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VUW PGSA Executive
The VUW PGSA is managed by a Executive of up to 12 elected volunteer members of the VUW PGSA, including 2 Co-Presidents, 2 Vice Presidents and a Treasurer, as well as an ex-officio seat for a representative of Ngai Tauira, which representative has a vote on the Executive.
Executive members are guided in their roles by the PGSA Executive Manual and the job description relevant to their particular rôle.
The Standing Committee of the Executive consists of both of the Co-Presidents, both of the Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, and any other Executive member or members (including the representative of Ngai Tauira) that the Standing Committee has co-opted onto the Standing Committee for the duration of the relevant meeting.
The Executive is assisted by a Secretary whom it appoints, who is an officer of the association and who attends all meetings of the Executive and the Standing Committee, but who is not part of the Executive or the Standing Committee and who does not vote on either body. The VUW PGSA Secretary is Craig Stansfield (pgsa@vuw.ac.nz), an MA student in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
Co-President: Lacy Jeffreys
Since beginning her PhD journey, Lacy has embraced a guiding mantra: “Don’t get isolated.” Realizing the importance of a supportive community, she set out to create the kind of network she wanted to be a part of. In early 2024, she launched “Shut Up and Write,” a weekly writing group for postgraduates within the Wellington School of Business and Government (WSBG). Additionally, she joined the WSBG Student PhD Committee, where she has advocated for improvements in facilities and fought against research grant cuts. Lacy also introduced “WSBG Wins,” an afternoon tea event that brings students together to celebrate PhDs as they reach important milestones like proposal submissions. As co-president, she brings determination and vision to foster a postgraduate community across schools and campuses, while also advocating for greater accountability from the university. Her research on the work pressures women face fuels her commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA).
Co-President: Rebekah Senanayake
Rebekah is a PhD Candidate in Cultural Anthropology. Building on 8 years of experience and relationship building in the Amazon Rainforest, her research investigates traditional knowledge systems and the function of altered states of consciousness in Amazonian communities. She completed her Master of Science in Cross-cultural Psychology, and her Bachelor of Science (First-class Honours) with majors in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Rebekah is passionate about protecting and amplifying the post-graduate student voice and creating environments for students of all backgrounds to flourish.
Vice President: Vladislav Ilin
Vlad Ilin is the current Vice-President of the Graduate Student Association and a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington. Vlad’s research explores the integration of AI scaffolding in Digital Game-Based Learning. With over a decade of software development experience and over seven years in lecturing and academic curriculum development, Vlad is dedicated to fostering a vibrant educational community. In his role with the Graduate Student Association, Vlad is committed to building a robust and inclusive community through events. His prior work includes curriculum development at institutions such as Birmingham City University, where he improved course formats based on student feedback, and at Bangkok University, where he revitalized underperforming courses to become among the most popular in the department. Vlad’s goal is to continue supporting the academic and social development of graduate students, ensuring a supportive environment for all through community events, professional development opportunities, and open channels for collaboration and feedback.
Vice President: Muhammad Ramzan Sajid
I am doing my PhD Media Studies and have a master’s degree in mass communication and an M.Phil. in Government and Public Policy. Presently I am on leave from my position as Director Media at Senate (Parliament of Pakistan). With over 22 years of diverse experience in communications, public relations, public policy, governance, and information dissemination, I have had exposure of teaching at the undergraduate level and with professional training institutes. I have also worked on capacity building, programmes communication, and outreach assignments in the government sector. I am seeking opportunities to interact, learn and get exposure around professional expertise.
Treasurer: Nkiru Ede
Nkiru is a Ph.D. student at Victoria University of Wellington, researching Software Ecosystems. She obtained a Master's degree in Big Data Analytics from Birmingham City University, with her research focused on Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing. Nkiru is motivated by a deep desire to understand the complex relationships and dynamics that exist within software ecosystems. She hopes to contribute valuable insights that would enhance and sustain the functionality of these ecosystems. She is also deeply committed to advocating for responsible practices in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
Executive member: James Barker
Kia ora koutou! I am a PhD student in WSBG (Wellington School of Business and Government) at the Pipitea campus. My research interest in looking at how tourism organisations implement regenerative tourism. However, I also come from over ten years in the arts and events sector in the UK. My strengths are in improving systems and organisation and I'm really keen to support PGSA in becoming a strong, sustainable, and effective organisation. On top of this, I am passionate about advocating for postgraduate support and ensuring the university is held to account in turbulent times.
Executive member: Pravir Chaudhary
Executive member: Maxwell Fobi Kontor
Executive member: Mariel Lettier
Originally from Uruguay, Mariel has lived in Edinburgh (Scotland) and Seville (Spain) while completing her masters'. She is currently a PhD candidate in Literary Translation, and her research aims to bring awareness to the lack of cultural representation in translated young adult literature and the need for more diversity in translation in general. While at VUW, Mariel has also worked as a Spanish tutor and is currently a Teaching Fellow. Moreover, over the last few months, she has worked as a student rep for the SLC, creating spaces and opportunities for the school's postgrads. Mariel is particularly interested in the international postgrad experience and wants to work towards comprehensive academic and social support for international students.