Kinesis Magazine: Welfare Officer

Hi everyone! I’m Dan, and I’m in the third year of my PhD studying cancer genetics. I have been involved in student media at UCL since my undergraduate years, and have been Treasurer for Kinesis Magazine since 2019.

Being able to watch Kinesis not only survive a pandemic, but somehow find a way to start a podcast, win national awards, create the most stunning magazines, and hugely increase its engagement, has been one of the best experiences of my time at UCL, and I would love to continue being a part of this incredible community.

Part of what makes Kinesis such a brilliant society is its focus on personal growth and development, and the opportunities offered for students to try out new skills, and improve the ones they already have. Broadly, as Welfare Officer, my intention would be to ensure that Kinesis maintains this outlook, and continues to create a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for its members.

As Welfare Officer, my priority would be to ensure that every member of Kinesis feels valued and celebrated as an individual. I currently run a national widening-participation organisation and am involved in the ‘Decolonising the Medical Curriculum’ initiative. Additionally, I mentor aspiring medics from disadvantaged backgrounds, and am the Inclusivity Officer for RUMS Boat Club. This, as well as personal experience with discrimination, has developed my awareness of issues surrounding widening participation and inclusion. I want to particularly focus on the everyday culture of the society, tackling any subtle barriers to engagement and retainment. It is key that every single member of Kinesis is clear on where to access support and high-quality resources, and feels that the society is a safe space for them to be themselves. I would like to set up a buddy scheme, as well as hosting regular welfare events (e.g. coffee mornings, walks, museum/gallery trips, arts/crafts evenings). We all know university can be tough; I want to ensure that no Kinesis member feels alone or unsupported.