Greetings and salutations everybody in postgrad-land! This year, I have the pleasure of serving as one of your Vice Presidents. I completed my undergraduate study at the University of Otago (BA(Hons) in English, PGDipArts in Theatre Studies, and BSc in Microbiology) - where I served on numerous university committees, the Students' Association executive, as a class rep, and as Performance Editor for Critic. I particularly enjoyed engaging with my fellow students and organising or assisting at events to ensure students could make the most of their time at university. I began my Master of Information Studies (endorsed in Library Science) in 2011 and, after studying by distance full-time for a year, decided that I should come to Wellington to complete my research project this year. Studying by distance made me acutely aware of the intangible aspects a campus environment - and not to mention a supportive community - contributes to postgraduate study. It is this community-feeling that I am eager to foster at Vic. Outside of study - if there is actually such a thing - I enjoy writing for Salient, theatre, and (surprise, surprise!) reading. I look forward to meeting you at our great events this year and would encourage you to get in touch for any reason at all.

Liz Chinlund has worked in a variety of educational roles including managing tertiary education, researching, developing and evaluating courses and helping adults plan for their studies. Originally from San Francisco, California, she has developed, taught, and researched bridging programmes in New Zealand since 2007. She is currently completing a Masters of Education thesis focused on evaluating student engagement and analysing identity transformation in programmes aimed to prepare students for successful degree study. Since 2008, Liz has worked for Victoria University, and will continue to coordinate the e-Portfolio for Student Academic Services part time while finishing her Masters.

I am doing PhD in finance at School of Economics & Finance on a Victoria doctoral scholarship. I have Masters degrees in Economics and Finance from Sweden and Finland. I have worked as lecturer at undergraduate and graduate level. As a researcher, my research work has been published in peer review journals and I am also a reviewer for the “Management Research Review” indexed in Emerald database. Apart from academic interests, I also have a diverse experience in extra-curricular activities. I served as a student coordinator/leader for the study visit to the European Central Bank and Deutsche Börse. I took part in fundraising efforts for the earthquake victims in Northern Pakistan. I actively participate in recreational activities including debate and sports competitions. I was elected Treasurer for one year and later President for the Student Management Association at Faisalabad University. I also served as Captain of the Cricket Team for Faisalabad University. As I have done my Masters from Sweden and Finland where I met people from different cultures I am sure I can function well in a group environment and adjust well to a new atmosphere. I am a proactive person, as proven by my participation in various programmes including seminars, group projects and debates all through my career. Being a people’s person I am good at interacting with people and facilitating conversations with my verbal skills. I have many success stories to tell and many innovative ideas to share and I am quite confident that with my experience and skills, I can add value to the Postgraduate Students’ Association.

I hold the only paid position on the PGSA which is part-time (15 hours per week) and fits in well with my other commitments as a mother. I provide the secretarial and administrative support for the PGSA which includes administration of executive meetings, helping students with their queries, managing PGSA finances, producing a monthly newsletter and event organisation. I really enjoy the variety of work involved in this role and it’s great working with such an enthusiastic and dedicated team of postgrad students.

Hi, my name is Alison. I'm a new international student starting the Master of Marine Conservation programme this semester. My background is in biology and GIS science, and my other interests include hiking, diving and origami. As someone new to the university and to New Zealand itself, I am eager to get involved with Victoria's postgraduate community. As part of PGSA, I'd like to contribute to making the postgraduate experience at Vic memorable and rewarding for all of us.

Hello! This is my first year as a PhD student at Victoria. My area of research is International Business, which I have focused on since my Bachelor (Vietnam – 2000) and then Masters (USA –2004). I worked as a lecturer back home and am happy to sit on the PGSA executive here. My role within the PGSA team is to listen to your ideas concerning the resources provided for your study and research (Minimum Resources Agreement). Hope to be of some help!

Hi my name is John and I am an Aquarian child of the eighties with a passion for social justice issues, and at present I am one year into my part-time criminology PhD. My research focus is understanding methamphetamine use in the context of consumerism. I’m a Wellington local with two fantastic sons, and I manage Victoria University’s Accommodation Service. I also tutor 300 level criminology and as of this year have surfed for 30 years. I am committed to ensuring all students have the best experience possible at Victoria, and my involvement with the PGSA affords me the opportunity to support our hugely talented postgraduate students.