Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your area of study?
Hi everyone! I’m Ananya Verma, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s of Design with specialisation in Interaction Design at Monash University.
I come from a background in Computer Science and Design, so I’ve always loved combining technology with creativity to solve real world problems. Outside of my studies, I’m someone who’s always looking to get involved. I currently serve as a Design Officer at MADA, organise startup and networking initiatives, and work as a UX Advisor for a startup that supports students with ADHD.
If I had to describe myself in a few words, I’d say I’m curious, outgoing and definitely a people person. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and bringing communities together. That’s probably why student leadership felt like such a natural fit for me.
I’m also incredibly proud to be the first student from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) to be elected as the MGA Caulfield Campus Representative. It’s a privilege to represent not just my faculty, but graduate students across the entire Caulfield campus, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas and a design driven perspective to the role.
What is your role within the MGAEC, and what are you hoping to achieve over your term in office?
As the MGA Caulfield Campus Representative, my role is to be the voice of graduate students at Caulfield. That means listening to students, understanding what’s important to them, working closely with the MGA Executive Committee and helping organise initiatives that genuinely improve the graduate experience on campus.
Over the next year, I want to make MGA something students don’t just know about but actively want to be part of. Whether it’s creating more networking opportunities, hosting workshops, promoting wellbeing, or simply making students aware of the amazing support services available, I want every graduate student to feel connected, informed and welcomed.
As a UX designer, I naturally think about experiences from the user’s perspective. So I’m always asking, “How can we make this better? How can we make students feel more supported?” That’s the mindset I want to bring into everything I do as Campus Representative.
What motivated you to join the executive committee? What drives you to make a difference in your graduate student community?
For me, it all comes down to people.
Last year, I was unfortunately the victim of a cyber scam, and it was one of the toughest experiences I’ve faced as an international student. During that time, MGA’s support made a huge difference. But it also made me realise something important, many students don’t know these resources exist until they’re already in crisis.
That experience motivated me to step forward and make a difference. I don’t want students to discover support only when something goes wrong, I want them to feel connected, informed and supported from day one.
I’m someone who genuinely loves building communities. I enjoy talking to people, bringing them together and creating opportunities where meaningful connections can happen. Every conversation teaches you something new and I believe that’s how stronger communities are built.
Joining the MGA Executive Committee gives me the opportunity to turn those conversations into action. My goal is simple: to make Caulfield a place where every graduate student feels heard, included and proud to be part of the Monash community.