Nida Baig
Position: Post-Graduate Representative
Contact: bainy011@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Masters of IT (Enterprise Management)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I’ve always had the passion for it. I’ve been the Head Girl for my college in Hyderabad, India and wanted to gain similar experience in UniSA. Also, I was inspired by the passion and dedication of the previous representatives.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Plan your assignments beforehand, take breaks when you need them the most. Learn and explore from the extracurricular activities provided by the University such as clubs, events, volunteering opportunities and workshops.
Which animal would you back as world leader if the animal kingdom were to rise up and take over?
Wolves!! I consider them to be my spirit animal. They know how to lead, protect and care for one another.
Bridget Barletta
Position: City West Representative
Contact: barba006@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I’ve always believed in the future of UniSA, and want to see it become the leading University in South Australia for education and student life. One of the best things to help achieve this is to improve the student experience and allow UniSA students to get the most out of their time at university.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Don’t allow your studies to be your only defining feature! Personal and professional development is also about your extra-curricular activities, your networks and experiences which allow you to grow. Now is a good time to create social networks and undertake new experiences – join a club, go on a study tour, attend some university events or seek out some volunteering opportunities!
Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide?
Adelaide Botanic Gardens! I absolutely love nature and being outdoors, the Botanic Gardens is great for relaxation. Plus, there’s now a tram which connects it to UniSA City West, making it a perfect study place!
Noah Beckman
Position: Mawson Lakes Representative
Contact: becny003@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) and a Graduate Diploma of Aviation
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have been heavily involved in the Aviation Student Club over the past year and have seen the work that can be accomplished through USASA by motivated board representatives. Being a USASA representative will allow me to give back to the student community and provide them with the best university experience possible.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
You will get back from your University experience as much as you put in. Get involved in as many clubs and events as you can and make the most of your time.
Which TV character are you most like and why?
Probably a cross between Captain Holt and Jake Peralta from Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I can be either deadly serious or an absolute man-child.
Laurena Byers
Position: Mount Gambier Representative
Contact: byelj001@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Social Work
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have been at Mount Gambier for two years now and I have built great rapport with the students on campus. Becoming a Student Representative gives us the opportunity to work with the other reps and campuses through UniSA. This is exciting for us regional students and I truly care for our campus and all the students.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Sleep and don’t cram! This is something that is repeated throughout university that none of us follow, myself included. After my first year I quickly found that I need to allow myself to wind down, breathe and reboot. This is important to keep us balanced and ready to take on the next class or assignment.
Where is your favourite place to go in Mount Gambier?
Ooooo that’s a tough one! I would have to say either the top of Mount Schank, or down the bottom of Leg of Mutton. If you want to know why, be sure to ask me!
Arunika Dutta
Position: Magill Representative
Contact: dutay003@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Arts (sociology)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I have been heavily involved with the University, including volunteering at O-week and Open Day, as well as being an Academic Student Representative, and I want to make a difference. Students can contact me about issues they want to raise, and I will do my best and be their voice to try to push for change.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
If we have goals, we can achieve anything, so DREAM BIG!!!!!!!
Which TV character are you most like and why?
Priyanka Chopra, a Bollywood actress now recognised internationally. She is such an inspiration and has been a voice for many girls.
Julie Ma
Position: City East Representative
Contact: mayjy041@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I wanted to be more engaged in university activities and issues, and to have the opportunity to be the voice of the students on my campus.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
To have a go and explore avenues beyond your comfort zone
If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
None because I am scared of birds!
Thanusshan Packiyarajah
Position: Mawson Lakes Representative
Contact: pacty002@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Civil Engineering BSc (Hons) LHMI
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I am so fortunate to get this position. Through it, I will be able to undertake professional development and enhance my skills, especially in the areas of communication and teamwork, and I will be able to have a say when it comes to important decisions. Additionally, I can help university students and by being able to hear their problems and trying to solve them.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
We should not give up and we should not allow the problems to defeat us. You are so much stronger than you think. Success and failure may cross one another but the act of trying remains constant. Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan and never ever give up!
Where is your favourite place to go in Adelaide?
My most pleasant places to go are Victoria Square, UniSA Mawson Lakes and Glenelg Beach.
Rana Harsh
Position: International Student Representative
Contact: ranhy006@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Master of Engineering Management (LMEB)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I always had a passion to become a voice of students.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Life is short, eat dessert first.
Which TV character are you most like and why?
Mr Bean. He taught everyone that no one needs a company to be happy.
Wenona Reddaway-Worth
Position: Whyalla Representative
Contact: redws001@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Social Work
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
Interest in engaging the local community in tertiary education and the ability to be able to create and provide fun incentives around campus that encourage continual participation from current students.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Remember why you are studying, never lose sight of and prioritise your end goals! Do your readings! Don’t over-think or over-stress yourself about exams! Use all the support given to you, don’t be afraid to ask! Make friends, get to know others in your classes whether you are external or internal. Always take advantage of the free food!
If you were a bird, what type of bird would you be?
Definitely not a seagull because they are annoying, not a magpie because they are just evil, not a pelican because they are usually lonely….so pretty much any other bird!
Kate Riggall
Position: Magill Representative
Contact: kate.riggall@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: PhD candidate in the Centre for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I love studying at UniSA and I’m proud to be part of an institution with such a positive culture and a vibrant, diverse student body. At the same time, I can see many areas where we could grow and improve. I’m keen to be a part of that growth myself, and to encourage other students to have a say in creating the university they want for the future.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Social connectedness is a big factor in academic success, so take the time to build friendships and connect with your classmates; it will pay off in the long run. Once you’ve made friend, try to reach out to new students, particularly if they’re new to Adelaide. It’s a simple gesture that could make all the difference to their time at university.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would finish my PhD, finally tidy my house, have time for a social life, and conquer the world.
Sopor Tan
Position: City East Representative
Contact: tanpy045@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
I found it rewarding to be able to represent student voices in matters that affect both their academic and non-academic experiences.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Mental and physical wellbeing are keys to a successful university life. Please don’t feel shy or refrained from seeking helps when you feel overwhelmed. There are always extra ears to listen and hands to help.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I’d be working on whatever interests strike me most at that time. I’m quite spontaneous!
Ned Feary
Position: City West Representative
Contact: feaek001@mymail.unisa.edu.au
Studying: Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
What made you want to become a Student Representative?
As clichéd as it is, I want to improve the lives of the students. As great as UniSA is for the most part, students will continue to be under attack and it’s important to fight for what we need to get a good education, and to have a decent life while doing it.
Best piece of advice for your fellow students?
Go to your classes. It helps so much to know the content of your course before you get to the pointy end of the study period (you know you won’t catch up on those lectures) and to have friends in your course. Make sure you go as much as you can.
Which animal would you back as world leader if the animal kingdom were to rise up and take over?
I think a coalition government of Red Deer and African Buffalo would be my preferred option. Studies show that both have levels of democratic processes in deciding when to move to a different grazing patch and I think that’s really cool.
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