About ASUU

Branches

Resources

Home Elections Legislative Senate Candidates

Legislative Senate Candidates


2024 ASUU Legislative Senate Candidates

The Legislative Branch in ASUU is made up of two bodies - the Assembly and the Senate. Students can run in the annual ASUU elections to represent their college in either the Assembly or Senate. Below, you will find all candidates running to represent their colleges in the Senate. Click on each of the candidate photos to read their personal statement.

Candidates for Legislative Senate


 

Jack Israelsen

Architecture + Planning

Jack Israelsen

Architecture + Planning
I hope to represent the College of Architecture and Planning, Skateboarders, and creatives on campus in general in my role as Senator if I am elected for another term. I plan to strengthen and reimagine the CSC system at the University of Utah, for every college, not just those that are already established. I hope to improve campus life with more events, more participation by students, and more consideration of everybody’s needs.

Jaedon Bassett

Business

Jaedon Bassett

Business
Hello! My name is Jaedon Bassett, and I am running for senator of the Business School. Some fun facts about me ★ From Fillmore, UT (literally in the middle of nowhere) ★ Finance Major & French Minor ★ Fav movie: La La Land ★ I have a bad RBF ★ I love my dog more than anything Why am I running for ASUU? I am running for ASUU because I want to serve “U”. I love helping people out and advocating for issues that you are concerned about. As a senator, I would advocate for more funding from ASUU, review proposed legislation for ASUU, and serve on the University Academic Senate and various University Committees. What makes me a good candidate? I am a pro listener! I will listen to everything you have to say, and no matter my standing on the subject (I am easily persuaded), I will bring it to attention and advocate for your needs. I also happen to have experience in leadership, and I’ve even been involved with ASUU’s First Year Council and Finance Board, so I know what I’m doing! Why should you vote for me? I want what is best for everyone! As I said previously, I will listen to everyone and serve in the best interest of the business school. This means advocating for increased academic resources, promoting diversity and inclusion, and collaborating with the administration of the business school. One thing that I am passionate about is personal financial literacy, and I think it would be really cool to set up more free financial literacy programs throughout the business school and University as a whole! This would be so helpful, especially for students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and might not know much about budgeting, building credit, and investing! Summary ★ I will listen to and advocate your comments and concerns ★ I will push for more free financial literacy programs ★ I am here to serve “U”!

Jazlynn Landeros

Business

Jazlynn Landeros

Business

Alex Rose

Business

Alex Rose

Business
Hello, fellow students of the David Eccles School of Business, I am Alex Rose, and I am excited to announce that I am running for ASUU Senator to represent the business school. Since my freshman year here at the University of Utah, I’ve aspired to integrate and establish myself in the business world. However, like many of you, I faced challenges in navigating resources and tools to maximize my potential. Recovering from a pandemic and readjusting to academic life highlighted the need for improved support systems. Now, as a candidate for ASUU Senator, I aim to bridge the gap between students and opportunities, ensuring that everyone can flourish in both their undergraduate studies as well as their future careers. I envision a thriving business school where every student is empowered to succeed and unlock their full potential. I have three main objectives that I believe will help us achieve this vision: 1. Forge Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with business school administrators, I will actively seek partnerships with industry leaders and companies. This initiative aims to create valuable networking opportunities for students, paving the way for internships and real-world connections. By bringing the business world closer to our campus, we can enhance your academic journey with practical experiences. 2. Club and Organization Collaboration: I recognize the immense impact of student clubs and organizations on personal and professional growth. As your senator, I will work closely with club leaders to maximize opportunities for students. Together, we can organize events, workshops, and activities that enrich your skills and broaden your horizons. 3. Facilitating Student-Professor Communication: To better understand and address your needs, I will establish open lines of communication with professors. By collaborating with faculty members, we can identify ways to tailor academic experiences, ensuring that coursework aligns with industry demands and prepares you for future success. I am committed to fostering an environment where every business student thrives. With a focus on partnerships, collaboration, and effective communication, we can elevate the Eccles School of Business to new heights. Join me in this journey, and together, let's shape the future of business leadership.

Adel Arghand

Education

Adel Arghand

Education

Henderson Bare

Engineering

Henderson Bare

Engineering

Asma Khan

Engineering

Asma Khan

Engineering

Jesus Javier Ponce

Engineering

Jesus Javier Ponce

Engineering

Nikita Singhi

Engineering

Nikita Singhi

Engineering

Alec Stevens

Fine Arts

Alec Stevens

Fine Arts
Hello, my name is Alec Stevens. I am presently an undergraduate student pursuing a dual major, one of which is a Bachelor of Music from the School of Music in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah. I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of College of Fine Arts Senate Chair in the ASUU Senate. I am running for ASUU because of my abiding passion for serving the educational institutions of which I am a part. I have a history of involvement in student government roles at my previous schools, where I found immense fulfilment in actively representing and serving the student body. I have represented the School of Music as Undergraduate Chair within the College of Fine Arts. Now, I am eager to bring that same commitment to represent the College of Fine Arts in the University’s ASUU Senate. My primary purpose is to ensure that the voices and desires of the students within the College of Fine Arts are heard when it comes to allocating funding. I want to make certain that these resources are used appropriately to address student needs. I aim to be a proactive advocate for the College of Fine Arts by actively participating in the drafting and submission of legislative changes and bills. I believe it's crucial that the interests of our students are not only heard but also reflected at the University level. This involves working collaboratively to address concerns and propose impactful changes that benefit the College of Fine Arts community.

Lillian Ault

Humanities

Lillian Ault

Humanities

Ryan Trevino

Humanities

Ryan Trevino

Humanities

Spencer Dillon

Law

Spencer Dillon

Law
I am running for ASUU representation to prove that lawyers, and the law school, are interested in the world beyond their borders. We need to be more invested in our community. The frequency with which we have not had ASUU representation in recent years is discouraging and I would like to begin the process of rectifying that and building a culture of engagement within the law school. Too often, I think, are we callous to the systems we find frustrating within the University. A great irony considering our failure to participate. I also aspire to be an ambassador of respect and intellectual honesty from the law school to the rest of campus. While I am certainly not the most popular student in our building, I would like to think that folks agree that I seek the truth and to build systems that equitably serve everyone impacted by those systems. I hope that my potential involvement in ASUU will allow me to serve those goals and show that we as law students care about more than firms, careers and bonuses.

Kate Menlove

Law

Kate Menlove

Law

Kathy Wsol

Nursing

Kathy Wsol

Nursing

Margaret Call

Science

Margaret Call

Science

Rachel Muhlestein

Science

Rachel Muhlestein

Science
Hello, College of Science Students! My name is Rachel Muhlestein, and I am excited to be running for the position of Senator within ASUU, advocating for the needs and interests of the College of Science. Who I Am: I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry and physics from Lehi, Utah. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors running, hiking, skiing, or canyoneering. Involvement: I joined the College of Science’s Ambassador team during my first year at the U. Through this team, I was elected as the Student Policy Lead. Working with the current ASUU Senator, I helped establish a College Student Council. Together, we initiated the Study Aid Project, providing over $7000 worth of study aids, including molecular modeling kits, anatomy models, physics demonstration materials, and calculators for free check-out. Goals for the Position: Building on the success of the Study Aid Project, I intend to enhance accessibility by expanding study aid checkout locations and acquiring more materials. College can be expensive, and it's important to mitigate financial stress wherever possible, especially when it comes to materials that are crucial to student’s success in individual courses. Additionally, I plan to host regular town halls to gather feedback from students. Your voices are powerful, and I aspire to use this platform to advocate for changes that enhance your well-being and success. Thank you for considering me as your representative. I am eager for the opportunity to serve as a leader within the ASUU government. Sincerely, Rachel Muhlestein

Sofia Perez

Science

Sofia Perez

Science
Hello! My name is Sofia Perez, I am originally from San Antonio, Texas, I am a freshmanpursuing an Honors degree in Biochemistry and Physics, and I am running in the hopes ofbecoming your next College of Science Senator! Beyond my degree, I am an active ACCESSScholars student for this year’s cohort, I run the American Chemical Society platforms as theirSocial Media Leader, and nowadays you will often find me in the Bischak lab in the Departmentof Chemistry as an undergraduate researcher!I am a firm believer in the importance of not only advocating for one’s voice but making animpact beyond the classroom. Throughout my short, yet unforgettable time so far here at theUniversity of Utah, I have experienced some of the most meaningful impacts that have trulyshaped who I am and what I stand for today. As your College of Science Senator, I want to fightto create a more equitable, accountable, and strong student body, as well as create an impactthat will touch not only the students of today but those beyond! Thank you for taking the time toread this, and I hope you have a great day! 🙂

Arden Cook

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Arden Cook

Social & Behavioral Sciences
My name is Arden Cook, a current 2nd year student studying political science. I am running for Senate in the College of Social and Behavioral Science. I am running for ASUU as an advocate for my community. As a current Associate Director of the First Year Council (FYC) and a former FYC member, I have been involved in ASUU for the 2 years I have been here and hope to represent the voices of the students on a different level. As a current advocate for first-year students as well as a student who lives on campus and utilizes resources here, I hope to make campus a better place for all students who are a part of the university. I hope to accomplish the wants of my community, my college, and those who want to see change on a student level. I hope to participate in engaging my community and see outreach on both sides.

Martin Gaucin

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Martin Gaucin

Social & Behavioral Sciences
Who you are? ○ Martin Gaucin is more than just a political science student; he is a dedicated champion for a stronger, more inclusive University of Utah. Martin's dedication to public service is evident in everything he does, and it stems from a nineteen-year love for his adoptive home state. As a passionate advisor and community volunteer, his experience extends beyond the classroom to work with the Utah Consular Corps and programs such as the Salt Lake International Organization and the Support & Cultural Drive for Ukraine. ○ Martin doesn't believe in problems, only solutions.He sees his potential ASUU seat as a link between the demands of the College of Social & Behavioral Science and the general student body. Where is his attention? Amplifying student voices, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and ensuring that everyone feels included in the University's unique tapestry. Vote for Martin, and you'll be supporting a leader who will work to make a ‘brighter U.’ ● What position are you running for? ○ University of Utah Senate ● Which college are you running to represent? ○ The College of Social & Behavioral Science ● Why are you running for ASUU? ○ I'm running for University Senate because I am sincerely devoted to creating a healthy and rewarding academic environment in the College of Social and Behavioral Science. As a political science student, I've seen not just the amazing diversity of opinion and perspectives at our campus, but I've also understood the importance of committed representation and advocacy. Throughout my academic path and profession, including my roles as an advisor and institutional fellow, I have developed a deep respect for the value of student participation, academic performance, and the overall well-being of our university community. I feel that my experiences, together with my enthusiasm for political Believe in a Brighter U Martin Gaucin for Senate science, uniquely qualify me to speak for our College's interests and concerns in the University Senate. I am not only running for a post; I am running to improve the academic experience of all students at our college. Together, we can build a university environment that really represents the beliefs and goals of the students it serves. Thank you for considering me for this important position; I am delighted about the opportunity to serve and represent our vibrant academic community. ● Goals for the position? ○ I have four main goals that I believe are important to work towards: ■ Advocacy for academic resources ● Work to boost funding and resources for the College of Social and Behavioral Science. ● Encourage the expansion of academic programs, research opportunities, and support services at your college. ■ Student Engagement and Representation: ● Hold regular town hall meetings or open forums to solicit feedback and concerns from students on campus. ● Actively represent the dierent viewpoints and interests of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the ASUU government. ■ Community Outreach and Partnerships: ● Strengthen relationships between the College and the larger community through partnerships, activities, and collaborations. ● Investigate potential for community service activities that include College students in addressing local concerns. ■ Professional Development Opportunities: ● Investigate professional development and internship options pertaining to political science and other areas at the College. ● Collaborate with the career services department to plan workshops, networking events, and guest lectures.

Grace Maya

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Grace Maya

Social & Behavioral Sciences
My name is Grace Maya and I’m running to represent the Colleges of Social and Behavioral Science in the ASUU student senate. I’m a masters student in the MIAGE program and undergraduate teaching assistant. I hope to elevate historically marginalized peoples at the U and aim to improve the material conditions of our diverse student body. To that end, and within my capacity as student senator, I pledge to lobby and otherwise advocate for increased funding to any and all campus organizations representing progressive causes. Regardless of past (or ongoing) ASUU, university, or government policies, I support those dedicated to equality, justice, and Free Speech, even when those concepts do not take forms convenient to those more privileged. I hope to gain both your support in me as a candidate, and your belief in a New Utah.

Samantha Watrin

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Samantha Watrin

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Elvis J Valenzuela

Architecture + Planning

Elvis J Valenzuela

Architecture + Planning

Jada Easterly

Business

Jada Easterly

Business
My name is Jada Easterly and I am studying management and information systems. I am running for senator of the David Eccles School of Business. I have held the position of senator for most of the 2023-2024 term and would love the opportunity to continue to support the business school. During my short time with ASUU, I was able to work with Chartwells to examine food waste on campus. To help with waste, we have been able to negotiate discounts on food, meaning perishable foods will be discounted 50% before their expiration date. This change will be implemented this semester, and I hope this will benefit students across campus. If I am able to continue as a senator, I would like to continue to support the business student government and all of the wonderful things they do. In addition, I would like to continue to make changes that affect the campus as a whole, such as working with dining services!

Erica Lloyd

Business

Erica Lloyd

Business

Jack Vanderheyden

Business

Jack Vanderheyden

Business

Melanie Biviano

Education

Melanie Biviano

Education

Jack Doughty

Engineering

Jack Doughty

Engineering
I am Jack Doughty and I am excited to announce that I am running for ASUU Senator of the College of Engineering. My campaign is rooted in a fundamental belief: that our College of Engineering can become a hub that creates lasting networks and career defining professional opportunities. Since the pandemic, I, like many of you, have seen a greater need to create a stronger community within our college that promotes collaboration and professional development. As Senator, I will organize events within the college that aim to nurture networks and career development opportunities for every student. I envision several events to achieve said objective: 1. I propose networking events where engineering students and alumni of all backgrounds come together to meet, discuss goals, professional advice, and career opportunities. This event would strengthen relations between the college and the professional world, creating more job and internship opportunities. 2. I envision hosting more college wide competitions that foster participation, collaboration, and innovation between students. Such competitions can bring our college together and provide an opportunity to apply our academic knowledge and win prizes. These events will not only enhance our current academic experience but also invite participation from major companies and other universities. 3. I will also work to hold more industry partnership events where engineering firms and tech companies hold guest lectures, workshops, or internships exclusively for college of engineering students. Such an opportunity would expose our community to real-world applications and potential employers. As your Senator, I promise to be a listener and an advocate. Your ideas, concerns, and aspirations will be the driving force behind my actions, events, and policies. Together, we can build a College of Engineering that is not only known for its academic excellence but also for its vibrant, inclusive community. Vote for Jack Doughty, and let's make the College of Engineering a place where every student thrives.

Byron Liu

Engineering

Byron Liu

Engineering

Dallin Rasmussen

Engineering

Dallin Rasmussen

Engineering

Ien Zielinski

Engineering

Ien Zielinski

Engineering
My name is Ien Zielinski. I am a third-year student majoring in Chemical Engineering. I am running for Student Senator for the Price College of Engineering. My purpose for running is that I have been involved with EID issues on and off campus since before my time at the U. I have worked with the Academic Senate in the past to implement new policies that prioritize student success. I spoke regarding diversity at the Academic Senate Year-End Social in December. My goal is to represent marginalized students from all walks of life and increase equity across campus.

Christo Pyknis

Health

Christo Pyknis

Health
Hello, fellow Utes! My name is Christopher Pyknis, and I am running for the legislative position within the ASUU representing the College of Health. As a passionate advocate for Recreation and Sports Business education and overall student well-being, my mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students in our college, whilst building upon the programs and events that take place within the College of Health. Core Values: Student Wellness and Support: Prioritizing mental and physical health through enhanced wellness programs, accessible mental health resources, and promotion of a healthy campus culture. Academic Excellence and Innovation: Fostering academic success by advocating for high-quality resources, cutting-edge research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaborations within the health field. Community Engagement and Outreach: Strengthening connections between students and the local community through volunteer opportunities, health initiatives, and partnerships with healthcare organizations. Initiatives: 1. Hosting more events centered around careers related to degrees in the College of Health 2. Networking initiatives to assist students with their pursuit of work after graduation. 3. Ensure that student feedback and concerns are heard and addressed, fostering a transparent and responsive governance within the College of Health.

Lea Cinq-Mars

Humanities

Lea Cinq-Mars

Humanities
As an upcoming candidate for ASUU Legislative Senate, I am committed to honing in on the interests and well-being of every student within the College of Humanities. The Senate plays an essential role at our university, and I believe in the power of effective representation to bring positive changes within the college. My goals: • Allocate Funds Responsibly: o I will work to ensure that funds allocated to the College of Humanities Student Council are used efficiently and effectively to better the student experience within my college. • Legislation Oversight o I will review proposed legislation in detail and ensure it aligns with the interests of our student body. • Active Engagement with University Committees: o I will actively participate in discussions and decisions that impact students, to make sure our voices are heard when it comes to university policies. • Empower College Student Councils: o I will support and collaborate with each college's CSC to strengthen our advocacy efforts, and work collectively, and share common resources. • Enhance Student-Administration Relationships: o As the primary student representative to college administrations, I will work to create positive and constructive relationships, addressing concerns and promoting open communication for the betterment of student life. I am YOUR advocate. Together, we can elevate the student experience, and ensure that the Legislative Senate remains a space of student representation, empowerment, and positive change. Go Utes!

James VanLooy

Humanities

James VanLooy

Humanities
My name is James VanLooy and I’m running to be your next senator for the College of Humanities. I am running for ASUU Senate to represent both my perspective and the perspective of the College of Humanities. I’ve noticed that on campus, people don’t know that we even have a student government. I want to change that. I want to bring transparency, honesty, and to foster good old-fashioned conversation between students and their representatives. I think it’s a shame that people in our community are unaware of the organization on campus that may have the most direct impact on their lives, if only they knew how to make their voices heard. One of my goals as your senator will be to have honest conversations with students about the issues we face at the U. We’ll probably have differences of opinion and that’s okay! In fact, that’s a good thing! Part of bringing real change is to be able to have conversations with people we disagree with and building consensus. Another one of my goals will be to bring openness to our student government. As it stands now, students can’t find information on what has been passed by the legislature, or what the legislature has voted on. As your senator, I will do everything in my power to enforce openness and pass legislation to require the legislature to publish its agenda. If the U.S. Senate can do it, so can we! I would be honored to have your vote for Senate!

Courtney Gamangasso

Law

Courtney Gamangasso

Law

Tess Peterson

Law

Tess Peterson

Law
I am running for ASUU Assembly to represent the S.J. Quinney College of Law! I hope to advocate for our students’ needs and represent our interests in a campus-wide setting. Currently, I serve as the 2L representative for our Student Bar Association and I would love to expand that representation to a wider platform. I am also a member of the SJQ Sustainability Council, and promoting sustainability in SJQ and throughout campus is one of my biggest goals during my time here. Thank you for considering!

McKell Ferry

Pharmacy

McKell Ferry

Pharmacy
Hello! My name is McKell Ferry and I am running to be the ASUU senator for the College of Pharmacy. A little about myself, I am currently a second-year pharmacy student here at the U, I was born and raised here in Utah, and I love music, skiing, and hanging out with friends. I have loved my time here at the U and have especially loved getting involved here on campus. At the pharmacy school, I have had the opportunity to be a part of several organizations which has allowed me to work with and meet new people. For me, fostering relationships with others and building a campus community is the most essential part of the college experience. I wish to run as an ASUU senator because I want to be the voice that helps to bridge the College of Pharmacy with the university as a whole and create that larger campus community. If I were to be elected as the College of Pharmacy senator, my goal is to create more opportunities for student involvement on campus. Through increasing student engagement and involvement we can build a stronger community on campus. I also hope to be a dependable resource for every student on campus. I want to be that listening ear who can provide a platform for each student’s ideas, concerns, and aspirations to make our campus even better. I am eager to serve as your ASUU senator and be your advocate. Thank you for considering me to be your representative.

Jacob Giauque

Science

Jacob Giauque

Science

Jack Perry

Science

Jack Perry

Science
My name is Jack Perry, and I am currently a third year student here at the University of Utah working on a double major in math with a statistics emphasis and QAMO. I am running for the position of student senator, representing the college of science. I am running for this position because I know that I have the necessary skills and connections to understand and make changes that will positively impact every student. I have had several opportunities to lead in my academic career and I look forward to implementing that experience in a meaningful way here at the University of Utah. As a senator representing the school of science, I will be committed to improving the school experience of all students by increasing transparency between the students and the college of science. I will be committed to organizing worthwhile and career-focused student events that provide adequate amounts of delicious food for everyone. I will help to build an environment that uplifts and connects by creating opportunities for students to connect and build lasting relationships. I will work to hear the opinions and ideas of all students and incorporate them in ways that enhance their educational experience. Thank you for your vote

Elizabeth Baker

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Elizabeth Baker

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Sha Dey

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Sha Dey

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Ben Kosvic

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Ben Kosvic

Social & Behavioral Sciences
My name is Ben Kosvic, and I’m a Master’s student in Economics and a Graduate Assistant for Economics & Public Policy at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. I’m running to represent the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the ASUU Senate. In my brief time at the University of Utah, I’ve gotten to know and love the campus and the people who make it up. However, I’ve also been alarmed as recent political developments have unfolded, particularly those pertaining to the suppression of Free Speech. Our administration sits by and watches silently as the state government passes laws designed to illegalize certain types of campus speech. Registered Student Organizations have had their official University recognition revoked because the administration disapproves of the programs and policies for which they advocate. And, perhaps most alarmingly, other student organizations which enjoy the open support of the administration and claim to support “free speech” in fact dedicate their resources towards suppressing political protests which oppose their own narrow-minded political agendas. If we do not act decisively to protect the Free Speech of all students, I fear that we will sink into an Orwellian world where non-approved speech is punished by fines, expulsions, and perhaps even criminal sanctions. Join me, and together we can protect our fundamental rights and build a New Utah.

Olive Nyiramwiza

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Olive Nyiramwiza

Social & Behavioral Sciences
My name is Olive Nyiramwiza, a transfer student from SLCC. I`m originally from Rwanda and have been in the states for 7 years now. I’m running for the Senate Representative; Representing the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I’m running for the ASUU because I’m interested in working on the University Policy Issues that impact students especially because that’s what I hope to do once I finish school, making a positive impact on vulnerable populations by advocating for them. My goals are centered around addressing and improving university policy issues that directly impact students, mostly advocating for policies that support and uplift marginalized or underrepresented student groups within the university. Ensuring that the voices of students are heard and represented in decision-making processes. Focus on personal growth and leadership development for myself and my peers within the ASUU. Finally, advocating for educational initiatives and resources that benefit students. I believe this experience will help me reach my goals by learning how to be a better leader and discovering my power of leadership within me.

Emma Parkin

Social Work

Emma Parkin

Social Work

Nate Alohan

Business

Nate Alohan

Business

Soyer Haaga

Business

Soyer Haaga

Business

Jesus Martinez-Rodriguez

Business

Jesus Martinez-Rodriguez

Business
Hello! My name is Jesus Martinez-Rodriguez. I am a Junior studying Operations and Supply Chain with a minor in Information Systems. I am a First Ascent Scholar and a Business Scholars Intern. I am running for the Senate position and will be representing the School of Business. The reason I am running for ASUU is to advocate and be the voice for the underrepresented population in not only the School of Business but for the entirety of the university. The reason is also because I want to bring some diversity to ASUU and be one of many people that others will/may look up to. This being, I have a passion to help others be heard, which may not be the case in other situations. My main goal for this position is to be sure to voice the ideas and struggles of students inside out business school and being them up in meeting to get them resolved. I want to ensure a positive impact for students who may be struggling with anything that would prevent them with succeeding in college, since I have previously faced some of those challenges.

Spencer Mukai

Dentistry

Spencer Mukai

Dentistry

Blythe C. Wilde

Education

Blythe C. Wilde

Education

Ishita Juluru

Engineering

Ishita Juluru

Engineering
Hello All! My name is Ishita Juluru, and I am running for the College of Engineering Senate. Being a Computer Science Honors major has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the College of Engineering. My vision is inclusivity and openness—I'm eager to hear and amplify the diverse perspectives within our community. As a woman of color, I deeply understand the importance of representation and am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard. I can do this through my extensive connections with professors and students, serving as a vessel of communication by listening to the students’ needs and communicating them to the faculty. In addition to inclusivity, I also aim to prioritize fairness and accessibility in the college’s funding. I plan to ensure that all resources are effectively utilized to prioritize students’ needs. Moreover, I know firsthand how hard the College of Engineering students work, so I aim to ensure they receive the greatest support and opportunities possible.

Austin Neff

Engineering

Austin Neff

Engineering
I’m Austin Neff and I would simply love to represent the college of engineering in the ASUU senate again. In August I’ll be heading into my senior year as a mechanical engineering major, and I am very motivated to leave the college better than I found it. It’s because I really care about the students, I care about you all. This last year, the senate was able to work together to pass various bills, help make student voices heard and student activities funded. As the Senate Treasurer I was able to ensure the Senate remained fiscally responsible and maximized the effectiveness of our finite resources. My number one priority this next year is to work with the incoming Dean of Engineering and engineering students as a whole to create a College Student Council (CSC). My vision for this CSC is to create a formal link between the faculty, administration and the students they serve to help create a better environment for all. It will be patterned after CSC’s that most colleges in the university already have, in fact; my colleagues in other colleges find it is very odd that we don’t have one already. A CSC will bring events and community to the north side of campus and give more opportunities for involvement to students. In fact, to pull all of this off I’m going to need some help. If you are at all interested in increasing community or have ideas you would like to see implemented in your college. Please reach out to me at aneff@asuu.utah.edu

Divy Tripathy

Engineering

Divy Tripathy

Engineering
I am announcing candidacy for senator in the College of Engineering at the University of Utah. It is my intention to make a positive impact in my community and with my peers. I firmly believe that engineering is an important and vital field that has the potential to radically change the world for the better. I would like nothing more than the opportunity to help shape that community and foster development and improvement within the College of Engineering. Creating an environment where students feel supported, providing opportunities for academic success and career growth, and focusing on sustainable practices are the platforms I will be running on in my candidacy for senator. ______________________________________________________________________________ Student success: -Provide Mental Health Resources and check-ins for engineering students -Encourage student collaboration and networking through events and activities to create a supportive community for students. Career and Academic Advancement Opportunities: -Plan events for students to network with engineering professionals. -Ensure there is an expansive range of resources and tools to use to enhance learning, and to raise awareness of those tools. -Plan competitions and projects for students to advance their skillset and add to their portfolios. Sustainability: -Look at the current sustainability processes in the College of Engineering and see where improvements and optimizations can be made to reduce impact on the environment. -Encourage engineering projects relating to sustainability and environmental protection. ______________________________________________________________________________ I am excited to potentially use these platforms to improve the experience for my fellow students in the College of Engineering so that we can all thrive academically and in our careers. The students of today are the leaders and professionals of tomorrow, so it is essential that they are set on a path for success. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Divy Tripathy

Anna Roelofs

Fine Arts

Anna Roelofs

Fine Arts
Hello fellow artists! My name is Anna Roelofs. This academic year, I have proudly served as your Senator for the College of Fine Arts, and I’m pleased to announce that I will be running for re-election! My first year in ASUU has taught me a great deal, especially in matters such as funding and legislation. Having a clearer picture in these aspects will help me in serving you next year and catering to specific departmental/organizational needs. Ever since my election last year, I have been working (alongside your Assembly Representatives) on ideas and legislation including, but not limited to: - student accessibility to Kingsbury Hall through affordability - addressing how artificial intelligence is used and permitted on campus in conjunction with the arts - utilizing the CFA College Student Council and our ability to receive funding to help bridge gaps between department. Re-election will allow me to not only continue forming these changes, but grant me the time to craft them in a way that serves you best. In every meeting I have had this year, in every legislative voting session, I have cast aside my personal beliefs in order to truly vote on behalf of the entire CFA. Friends, it has been a great honor to serve you this year, and I hope you will cast a vote to grant me this chance once more for the 2024-2025 academic year. Vote Anna Roelofs for Senator of the College of Fine Arts.

Steven Valdez

Health

Steven Valdez

Health
I am a third year PhD Candidate in the College of Health (Nutrition and Physiology Department) who is running for election to ASUU Senate. My goals are to facilitate communication between university leadership and students in the College of Health, promote and advocate for student-led initiatives, and improve academic funding opportunities for students and student organizations. I have been volunteering with the Graduate School for the last year to achieve these goals for graduate students, and now I would like to leverage that experience to continue similar work by representing all students in the College of Health within the ASUU Senate. Between being an undergraduate, research technician, and now graduate student, I have been at the University of Utah for over a decade. I understand the challenges that undergraduates and graduate students face and now I seek to formally advocate for and represent my peers. If elected, I will be available for any student in the College of Health to express their needs and concerns. Thank you for your consideration, Steven Valdez

Mercedes Johnson

Humanities

Mercedes Johnson

Humanities

Megan Weiss

Humanities

Megan Weiss

Humanities

Grace Greene

Law

Grace Greene

Law

Chris Wallace-Carrete

Medicine

Chris Wallace-Carrete

Medicine

Myrna Kearse

Pharmacy

Myrna Kearse

Pharmacy
Who am I, you ask? I firmly believe that laughter is the best medicine, and nothing beats a mother's cooking after a long semester. Hello Pharmily! My name is Myrna Kearse, and I am running for the Senate position to represent the College of Pharmacy. I am currently enjoying and thriving in my second year of pharmacy school. After being in the pharmacy program for a year and a half, I have experienced and am aware of the achievements we make and the challenges my cohorts face; I feel I am in a good place to represent the College of Pharmacy. I hope you all will grant me the opportunity to represent the phenomenal students of the College of Pharmacy.

Natalie Hammond

Science

Natalie Hammond

Science
Hey Utes! My name is Natalie Hammond and I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am running forSenator of the College of Science and I am so excited to work with y’all. Last semester I went toRedfest and had lots of fun, so I decided to run for ASUU to be able to participate in theplanning of our fun campus events. Along with that, I love to be in the know about campusissues and events, so I can help organize and spread the word. Some of my goals for my timeat ASUU include expanding mental health resources, improving dining options for students wholive on campus, and increasing the amount of classes that are able to count for each generaleducation requirement. My main goal for the College of Science is to work with SRI and otherprograms to increase the amount of subjects offered and students able to participate inUndergraduate research. I’m looking forward to working for our awesome student governmentto make everyone’s time at the U more fun and inclusive. Thank you!

Amelia Walden

Science

Amelia Walden

Science
My name is Amelia Walden, and I intend to represent the interests of the College of Science in the Senate: this includes informing interested students about what issues are being brought up in the Senate and taking student feedback to decide my position, as well as championing certain issues that have been brought to my attention over the last two years that I have been a part of the College of Science as a Physics major (i.e. increased hours for the Marriott Library during finals week). My goal is to be transparent, informative, and representative of my fellow College of Science students; I am truly interested in your ideas and how we can improve the university environment.

Cameryn Coffey

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Cameryn Coffey

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Madi Durrant

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Madi Durrant

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Sarah Mabior Benj

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Sarah Mabior Benj

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Evan Rufert

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Evan Rufert

Social & Behavioral Sciences
My name is Evan Rufert, I’m a sophomore majoring in economics and political science. I’m hoping to earn your vote to be the senator representing the College of Social and Behavioral Science in the ASUU. When I came to the University of Utah, I made sure that I was not going to simply go to class and get a diploma. Instead, I decided to become a part of the community and ensure that everyone who attends the university plays a role in life on campus. By becoming a senator for the CSBS, I will be able to help ensure that funding for events and student organizations will be allocated in a timely manner. Additionally, I will ensure that the priorities of CSBS majors are heard, rather than just the engineering and business colleges. I’m also hoping to establish a level of communication that will allow CSBS students to voice their concerns directly to the leaders of the college, in the hopes of improving the level of academic achievement within the college. Students need to have someone who represents their desires and provides solutions to their problems. I will ensure that everyone is heard and represented. With that in mind, make sure to vote for Evan Rufert for CSBS Senator in the upcoming election.

Talea Steele

Transform

Talea Steele

Transform

Make sure to check out all the candidates running before you vote!