this role as making promises, but as making sure things get done. If you have worked with me as Assembly Chair, you know I take responsibility seriously and follow through. 

Mehrdad

Candidates for Representatives

Esha Rajadhyaksha

Image

I’m running for the GPSC Representative position for the College of Medicine-Tucson because I care a lot about student advocacy, not just for my class but for medical students across all four years. As the previous year’s COM-T representative for the College of Medicine - Tucson, I’ve been able to raise awareness about scholarships available for med students, who I know often feel detached from the rest of graduate school opportunities due to our rigorous schedule that makes it hard to stay aware of workshops, wellness events, and funding opportunities. More than ever, I want to see those resources actually reach us. As an MS3, I have seen how medical students’ needs shift over time and where I can advocate for more support for my peers. This is a theme reflected in the leadership roles that I have taken on that focus on collaboration, communication, and supporting my peers throughout my time in school. I regularly connect with students across different class years and have become someone people reach out to with questions or concerns.

That trust is something I take seriously, and it is a big part of why I want to step into this role for another year!

Danaika Dorsainvil

Image

I am running for PharmD Representative to be a strong, reliable voice for our student community and to help turn ideas into meaningful action. As a PharmD student, I understand the demands we face and the potential we have when we support one another. I want to help create more opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional growth, so every student feels empowered to step forward. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your voice, and take an active role in shaping our community. Together, we can build something that truly reflects who we are and who we aspire to become.

Xuelun Tian

Image

I am a PhD candidate in Marketing and currently serve as an Eller representative. My research focuses on understanding how systems shape people’s experiences, and through my work as a teaching assistant and lab manager, I have had the opportunity to closely interact with students and observe how small gaps in communication, coordination, and transparency can significantly impact their academic experience.

These experiences have shaped my belief that effective systems should not only function efficiently but also feel fair, clear, and supportive to those navigating them. I care deeply about improving how information is shared, how expectations are communicated, and how students are supported when unexpected issues arise.

In my role as an Eller representative, I am committed to advocating for clearer communication, more transparent processes, and a more responsive system that better reflects the needs of graduate students. My goal is to help create an environment where students feel informed, supported, and confident in navigating their academic journey.

Milad Taghipour

I am applying to serve on the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) because I care deeply about strengthening the academic, professional, and community experience of graduate students at the University of Arizona. Throughout my time as a graduate researcher, I have been involved in collaborative projects, mentorship, and interdisciplinary academic initiatives, all of which have shaped my commitment to advocacy and service. I have seen firsthand the challenges that graduate students face—ranging from academic pressures and funding constraints to navigating resources, professional development, and overall well-being. These experiences motivate me to serve in a role where I can meaningfully contribute to the collective graduate student voice.

My qualifications include extensive experience in leadership, research coordination, and student engagement. In my research work, I regularly collaborate across teams, organize projects, and communicate technical ideas clearly to diverse audiences. I am also deeply familiar with the student experience through mentoring peers, contributing to academic discussions, and engaging in departmental activities. These skills—communication, organization, and collaborative problem-solving—translate directly to effective representation within GPSC.

If selected, my goals would focus on three core areas. First, I aim to advocate for improved access to mental-health resources and transparent communication regarding available support services. Second, I hope to strengthen professional development opportunities, especially for students pursuing interdisciplinary or non-traditional career paths. This includes expanding workshops, networking events, and campus-industry connections. Third, I plan to work toward enhancing the inclusivity and visibility of GPSC by encouraging more frequent engagement between council representatives and the broader graduate community, ensuring that student concerns are communicated clearly and addressed promptly.

Ultimately, I believe that graduate and professional students deserve a supportive, equitable, and engaging environment in which they can thrive academically and personally. Serving on GPSC would provide me the opportunity to advocate for these values and work collaboratively with other representatives to foster a stronger, more connected campus community. I am committed to being accessible, proactive, and thoughtful in representing student needs, and I respectfully ask for your consideration.

Reza Ramenazi

Image

Hello GPSC,

My name is Reza (Mohamadreza), and I am a fourth year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. I had the privilege of serving as the College of Engineering representative during the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, I worked closely with the Student Advocacy Committee, an experience that profoundly shaped my commitment to graduate student representation.

As members of this committee, we took meaningful steps to reexamine student–faculty mistreatment and harassment policies for the first time in this country, by far. Our team reviewed extensive internal resources and national survey data from universities across the United States. We also had the opportunity to learn from leading scholars in higher education, including Professor Gary Rhoades, who helped us better understand institutional accountability and student protections. We are about to distribute a comprehensive questionnaire to all graduate students to collect data that will guide future reforms. Being part of this foundational work has been one of the most impactful aspects of my service.

Beyond advocacy efforts, I proudly represented the College of Engineering in broader GPSC initiatives. I worked enthusiastically to help finalize the CAPS initiative, making counseling services free of charge for all engineering students. Mental health support is not a luxury; it is essential. Additionally, I contributed to the Engineering Ambassador Program, which coordinates student volunteers across departments to strengthen community engagement while helping students develop leadership skills and enhance their professional profiles.

If elected, I will continue advocating for all graduate students across every discipline with even greater dedication. I am committed to improving transparency between students and administration, strengthening financial and academic support systems, and ensuring that graduate voices are not only heard but acted upon. My goal is simple: to make this university a greater place again by fostering accountability, opportunity, and community.

I care deeply about this institution and this state. Hail Arizona, Bear Down.

Yasaman Fazeli

Image

I am a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and am seeking to serve as a GPSC Representative for the College of Science. I value strong advocacy, clear communication, and meaningful support for graduate and professional students. As an international graduate student, I understand that students may face different academic, professional, and administrative challenges, and I would bring that perspective to supporting the broader student community. Through my academic and research experience, I have developed organization, responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that I would bring to this role. If elected, I will work to represent student concerns thoughtfully, strengthen communication between students and university leadership, and help create a more supportive, responsive, and connected graduate student community at the University of Arizona.

Milad Hasankhani

Image

To the esteemed members of the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC),

Over the past three years, I’ve been deeply engaged with GPSC, first as a College Representative and now as Treasurer. These experiences have given me a clear understanding of the challenges graduate and professional students face, as well as the opportunities we have to improve our shared experience. As Treasurer, I’ve worked to ensure our budget reflects student priorities and supports initiatives that enhance academic, social, and professional development.

I’m running for an At-Large Representative position to expand this work and advocate for students across all disciplines. My goal is to make GPSC more accessible, transparent, and effective; whether that means securing more funding, improving campus services, or strengthening our campus community. I believe in practical, student-centered leadership that listens and delivers.

GPSC plays a critical role in shaping the graduate and professional student experience. I want every student to feel seen, supported, and empowered through our work. I’d be honored to have your support to continue serving you.

Warm Regards,
Milad Hasankhani

Blayne Barker

Image

I am seeking to serve on the GPSC as a College of Law representative so I can advocate for a more accessible, supportive, and inclusive graduate and professional student experience. I bring strong interpersonal and collaboration skills that I have developed through my academic and professional experiences. Before law school, I worked in environments that required careful listening, thoughtful problem-solving, and effective communication. I believe these skills are essential for representing student interests.

My primary objective is to represent the interests of graduate and professional students. In particular, I want to ensure that law students feel heard, supported, and comfortable bringing concerns to me so that I can effectively advocate for them. I am also eager to participate in discussions that shape policy and funding, as these decisions are vital to maintaining and improving the well-being of graduate students across campus. By engaging directly with students and collaborating with university leadership, I aim to identify gaps and advocate for practical, student-centered solutions.

Through this role, I hope to contribute to a campus environment where all graduate and professional students have the tools and support needed to succeed. I am committed to representing my peers with integrity and sensitivity.

Olivia Gower

Image

My name is Olivia Gower, and I am a current 1L student at the James E. Rogers College of Law. I am applying to be a College of Law Representative on the GPSC because I want to help law students be heard within the larger University community, and I want to have the opportunity to collaborate and work with the other colleges. I am involved in many student organizations at the law school, including the Native and Indigenous Law Students Association, the Immigration Law Students Association, the Law Womens Association, the Student Bar Association, and the American Constitution Society. I will also serve as an Ares fellow (TA) for the 1L Torts class next fall and hope to serve as a Writing Center Fellow next year as well. I also have previous experience in this type of role, as I served as a student representative on my undergraduate institution department’s DEI committee. These positions, experiences, and connections put me in a very good position to hear from my fellow law students, understand their needs and goals, and represent their interests to the University through the GPSC.

Fernando Pizano

I am Fernando Pizano, a Pathway student at the College of Medicine Phoenix. I am running for Graduate and Professional Student Council to represent and advance the needs of our community. To me, leadership is about service, showing up, listening, and working to improve the everyday experience of my peers. My time as a Senator in Undergraduate Student Government at Arizona State University gave me meaningful experience advocating for my peers and collaborating with university leadership. I drafted and voted on legislation impacting the campus community, served on the Appropriations Committee to help allocate student fees toward professional development and student organizations, and worked to improve student engagement and campus safety. These experiences strengthened my skills in policy development, stakeholder collaboration, and responsible financial management.

I am committed to bringing a servant-leadership approach, prioritizing clear communication, and advocating for initiatives that support wellness, professional development, and meaningful engagement for students at COM-P and throughout the University of Arizona. I will work closely with faculty and administration to foster strong collaboration and open communication, ensuring student success.

Famesh Patel

I am excited to serve as the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) representative for the College of Medicine–Phoenix because I am passionate about advocating for student needs and improving the academic and professional experience for medical trainees. I believe GPSC provides a powerful platform to elevate student voices and drive meaningful change.

My previous experience in shared governance and student advocacy has prepared me well for this role. As a College of Science Senator at the University of Arizona, I worked to improve communication between students and leadership by helping create a College of Science student council and developing newsletters that highlighted funding opportunities, research resources, and departmental events. These efforts increased awareness of available support while fostering greater unity among students across departments. Through this work, I learned how structured communication and proactive outreach can meaningfully improve student engagement, an approach I plan to bring to GPSC.

In medical school, I have continued to see similar needs, particularly around awareness of funding opportunities, professional development resources, and cross-campus connectivity between students and shared governance. These experiences have shaped my priorities for this role. First, I aim to strengthen communication between GPSC and College of Medicine–Phoenix students by regularly gathering feedback and sharing concise updates about GPSC initiatives, grants, and advocacy efforts. I hope to implement a structured communication approach, such as periodic newsletters or centralized updates, similar to what I developed previously. Second, I want to increase utilization of GPSC resources by promoting travel funding, research grants, and professional development opportunities, while also identifying barriers that may prevent students from accessing them. Third, I aim to strengthen our representation by ensuring that being on a campus 200 miles from the main UA campus does not limit the opportunities or resources available to our students.

I approach this role with a commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration. My goal is to ensure that College of Medicine–Phoenix students feel represented, informed, and supported, while also contributing to GPSC’s broader mission of promoting the academic, economic, and social success of graduate and professional students at the University of Arizona.

Jeff Blotter

Image

I am interested in serving on the GPSC to represent the College of Medicine–Phoenix and advocate for the needs of graduate and professional students. As a medical student, I have seen firsthand how institutional decisions impact student well-being, access to resources, and overall educational experience. I am motivated to help ensure that student perspectives are consistently heard and incorporated into those decisions.

My experiences in collaborative academic and clinical environments have strengthened my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. I am comfortable working within teams, engaging with diverse viewpoints, and representing the interests of my peers in a professional setting.

In this role, I hope to contribute by promoting transparency, supporting initiatives that improve student wellness and access to resources, and strengthening communication between students and leadership. I aim to be a reliable and approachable representative who actively listens and advocates for meaningful, practical improvements to the student experience.

Overall, I would value the opportunity to serve and contribute to a positive and supportive environment for graduate and professional students at the University of Arizona.

Alex Eischeid

Image

I’m applying to represent the College of Medicine–Phoenix on the GPSC with a simple goal: help students actually access funding for research and Step exams. While this role may not dramatically reshape graduate education, it does provide an opportunity to make sure existing resources are visible, understandable, and usable. As a medical student, I know how easy it is for these opportunities to be overlooked when communication isn’t clear or processes are unnecessarily complicated. I’m organized, reliable, and comfortable working within academic systems, and I’ll focus on making sure this position delivers practical value. If nothing else, I can help ensure fewer people miss out on funding they probably deserved in the first place.

Aurelia Lucia Luna

Image

I am a second year PhD student in Gender and Women’s Studies within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, having previously graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in GWS as an undergraduate student within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I have a lot of experience with SBS and it deserves representation from someone who cares a great deal about it. In this time when the very language used throughout the many fields within SBS are under attack, I would like to help in whatever ways I can. I have now served one year on GPSC as SBS representative and as a member of the appropriations committee where I have helped find solutions that allowed us to fund additional students whenever possible. It is my hope that I will continue to serve the SBS student body in the 2026-27 academic year.

Kinsey Clyne

Image

My name is Kinsey Clyne and I am running for the position of Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health representative in the Graduate and Professional Student Council.

In the past year, I have served the MEZCOPH and U of A community as a GPSC At-Large Representative, a MEZCOPH student ambassador, and as a MEZCOPH Poster Forum Planning Committee Member. As an at-large representative, I helped plan and execute some of the largest social events GPSC has ever hosted. As a student ambassador, I served as a resource for incoming students and helped increase awareness of our college in the general health community. As a poster forum committee member, I helped to organize the annual poster forum which had an unprecedented number of presenters in an upgraded venue. I am eager for another opportunity to showcase my leadership and dedication to the college.

My goal as a representative is to further the interests of the public health student body by helping MEZCOPH students connect with each other and with the resources that are available to us. I’d be honored to have the opportunity to continue serving you.

Ella Stephan

Hello! I am excited to run for the College of Public Health Representative position as a current MPH student in Health Services Administration. I am deeply committed to strengthening the graduate and professional student experience through advocacy, collaboration, and action.

I currently serve as an at-large elected representative for GPSC, where I have demonstrated both academic excellence (4.0 GPA) and a sustained commitment to student governance through an equity emphasis, listening to peer voices, and advancing policies that promote academic success, well-being, and community.

This year, I have worked directly with our deans to advocate for expanded class modalities that maximize meaningful in-person learning opportunities. Additionally, I have contributed to internal committees focused on GA stipends and grievance and support policy, while also serving on the University Hearing Board, the Student Governance Board, and the Commission on the Status of Women. I also have leadership experience from presiding over committees focused on undergraduate student-athlete advocacy, mental health programming, and improving school-sponsored insurance plans.

My background in public health equips me with a systems-level perspective, and I am passionate about creating accessible networking events and practical programming that fit into our busy schedules. Thank you for your consideration and vote!

Allison Colvard

I am excited to run for a position on the Graduate and Professional Student Council because I care deeply about building a stronger, more supportive community for all graduate students at the University of Arizona. As a nursing graduate student, I’ve seen firsthand how demanding our programs can be with the long hours, financial pressures, and the challenge of balancing school with the rest of life. I want to help make sure no student feels like they are navigating these challenges alone.

My background in nursing has taught me the importance of listening, advocating, and finding solutions that put people first. These skills translate naturally into student leadership, where empathy and collaboration are key. If elected, I will focus on expanding access to wellness resources, promoting professional development opportunities, and strengthening the connections between students and the university.

Most of all, I want to be an approachable voice for my peers and be someone who will listen, advocate, and work to ensure our graduate experience is as fulfilling and supportive as possible.