2026 STUDENT ELECTIONS

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Solomon Doyle (he/they)

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Molly Doon (she/they)

Hey all! I’m Molly Doon, your current General Secretary and a 2nd-year Marine and Antarctic Governance student.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of supporting the TUSA Student Council, working alongside our Equity Committee, engaging in university governance, and helping connect students with the people and processes that shape their university experience. I’ve learnt that being General Secretary is a lot of background work: keeping people connected, supporting our elected representatives, and making sure student voices are heard.

I’m running for re-election because I want to keep building on this work. I want a Student Council that is connected, approachable, organised, and ready to take charge – one that has a strong foundation to build on.

I’m proud of what we’ve built this year, and I’d love the opportunity to keep taking it forward.

Your Voice, Your TUSA, Our Action. Vote #1 to Take Charge of your uni experience.

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Jhumu (she/her)

Hi, I’m Jhumu!

Having actively served our campus and community through the TUSA Food Hub and the Red Cross, I have seen firsthand the daily challenges students face—from cost-of-living pressures and mental health to cultural integration and accessibility.

As an international student, I have also walked in these shoes—navigating the steep hurdles of job hunting and finding affordable accommodation while balancing studies. Combining these lived experiences with 8+ years of professional leadership, I am running for Equity President to turn our collective challenges into practical solutions. My priority will be advocating for stronger welfare support, expanding employment pathways, and creating a truly inclusive, accessible campus where no student is left behind.

Your Voice, Your Equity, Our Action. Vote #1 to Take Charge of your university experience.

Sharzil Kabir (he/him)

My name is Sharzil Kabir, and I am studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, majoring in Artificial Intelligence, at the University of Tasmania. I am nominating because I want to help build a more connected, inclusive and supportive student community. If elected, I will listen to students, represent their concerns respectfully and advocate for practical improvements in student wellbeing, academic support, campus life and communication. I am especially interested in helping students feel more connected to opportunities, services and each other. I will bring a responsible, approachable and collaborative attitude to the role and work to ensure students from all backgrounds feel heard and represented.

Florence Silverstone (she/her)

I am a third-year undergraduate student studying Business & Arts, majoring in Politics, Policy and International Relations. Through my studies, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the importance of fair representation and the value in ensuring everyone has a meaningful say in the decisions that shape their lives.

I’m running for TUSA because I believe students’ concerns deserve to be heard from across our courses and campuses and turned into constructive advocacy before decisions are made that impact our education, well-being, and everyday university experience.

I will advocate for greater student input into course and unit changes, clearer, consistent and timely academic information and, most importantly, be a passionate voice for your ideas, experiences and concerns, bringing you into the conversations that matter.

Together we can have a positive impact and ensure that we all have the opportunity to thrive.

Sophie Moran (she/her)

Hi! I am a first year BA, philosophy and political policy/international relations student. I am an independent candidate looking to make all UTAS students feel connected through academic club engagement by advocating for more club autonomy and resources in regards to having a more central role in the running of their discipline. Helping students get their point of view across, whether that is 24hr libraries or a 11:59 standard due date time. I want to bring a love for learning that allows students to connect with and understand their passions and interests.

Through my experience co-founding and presiding over the HASS society I have learnt what it takes to lead, communicate and engage with students about their academic needs.

I see TUSA being reactive, not proactive about the issues we face. I hope to be a leader that uses initiative and club/student lead systems to address this, so vote #1 for Sophie Moran

Beth Vaotuua (she/her)

Hey TUSA I’m Beth,

A fun fact about me is that I share my birthday with Steve Irwin! I guess you could blame him for my lifelong passion of environmental conservation. I am currently studying a Bachellor of Marine and Antartic Science, majoring in Marine Biology and Sustainability. I take my studies very seriously, but I’ll never turn down a chance to engage with or contribute to my university community.

This year my family and I returned to my grandfathers village in Samoa to support my dad and uncles in recieving thier chief titles. It’s led to some self reflection on what leadership is. Leadership is relational. It’s letting your community know thier needs and wants are seen, and will be taken care of. Leadership is being dilligent whether you’re in the spotlight or behind the scenes. I am loving being the undergraduate representitive for TUDC and the Social Media Coordinator for the SciComm Club. I’d love to represent TUSA and the undergraduate student body.

Yuhan Yang (she/her)

I believe postgraduate education should be about more than academic achievement. Quality teaching, meaningful student feedback and supportive learning environments are essential to our success — but so are connection, belonging and wellbeing.

As a postgraduate student and Master of Social Work candidate, I want to make sure postgraduate voices are heard in decisions about course quality, teaching, academic policies and the broader learning experience.

I also believe that wellbeing is closely connected to how we learn and experience university. Postgraduate study can be isolating, particularly when balancing study, work, placement and life away from home. If elected, I will advocate for stronger student feedback and support opportunities to build meaningful connections, including simple ice-breaker and cross-discipline activities.

My goal is to help create a postgraduate experience where students can learn well, feel connected and thrive.

Connect. Belong. Thrive.

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Kashif Azeem (he/him)

I’m Kashif Azeem, and I’m running to be your Postgraduate President.

Over the past year, I have worked closely with students and the University on anti-racism, inclusion, equity and belonging, helping bring student experiences and concerns into important university discussions. Through this work, I have seen how much stronger our campus becomes when students are genuinely heard, represented and included in decisions that affect them.

I’m now ready to bring that same energy and advocacy to our postgraduate community.

I want to strengthen representation for HDR and postgraduate coursework students, improve postgraduate campus life, build stronger connections across disciplines and campuses, and ensure our concerns are heard at the highest levels of UTAS.

Your Voice. Your Postgraduate Education President. Our Action.
“Vote #1 Take Charge”

Jaspreet Sethi (he/him)

I was first elected as Distance Education President during the COVID-19 pandemic, when online students faced many challenges. Unfortunately, the position was later discontinued, leaving important work and several student concerns unresolved.

As a distance student, I understand how difficult it can be to find the right support and feel connected to university life. I am nominating again to continue this unfinished work and provide online students with a strong and approachable representative.

I will advocate for clearer communication, gather student feedback to help improve courses, and promote easier access to academic, wellbeing and career support.

I will also work to organise more online social events, networking sessions, workshops and activities where distance students can connect and feel part of the university community.

By listening to one another and working together, we can create a better and more inclusive learning experience for current and future distance students.

Oliver Brancher (he/him)

Hello! I’m Oliver Brancher, and I am currently the 2026 Southern Campus President for TUSA. I would love to have the opportunity to represent you again in 2027. In 2026, I started the push for better arrival conditions for arriving UTAS students by setting up packs to make the process of settling in easier and stress-free! I also led the vent tent initiative, an on-the-ground student advocacy approach which allowed us at TUSA to address student issues in real time. I sat on UTAS committees such as PLACE Sandy Bay and provided your feedback to create a friendlier and thriving campus. For students at our amazing accommodation, I took your experiences and feedback to accommodation and the university to show them what needs to be done to make experiences better and conducive to your study. I would love to have the chance in 2027 to continue my work at TUSA and keep striving for better outcomes and experiences for all students studying at our southern campus.

BRING BACK BRANCHER!!!

Yuhan Yang (she/her)

I believe university should be more than a place where we study. It should be a community where we build meaningful connections, find belonging and support one another.

To me, harmony does not mean the absence of problems. It means having the courage to listen, understand different perspectives and work together to solve problems. A positive campus is not one where everyone has the same experience, but one where every student feels heard and respected.

As a postgraduate student and Master of Social Work candidate, I care deeply about student wellbeing and community. If elected, I will listen to students, advocate for their concerns and create more opportunities for connection across courses and backgrounds. From simple ice-breakers to inclusive social and wellbeing activities, I want to make it easier for students to meet, build relationships and feel that they belong.

My goal is a happier, more connected and harmonious South Campus.

Connect. Belong. Thrive.

Willem de Wit (he/him)

G’day everyone, my name is Willem and I am a Paramedic student down here in Hobart. A bit about me is I grew up in Launceston and have worked in hospitality for over 5 years now! In 2026 I undertook a role as Christ College’s president in where I found my leadship skills flourish. Also within this year I have undertaken a role in the paramedicine society as an exectutive and in the NRHSN Rural Health Club for UTAS as a paramedicine representitive. These roles have kept me quite busy, yet this does not stray me from engaing in all kinds of activites. I enjoy diving, hiking and all sorts of outdoors activites. I also enjoy advocating for students and trying to not make school only a place of learning but also fun. These years are limited and I have always wanted people to enjoy the best within them! As such, they are my goals for TUSA – Adovacy, fun, improving student lives, and university spirit.

Cheers,
Willem

Sinan (he/him)

My name is Sinan, and I’m running to be your Southern Campus President.

Through my involvement with TUSA and the wider student community, I’ve seen the pressures students are facing — rising accommodation costs, the cost-of-living crisis, food insecurity, housing challenges, and ongoing parking issues across our Southern campuses, particularly around the Forestry building and the CBD.

If elected, I will work closely with the University and TUSA to make sure your concerns are heard and taken seriously. I want to push for practical improvements, stronger student support, better communication, and fairer outcomes on the issues affecting our everyday university experience.

I’ll also continue supporting clubs, societies, events and initiatives that make campus life more welcoming, connected and inclusive.

My priority is simple: listen to students, speak up for you, and turn your feedback into action.

Vote #1 SINAN for Southern Campus President.

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Lucian Beattie (he/him)

Hi, I’m Lucian!

I’m a UTAS student of almost 3 years, studying a double degree in Law & Marine and Antarctic Science.

I’m running for Southern Campus President because I’m passionate about delivering outcomes on the issues that we all see, hear, and LIVE as students.

I will focus on what matters most:
– Securing the future of Food Hubs to support students facing food insecurity.
– Fighting accommodation rent hikes.
– Advocating for greater transport services to and from campuses, especially for those who don’t live near the city.
– Returning campus life through greater community events and spaces, and more in-person classes where possible.
– Expanding student support services and increasing representation and power.

Most importantly, I promise to use my advocacy and representative experience to turn your voice into action and fight for the improvements you need to your daily student life & experience.

Your Voice, Your Southern Campus, Our Action.

Vote #1 to Take Charge!

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Dannie Horton (she/her)

Hi! I’m Dannie Horton and I will be running to be your Northern Campus President. I am in my second year of a bachelor of Psychological Science and I study at the Inveresk Campus in Launceston. I am passionate about the Northern UTAS community. I believe we deserve a connected, enjoyable and equitable place to study and enjoy university lifestyle.

I would love to be involved in increasing engagement and student events in the North. I also want to listen to fellow students and work toward growth and further opportunities for the Northern Campus. Most importantly, I want to work toward a Northern Campus that listens more to its students, further addresses its issues and barriers and truly represents its students’ needs.

With your support, I hope to work toward a Northern Campus community that sets students up for success. Let’s work together to make our campus better, so we can all Take Charge of our time at UTAS!

Your Voice, Your Northern Campus, Our Action! Vote #1 Take Charge!

Maxine McLaughlin (she/her)

Despite being terrified of the voting process, I am applying to be Northern Campus President because I want the opportunity to stand up for fellow students and help others feel welcomed and connected. I am a Physiotherapy student living locally in the area. Before I saw the election notices, I found out about the elections through a huge amount of encouragement from my classmates and peers, who reached out as they felt I’d be well suited.

Living overseas and travelling widely has taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life, having a very large social battery also helps that!

I understand it would be big shoes to fill after seeing the high spirits and the massive positive impact the current president has had on student experiences. I’ve spoken with her directly about what the role actually involves day to day.

Living overseas and travelling widely has taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life so I’m sure I can continue the legacy of good culture!

Davina Smith (they/them)

I am a well-known and approachable face on campus, with a strong commitment to student welfare and creating a positive experience for all students. As the student body continues to expand, I want to ensure that student services, support, and activities grow alongside it for students across the Northwest and West Coast regions.

The Cradle Coast campus has always been defined by its intimate, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. While growth brings exciting opportunities, I believe it is important that we preserve the sense of connection and community that makes our campus special.

I am passionate about listening to students, representing their needs, and working towards initiatives that enhance campus life. I aim to help build a future where every student feels supported, included, and connected, while ensuring the unique spirit of the Cradle Coast campus remains at the heart of everything we do.

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Hannah Wagner (she/her)

My name is Hannah and I am in my first year of my social work degree. Though I haven’t been at university for very long, I have been rewarded by so many valuable connections that have elevated and enriched my experience, inspiring me to put my name forward. My interests are boundless, so choosing a degree was a nightmare, but I feel I chose a field that compliments my values. TUSA has been integral in providing opportunities that foster connection and feel supported, and I hope to contribute that same energy and impact as Cradle Coast President.

Your Voice, Your Cradle Coast President, Our Action.

Vote #1 Take Charge

Running on the Take Charge Ticket

Simriti Mehra (she/her)

Hi, I’m Simriti Mehra! I’m a paramedicine student here at Rozelle, and I’m passionate about building a university community where students feel heard, supported and genuinely connected.

Studying to become a paramedic has reinforced how important community, communication and advocating for other are to me! University can be challenging, and I believe student representation should be about listening to what students actually need and turning those conversations into action.

I want to help create a stronger sense of community at Rozelle, make it easier for students to have their voices heard, and advocate for a university experience where everyone feels like they belong.

I’d love the opportunity to represent our students, bring our ideas and concerns forward, and help make Rozelle an even better place to study and connect!

Vote #1 for your future team, Take Charge!