We are currently in the midst of officer elections. The slate is as follows:
Nominee: Joseph Brodie
Program: Marine Studies, Physical Ocean Science and Engineering Concentration
Year: 4th (Doctoral)
GSG Experience:
Nominee: Tianhang Gao
Greetings! My name is Tianhang Gao. I am honored to be a candidate of GSG Vice President of Internal Affairs (VPIA) for the 2015-2016 academic year. I am a student in the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, in the Ph.D. of Economics program. I joined the UD community in 2012 starting with a master degree in Agriculture and Resource Economics. Prior to joining the UD community, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean University of China. Outside of the academy, I enjoy photography, reading, and traveling.
In GSG, I have previously served as the senator of Agriculture and Resource Economics to communicate the information about different activities and initiatives of the GSG to my fellows and also collect feedback from them. I am excited about the opportunity to engage more with this community through the position of VPIA in GSG.
Nominee: Janice Hudson
My name is Janice Hudson. I am a third year MS student in the Department of Geography’s Ecohydrology group. I’ll be transitioning into the doctoral program at the end of spring semester.
I have been involved with Graduate Student Government since I first arrived at UD, serving first as a proxy senator from 2012 to 2014, and as the senator for my department for the 2014-2015 school year. I attended almost every meeting as a proxy, and as senator I have missed only 2 meetings (to give birth to my awesome baby)! It has been my goal to increase communication between the department senator and constituents, and I feel I have done that.
As Secretary, I will be an asset to the other officers, and GSG as whole, through my organizational and record keeping skills and passion for GSG. Being a new mom has brought out in me a new level of dedication to things that have meaning in my life and, although I do not feel well suited for a VP position due to my introverted nature, I’d like to be even more involved in the decisions affecting graduate students and grad student life here at UD.
My experience with GSG has been rich; I have made many great friends through participation and I hope to continue on this year as your Secretary.
Nominee: Kyra (Han Kyul) Kim
Hi! My name is Kyra (Han Kyul) Kim. I am a second year Ph.D. student in the Department of Geological Sciences, and have been serving as a Senator in GSG for two consecutive years. My nomination as the Vice President of Student Affairs has nudged me to observe at my cultural, social, and academic background and understand what merits I can bring to this potential position.
As an international student (South Korea born and raised), a woman in STEM, and active member in the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), I’ve had a chance to experience and be exposed to practical problems a diverse group of students face during their academic growth at UD. Being a part of a research group that focuses on groundwater sustainability and living down at the Lewes Marine Campus, I also recognize sustainability as one of the top priorities of being a responsible academic. If I am elected for this position, I would like to focus on being a worker for the students as I try to tackle the highly-relevant administrative issues I’ve already identified as a student. With the three committees, I would ultimately like to strive towards a hassle-free, supportive environment for all groups within UD so that graduate student can confidently flourish in the academic career. I look forward to speaking with you during the GSG Special Elections Meeting!
Nominee: Stephanie Luff
Ahoy! I’m a 4th year PhD candidate in Biological Sciences studying gene regulation during platelet biogenesis. I was raised in Louisville, KY and came to The Small Wonder for graduate school. I’ve been a Senator since Fall 2012 and have served as the Communication Committee chair since Fall 2013.
As chair, my main focus has been developing and maintaining a strong, consistent GSG “brand” through the logo creation, the website redesign, and a grad forum template style.
My goal as VPoM would be to merge my love for clear, concise communication that is aesthetically pleasing with the efficient, powerful organization of Senator data established this year by Amanda. Lastly, I’m interested in exploring creative ways of encouraging Senator engagement and empowering them to fulfill their duties.
Nominee: Matthew Rinkevich
Matthew Rinkevich is a graduate student in the English Department. After receiving his master’s degree this May, Matt will continue at UD as a Ph.D. candidate. He studies the English Renaissance, particularly intersections between literature and Christian liturgy during and after the Reformation. His research contributes to our understanding of religious controversy, societal and cultural transitions and tensions, and English identity during the period. When not reading Shakespeare and laughing at sixteenth-century puns, Matt teaches first-year composition (E110), reads ritual texts from the 1500s and 1600s, watches old movies, and argues with his colleagues about allegory, Aristotelian philosophy, capitalism, and The Big Lebowski. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to serve the GSG and the entire graduate-student body as parliamentarian.
President
Joseph Brodie
VP of Internal Affairs
Tianhang Gao
VP of Student Affairs
Kyra (Han Kyul) Kim
VP of Membership
Stephanie Luff
Secretary
Janice Hudson
Parliamentarian
Matthew Rinkevich
For more information on each candidate, please check out the biographies below, organized in alphabetical order.
Nominee: Joseph Brodie
Program: Marine Studies, Physical Ocean Science and Engineering Concentration
Year: 4th (Doctoral)
GSG Experience:
Senator for Marine Studies, 2013 – 2014
Chair, Events Committee, 2013 – 2014
Vice President of Internal Affairs, 2014 – 2015
I am very excited by the opportunity to be able to serve as President of the Graduate Student Government for the next year. I have worked diligently as the VPIA over the past year to help make GSG events a success, and to help graduate students come together as the outstanding and diverse community that they are, which I fully intend to continue if selected as President. One of the largest roles of the President is to serve as a voice of the graduate students to the University administration, which is a role I am well prepared for. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Chris Castillo over the past year, which has given me a tremendous opportunity to understand the “inner workings” of the University administration, which will help me serve as a strong advocate for graduate student interests. Next year could prove to be a very important year of transition for the University. The Board of Trustees will be selecting the next University President, while at the same time, the administration will begin implementation of the Delaware Will Shine strategic planning initiative. I think it is vital that graduate students both understand the changes that are coming, and be able to play an important role in shaping those changes to make the future of UD strong. We have a unique opportunity to ensure that graduate education continues to be a priority in the future of the University, as when the University excels, it helps every graduate student to excel in their fields, careers, and lives. I pledge to always be open and honest with both the graduate students and the administration as we move forward together!Nominee: Tianhang Gao
Greetings! My name is Tianhang Gao. I am honored to be a candidate of GSG Vice President of Internal Affairs (VPIA) for the 2015-2016 academic year. I am a student in the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, in the Ph.D. of Economics program. I joined the UD community in 2012 starting with a master degree in Agriculture and Resource Economics. Prior to joining the UD community, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean University of China. Outside of the academy, I enjoy photography, reading, and traveling.
In GSG, I have previously served as the senator of Agriculture and Resource Economics to communicate the information about different activities and initiatives of the GSG to my fellows and also collect feedback from them. I am excited about the opportunity to engage more with this community through the position of VPIA in GSG.
Nominee: Janice Hudson
My name is Janice Hudson. I am a third year MS student in the Department of Geography’s Ecohydrology group. I’ll be transitioning into the doctoral program at the end of spring semester.
I have been involved with Graduate Student Government since I first arrived at UD, serving first as a proxy senator from 2012 to 2014, and as the senator for my department for the 2014-2015 school year. I attended almost every meeting as a proxy, and as senator I have missed only 2 meetings (to give birth to my awesome baby)! It has been my goal to increase communication between the department senator and constituents, and I feel I have done that.
As Secretary, I will be an asset to the other officers, and GSG as whole, through my organizational and record keeping skills and passion for GSG. Being a new mom has brought out in me a new level of dedication to things that have meaning in my life and, although I do not feel well suited for a VP position due to my introverted nature, I’d like to be even more involved in the decisions affecting graduate students and grad student life here at UD.
My experience with GSG has been rich; I have made many great friends through participation and I hope to continue on this year as your Secretary.
Nominee: Kyra (Han Kyul) Kim
Hi! My name is Kyra (Han Kyul) Kim. I am a second year Ph.D. student in the Department of Geological Sciences, and have been serving as a Senator in GSG for two consecutive years. My nomination as the Vice President of Student Affairs has nudged me to observe at my cultural, social, and academic background and understand what merits I can bring to this potential position.
As an international student (South Korea born and raised), a woman in STEM, and active member in the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), I’ve had a chance to experience and be exposed to practical problems a diverse group of students face during their academic growth at UD. Being a part of a research group that focuses on groundwater sustainability and living down at the Lewes Marine Campus, I also recognize sustainability as one of the top priorities of being a responsible academic. If I am elected for this position, I would like to focus on being a worker for the students as I try to tackle the highly-relevant administrative issues I’ve already identified as a student. With the three committees, I would ultimately like to strive towards a hassle-free, supportive environment for all groups within UD so that graduate student can confidently flourish in the academic career. I look forward to speaking with you during the GSG Special Elections Meeting!
Nominee: Stephanie Luff
Ahoy! I’m a 4th year PhD candidate in Biological Sciences studying gene regulation during platelet biogenesis. I was raised in Louisville, KY and came to The Small Wonder for graduate school. I’ve been a Senator since Fall 2012 and have served as the Communication Committee chair since Fall 2013.
As chair, my main focus has been developing and maintaining a strong, consistent GSG “brand” through the logo creation, the website redesign, and a grad forum template style.
My goal as VPoM would be to merge my love for clear, concise communication that is aesthetically pleasing with the efficient, powerful organization of Senator data established this year by Amanda. Lastly, I’m interested in exploring creative ways of encouraging Senator engagement and empowering them to fulfill their duties.
Nominee: Matthew Rinkevich
Matthew Rinkevich is a graduate student in the English Department. After receiving his master’s degree this May, Matt will continue at UD as a Ph.D. candidate. He studies the English Renaissance, particularly intersections between literature and Christian liturgy during and after the Reformation. His research contributes to our understanding of religious controversy, societal and cultural transitions and tensions, and English identity during the period. When not reading Shakespeare and laughing at sixteenth-century puns, Matt teaches first-year composition (E110), reads ritual texts from the 1500s and 1600s, watches old movies, and argues with his colleagues about allegory, Aristotelian philosophy, capitalism, and The Big Lebowski. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to serve the GSG and the entire graduate-student body as parliamentarian.