Election post
Having studied and researched across China and the UK, I understand the academic, cultural, and emotional challenges that international students encounter. As vice-president of my undergraduate international students’ department, I led a buddy program that supported newcomers’ adjustment, wellbeing, and engagement. Combined with my research in gender and health studies, these experiences have strengthened my empathy, cross-cultural communication, and leadership qualities I’ll bring to foster inclusion and belonging at UCL.
If elected, I want to help create a more open, supportive, and caring environment for all researchers. Having experienced the challenges of adjusting to academic life myself, I understand how vital mental health and wellbeing are to our success. I plan to host welcome sessions and Q&As to ease new students into research life, and to organise informal gatherings—like idea-sharing events or alumni talks—that foster connection and belonging. Above all, I’ll advocate for stronger wellbeing awareness and help students make full use of UCL’s support resources.
I believe every research student should feel heard, supported, and part of a community that truly cares. Having gone through the transition into postgraduate research myself as an international student, I know how overwhelming it can be at first. That’s why I want to be a voice for students, helping to make communication with staff easier and wellbeing support more accessible. Most of all, I want to build a warm, close community where we can share, connect, and grow together.