Genetics Society: Welfare Officer

As a current first-year Biochemistry student, I have experienced firsthand the intense transition into university life. From the pressure of keeping up with assignments to the challenge of finding a sense of belonging in a large department. I am running for Welfare Officer because I want to ensure the Genetics Society is more than just an academic resource, I want it to be a genuine support system. Having navigated the "imposter syndrome" and high-stakes environment of our first year, I am uniquely positioned to advocate for our cohort and the incoming freshers, ensuring that mental health is prioritized alongside academic achievement. As someone who has experienced mental health issues and has supported many other friends through theirs I believe I would be perfect for this position.

My vision focuses on "Low-Intensity Inclusion" and accessible peer support. I plan to introduce "De-stress Study Socials" which would consist of casual meetups where members can collaborate on coursework in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere and "Sober Socials" like trips or game nights to ensure every member can also enjoy some fun activities that will prevent burn-out. I commit to being an approachable, non-judgmental point of contact, undergoing full Union welfare training to bridge the gap between students and university resources. My goal is to transform the Genetics Society into a community where we don’t just survive the degree, but thrive together

I am running for Welfare Officer because I am passionate about providing environments for ambitious and curious students to thrive, rather than to feel pressured to succeed. 

Genetics is a complex and intellectually challenging field with many ethical considerations. I’ve personally witnessed that the passion for genetics and scientific exploration often leads to heated discussions and debates and learned that growth and exploration occur best within environments where individuals feel comfortable expressing their uncertainties and disagreements. 

Having moved to a new city during my early years of education and helping to build new communities has given me empathy for individuals within these environments. I have witnessed how powerful it feels to be heard and understood by others, especially within environments where competition and pressure to succeed are common. 

As Welfare Officer, I would strive to create dialogue and peer support initiatives and events to promote well-being. I want members to feel that the Genetics Society is not just for exploring genetics and intellectual curiosity but also for feeling supported and understood within the society.

Hi everyone, my name is Katarina Dou and I am running for Welfare Officer for GenSoc in the upcoming academic year!

I am a 2nd year student on the MSci Biological Sciences: Cell and Development programme. I’ve been part of GenSoc for the past two years as both a member and as an Associate Officer, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of such a friendly society.

As Welfare Officer, I’d want to help make sure GenSoc continues to be a place where members feel comfortable, welcomed, and relaxed. Whether it’s talks, lab visits, conferences, or socials, I will be there to help create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable coming along, meeting others, and being part of the society.

I plan to organize welfare events throughout the year, including welcome-back socials for new and returning members, as well as relaxed activities like movie or quiz nights. I hope to give members a chance to step away from the pressure of studies, spend time together, and build stronger connections within the society.

I aim to be an approachable point of contact for all members of GenSoc. I intend to hold casual drop-in sessions where members can share ideas, give feedback on events, or simply talk if they’re feeling stressed.

I’d love the opportunity in continuing to make GenSoc a welcoming and supportive community for everyone. Thank you for your consideration!