WSU GPSA Elections: Candidate Bios

Hello to all graduate and professional students at Washington State University. My name is Bronwyn Valentine, and I am running for President of GPSA for the 2026-2027 academic year. Currently, I am a master’s student in Sociology and serve as the Sociology Senator for GPSA. Upon completing my MA, I will pursue a PhD in Sociology, giving me the opportunity to serve GPSA and the WSU community for several more years.

Over the last year serving as GPSA Senator for Sociology, I have felt honored and privileged to serve my constituents and connect with the broader WSU community. Through this work, I have facilitated greater involvement and more opportunities for my fellow sociologists by cultivating stronger relationships between my department and GPSA. Participating in GPSA has also connected me with the amazing and hardworking members of GPSA from other departments. Watching and learning from my peers has inspired me to step up and do more for GPSA, WSU, and the Pullman community by running for GPSA President.

Between my running mate, Shae Ortega from Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs, and me, we have contributed to a wide array of causes for the Pullman and WSU communities. Throughout my two years at WSU, I have sought opportunities for growth and advocacy. For the Sociology department, I have served as the Social Chair of the Sociology Graduate Student Association, planning events to promote department unity and advocating for graduate students by serving on the department’s graduate studies committee. For Academic Student Workers (ASE), I have fought for our rights as student workers and spoken out against injustices. I represent the interests of ASEs as a stakeholder on the Empowering Prevention & Inclusive Communities (EPIC) committee to develop peer-led trainings to prevent harassment and discrimination while helping WSU become a safer, more inclusive community. For the Pullman community, I have planned and participated in events to bring WSU and Pullman together, such as the Lauren McClusky Race for Campus Safety and Pullman Pride.

In these roles, I have demonstrated my commitment to serving and advocating for graduate and professional students at WSU. My philosophy towards these commitments is fundamentally rooted in the drive to promote a respectful, empathetic community centered on our rights as both students and workers. If elected, my role as President of GPSA would be to serve my constituents with empathy, understanding, and respect for each person as an individual and as a representative of a larger movement for graduate and professional students.

My campaign and desire to represent our community as President aim to foster unity within the WSU community and bridge divides between GPSA and other WSU and Pullman community organizations, thereby promoting interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. By collaborating with our peers and community members, we can increase our collective power and advocacy efforts to more successfully achieve our goals and create a more harmonious community. To do so, I will leverage my privilege for change and encourage those with power to do the same. I will recognize our different strengths and weaknesses to find creative ways to increase engagement through bite-sized inclusion, promoting active participation in our community with special attention to individual wants and needs. Guided by these messages and goals, GPSA can renew our efforts to enrich graduate and professional students academically, professionally, and socially through increased advocacy and inclusion. Thus, I make the following pledges to GPSA and the WSU community.

To my fellow Sociologists, I sincerely thank you for voting me in as your Senator this past year. The experience has strengthened our connection to each other and with WSU. To continue to honor your support, I will maintain involvement with departmental organizations and committees and facilitate finding another Sociologist to take on the Senator mantle. I will continue my commitment to involvement in all major departmental concerns and help us work more closely with other departments to collaborate on common issues.

To our constituents and the WSU community, I pledge to work with our GPSA Senators, Representatives, and Executive Board to strengthen our advocacy and collective power. GPSA will carefully review the budget to free up additional funds for the direct benefit of our constituents and the WSU community. We will increase our collaboration with other WSU-affiliated organizations to cover more ground, bridge gaps between such groups, and create opportunities for bite-sized involvement. Together, we will work to become closer as a community.
 
To GPSA’s Senators, I promise to create a welcoming, inclusive space where each Senator feels valued as an individual and as a representative for their department. By having a strong partnership between me as President and Shae Ortega as VP, we will work tirelessly to create an environment with greater efficiency and mindfulness, more respect and less conflict, and greater focus on advocacy for our constituents. I also pledge to continuously study our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Bylaws to ensure that they are honored and always respected, and to constantly remind myself of the goals we serve.

To the GPSA Executive Board, I promise to lead us to the best of my ability and to work with each member closely with the utmost respect. Again, through the strong partnership already forged between Shae Ortega and I, we will work together to lead us holistically and comprehensively. We will value each of our members’ individual interests, skills, and goals to help you serve in your roles most effectively. We will create a space of respect and collaboration and make ourselves open and available to help, understand, and collaborate.

In sum, Shae Ortega and I will work closely, respectfully, and collaboratively to create a strong foundation for GPSA for the upcoming academic year. We believe our organization needs a strong leadership foundation that will set the standard for a new era of GPSA, where we bridge divides, foster respect and community, and recommit to advocacy and change.

I arrived in Pullman as a non-traditional undergraduate in 2021 where I majored in Medical Anthropology and Archaeology with a minor in Health and Society. I served as an Americorps member on a 1700-hour contract where I created the Cougar Food Pantry in the CUB. My leadership is defined by building strong community infrastructure, bridging resource gaps and forging lasting relationships. Most recently I served as the College Representative for the Graduate School and Communications Chair. I have effectively leveraged these connections to bring approximately 15 distinct organizations together because I believe that our first line of defense is each other. It is our community. It is our peers, our colleagues and everything that we create that becomes the society around us. We can support others and work to create an environment where people feel empowered to act in kind.

The work that I've done is backed by professional experience in emergency International, Domestic, humanitarian and medical logistics. I have more than 15 years of legal, financial, and corporate experience. With the difficult financial environment we are currently facing, I have committed to fostering resilient networks of mutual aid and community cohesiveness through organizing, public service, and creative policy advocacy. I recently used this skill set to advocate for policy changes at the Washington State Capitol, successfully persuading Representative Eslick to draft a budget proviso to support campus food security alongside our dedicated Vice President of Legislative Affairs and powerfully supportive GPSA Senators. I worked with a team that garnered strong support for preserving the Washington College Grant, the Workforce Education Investment Act, supporting child care bills, and secured a $100,000 commitment for campus food security.

While completing my PhD in Political Philosophy, I have sought to apply my education in real world contexts where I facilitate and engage in community partnerships between organizations such as the Intersectional Advocacy Coalition, the Whitman County Democrats, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Palouse EDJE, UAW (our student union) and others that have allowed me to do my part in mitigating the challenging intersectionality of low socioeconomic status and marginalization. I understand what it is like to be a person of color and deal with targeted discrimination and microaggressions. That empathy allows for me to advocate strongly for our International students who do not have the same protections that I do as a US citizen. It is more important now than ever that I'm able to leverage that privilege at this level of higher education where I speak up and act because I know that our interests lie at the intersection of philosophy, civic engagement, and justice. I am deeply committed to efforts that do not always serve myself.

I do not bend to pressures to stay quiet on issues that may not be important to everyone, but are important to many. It is vital that we feel safe as people of color, as Visa holders, as researchers in sometimes volatile, hazardous conditions, as parents both single and partnered, as caregivers for disabled loved ones, as survivors of sexual, gender-based, ability-based and nationality-based discrimination, but most importantly, it is vital that we advocate for and foster an environment where we are seen as humans first and not simply as profit for this Institution. We deserve housing security, food security, childcare, healthcare, functioning elevators, accessible transportation, drinkable water, safe working conditions, and safety from feeling as if a single complaint could result in deportation. We all worked hard to be here. Nobody chooses to earn their Masters or PhD because it’s easy. As the future of the world as we know it, we deserve an environment that is committed to empowerment, empathy, mental and emotional wellness, and healing. Because that is what we are doing by advancing research and responsibly using the $½ Million to foster such an environment. We are actively healing the world.

However, for our advocacy to remain powerful, the GPSA must function with unwavering professionalism to ensure our meetings remain a sanctuary for progress rather than a forum for personal issues, I am committed to a culture of strict agenda discipline. We will utilize rigorous parliamentary procedures to ensure every minute of our Senate meeting is dedicated exclusively to the legislative priorities of graduate and professional students. By implementing proactive conflict resolution and redirecting personal grievances into appropriate administrative channels, I intend to keep the floor clear for the results our community deserves now. This does not mean we are empathetically removed from each other. Quite the opposite, but our energy is a finite resource. I intend to spend it on student needs, not internal friction. We will return the GPSA to its true purpose: being a Powerhouse for student security and Global Justice

I’m Hussnain Rashid, DVM, and a 2nd-year PhD student in Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

As your current CVM College Representative and GPSA Travel Grants Chair, I’ve advocated for directing GPSA resources toward student benefits.

In the last year, I:

• Graduate liaison, CVM Teaching Academy: pushed to redesign the required graduate seminar to build communication skills essential for career readiness.
• GPSA Senate: advocated for programs and tools (e.g., a Grammarly subscription) that support student professional development.
• WSU advocacy in Olympia: advocated for accessible childcare for graduate/professional students and for campus food security.
• Chair, Travel Grants: pressed for rule changes to make travel grants accessible to more students and to process applications more equitably.
• CVM College Rep: worked with college leadership on storage needs and secured a reliable alternative to OneDrive for graduate students.
   
  Next year, I will:
• Advocate to expand access to travel grants while keeping the process fair and bias-aware, so more students benefit within a fixed budget.
• Advocate to reduce GPSA operational costs and channel more resources into direct student benefits.

Thank you for your support - past and future! Go Cougs!

I am a PhD student in the Immunology and Infectious Diseases program at Washington State University, and I am excited to apply to serve as a GPSA College Representative. For the past two years, I have served as a GPSA Senator representing students in my college. In my first year, I served on the Awards and Scholarships Committee, reviewing applications and helping recognize student achievements across campus. I was honored to be selected as GPSA Senator of the Year. In my second year, I served on the Budget Committee, where I took part in conversations about funding and supporting student resources. These experiences helped me better understand graduate student needs and how GPSA can support them.

Outside of GPSA, I serve as a peer mentor in the Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences (iPBS) and participate in science outreach through the ASM student chapter. In these roles, I have worked directly with students facing academic, financial, and professional challenges and helped connect them with campus resources.

If elected as College Representative, I will focus on improving communication between students and leadership, supporting student well-being and financial stability, and helping build a supportive graduate community. I care deeply about graduate students at WSU and want to continue serving and advocating for them.

I am a second-year PhD student in Agricultural Economics in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Currently, I serve as a GPSA Senator representing the School of Economic Sciences and as a member of the GPSA Travel Grant Committee. Through these roles, I have gained firsthand experience advocating for graduate students, reviewing funding requests, and working collaboratively to ensure transparent and fair decision-making.

I am running for College Representative because I am committed to strengthening communication between GPSA and CAHNRS students. My platform focuses on increasing awareness of funding opportunities, promoting equitable access to professional development resources, and ensuring that student concerns are actively represented at the college level. I also want to work toward improving support for research, teaching, and career preparation for both master’s and doctoral students in CAHNRS.

As a graduate student in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), and an international student from Pakistan, I am committed to meaningful advocacy for graduate students and to ensuring strong representation within our diverse academic community. My academic and leadership experiences have shaped me into someone who values communication, structural integrity, and equitable access to resources.

Earlier in my academic journey, I served as Press Secretary for the Pakistan Society of Plant Breeders. In that role, I learned how to communicate effectively, represent diverse viewpoints, and ensure that members felt informed and heard. That experience laid the foundation for my continued interest in advocacy and student representation.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee within GPSA. This role gave me firsthand insight into governance, procedural fairness, and the importance of aligning advocacy efforts with our Constitution and Bylaws. Through this experience, I recognized that effective representation is not only about raising concerns but also about ensuring that our processes are transparent, consistent, and structurally sound. I encountered instances where bylaws required careful interpretation or clarification, and I saw how critical it is for student leaders to address ambiguities thoughtfully to protect fairness and institutional credibility.

I am running again because my experience positions me to contribute at a deeper level. Having already navigated these procedures, I understand how to work within institutional frameworks while advocating for necessary improvements in student resources. I am particularly interested in strengthening institutional support for students needing accessibility support. These are issues that directly impact productivity, well-being, and academic success.

Beyond governance, I have organized cultural and academic events that brought together students from diverse backgrounds through PSA, a student-led registered organization at WSU. These experiences reinforced the importance of collaboration and building consensus across different perspectives. I believe genuine representation requires bridging communication gaps between departments, students, and administration.

If elected as a CAHNRS College Representative, I will prioritize communication, policy clarity, and advocacy that is both principled and practical. My goal is to ensure that graduate student voices are not only heard but effectively integrated into institutional decision-making.  With the lessons I have learned and the experience I have gained, I am prepared to serve with integrity, diligence, and a continued commitment to improving our graduate community.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to serving you.

Usama Sheraz

I want to serve as a Senator because I’ve been where you are. When I first arrived at WSU, I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate available resources. It was the support from my peers and GPSA that helped me find my way. Now, I want to make every graduate student have the support they need to succeed.

With my experience as the student mentor of CSSA and International Program and interning at the International Center, I worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds and learned the value of inclusiveness, empathy, and proactive problem-solving. These experiences have shaped my commitment to listening and acting. If elected, I’ll bring that same dedication to the GPSA Senate, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed.
 
My priorities include improving mental health resources, advocating for stipend increases. I’ll also hold office hours and create surveys to make sure your voices guide my work. By fostering better communication between GPSA and department, I hope to build a more connected and inclusive community.

Let’s work together to create a stronger community, one where every voice matters, every challenge is met, and every student can thrive.

I am seeking to serve as a GPSA Senator for the 2026–27 academic year because I am committed to responsible representation, clear communication, and active participation in graduate student governance. Currently, I am serving as a GPSA Senator and am part of the Communication Team. This experience has reinforced the importance of consistency, accountability, and accurate information- sharing between the Senate and the graduate student community.

As a Senator, I will attend all scheduled GPSA Senate meetings, actively participate in discussions, and ensure that actions taken by the GPSA Senate and Executive Committee are communicated clearly to graduate students in my academic community. Equally important, I am committed to listening to constituent concerns and communicating those perspectives back to the Senate in a timely and constructive manner.
 
I am also willing to serve on assigned committees or task forces, attend all required meetings, and report committee activities back to the Senate to support transparency and informed decision-making. I will take seriously the responsibility to uphold the GPSA Constitution and Bylaws and to maintain consistent engagement throughout the academic year. Serving as a Senator will allow me to contribute meaningfully to advocacy, communication, and shared governance within the graduate student community.

I am Shalini Abeysinghe, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and I am running for Senator for GPSA to represent the voices of our graduate students. I am committed to addressing the concerns of our department to enhance academic and professional development at WSU. Drawing on my leadership experience, I will collaborate effectively in teamwork, organization, and communication efforts to advocate for our needs.
As a representative of our department, I will actively foster engagement

among fellow graduate students, helping them learn about GPSA decisions while ensuring that their perspectives are heard and reflected in those decisions. I am dedicated to maintaining openness, responsibility, and forward-thinking leadership so that GPSA becomes more accessible and responsive to the needs of our graduate students.

I would truly appreciate your support and would be honored to earn your vote.

I want to be a GPSA Senator because graduate and professional students need a strong representative. For this reason, students’ voices must be heard in university decisions. In this role, I would like to listen carefully to my fellow students, communicate their concerns, and help them turn them into real solutions. It is important to me that information is transparent, that everyone has equitable access to resources, and that supports are aligned with the diverse needs of disciplines and programs. I would like to work with senators and university officials to improve services and policies related to student well-being and success.

Graduate school is demanding, academically, financially, and personally. As a doctoral candidate in Crop Science, Teaching Assistant, and former head of the WSU R Working Group, I work closely with students navigating research pressures, teaching responsibilities, funding uncertainty, and career preparation.

As a TA, I see firsthand the challenges students face in the classroom and beyond. Leading the R Working Group allowed me to build an interdisciplinary community where students gain practical research skills and confidence. These experiences have shown me how powerful strong peer support and clear communication can be.

I am running for GPSA Senator to advocate for tangible improvements in graduate student life, including stronger professional development pathways, better research support, transparent communication from leadership, and meaningful consideration for international students and student parents balancing family responsibilities.
 
Graduate students deserve representation that listens, responds, and follows through. I am committed to being accessible, proactive, and solutions-oriented. I would be honored to earn your trust and work alongside you to strengthen the graduate experience at WSU.

I understand that graduate school is a complex balancing act of academics, research and personal responsibilities. In such a demanding environment, it is vital that our perspectives and problems are clearly reflected in departmental and university decisions regarding academics, funding, and campus resources, which I why I am running for this position.

If elected, I intend to use this platform to strengthen connections within my department and across the broader graduate community. By participating actively in discussions and SGA committees, I will work to promote transparency and open communication between students and the administration. My goal is to bridge the gap between our student body and those in leadership, ensuring that our voices are represented in the rooms where key decisions are made.

I view this position as a responsibility to help create a more supportive and effective environment for all graduate students as well as an opportunity to develop my communication and leadership skills. So, I am ready to dedicate the time and energy necessary to ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.

During my undergraduate studies, I once had the opportunity to lead a plant clinic where I realized that advocacy really starts by listening. Farmers used to share their worries, and by understanding them, we found solutions. Now, as a graduate student, I see the same need for advocacy around me. I want to serve as a senator because leadership is about making sure these perspectives are genuinely heard everywhere: in university, in the lab, and among faculty. I want to advocate for transparency and foster leadership that not only listens but also empowers. I’ve observed that when we students receive support, we shine.

As a senator, I will focus not just on voices but also on real, tangible outcomes, ensuring practical solutions, and making sure that the resources and opportunities available are equally accessible to everyone. For me, advocacy means action.

I want to serve as a Senator because I believe leadership is about representing the voices of others and creating opportunities that help students grow both professionally and personally. As a Ph.D. student in Plant Pathology at Washington State University and an active member of the academic community, I have learned the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and service. Through my roles as Chair and Vice Chair of the APS Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics Committee and as Vice President of the Prosser Graduate Student Association, I have worked to strengthen communication, organize professional development activities, and support students from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have shown me how meaningful it is to listen to concerns, connect people with resources, and help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported. Serving as a Senator would allow me to represent graduate students’ perspectives, contribute to decisions that impact our academic and professional lives, and help build a stronger, more connected community. I am committed to serving with integrity, responsibility, and empathy, and I hope to use this opportunity to support student success and ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

Since beginning my service as the GPSA Senator for the Department of Plant Pathology in August 2025, this role has become one of the most meaningful and impactful parts of my graduate experience. I truly enjoyed being part of thoughtful discussions, hearing the issues senators raised during Senate meetings, and working together as a team to support graduate students across colleges. Over the past year, I have become familiar with how GPSA works, including understanding its bylaws, navigating the RSO funding process, and participating in the evaluation and allocation of travel grants. As a member of the Travel Grant Committee, I was directly involved in reviewing applications and implementing improvements. If you applied this year, you may have noticed some positive changes compared to previous years. If elected again, I will remain committed to advocating for graduate students' needs and ensuring that our department’s voice is consistently and effectively represented at the university level.

I want to serve as a Food Science Senator at WSU because I see a clear need to strengthen communication, research support, and student well-being within our graduate community. As a PhD student in the School of Food Science working on antimicrobial resistance, probiotics, and dairy safety, I regularly interact with students facing funding uncertainty, heavy research workloads, and limited awareness of professional opportunities. I want to represent these real concerns with practical solutions. Specifically, I aim to advocate for clearer funding transparency, more industry–academia networking opportunities, and stronger professional development pathways that help Food Science students transition successfully into industry, academia, or Extension roles. I also value inclusive community building; through outreach work with local communities, I’ve seen how collaboration improves both scientific impact and student confidence. Serving as a Senator would allow me to connect student voices with leadership, promote research visibility, and help create a supportive academic environment where Food Science graduate students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

I want to serve as a Senator because I want to ensure students' voices are heard and contribute to meaningful improvements on campus. As a student who has been deeply involved in academics, RSOs, and student life, I understand the challenges and opportunities our community faces. I aim to ensure that decisions made at the university level reflect the needs of all WSU students, including undergraduates, graduates, and those working at extension centers. I bring strong communication skills, global experience, and a collaborative mindset, which I hope to utilise to bridge the gap between the student body and administration. I aim to advocate for policies that foster collaborations and expand access to academic resources for all students, including international and underrepresented communities. By serving as a Senator, I hope to create an environment where students from various locations feel heard and supported in achieving success. I also want to promote initiatives that allow students at extension centers to engage with activities on the main campus. I am motivated by the amazing work of current student leadership and am eager to contribute towards creating solutions.

I would like to serve as GPSA Senator so that I may be an advocate for my fellow graduate and professional students. It is my goal to be a voice and observer for my peers; ensuring they feel both represented in and fully informed of University affairs and proceedings. I am integrated into the graduate student association of my department and therefore am able to ferry issues directly from them to the Senate, and vice versa.

As a Ph.D. student in the School of Economic Sciences, I am running for GPSA Senator to be a data-driven, thoughtful and effective advocate for graduate and professional students at the Pullman campus. My experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a Graduate Research Assistant at WSU has given me direct insight into the dedication, workload and challenges shared by students across departments. Through my volunteer work, I’ve learned the importance of building consensus to achieve common goals. I am eager to put my analytical skills to work by listening to the concerns of students in CAHNRS and beyond, gathering data on the issues that matter most, and collaborating with the GPSA to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. My goal is to ensure every graduate student feels heard and supported, so we can all focus on the research, teaching and innovation that drives Washington State University forward.

I want to serve as a GPSA Senator because graduate students deserve a clear, consistent voice in decisions that affect our research, teaching, funding, and daily life at WSU. In my program, I often hear the same concerns—cost of living, workload expectations, access to resources, and how policies are communicated. I want to be the person who brings those issues to the Senate in a constructive, solutions-focused way, and then reports back so students know what’s happening and how they can weigh in.

I’m organized and dependable, and I’m prepared to attend every Senate meeting, stay engaged between meetings, and follow through on assigned tasks. I also want to serve on a committee where I can contribute meaningfully and provide regular updates to the Senate and my constituents.

Most importantly, I value transparency and accountability. I’ll communicate decisions, explain what they mean for students, and make sure feedback from my department is heard—not just collected.

I see serving as a Senator as a meaningful opportunity to learn, lead, and create meaningful impact for the School of Economic Sciences. This role represents more than professional development; it serves as a bridge between students and university leadership, ensuring that our collective voice is heard and represented effectively.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed the collaboration and communication skills essential for effective advocacy. From coordinating community initiatives with the Nepal Student Association (NSA) to pitching innovative solutions at Thought for Food (TFF), I have demonstrated my ability to represent peers in diverse and dynamic environments.

If given opportunity to serve as Senator, I am committed to fostering a supportive, forward-thinking community where every voice matters. Together, we can strengthen our graduate program and advance our shared goals.

As a Senator, I believe effective student governance must be rooted in community engagement, service, and advocacy. As a member of the Nepal Student Association (NAS) at Washington State University, I have seen how student-led initiatives can foster inclusion, support international and underrepresented students, and build meaningful connections across campus. This experience has taught me the importance of listening to student concerns and turning them into collective action.

My long-standing involvement with a social club in Nepal has further shaped my identity as a social activist committed to equity, service, and youth empowerment. Working in community-based initiatives has shown me that lasting change depends on representation, accountability, and collaboration. In addition, my academic learning in anthropology has strengthened my ability to understand diverse perspectives and analyze complex social issues. These skills are essential for creating policies that reflect students’ real experiences.
 
As a Senator, I would work to bridge communication between students, faculty, and administrators, advocating for academic support, research opportunities, equity, and student well-being. I am committed to contributing to a more inclusive, responsive, and supportive campus community.

I am seeking to serve as Senator because I am committed to ensuring that graduate and professional students are heard, supported,and meaningfully represented in the university’s decision-making.

During my previous term as Senator at Large,I maintained full attendance in Senate meetings and advocated for graduate students’ interests through participation and informed voting. As a member of the Communications Team,I worked diligently to ensure that GPSA activities and resources reached students effectively and transparently.
Over the past three semesters at WSU,I have witnessed the critical role GPSA plays in advancing students’ well-being. This motivates me to continue contributing to that mission. Within my department,I have worked to reduce communication gaps by consistently sharing information and engaging with students across    events    to    understand    their    concerns.

In the coming term, I am especially committed to increasing international student involvement,particularly among first-year students,both within my department and in GPSA. As an international student myself,I understand the challenges of navigating academic systems and aim to build an inclusive,welcoming environment where students feel empowered to voice their concerns. I will also continue  advocating  for  student-centred  solutions  to  the  Microsoft  storage  issue.

It would be an honor to continue serving and advocating for my fellow graduate students.

Over the past 3-4 years as a graduate student at this university, I have seen how the Graduate Student Professional Association (GPSA) provides valuable resources, services, and advocacy. However, important information has not always reached our department's graduate students in a timely manner, and our students’    needs    are    sometimes    underrepresented    in    GPSA    activities. I understand how busy and pressured graduate students are, which is why effective representation matters. Having served as a GPSA Senator during the 2025–26 term, I regularly attended meetings and consistently shared relevant updates with our department. I currently serve as secretary of our GSA and president of a graduate RSO. Through these roles, I have developed a strong understanding of what information is most important to graduate students and how to communicate it clearly and efficiently, so students    can    stay    informed    without    adding    to    their    workload. As an international graduate student, I have benefited from both the community within our department and GPSA. Before graduating, I hope to give back to our department’s graduate students by serving as a consistent point of contact between GPSA and our department, ensuring that no one misses important opportunities or services because of research and coursework demands.

I am motivated to serve as a Senator for three key reasons. First, my two-year service as a senator has significantly deepened my understanding of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA). This experience has inspired me to further contribute to the orgnanization's collective efforts and strengthen communication between the association and the department. My comprehensive grasp of the GPSA's shared values, its initiatives to drive meaningful change, and its institutional, administrative, and legal potential positions me as a strong candidate for this role.

Second, I am an effective communicator who champions collaboration and cooperation, essential for fostering a cohesive graduate student community and upholding WSU's values. As a senator, I will encourage active participation in GPSA initatives, positioning the association as a platform to amplify the voices of English graduate students and advance shared goals through collective engagement.
 
Finally, as an international graduate student, I bring a unique perspective that allows me to authentically represent the challenges and opportunities faced by a diverse student body. I am committed to advocating for these persepectives and collaborating to identify solutions that benefit the entire community.

I am running for PPPA Senator because I believe strong representation matters, especially in a department as intellectually vibrant and professionally diverse as ours. As the current GPSA College Representative for the College of Arts and Sciences, I have seen firsthand how decisions at the university level affect funding, student services, research opportunities, and academic life. I want to ensure that PPPA students have a consistent, informed, and effective voice in those conversations. My experience serving on GPSA for two years has given me practical knowledge of university governance and budgeting processes. I understand how S&A funds are allocated, how committees operate, and how to advocate constructively while maintaining professional working relationships. My goal is to represent our department with integrity, diligence, and results.

As a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, I am applying for the GPSA Senator position because I want to actively represent graduate students and serve as a strong bridge between my peers and the GPSA. I understand that each semester brings new challenges, and I am committed to staying responsive to the changing needs of our graduate community while ensuring that student voices are clearly heard in decision-making spaces.

My priorities include advocating for accessible health services, reliable insurance coverage, meaningful scholarship and funding opportunities, and stronger mental health support. I am also dedicated to representing the specific needs of programs within the College of Arts and Sciences and promoting clear communication between students and university leadership. I believe effective leadership begins with careful listening, followed by thoughtful and consistent action that reflects the real concerns of graduate students.
 
Through collaboration, transparency, and committed advocacy, I hope to help students navigate university resources more easily, feel genuinely supported in their academic journey, and contribute to positive, lasting improvements for the graduate community at Washington State University.

As a senator, I have already developed a strong understanding of how GPSA functions and how to effectively advocate for student needs. I want to build on this experience by supporting policies and initiatives that expand access to research and travel funding, strengthen professional development opportunities and improve support systems for graduate students.

I am also committed to improving communication by regularly sharing important GPSA updates, deadlines, and funding opportunities so that students can benefit from available resources.
Graduate students often miss key opportunities due to a lack of timely information and I want to help reduce that gap.

I want to continue in this role because I value service, accountability, and student advocacy. My goal is to represent graduate students with professionalism, integrity and a strong commitment to achieving practical outcomes.

I want to serve as a senator to provide stronger representation for the department of sociology, acting as a bridge between graduate student concerns and administrative policies. With the university facing significant budget changes, graduate students are increasingly concerned about the ability to continue their academic pursuits due to fears of financial hardship. I hope that serving as a senator will let me take these concerns and bring them to the table when voting on new policies that impact my peers.
 
I also have experience in union leadership, previously acting as a steward for the department of sociology and the school of politics, philosophy, and public
affairs. This previous leadership position will assist me in ensuring that I keep the interests of all graduate students in mind when it comes to funding, university fees, tuition costs, and other related matters.

I hope you consider me to be a qualifying candidate. I am hard-working, persistent, and above all, adaptable to any challenge. Thank you for your time.

I am seeking to serve as a Senator because I believe graduate students require strong and informed representation in university-level decision-making. Many policies that directly impact us, such as funding structures, academic regulations, student fees, and resource allocation, are determined at the Senate level. I am committed to ensuring that graduate student perspectives are clearly and consistently represented in these discussions.
 
As a Ph.D. candidate engaged in research, mentorship, and publication, I am familiar with the daily challenges and pressures that graduate students encounter. Balancing research productivity, teaching responsibilities, financial obligations, and career preparation necessitates institutional support and effective policy. Serving as a Senator would enable me to advocate for policies that advance academic success, equity, and professional development opportunities.
My experience leading research projects and mentoring undergraduate students has enhanced my ability to analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and engage in discussions with professionalism and respect. I am adept at reviewing detailed materials, posing thoughtful questions, and contributing constructively in collaborative environments.
I view this role not only as an opportunity for representation but also as a significant responsibility. I am dedicated to listening to fellow graduate students, articulating their concerns, and working diligently to support decisions that strengthen the graduate community at WSU.

I am running for the 'Senator for Geology' position again to ensure equitable access to resources and to empower every WSU student to reach their full potential.

My priorities are:

Advocating for increased graduate student funding.

Implementing practical, high-impact sustainability initiatives on campus.
 
Building a truly inclusive environment where all students feel valued and empowered.

I will use my professional skills to support better student services, which will improve career counseling and create more paths to internships and jobs through partnerships with business and government organizations. I work to create a campus environment that values diversity while eliminating problems that prevent fair treatment of people from diverse backgrounds. My dedication to transparency leads me to provide Senate updates while maintaining open channels of communication and gathering your feedback on important matters.

Together, we can build a more connected, supportive, and thriving WSU community.

I am running for Graduate Student Senator as a dedicated scholar and a graduate student who is also a mother. Balancing my studies with parenting has made me more resilient, improved my time management, and given me a real understanding of the different challenges graduate students face. I care deeply about fair policies, open communication, and making sure student-parents, working professionals, international students, and other underrepresented groups have a voice. I lead with integrity, teamwork, and compassion.
I am ready to serve and speak up for a graduate community where every student feels supported and valued.

I want to serve as a GPSA Senator to represent the ideas, issues and concerns of graduate student in university decision-makings and to make sure students’ needs are recognized and
addressed. As a PhD student in Prevention Science, I bring a multi-level, community-engaged research perspective and an interest in advocating for policy change. I have previous experience in program implementation, student organizations and planning committees (e.g., implementation of prevention programs, serving on Prevention Science Graduate Student Organzation). These include coordinating activities/events and collaborating with local organizations such as Pullman Parks & Recreation. These experiences have given me substantial skills in communication, organization, and teamwork, which I would bring to the Senate. I am committed to attending all biweekly Senate meetings and serving on committees as needed. As a Senator, I hope to improve communication between GPSA and Pullman campus/departments and help students become more aware of the resources available on campus and fostering a more informed, engaged, and supported graduate student community.

I want to serve as a Senator because I believe graduate students deserve strong, thoughtful representation in decisions that shape our academic and professional experiences. As a doctoral student, I understand the challenges we face, including balancing research, teaching, funding pressures, and professional development, and I am committed to ensuring our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Serving as a Senator would allow me to advocate for policies that enhance student support, transparency, and equity across colleges. I am particularly interested in initiatives that strengthen professional development opportunities, improve communication between leadership and students, and promote well-being within rigorous academic environments. I value collaborative leadership and believe meaningful change happens when diverse perspectives are represented at the decision-making table. Also, I see this role as an opportunity to contribute beyond my individual program and engage more deeply with the broader graduate community at WSU. I am prepared to listen actively, communicate clearly, and work constructively with fellow senators and executive members to advance initiatives that benefit all graduate and professional students.

I’m applying for a second year as a GPSA Senator because I’ve learned that meaningful advocacy requires time, relationships, and consistent follow-through. During my first term, I gained a clearer understanding of how student concerns move through committees and university systems and how to help turn those concerns into action. I want to build on that experience to continue advocating for key needs graduate and professional students face, especially funding access, research support, and mental health resources.
 
As an international PhD student, I also care deeply about strengthening connection and communication across our graduate community. In a second term, I hope to expand awareness of available resources and opportunities, encourage more student engagement, and support events that are both practical and community-building. I’m running again because I’m committed to being a reliable voice for students and helping create lasting improvements in the graduate experience.

I want to serve as a Senator because I genuinely care about representing graduate and professional students and making sure our voices are heard in decisions that affect our daily academic and research lives. As a PhD student, I understand the challenges we face, balancing research, coursework, funding concerns, and career preparation, and I want to help improve the support and resources available to students.

Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Senator, where I worked to represent student concerns and communicate them to university leadership. I also participated in lobbying efforts at the state capitol, advocating for students and higher education alongside legislative representatives. That experience showed me how meaningful student representation can be and motivated me to continue serving.

I hope to keep building stronger communication between students and decision-makers, promote transparency, and help create a supportive environment where graduate and professional students can succeed and feel represented.

I am running for senator in the Graduate and Professional Student Association because I am passionate about strengthening the graduate student community. As a PhD student in civil engineering, I understand the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and resilience, which I will bring to this role.

I will work to foster a collaborative environment where students can connect, share ideas, and drive meaningful changes. If elected, I will advocate for expanding professional opportunities and supporting an academic environment. I will actively listen to student concerns and work to address them in collaboration with all stakeholders.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve, listen, and act on behalf of my fellow graduate students. I look forward to making a lasting impact on our university community.

As a Ph.D. student in Civil and Environmental Engineering, I want to serve as a GPSA Senator to ensure that graduate students in Voiland College have a strong, informed, and results-driven voice in university decision-making. Graduate students contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovation at WSU, yet many feel disconnected from institutional processes that directly affect funding, workload, professional development, and well-being.

Through my experience as a teaching assistant, researcher, and active member of the academic community, I have developed strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. I regularly coordinate with faculty, students, and administrators, and I understand the importance of clear representation and accountability.

As a Senator, I aim to advocate for transparent communication between GPSA and departments, improved support structures for graduate researchers and TAs, and initiatives that strengthen professional development and research visibility. I am committed to actively listening to constituents, bringing forward their concerns, and contributing thoughtfully to policy discussions.

Serving as a GPSA Senator is an opportunity to lead with integrity, represent my peers effectively, and help shape a more supportive and forward-thinking graduate experience at WSU.

My commitment to the GPSA is driven by a genuine investment in our community’s success. Having served as a Senator, I understand the systemic challenges graduate students face. I am daily engaged in troubleshooting student concerns, whether through direct support or strategic resource navigation, and I am eager to leverage my experience once again to be a dedicated, proven voice for our student body.

I want to serve as a Senator to be a reliable voice for students and turn real problems into real fixes. Too often, important issues—like course availability, advising responsiveness, research support, mental health access, graduate funding, and housing—get discussed but don’t get resolved fast enough.

As a Senator, I will focus on three things: (1) listening consistently and representing students honestly, not just during election season; (2) pushing for clear, measurable outcomes (timelines, owners, and follow-through) instead of vague promises; and (3) making the process transparent so students know what’s happening, why, and how to get involved.

I’m especially motivated to strengthen support for graduate and international students, improve communication between students and administration, and advocate for practical improvements that directly affect daily life—classes, labs, campus services, and affordability.

I’m ready to do the work: show up, read the details, ask hard questions respectfully, collaborate across groups, and report back clearly. My goal is simple: make student concerns visible, actionable, and solved.

I would like to continue serving as a Senator of the Graduate and Professional Student Association because I am deeply committed to advocating for the voices and needs of graduate students. Through my current experience as a senator, I have gained a clearer understanding of the challenges graduate students face, particularly in areas related to research support, communication, and resource accessibility. I have observed certain gaps within GPSA that I believe can and should be addressed to better serve our community.

My goal is to help bridge these gaps by fostering stronger communication between students and leadership, ensuring that concerns related to research, funding, and academic support are heard and acted upon. Additionally, as the President of NSA–WSU, I actively work with a registered student organization (RSO) and understand the importance of institutional support for student groups. I hope to advocate not only for individual graduate students but also for RSOs, helping them receive the recognition, resources, and representation they deserve.

I am running for GPSA Senator because I want to make sure the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department has a steady and clear voice in university decisions. As graduate students, we have specific needs, from funding for conference travel to the quality of our research resources, and I want to make sure those interests are consistently represented.

I see this role as an opportunity to keep our department well-connected to the wider campus community. My goal is to stay informed on the Senate’s actions and share that information with our labs in a way that is helpful for our day-to-day work. Whether it is supporting the availability of travel grants or promoting better professional resources, I will be there to represent our department effectively and thoughtfully.

I will be fully committed to the bi-weekly meetings and the committee work required for this role. I intend to be an active participant who is always reachable for my fellow students. I would be honored to represent the EECS department and help all of us get the most out of our experience here at WSU.

I understand that as a GPSA Senator, I have a responsibility to actively represent my fellow graduate and professional students and to uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the GPSA. I recognize that attending all Senate meetings, which are typically held every other Monday from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, is an essential part of fulfilling this role. If I am unable to attend, I will make sure to submit the required absence form on CougSync before the stated deadline to ensure proper communication and accountability. I also understand that my role involves consistent communication. I am responsible for sharing important updates, decisions, and actions taken by the GPSA Senate and Executive Committee with students in my department. At the same time, I must bring forward the concerns, ideas, and feedback of my constituents to the Senate so their voices are heard and represented. Additionally, I acknowledge my duty to serve on at least one assigned committee or task force, attend its meetings regularly, and report relevant activities back to the Senate. I am committed to staying active, engaged, and responsible in this position and understand that failure to meet these expectations could result in being considered inactive.

As a graduate student at WSU, I am strongly committed to building a supportive and engaging community for fellow graduate students. I had the opportunity to serve as a GPSA senator during the 2025–26 academic year, where I actively participated in discussions on student advocacy, funding, and policy matters affecting graduate and professional students. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how GPSA functions and how meaningful representation can positively impact student life. Motivated by this experience, I am applying to continue serving as a senator for the 2026–27 term.

I’m running for GPSA Senator for the next academic year because students should not miss opportunities due to a slow or confusing Travel Grant process. This year, as Senator for Mechanical and Materials Engineering and a member of the Travel Grant Committee, I helped clear a backlog of about five months of unfinished applications in roughly two months. After that, I helped draft a new checklist-based evaluation system to reduce paperwork, speed up decisions, and make outcomes more consistent across departments. In my opinion, Travel Grant support is the most important thing many graduate students expect from GPSA. If elected, I will make sure this new evaluation system is fully implemented, improved with student feedback, and applied fairly and transparently so students can receive the maximum support they are eligible for to attend conferences, workshops, and internships.

I am running for GPSA Senator for the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering because I want to represent the specific academic and research needs of our department with clarity and practical understanding. As a current GPSA Senator, I understand how decisions at the university level influence the resources and support available to MME graduate students. Through my work on scholarship and awards committees, I have seen how important clear communication, fair access to opportunities, and proper resource allocation are for student success. Our department faces needs that are often highly specific, including access to shared digital platforms and research resources such as OneDrive storage and data management tools. These issues require consistent advocacy from someone who understands the environment MME students work in. I want to serve as a strong bridge between the department and the Senate, ensuring that student needs are clearly communicated and that department-specific concerns are effectively represented and addressed at the GPSA level.

I want to serve as a Senator because I have seen firsthand how important representation is in shaping a supportive and responsive graduate and professional student experience. As a current serving Senator, I have come to appreciate how having a voice at the table ensures that student concerns are not only heard but actively considered in decisions that affect academic life, funding, and overall well-being.

I am applying to represent the professional students in the College of Veterinary Medicine because their academic and professional training presents unique challenges that require consistent advocacy. These students balance demanding coursework, clinical responsibilities, and professional expectations, and it is essential that they are informed, supported, and represented in conversations that directly impact them.
 
Serving as a Senator allows me to bridge communication between professional students and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, ensuring transparency and timely dissemination of information. I am committed to listening to student concerns, advocating for equitable policies, and contributing to initiatives that enhance academic success and community engagement. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that professional students in the College of Veterinary Medicine have a strong, reliable voice and remain actively included in institutional decision-making.

I am applying to serve as a GPSA Senator for the School of Molecular Biosciences to make a difference on campus. I see this role as an opportunity for me to get more involved, build meaningful relationships and connections, and contribute to positive change within our community. I want to ensure that students’ opinions are heard and that their concerns are addressed, while working towards creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. I have previously served as the Vice President of the Nigerian Students and Scholars Organization (NSSO) at WSU, where I advocated for students, worked with a team, and helped strengthen our community. That experience helped me grow in leadership, communication and collaboration. By serving as a GPSA Senator, I hope to give back by contributing my time and effort to improve the experience of graduate students in the School of Molecular Biosciences, while continuing to grow as a leader and learning about policy making and advocacy.

I want to serve as a GPSA Senator to help ensure graduate and professional students feel heard, supported, and connected to decision-making processes at WSU. As a PhD student in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, I understand both the academic and personal challenges graduate students face — from funding uncertainty and workload balance to building a sense of community.

Through this role, I hope to advocate for transparent communication between students and university leadership, equitable access to resources, and policies that improve graduate student well-being and professional development. I also want to help amplify the voices of students whose perspectives are often underrepresented.

I believe effective representation begins with listening. I am committed to engaging with students across programs, bringing their concerns forward, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. Serving as a Senator would be an opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to the graduate student community that has supported my growth at WSU.

I am Abi Greenway, a third-year doctoral candidate in the Rossi lab (IPN), and I would be honored to serve you as the GPSA Senator for the Neuroscience (IPN) department.

I believe I would be distinguished as a Senator due to my experience switching labs, where I had to navigate the current officers and procedures of the graduate school, IPN department, and ASE union. I'm sensitive to the power differences inherent to research; I want to see my fellow neuroscientists empowered not only to advocate for themselves and thrive, but also to enact positive change in our department for the next years’ students. We are the products of this graduate program, so we are experts on what's working and what could be so much greater.

In my position as Senator, I will ensure that IPN graduate students can voice department-specific needs to the GPSA, so that targeted support can follow. I also want to improve access to GPSA information and events to increase exchanges and collaboration between my department and the graduate body at large. Thank you for considering me to be your representative!

My name is Paula Jimena Macias Gomez, I am a first year DVM student interested in serving my community. I want to be a senator because I understand the stress and dedication it takes to be in this program. Affairs affecting our education and commitment to our profession should be mitigated by a dedicated individual willing to advocate for our concerns; I want to be this individual for me and my colleagues.

As a senator, I want to participate in initiatives that help strengthen our skills and professional experiences. I want to help the fundraiser committee execute more fundraisers to increase the availability of travel grants and other resources for graduate and professional students. As the current SAVMA-GPSA liaison, I am building a stronger connection between the DVM program and other graduate programs. As a senator and student liaison, I will be a primary source of information from both constituents. I believe this communication will facilitate interactions and support advocacy for our college.

My experiences have taught me how to advocate for others, communicate effectively to reach a common goal, and create meaningful relationships. I would be honored to represent and serve the College of Veterinary Medicine as a senator.

I want to continue serving as a GPSA Senator because I care deeply about graduate student advocacy and the strength of our academic community. Over the past two years, I have gained meaningful experience representing students in my college, serving on the Awards and Scholarships Committee in my first year and the Budget Committee in my second year. These roles helped me better understand graduate student needs, university processes, and the importance of fair and transparent decision-making.

During my time as a senator, students have come to me for guidance on academic and professional challenges, and I have helped connect them with appropriate campus resources and support systems. This experience reinforced my commitment to ensuring that graduate student voices are heard and respected.

I want to continue serving so I can build on this experience, support student well-being, and contribute to thoughtful decisions that positively impact graduate students across WSU.

The senator position at GPSA presents an invaluable opportunity for me to further strengthen my leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. This role will equip me with valuable experiences for both personal and professional development. Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity to represent a college's graduate and professional students. Last year, I had the privilege of serving on the GPSA Awards and Scholarship Committee, and this year I am contributing as a member of the Travel Grant Committee. These experiences have significantly enhanced my abilities in teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Through my engagement with GPSA, I have had the privilege of serving as a support system for fellow graduate students, advocating for their needs and fostering a sense of community. I would be truly honored to continue serving as part of this exceptional organization. I am driven by the prospect of contributing to the welfare of graduate and professional students.

It is my paramount belief that duty is bestowed upon every individual to speak for themselves and for those similar to them, including their peers. I am a first-year PhD student in the MPID program at the veterinary school, and I believe that there is room for more changeo students, especially international students. You see, I am aware there is an information dissemination system to students, which works, but when it comes to the international students' community, I feel there is more we do not know and a lot we need to figure out as we go. Most of the information surrounding settling into the program is a struggle, particularly for me in my first year. Therefore, I think another arm should exist within the senators—someone who speaks to the interests of international students, considering the ever-changing policies surrounding international students, particularly students like me from Africa. From to be offered t my standpoint, I have just one reason to want to be a senator: to be a voice that can be heard for international students in the program, especially those from Africa, to serve as a mouthpiece for students seeking changes within the program structure and how information is communicated within the community. Additionally, I aim to better understand the system of how things work at Washington State University.

I seek to continue serving as a Senator because I am deeply committed to representing and advocating for the graduate student community. Over the past five semesters, I have consistently fulfilled my responsibilities by actively communicating student concerns from my college to the GPSA Senate and collaborating with the Dean to help address these issues. Serving as a bridge between students and leadership has allowed me to ensure that graduate voices are heard, valued, and acted upon.

My involvement in the Professional Development Initiative (PDI) and Programming Committees has further strengthened my ability to serve effectively. Through these roles, I have helped organize and support multiple events, contributing to a more connected and supportive graduate community.
These experiences have enhanced my leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

As a PhD student, I understand firsthand the academic, professional, and personal challenges faced by graduate students. I am motivated to continue advocating for their needs, fostering open communication, and supporting initiatives that enhance the overall graduate experience. It would be an honor to continue serving as a Senator and contributing meaningfully to the success and well- being of our graduate community.