Graduate Students’ Biographical Statements
Academic Planning & Policy Committee
Shiva Akhtarian, Mechanical Engineering
As a fourth-year doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering at York University, I am excited to express my interest in serving as a standing committee member on the Academic Planning and Policy Committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council. I am currently the vice president and CUPE representative of the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association (MEGSA), and I also participate in the tenure and promotion committee in the Mechanical Engineering Department. With my extensive knowledge of graduate studies, academic policies, planning, standards, and voting procedures, I am confident that I can make valuable contributions to this committee. I understand that this role requires a significant amount of dedication and commitment, and I am eager to leave a positive and lasting impact on the graduate studies community.
Megan Conte, Education
As an educator and proud alumni of York University, my enthusiasm lies in higher education and its impact on future generations. As a result, it fuels my commitment to fostering an exceptional learning environment for all students.
By serving on the Standing Committee of the Faculty Council for Policy and Planning, I see an excellent opportunity to apply my knowledge and insights to meaningful decision-making processes. I aim to collaborate with committee members in shaping policies that prioritize student well-being, maintain academic integrity, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Drawing from my familiarity with York University’s values, I will seek to align policies with the institution’s long-term vision.
Vedanth Govi, Social Anthropology
I am an international student PhD candidate at the department of Anthropology in LAPS. My doctoral project traces how international South Asians students exist within the larger infrastructures of internationalisation, migration, and publics within Canadian Higher education. As someone that has dedicated their time serving on other FGS committees, I am also familiar with sticking to the strict timeline that volunteering on a standing committee requires and will be able to deliver on the quick turnaround time. Prior to joining York University, I was an active member of the “Decolonize the Curriculum” committee at University College Dublin and think that that experience can contribute meaningfully to the work of the Standing Committee on Academic Planning and Policy. Furthermore, if I am selected to serve on this committee, I will ensure that my service within the standing committee reflects FGS being well integrated with the DEDI mission that York University has been pursuing consistently.
Aisha Kerim, Education
Ever since I can remember I always loved looking into how things worked and how to improve my surroundings. This has helped me navigate the my own world within the education curriculum. Coming from a person who was diagnosed with ADHD in my primary years and depression as I got older, I felt the need to help students, more specifically young students, understand the beauty in education. I have worked in the administration field for some time now and would like more experience that relates to my own field. I am currently working towards my Masters of Education with a diploma in Language and Literacy at York University and definitely believe standing for this committee would help me link my knowledge the real world and also help prepare me for my academic career in policy making and revision.
My Luu, Mathematics & Statistics
I was an undergraduate and master student at York University. I have seen lots of my classmates struggle with their academic life, mainly on planning and not fully understanding the policy. I hope I can serve to help other students on their study plan so that everyone can achieve the best during their graduate studies.
Talha Rashidi, Kinesiology & Health Science
As an enthusiastic and dedicated academic professional, I am eager to contribute my expertise and passion to serve on the Standing Committee for Academic Planning and Policy. With a profound background in academia and a strong commitment to fostering a thriving learning environment, I believe my skills align perfectly with the committee’s objectives.
Throughout my academic journey, I have been deeply engaged in various aspects of educational administration, curriculum development, and student support initiatives. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that strategic academic planning and well-defined policies can have on shaping the educational landscape positively. I consistently strive to implement innovative teaching methodologies and advocate for student-centered learning approaches.
Joining the Standing Committee will enable me to contribute actively to the institution’s growth and development. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded colleagues to formulate comprehensive strategies that ensure academic excellence, inclusivity, and equity. I strongly believe that our collective efforts will facilitate the creation of a dynamic academic environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and empowers students and faculty alike.
In conclusion, my comprehensive background in academia, combined with my unyielding passion for elevating educational standards, make me a committed and qualified candidate for the Standing Committee for academic planning and policy. I am ready to invest my time, skills, and creativity to drive positive changes that will shape a brighter future for our academic community.
Queen Vincent, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
I am a professional with three years teaching experience whose specialties include: research, literacy, administration, office management, G-Suite, broadcast media, and digital creation. I taught English language and Literature-in-English subjects. I served as a class teacher, a co-editor of the school newsletter. I carried out the role of a Club Moderator for the Speech & Debate Club where I mentored teenagers on how to groom their literacy skills. I sat a language proficiency test and recorded an overall Band score of 7.0/9.0 and partnered with the Oxford University Press to research Pretesting in 50 secondary school learners of the English Language in Nigeria. My ability to create well-structured and detailed texts on complex issues helped students under my tutelage become proficient in the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills of the English Language. I have interned at two media houses (Radio Stations) where I honed my craftsmanship|skills in journalism, field works, vox-pops, shooting documentaries, creative directions, social media marketing, voice-overs, and on-air presentations. I graduated with a 4.46/5.00 CGPA in English Studies in Education, BA.Ed. I have also taken courses on Administrative Assistance, Human Talent Management and have certifications in Human Resources. I am interested in future job and research opportunities in: Applied Linguistics, Public Policy & Administration and I believe that serving in the Standing Committee would avail me the opportunity to not only learn but wield my skills and work experiences to meet organizational goals and grow as a value adding professional.
Petitions Committee
Omoshola Adekoya, Canadian Common Law
As a corporate and legal professional, I am excited to express my strong interest in serving on the Standing Committee of the Faculty Council. With over 15 years of experience in corporate law, education, entrepreneurship, and research, I bring a diverse perspective to this role.
Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to the development of law students in my home country and conducted scholarly research on contemporary legal and corporate issues. I am particularly dedicated to supporting indigent and aspiring youth interested in the law profession.
Serving on the committee would allow me to contribute to the academic community’s enhancement by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. I believe the committee plays a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, promoting innovative teaching methods, and ensuring the relevance of legal education.
I am eager to participate in policy-making and governance processes, collaborating with fellow committee members to address challenges such as curriculum development, faculty professional growth, and student support services.
With a commitment to educational advancement and a passion for academic growth, I am a strong candidate for the Standing Committee of the law Faculty Council. I am dedicated to engaging in open dialogue, seeking consensus, and implementing evidence-based solutions to elevate the law department’s standing within the institution and the legal community.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve and actively contribute to shaping the future of legal education, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for all students and faculty.
Stephanie Sansone, Biology
I have been a dedicated, full-time student with York University since 2012. I strive to uphold the university’s values and mission for academic excellence through my pursuit of a Master of Science in Biology. I have proudly earned two undergraduate degrees at York University: a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Psychology where I convocated as a Member of Dean’s Honour Roll, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Biology where I convocated with First Class with Distinction. From 2022-2023, I was involved in the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee as a member of the Science Student Caucus in the Faculty of Science Council. As a Committee Student Member, I participated in Committee meetings to address, discuss, and review undergraduate curricular initiatives. I advocated for the interests of science students in Council meetings by voting on academic matters concerning the Faculty of Science. As a lifelong learner who has spent over ten years at the university, I am highly cognizant of the ongoing challenges and barriers that our students face every day which impede on their academic and professional journeys, and overall success. I value the integrity of the Petitions Committee in the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council, to engage in equitable discussions and make informed decisions for students seeking accommodations. I strive to take part in the overarching goal and responsibility of the Council to advocate for the advancement and development of our students, with their academic success as our upmost priority, to ensure that such challenges and barriers may be overcome.