Max Vinning
The Coursework VP is the peak representative position on the PSA for all post-graduate students completing course work degrees and plays an important role in representing us at a Guild and University level.
G’day my names Max Vinning and I am running to be the PSA Coursework VP in 2026. I am currently studying a Masters in Public Policy, after having completed my Bachelor of Biological Science majoring in Wildlife Conservation last year. I am also currently the Welfare Vice President on the PSA this year, after having previously served as the President of the Societies Council in 2024. I have a strong record of student leadership being a former club president in 2023 and serving on numerous University Committees in 2024 and 2025. Throughout my experience on University Committees, I have been able to deliver institutional change for students. On the Student Experience Committee, I was able to push the University to deliver free academic transcripts to students at the end of their degrees. On the Safer Communities Advisory Committee, I was able to mandate the Respectful Relationships Module for club executives.
Working towards timetabling improvements, increased library staffing, and better exam support, next year, my goals focus around improving the educational experience for postgrads. Improving the educational experience, will ensure that UWA remains a great institution for students to stay at after finishing their undergrad degree, whilst also easing academic pressures that students are increasingly being subject to. Enacting this change requires an important relationship between other Office Bearers at the Guild and University Staff. With a proven track record of working collaboratively with other Guild Office Bearers and University Staff to drive change, I am the right candidate for the job.
For an experienced student leader with a history of success and the right goals, Vote 1 Max Vinning for PSA Coursework VP.
Laura Ogilvie
I am Laura Ogilvie, a first-year Master of Professional Engineering student specialising in Mechanical Engineering, I am expected to graduate in July 2027. This is my fifth year on campus, having previously completed a four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science, with a Minor in Sports Science and Exercise Physiology.
I have been heavily involved in the university community, having served on the University Engineers’ Club (UEC) committee for the past three years in the roles of President, Secretary, and Promotions Officer. I am also a committee member of the UWA Italian Club and a member of the Aerostructures Team within UWA Aerospace. I believe that student clubs and associations are one of UWA’s greatest strengths, offering invaluable experiences that greatly influence students’ university journeys. They have been a key reason why I chose to continue my studies and complete my master’s degree at UWA.
As UEC President this year, I have served on eight different university boards, including the Board of Studies for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, the Student Guild Education Council, and committees involving meetings with the Dean and individual Heads of School. These roles have provided me with a platform to express my views on course matters and have also deepened my understanding of curriculum-related issues across various faculties issues that I am passionate about addressing and improving.
I feel well-qualified for the position, given my experience completing a master’s by coursework and my strong network of connections across the university. I am committed to supporting postgraduate students in achieving success at UWA. My vision includes creating more networking opportunities, providing additional information sessions such as thesis-writing workshops, hosting more postgraduate welfare events, and securing greater funding for clubs that organise postgraduate-focused activities.
Having been elected as the Postgraduate Representative on the UEC for 2026, I believe this role aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Coursework Vice-President within the PSA. I am deeply passionate about addressing the challenges faced by postgraduate students, and I am eager for the opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on the UWA postgraduate community.
Thank you for considering my nomination.
Kind regards, Laura Ogilvie
Lana Pavlovic
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Hunter Theunissen
Many might ask — why the PSA? The answer is simple: I genuinely love helping postgraduate students.
As both a research student and the current PSA Grants and Awards Officer, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges that postgraduates face every day. Balancing intense research demands with work and personal commitments isn’t easy. Many of us deal with financial strain, administrative barriers, and a lack of clarity in support systems. Too often, those systems are hard to navigate or unavailable when we need them most, especially outside standard hours, when many of us are actually working on our research.
Through my role this year, I’ve delivered real funding outcomes that have helped students access resources, advance their projects, and showcase their work. I’ve also worked closely with students to understand their concerns and act on them, turning ideas into real results, whether that’s improving communication with faculties, simplifying processes, or making support more accessible and practical for how postgrads actually work.
I’m running for PSA Research Vice President to continue this work and build on it. My vision is clear: reform HDR hub to make it intuitive and functional, create a transparent Academic Complaints Portal, improve access to administrative and academic support (even outside normal hours), reduce cost-of-living pressures for HDR and PhD students, and strengthen the connection between research students and university leadership.
Every postgrad deserves the resources, respect, and recognition needed to succeed, and I’m committed to ensuring the systems and support structures reflect that reality.
Jay Williams
My decision to run for Postgraduate Students’ Association (PSA) President is driven by a deep commitment to advocacy, representation, and improving the lived experience of postgraduate students here at UWA. Having been a representative at multiple levels of Guild and University governance, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing postgrads, whether that be unpaid placements to insufficient stipends and limited support for international students. I believe strong, principled leadership can turn these challenges into solutions with vast opportunities for real change available.
Over the past three years, I have represented students across a wide range of portfolios, including as the UWA Student Guild 2025 Education Council President and Councillor, 2024 Arts Union President, and 2023 BPhil Union Secretary to name a few. These roles have given me the experience and institutional understanding necessary to advocate effectively for postgraduate students. I have worked closely with both the UWA Student Guild and University committees, including Academic Board, Education Committee, and Learning and Teaching Committee, to push for more transparent and equitable policies and delivered real outcomes for students such as 2-day simple extensions and free transcripts for BPhil students. This has taught me the value of persistence and collaboration.
Through these experiences, I have become a passionate advocate for educational equity. I have seen too many students struggle to balance their studies with placements, social life, and work. That is why one of my key priorities as PSA President will be to create a bursary for students undertaking unpaid placements. Postgrads contribute immensely to UWA’s teaching, research, and community; yet many face financial hardship that prevents them from fully engaging with their academic, social, and professional development. A bursary would ease this burden and recognise the value of postgraduate work to the UWA community.
Another key focus of mine is to strengthen national advocacy efforts for international postgraduate students. International postgrads bring incredible diversity and innovation to UWA, yet often face unique challenges in accessing resources, representation, and work opportunities. I intend to work closely with the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) to ensure that UWA’s voice is strong at the national level, advocating for fairer visa conditions, more inclusive support services, and recognition of international students’ contributions to research, academic and campus life.
Finally, I will continue to push the Federal Government to raise the Research Training Development (RTD) stipend to a liveable level. Research students are the backbone of the UWA’s academic output specifically, and it is time their work was recognised and compensated. I have already fought for major reforms through the Guild Education Council, and as PSA President, I will take that fight further with a renewed energy and focus.
I am running because I care deeply about making postgraduate study at UWA fairer, more inclusive, and better overall. I bring a proven record of advocacy, a strong understanding of governance, and a commitment to turning ideas into tangible results. Together, we can make UWA, and being a postgraduate student here, better. Vote 1 Jay for PSA.
Alyssa Iozzi
Hi, I’m Alyssa Iozzi, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Social VP of the Postgraduate Student Association (PSA)!
I’m currently in my final year of a Master of Biotechnology at UWA, and my time here has been both rewarding and transformative—filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences.
As an active member of the Postgraduate Student Association and the Science Union, and a resident of both University Hall and St Catherine’s College, I’ve been fortunate to engage deeply with the campus community. These experiences allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, make close friends, and truly feel at home here. Honestly, it’s those connections that helped me settle in, stay motivated, and thrive during my degree.
But I know that not every postgraduate student gets the same opportunity. It can be tough to find your people—especially in a postgrad environment where everyone is busy, and social networks can feel fragmented.
If elected as your Social VP, I’m committed to creating inclusive, engaging, and exciting events that bring postgrads together—especially those who might not otherwise cross paths. I believe your postgraduate journey should be more than just about academics; it should also be about building friendships and finding a sense of belonging.
Let’s build a stronger, more connected postgraduate community—together.
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Annika Leunig
Hey everyone! I’m Annika Leunig and I’m currently studying a Master of Marine Biology here at UWA. I’m running for General Secretary of the Postgraduate Students Association (PSA) because I want to make postgrad life more connected, supportive, and enjoyable for everyone whether you’re deep in research, juggling coursework, or finding your feet in a new community.
This year, I’ve been serving as General Secretary for the UWA Student Guild, which has given me a great understanding of how things work behind the scenes, from policy and governance to student wellbeing and campus initiatives. It’s taught me how to keep things organised, communicate clearly, and make sure student voices actually lead to real change. I want to bring that same energy and experience into the PSA, but with a focus on the unique challenges postgrad students face.
Before that, I was President of Asian Students in Australia, where I organised large social events and managed a club with over 800 members. I’m also the Treasurer of ENACTUS UWA, where I’ve been helping manage finances for student-led social impact projects. It’s been awesome seeing how motivated and creative UWA students are when given the right support and resources — something I’d love to keep fostering through the PGA.
If elected, I want to:
- Expand the PSA grants to better support the research ambitions of postgrad students
- Provide more tailored support to help postgrads with the cost-of-living crisis
- Make the funding and functioning of the PSA department more transparent.
My goal is to make sure every postgrad student feels informed, supported, and genuinely part of the UWA community. I’d love the chance to bring my experience, positivity, and passion for student advocacy into the PSA team next year!
